Fun tourist trap in Western NC

[Sigarms]

Wife had always wanted to do this. Since our 20th anniversary is coming up, decided to go out and give it a try.

I'll admit is was fun and interesting. Last time I was in Bryson City was years ago coming back from Tenn and paddled the Nantahala just to try it.

Will admit, if our kids would have been younger, they have a Polar express ride in December where the kids can come in PJ's and they get to meet Santa on the train (good marketing LOL) and with little kids, would make a great trip IMO.

Only compaint was me being old and the "nice" hotel wasn't cheap, and you think that for a "free" continental breakfast,other than make your own "hot" waffles with fake maple syrup, better off just going to McDonald's (didn't even have cream for their coffee, no lids for your coffee and other than the toaster, nothing was hot). As I told my wife, you can hold a great training seminar, but generally what makes or breaks the class and what guys will talk about and keep coming back for is the free lunch You would think the hotel could at least provide real cream for coffee and lids for your hot drinks LOL

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad | Family Train Ride

Ready for a wonderful family vacation idea? Check out the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad steam train in North Carolina. It's a fun family getaway on a historical steam train through the Great Smoky Mountains.

www.gsmr.com

 

[Mirage276]

Me and the wife did the moonshine trip last year on the gsmr. Had the full compliment of cars so had both the diesel and steam engines going. It's a nice little scenic trip.

 

[Eagle1]

Been on that ride a few times many many years ago.

 

[kevin37b]

You are a good man !

 

[Sigarms]

You are a good man !

One could argue that as my wife paid for it and asked me if I was going with her

 

[ConawayFarms]

Sounds like a great way to celebrate your anniversary! Bryson City is such a charming spot, and the Polar Express ride really does sound like a perfect trip for families with younger kids. I agree with you about hotel breakfasts—sometimes they’re just not worth it, especially when you’re paying a premium for the room.

It’s amazing how small things like decent coffee and cream can make such a difference in the overall experience.

If you’re ever looking for a future getaway with better options, you might want to see packages here.

 

[BackRoad]

Spectacular photo of the steam engine Mr. Sigarms!

We did a similar train trip out of Jim Thorp, PA when my BIL turned 65...happened to be Oct 30th, so some late Autumn leaves were still showing!

 

[Sigarms]

Spectacular photo of the steam engine Mr. Sigarms!

We did a similar train trip out of Jim Thorp, PA when my BIL turned 65...happened to be Oct 30th, so some late Autumn leaves were still showing!View attachment 2060060

I know that trip very well! Still also know Jim Thorpe as Mauch Chunk (what my parents always called the town LOL).

When I first started getting in whitewater kayaking, I learned on the Lehigh river, and I got my first gig as a raft guide there.

All my grandparents came off the boat in the early 1900's and were coal miners in Schuylkill County. Still have cousins living there from a very large family, but most aunts and uncles are well as my parents are no longer here. Mom and dad as well as a lot of uncles are laid to rest at Indiantown gap. My once a year "pilgrimage" up north is to the gap.

 

[BackRoad]

That's a good story! You were raised in a poor, yet very beautiful area.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've been on a few trains over seas and enjoyed most of them. Going from Calcutta to New Delhi was a mistake, but I did get to see a lot of the countryside. My favorite is in Europe and seeing old castles!!!!

I've always wanted to ride the narrow gauge train in Colorado that goes through the canyons.

So far, I've never been to North Carolina. The train ride looks like fun!!