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Tag: great smoky mountains railroad
All Aboard The Polar Express At GSMR!
Over 42,000 passengers rode The Polar Express™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2011 and we hope to see you this year! The 1 ¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the “North Pole” to find Santa Claus waiting.
Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot. THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9th and operates through December 30th. View the 2012 departure schedule here!
For more information, visit: http://www.gsmr.com/create-content/event/polar-express/polar-express-0
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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.
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/
Autumn Leaf Train Excursions Through The Mountains Of NC, SC, VA & GA!
A vintage train will ride the rails through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia October 29 & 30 on its Appalachian Region tour. People from all over will have a chance to see and even ride this historic train. Our grand parents have ridden many of these restored passenger cars during the 1950’s and 60’s. This will be a train that the hole family will want to come out to ride and see.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation and the Watauga Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will host two day trip excursions to Roanoke, Va. and Toccoa, Ga. this fall. These trips allow passengers great views of the fall colors combined with the romance of riding the rails to a great destination. If you want to see the Appalachian Mountains at their peak of beauty, these trips are for you.
Now in their fifth year, the Virginia Autumn Special will travel to Roanoke, Va. Oct 29. The Georgia Autumn Special features a day trip to Toccoa, Ga. Oct. 30. While Roanoke was a destination for last year’s excursions, Toccoa is a new location and an exciting opportunity for those who take the trips each year.
Saturday’s Virginia Autumn Special departs from the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer at 7 a.m. with additional passenger pick-up at the Greensboro Amtrak Station at 8 a.m.
The train will travel through the northern portion of the North Carolina Piedmont, including the cities of High Point and Reidsville, before crossing into Virginia. The western part of central Virginia offers spectacular views of the fall foliage, crossing the Dan and Roanoke Rivers. Moving onto the old Virginian Railway line, the train will pass through the towns of Huddleston, Moneda and Goodview, traveling through four tunnels. Passengers will also enjoy traveling over trestles that provide views of the tributaries into Smith Mountain Lake.
Arriving in Roanoke, the “Star City of the South,” at noon, the train will pass by the historic Roanoke Shops, where Norfolk Southern built their classic steam engines. Passengers will debark at the restored Norfolk & Western Passenger station, home to the O. Winston Link Museum. Passengers can enjoy downtown Roanoke or visit the museum, home to Link’s beautiful photography of 1950s-era steam locomotives. Advance tickets to the museum are available to excursion passengers at the discounted group rate of $4 per person.
Departing at 2:45 p.m., the Virginia Autumn Special will return to Greensboro at 6:30 p.m. and Spencer at 8 p.m.
Sunday, the Georgia Autumn Special will also depart from the N.C. Transportation Museum at 7:00 am with additional stop/pickup at the Spartanburg, SC Amtrak station at 9:00 am and will traverse what was once Southern Railway’s main line, running from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, Ga. Passengers will enjoy the gala fall colors of Carolinas’ rolling foothills, before crossing the 100-foot Seneca River trestle spanning Lake Hartwell to arrive at Toccoa.
Nestled into the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the historic town will be bustling with activity during the 29th annual Harvest Festival. Passengers will have approximately three hours to enjoy the festival, which features handmade, handcrafted and home-grown items from more than 200 vendors, as well as delicious regional foods, great entertainment on two stages, children and youth activities, buggy rides and much more.
Toccoa Falls, named for the Cherokee word “Toccoah” meaning beautiful, is a must see.Located on the campus of Toccoa College, the 186-foot falls are 26 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Shuttle buses will be making a continuous loop between downtown Toccoa and Toccoa Falls.
Departing Toccoa at 3 p.m., the Georgia Autumn Special will return to Spartanburg, SC at 5:45 pm and back to Spencer, NC at 8 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now.
Tourist Class seating features the convenience and comforts of modern rail travel. Each car has a center aisle with two adjustable seats and a wide window on each side. The seating area provides convenient access to the souvenir and café cars. Tourist Class tickets are $145 each.
All rail cars feature air conditioning, heat and rest rooms.
For those wishing to eat on the train to provide more time for sightseeing, an optional Gourmet Boxed Lunch will be offered. Delivered to your seat, the $15 meal will be served in a souvenir lunch tote, including chicken salad on a croissant, pasta salad, fresh fruit, homemade pound cake and a drink. This option is only available in advance and can be purchased with your ticket.
Tickets will be available online now. Simply log on to www.nctrans.org and click the available links or call 704-636-2889.
The N.C. Transportation Museum, located in historic Spencer Shops, the former Southern Railway repair facility is located just five minutes off I-85 at Exit 79 in Spencer, N.C., and about an hour from Charlotte, Greensboro or Winston-Salem.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum and the Watauga Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society are both non profit organizations.
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Hi-Yo Silver! The Lone Ranger® to Make Appearance at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad!
America’s favorite legend brings law and order to the mountains of western North Carolina at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad this June. The weekend special event will take place June 19 & 20, 2010 at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Bryson City Depot. During the ride, The Lone Ranger® and his faithful companion Tonto will save the train from outlaws who intend to rob the baggage car that is carrying a shipment of gold!
2008 marked the 75th Anniversary of The Lone Ranger. Come meet the masked rider and Tonto, experiencing a full day of fun! There will be an array of cowboy and western activities at the depot for people of all ages. Enjoy live musical entertainment, old west cowboy roping demonstrations, games, original episodes of The Lone Ranger playing in the theatre, a Lone Ranger look-a-like contest and much more!
Dates & Times:
June 19, Saturday departs 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:30pm
June 20, Sunday departs 1:00pm & 3:30pm
Tickets are on sale now!
Advance tickets are recommended, as seating is limited. Adult tickets are $49.00 and children two and up
are $29.00. For more information and reservations please call 800-872-4681 or WWW.GSMR.COM.
225 GH Everett Street
PO Box 1490
Bryson City NC 28713
828 586-8811 Phone
800 872-4681 Toll free
828 488-0427 Fax
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 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.
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About The Lone Ranger®
With one jaunty call, “Hi-Yo, Silver!,” The Lone Ranger sparked a cultural phenomenon that would establish him as America’s favorite hero of the Wild West. Mounted atop a white stallion, he became a steadfast symbol for truth and justice, capturing the
hearts and imaginations of generations of fans. For more than seven decades, The Lone Ranger has been the star of more than 3,000 radio shows, 220 classic TV episodes, three feature films, and hundreds of comic books. 2008 marked the 75th anniversary of The Lone Ranger.
© Classic Media, Inc. THE LONE RANGER and associated character names, images and other indicia are trademarks of and copyrighted by Classic Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains.
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All Aboard The Polar Express!
Book Your Golden Ticket to Ride The Polar Express™
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will delight passengers who take the memorable one-hour journey to an imaginary North Pole. The event is inspired by the Warner Bros. motion picture and the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. Bring the whole family and experience the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS and read along with the story as the train makes its round trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa & a treat. And, for those who BELIEVE, a special momento from Santa for each child. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas!
Dates & Times:
November 5, 11, 12, 14, & 18 departs at 6:30pm
November 6, 13, 21, 23, 24, & 28 departs at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
November 19, 20, 26, & 27 departs at 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
December 1, & 8 departs 6:30pm
December 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 24 departs at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
Dec 2 & 9 (Homes School Day) 11am departure
December 3, & 10 departs at 11:00am, 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
December 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23 departs at 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
December 4, 11, & 18 departs at 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
Polar Express Tickets
Family First Class Seating – Guests will receive a deluxe serving of hot chocolate in a souvenir Polar Express mug, and enjoy short breads and other treats in addition to the standard offerings and a special momento from Santa. Adults $59, Children ages 2-12 $41. Children under 2 $10 (no mug).
Crown Class Seating – Guests will receive a deluxe serving of hot chocolate in a souvenir Polar Express tumbler and a special momento from Santa. Adults $49, Children ages 2-12 $36. Children under 2 $10 (no tumbler).
Coach Class Seating – Guests will receive a serving of hot chocolate and a special momento from Santa. Adults $39, Children ages 2-12 $26. Children under 2 ride complimentary, but must be seated in an adult’s lap. Premium rates may apply to select dates. For more information and reservations please call (800)872.4681 or visit us online at http://www.GSMR.com.
Christmas Eve “Limited” Polar Express Train
All Christmas Eve Limited passengers will receive an exclusive souvenir Golden Ticket necklace lanyard and a special momento from Santa.
Family First Class Seating – Guests will receive an exclusive souvenir Golden Ticket Necklace Lanyard, a deluxe serving of hot chocolate in a souvenir Polar Express mug, and enjoy short breads and other treats in addition to the standard offerings and a special momento from Santa.
Standard Seating – Guests will receive an exclusive souvenir Golden Ticket Necklace Lanyard, a serving of hot chocolate and a special momento from Santa. Adults $50, Children $37. Children under 2 ride complimentary, but must be seated in an adult’s lap. Premium rates may apply to select dates.
Visitors who ride aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride will also receive FREE admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Without train excursion admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children. For more information and reservations please call (800)872.4681.
Book now:
For tickets, more information and directions contact the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad at (800) 872-4681
Visit: http://gsmr.com/events/Polar_Express.php
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Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch Express!
Book Your Ticket to Ride The Great Pumpkin Patch Express™
PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for 2010. As the leaves are turning in October and pumpkins are ready to be carved, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy return to the GSMR Pumpkin Patch October 2, 2010.
Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. Activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include: campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the Smoky Mountain Trains gift shop! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.
Dates & Times:
October 8, 15, 22, & 29 departs Fridays at 3:00pm
October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, & 30 departs Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30pm & 3:00pm
For more info, visit:
http://www.gsmr.com/events/pumpkin/Pumpkin_Patch_Express.php
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Great American Train Rides 