Hello! We’re the Jefferson family! Silver Dollar City means making memories for a lifetime—priceless memories worth repeating and remembering. They’ve become core for our family.
I (Karissa) used to visit The City all the time when I was a little girl. By the time I was in middle school, we began getting season passes every year, attending each festival and getting our punches to earn a Christmas ornament at the end of the season.
Some moments that stand out in my heart growing up were watching the goldfish swimming in Lake Silver, pumping water in front of the Playhouse, holding bunnies in the petting zoo, picking out a pastel balloon and riding the carousel watching the Saloon girls dance as dad recorded with his giant camcorder, drinking frozen lemonade with the iconic red spoon straws, skillets being cooked in pans the size of tractor tires, watching crafters dip candles, blow glass and etch beautiful images on mugs, the blacksmiths and potters!
Once I was in high school, we became regulars and got to know the Homestead Pickers like family. When I started driving, I’d come to the park to enjoy trips of my own. When we had my son, Connor, The City took on a whole new level of memories and
adventure for our family. His personality has pushed me to be more outgoing and talkative to those around me and has opened up the sweetest relationships with the park’s Citizens. We’ve become friends with Terry Wayne Sanders and Whoops E. Daisy and so many others.
We’ve also created new traditions since becoming parents. We watch A Dickens’ Christmas Carol each season, enjoy the tree on Town Square, eat Family Feud and Succotash, ride the train, quote Red Flanders on Fire In The Hole and shoot targets on the Flooded Mine. We also make a point to take a family selfie with Santa every year wearing our plaid shirts. I can’t wait to revisit those photos years from now. We also always stop to say “hello” to the Pickers and give hugs if they aren’t in the middle of a set.
We do have tips for pass holders: Come often or plan multi-day visits so you don’t feel rushed or feel like you missed something. Don’t skip out on the craftsmen, they are what truly makes the park unique and special. Talk to the Citizens you see since they truly are the heart and soul of The City. The shows and performers are top-notch, don’t miss their performances. Take time to enjoy the nature within the park. Find a quiet spot or walk the edges of the park. Get a Tasting Passport for each festival and do you research on the items listed. They are great for trying different foods. Bring your own snacks to fill in between purchased foods.
Don’t forget there is a cave that made the park possible! if you haven’t done the tour of Marvel Cave or haven’t recently, make sure you do! Bring a change of socks and shoes in your vehicle for the end of the day. After walking all day and/or having wet feet, fresh footwear is wonderful. Use refill mugs and your pass discount on all food!
We’re the Jeffersons, a family who has been making cherished memories at Silver Dollar City for as long as we can remember. For us, this place is more than just…
