New Hope Valley Railway opens this weekend with big event, train rides

Source: http://www.wral.com

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

New Hope Valley Railway opens a few weeks earlier this season so it can be part of the statewide North Carolina Science Festival.

The railway, which features seasonal rides on its steam and diesel engines, will open Sunday and feature a day of demonstrations and kids’ activities, along with its regularly scheduled rides. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday at the train yard in Bonsal, N.C., which is 10 minutes south of Apex off U.S. 1.

The event will include train science related activities, including how a diesel motor turns a generator to create electricity; how train tracks work; and what’s behind the workings of boilers and nozzles.

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Opening Day At Tweetsie Railroad Is April 13th!

 

PEANUTS™ Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown and Valentine Sweetheart Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GMSR) is pleased to announce the PEANUTS™ Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Excursion and Valentine Sweetheart Train. This special event train will depart the historic Bryson City depot on Saturday, February 11th, at 11:00am. The train will travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro for a 1 ½ layover. Enjoy special Valentine’s activities as well as a relaxing afternoon in the quaint town of Dillsboro.

Passengers will join Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy for old fashioned Valentine’s Day fun based on the popular television episode titled by the same name. Thirteenth in the series, Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown premiered in 1975. Fans follow Charlie Brown’s Valentine’s Day woes as he tries to get noticed by the “little red-haired girl” and receive a briefcase full of Valentines.

Festivities for the Be My Valentine passengers include mingling with Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy costume characters, listening to the narrated story based on the television special, and children can create their own Valentine for that special someone. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities, so do not forget your camera! Standard Coach Class adult tickets are $49, children (2-12) are $29, infants 23 months and under ride complimentary. Upgrade to Crown Class seating and receive a souvenir tumbler with unlimited soda, coffee and tea refill! Adult tickets are $66, children (2-12) are $38 and infants 23 months and under are $10.

Also available are upgrades to the fantastic Family First Class package! Treat the family to a wonderful Valentine’s train trip complete with a delicious meal for all in your party as well as a special GSMR souvenir and refillable tumbler! Adult ticket prices are $92, children (2-12) are $54, infants 23 months and under are $20.

If you’re looking to enjoy a special Valentine’s date with you and your sweetie join us in the Adult First Class for a romantic afternoon! Choose from one of our four delicious lunches served by a private car attendant. Receive a special gift amenity and souvenir tumbler with unlimited soda, coffee and tea refill. In addition enjoy a specialty dessert and long stemmed rose.  Tickets for adults are $92. Advance tickets are recommended, as seating is limited.

For more information and reservations please call 800-872-4681 or WWW.GSMR.COM.

©2012 PEANUTS Worldwide LLC

Admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is included with ticket purchase. Without tickets, admission to the museum is $9 for adults and $5 for children.

 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: 2011 New Year’s Eve Gala!

Bryson City, NC – Bid farewell to 2011 and join the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in bringing in the New Year! Spend the evening rolling along the tracks while dancing the night away!

On Saturday, December 31, enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, dinning and celebration!  The terrific duo Alias Smith & Jones will be the featured entertainment for the evening. Alias Smith & Jones is a superb Atlanta-based acoustic guitar/vocal duo whose vast repertoire ranges from the must-have classics to the totally unexpected.  Satisfy your tastes buds with an elegant three-course dinner on board a vintage dining car at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Complete the evening with a countdown to the midnight hour with party favors and a champagne toast to 2012! The train will depart from the Bryson City, NC depot at 9:00 pm and will feature the exquisite cuisine of Chef Deborah Douthit.

Let the evening begin early with a reception beginning at 7:45pm in the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum with a special selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks.  Enjoy an array of hors d’oeuvres including tiger shrimp with cocktail sauce, button mushrooms stuffed with shrimp and crab parmesan filling, steak and roasted pepper skewers and fruit covered in rich chocolate! After kicking the night off with the fabulous reception boarding will promptly begin at 8:45pm.

Once on board the train, first course features a salad made of fresh baby greens in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing and warm yeast rolls. Choose from our selection of delicious entrées; spinach stuffed chicken with a creamy parmesan sauce, seasoned pork loin served with a tart raspberry glaze and portobello mushroom tower stuffed with smoked peppers, spinach and parmesan cheese. Complete your feast with a tasty rich white chocolate cheesecake covered with fresh berries! Served buffet style guests can mingle, relax, indulge on delicious food and greet the New Year in style!

Adults 21 and over only.  Dinner Train tickets are $135 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Three hour trip departs at 9:00 pm at the historic Bryson City Depot. Advanced reservations & 72 hour cancellation notice are required. PLEASE CALL FOR DRESS CODE INFORMATION.

For more information and reservations call 800-872-4681 or WWW.GSMR.COM.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a proud member of the American Heritage Railways family. Visit our sister railroads in southwest Colorado at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and in east Texas at the Texas State Railroad.

 

Southbound Model Railroaders Open House: December 2-4!

For more info, visit: www.sbmrr.org

 

CAROLINA WONDERLAND EXPRESS An indoor holiday railway!

CAROLINA WONDERLAND EXPRESS
An indoor holiday railway  |  NOVEMBER 5 – JANUARY 15

Start a new family holiday tradition and join us for the inaugural Wonderland Express  holiday train exhibition at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

This handcrafted exhibition made of natural materials and designed by the award-winning artisans of Applied Imagination, is sure to immerse you in a magical world. Watch as model trains journey through a snowy Carolina, traversing mountains, crossing bridges and disappearing through tunnels.

Bells ring and whistles blow as trains chug along the Blue Ridge Parkway and journey to popular landmarks such as Kitty Hawk, the State Capitol Building and Jennette’s Pier.With more than 340 feet of track winding in and out of hills and valleys, this 2,200-square-foot, indoor holiday exhibition is sure to delight all ages.

Cost: Members  $4 per person
General public  $5 per person, plus the cost of admission
Purchase tickets at the Admissions Desk
http://www.ncmls.org/visit/events/wonderland-express

 

The Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad!

Welcome to The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad where you can see the Smokies in Style! We are located in the heart of Bryson City, North Carolina. Your journey begins in Bryson City! Our scenic rail excursions takes you from our historic depot through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. Our variety of train excursions and special event trains makes us perfect for making memories with your friends and families! Dine in our First Class Cars with a private attendant and breathtaking views or take it all in while riding in an open air gondola! Step on board for your next rail adventure!

Reservations Line: 800-872-4681
Group Sales: 800-872-4681 x3

Experience the Magic this season…. http://www.gsmr.com/