I was looking into "other" cool things to do (like motoring is not enough) while at Fontana and found this.... The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Looks like fun to me, anyone else want to come? I have not decided which day to go yet, guess I figure that out when it gets closer to time.

Here is the web site link http://www.gsmr.com/

The prices are good. There is a trip out of Bryson City (about 35 miles away)at 10:30am. They offer a viraty of seating options, from open air ($38) to club seats ($58). There is a picnic lunch for $8 with tax. There is a hot lunch option for adults which includes a pulled pork BBQ sandwich, both include chips drink cookie. You can also bring your own lunch as long as it can fit under your seat.

Just another option.......


Sheri

 

I know a group of people who did this two years ago on the Sunday. They really had a good time.

 

We've been on it several times and enjoyed it. (usually in the fall) They have one that leaves out of Dillsboro, which is about 45min. from fontana village

 

We'd join in. Sounds like fun.

 

sheez... there seems to be way too much stuff to do while doin' the Dragon I'd love to squeeze this train ride in but I doubt I will have the time.

 

Back in 2004 I coordinated a GSMR trip on Dragon Sunday. The thread can be viewed here on NAM. We had about 20 people who enjoyed it a lot, despite pouring rain!

The only downside was that I got stiffed for two tickets . To get the group discount rate, all the tickets must be picked up together. Be certain that you know who is coming .

Tom

 

Thanks for the advise. I think I will just go and see who shows up. I am still waiting on Dad to decide if he is going or not. If he comes he will trailer the 4-wheelers and he and mom will be doing some ATV riding. Leaving me alone to motor and make new friends!

I just thought I would out this out here, like there is not already enough to do. (I just wish hubby could get the weekend off)

 

This train ride idea has been mentioned in one of the threads here, already. I will be doing it again early in the week (like May 1 or 2). I was part of the group that did it in 2004, the fun event planned by Tom (W3IWI), and we had a great time!

I highly recommend this train ride....it's a lot of fun!

 

Sounds like fun to me. I am into model railroading and it would be fun to see some 1:1 scale for a change. Let me know when you need a firm commitment. We are planning on staying around until Monday to check out anyway and this would be a fun thing to do on Sunday.

 

We looked at the calander last night and have decided to do this on Sunday morning. I think we need to leave about 0900 hours to make it there on time.

We are going to go in the club car, for comfort. I do not think we will have enough to get the group rate and if some people want to bring their kids they can not ride on the club car. So if anyone wants to go make your own reservations. We have not made ours yet because I am not sure if there will be 3 or 4 of us. I will be reserving as soon as I figure it out.

We can all motor over together, so meet Sunday morning at the rec hall about 0845 hours.

Sheri

 

I went last spring and really enjoyed it! I do recommend the Club car tho'. I don't think I would enjoy that last car...AT ALL!
The scenery is wonderful and you get to see a different view of the area. I'm planning on taking my parents up for the Dillsboro trip soon.

 

Sounds good! We looked into it last year, but never got a round tuit.
Definitely on the top of the list this time. Sunday or Monday (if they're operating Mondays this early in the season); we'll see how other things shake out.

 

i will be riding the train, again i just love trains/railroads

 

I would like to go along with the Dragon Gang, but my dance card is jsut about full. We plan to go on Sunday. Have fun!!

 

I checked the site, but I am unable to tell, are the trains steam or diesel?

 

they are diesel. I wish they were steam, that would make it even better!

 

Thanks for the info.

 

???
they ran a stream train when we went 2 years ago i think they have both
link: http://www.gsmr.com/

 

Thomas in July
http://www.gsmr.com/thomas/dowt_main.html

 

We rode Thomas there a few years back......when Cooper was a bit younger.

It was really cool. ;D

 

i got to ride on Thomas in England a few years back

 

That guy really gets around, eh?

 

he's from England (like our kars)

 

What, is there a tunnel crossing the whole Atlantic Ocean now?

 

The Kool Man is right. 2 years ago we took the Tuckasegee River trip from Dillsboro to Bryson City and return. It was a steam train then. The steam trains don't run on coal -- they burn a mixture of Diesel fuel and discarded motor oil. Therefore you don't eat cinders all the way!

GSMR also runs a number of non-steam trains.