By Jim Watson

Before there were video games or iPhones, before television captivated audiences all over the world, barnstormers were a favorite distraction for rural Americans looking for some entertainment. Stunt pilots would roar into town, buzz the local businesses to draw attention to themselves, and then head out to the countryside where they'd wait for the crowds to show up.

Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fly in a plane, or who just wanted to see the amazing stunts these young daredevils performed were quick to follow.

Barnstorming may have fallen out of fashion as the Roaring Twenties came to a close, but in 2011, Dollywood is bringing barnstorming back with a bang! Fasten your seatbelts and put your trays in an upright position, because this is one flight you won't soon forget.

A Down-Home Take on an Old Favorite

You'll soar to dizzying heights before plunging at breathtaking speed towards the big, red barn on the Owens farm. Like a real barnstormer, just as you're about to collide, you'll be whisked into the sky again in a daring maneuver. But don't get too comfortable, because a true daredevil always has another trick up his sleeve. Before you have time to catch your breath, you'll be taking another pass at Farmer Owens' barn, flying faster and climbing higher than ever.

Located in the heart of Tennessee's favorite theme park, Dollywood's Barnstormer is a screaming good time for the whole family. Once you've had your fill of aerial stunts and high-flying thrills, though, be sure to check out the play area where you can get a close-up look at what a real bi-plane was like. And as on any farm of the era, you'll find a pig pen – but this one is filled with water for kids to splash in rather than mud for the pigs. You'll be transported back to a simpler time of family farms and ice cream socials, when a barnstormer showing up was cause for celebration for the whole town.

This fantastic new addition to Dollywood doesn't arrive until March of 2011, but it's sure to be worth the wait. The 81-foot pendulum arms will give 32 riders at a time a spectacular view of the park and surrounding countryside – if they can manage to keep their eyes open. With a budget of $5.5 million, Barnstormer is one ride you won't want to miss.

Fun for the Whole Family at Dollywood

A vacation to Dollywood is a treat for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. Enjoy the magic of Professor Seymour Tricks, sing along with the top hits of the '50s and '60s at Dreamland Drive-In, or let the Kingdom Heirs lift your spirits with their four-part harmony and classic Southern Gospel music. If you're looking for more adventurous entertainment, head over to River Battle for a water fight that will leave you soaked to the skin and ready for more. For the littlest family members, Camp Teachittoomee is just the place for a special kid-sized adventure made just for them.

There's no end to the fun you can have on a trip to Dollywood. Just like the stunt pilots of the '20s who performed those daring barnstorming feats, Dollywood is full of surprises. From quiet country life to high-flying adventure aboard a whimsical bi-plane, everyone in your family will find something unforgettable about a Dollywood vacation.