There’s Nothing Like This Incredible Train Ride Through The North Carolina Mountains
I think every North Carolinian can say they remember their first trip to Tweetsie Railroad. Mine was filled with fun, wonder, amusement, and hiding under the skirt of a can-can dancer (I was like three or four, to be fair). It’s a place tucked away in the mountains and more than a theme park, but a slice of magic enjoyed by many generations. With the opening day slated for April 7, this year is also extra special as it’s the 60th Anniversary Year.
One superstar of Tweetsie Railroad is the Engine NO.12. This train once roamed the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The original course departed in Johnson City and ended in Boone from 1910-1940. It's the last surviving narrow-gauge steam locomotive of the Eastern Tennessee and Western NC railroad.
Although the three-mile train ride loops you through the mountains and offers great views of North Carolina's first theme park, there's also plenty more to be offered here and especially this year with the Anniversary Celebration.
You won't run out of things to do at Tweetsie. After you hop on and off board, stroll through the authentic Wild Wild West town. Catch a Can-Can show, mine for gems, or visit Deer Park Zoo home to more than 90 animals including miniature horses and llamas.
Rides at Tweetise include the carousel, ferris wheel, chair lift to Miner's Mountain, tilt-a-whirl, free fall, turnpike cruiser --- and many more.
For the 60th anniversary events include Day Out with Thomas (June 9-18), 4th of July fireworks, K9s In Flight Frisbee Dogs (July 22-29), extended summer hours for Cool Summer Nights (July 8, 15, 22 and 29) and the beloved, spooktacular Ghost Train (Sept 22-Oct 28).
This year also offers something completely different: Tweetsie will debut the new Tweetsie Christmas and extend operations to Friday and Saturday nights Nov. 24-Dec 30. While that might seem like a world (or a few seasons) away now, it'll be here before we know it.
From creating new memories with your children or grandchildren, to experiencing Tweetsie for the first time, to just taking a unique weekend trip - things will get extra special this year.
From creating new memories with your children or grandchildren, to experiencing Tweetsie for the first time, to just taking a unique weekend trip - things will get extra special this year.
I absolutely love Tweetsie and there’s a good reason it’s the favorite of many natives and travelers alike. When will you be visiting Tweetsie this year?
From train rides through the mountains, hiking through a rhododendron tunnel, or a day at the beach – you must do these 15 things this spring in North Carolina.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
