About Ember & Elm (HeartSong Lodge & Resort)
Ember & Elm is the full-service signature restaurant at Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge. Lodge listings describe it as "Tastes Rooted in the Smokies," and it seats about 195. Some directories list it as Ember & Ash, but lodge listings use Ember & Elm.
What to expect
The menu is a la carte for breakfast and dinner, built around Southern favorites with an elevated touch. That puts it a step above the buffets and quick-service counters that fill most of Pigeon Forge. Plated dishes, a slower pace and a polished dining room are the main differences, and the restaurant is open to non-guests as well as lodge guests. The current menu, hours and prices are not confirmed, so check with the lodge before you plan a special meal.
The setting
HeartSong Lodge & Resort is Dollywood's newest lodging property, near the park on Dollywood Parks Boulevard. Dollywood's resort restaurants include the signature restaurant here and several smaller food options at the lodge, so you can pair a full dinner with a lighter breakfast or coffee stop elsewhere on the property. Use the Dollywood website for directions.
Why go
- A real dinner in a buffet town. Pigeon Forge dining skews casual, and a plated menu with a more refined setting is a change of pace.
- Close to Dollywood. If you are staying at the lodge or spending the day at the park, you can walk or drive a few minutes.
- Good for occasions. Anniversaries, birthdays and quiet couples' dinners fit better here than at a loud chain.
Planning tips
Reserve ahead, particularly during Dollywood's festival seasons. The park's 2026 calendar includes Smoky Mountain Christmas from November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and lodging and dining fill around those dates. Dress a little nicer than trail clothes, and plan on a longer meal than a counter-service stop.
Nearby
Dollywood is steps away, and The Island and the Parkway are a short drive. If you are heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, plan the trip as a separate day. A parking tag is required for any stop longer than 15 minutes in the park, at $5 a day or $15 a week, and America the Beautiful and other federal passes are not accepted in its place.
Because details like hours and prices may have changed since the lodge opened, call the resort or check the Dollywood site for the latest information.
Good to know
- What kind of food does Ember & Elm (HeartSong Lodge & Resort) serve?
- Southern, American. It’s known for southern favorites with an elevated touch.
- Does Ember & Elm (HeartSong Lodge & Resort) take reservations?
- Recommended.
