0  | 

I found this helpful Thank You! Your vote will be tallied soon!

A handcrafted twig headboard at the 1905 Balsam Mountain Inn, North Carolina (Scarborough photo)

I'm still in North Carolina, researching an article for an upcoming issue of Automotive Traveler  (check out Issue Two that just posted!)

My western North Carolina and Blue Ridge Parkway road trip was great, but I never seemed to have Internet access when there was a moment to stop driving and write; you can't blog and drive, obviously.   Tomorrow I wrap up research with the big 2007 Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race here at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, but meantime let me mention a couple of fun family train ride options in the Blue Ridge.

Down at the southern end of the Parkway, below the lovely city of Asheville, is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad near Dillsboro and Bryson City.  It's about an hour away from Asheville and three hours from Atlanta.  Check out their Web site for details on various train excursions including the spectacular Nantahala Gorge, Tuckasegee River, Fontana Trestle and a "sundowner" ride to Whittier.  There are also lots of seasonal and special events tied into Thomas the Tank Engine, fall foliage and the Polar Express.

I stayed at the marvelous, atmospheric Balsam Mountain Inn in nearby Balsam.  It's a circa 1905 grand old hotel, complete with creaky floors and a big porch with rockers.

Further north up the Parkway is the Tweetsie Railroad, which is also part of a kid-friendly, Wild West theme park.  It features a steam locomotive that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The train and park are in the scenic mountain area between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  There are lots of ski areas near there as well, if you're thinking of a winter trip.  Since Appalachian State University is located here, there is plenty of inexpensive lodging and dining. 

I spent the night at the Mast Farm Inn, which has less-expensive rooms in the main house or some amazing historic cottages on the property.  It would work better with older kids.

Have to run; time for an interview with Dodge driver Kasey Kahne this afternoon.  More to follow as time and Internet access allows.

Technorati tags:  travel, family travel, railroads, North Carolina