It's Time for the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

photo courtesy Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 9 - 11, 2015    Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express    The PEANUTS gang return to the the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City NC Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. 

Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. There are two trips per day at 12 PM and 3:30 PM.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Dinosaur Train™ FInal Weekend

July 31 - August 2, 2015   Dinosaur Train™ at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   This event is based on the popular PBS-Kid television series, created by Jim Henson. This adventure filled train ride is packed full with music, stories, entertainment, and activities. 

photos courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

This is a round trip excursion with a layover at the Nature's Tracker Area where Dinosaur Train activities will be waiting. T.rex will greet passengers and  be available for photos ops. Dino golf (putt-putt style), temporary tattoos, dinosaur fossil dig, crafts, bouncy house and bouncy slide (weather permitting) and plenty of tasty concessions and retail to purchase will be part of the fun.  All children will receive their very own Nature Trackers Club guidebook and membership card.

The great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursions depart from Bryson City NC. 

All Aboard the Polar Express this Weekend

November 7 - 8, 2014 (event continues through January 4, 2014)   The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   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. 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. 

Enjoy singing Christmas carols during the trip back. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season. 

Get links for local lodging, restaurants and information on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.  

 

All Aboard for The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

November 8 - December 29    The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  Journey to the North Pole  via the Polar Express to pick up Santa all the while enjoying caroling, cookies, and cocoa - and for those who truly believe; a silver bell just like in the book. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomed nearly 50,000 passengers last year for this popular annual event. The 1.5 hour round-trip train ride journeys through quiet mountain meadows to the North Pole and Santa Claus. Santa greets each child and presents them their special silver sleigh bell.

Get your tickets early to be assured you don't miss the magic. The Express will run rain or snow, as long as access highways are clear.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is located in downtown Bryson City NC.

Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 11-13   Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express   The PEANUTS gang return the the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch.

Listen to a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels through the beautiful fall leaf color to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During the 1 hour and 45min layover, your activities 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 for those who would like a souvenir.  Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Advanced booking and ticket purchase are recommended. Get complete information on the website.

Find links for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and other attractions in the Smokies on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

NC Trains and Railroads: BBQ and Brews Dinner Train This Saturday

June 22 - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 226 Everett Street in Bryson City NC  - The First ever Barbeque and Brews Dinner Trains featuring locally hand-crafted beer from Nantahala Brewing Company and Heinzelmannchen Brewery plus slow-cooked authentic North Carolina Barbeque.

The train departs Bryson City Depot at 7 PM and returns at 9 PM traveling through the scenic mountain countryside to the Fontana Trestle for a spectacular sunset.  The base ticket price is $69 (adults over 21 only) and includes a souvenir tasting glass with three beer samples and a meal of pulled pork, homemade coleslaw, kettle chips, fruit and key lime pie. Additional beer will be available for purchase.

Nantahala Brewing Company will be sampled on June 22 and July 6: Heinzelmannachen Brewery will be sampled on June 29 and July 13.

Learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains Barbeque and Brews Trains and other GSM Train rides and events on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

 

New Year's Eve Events: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad New Year's Eve Celebration

December 31 - Celebrate New Year's Eve on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.  Arrive early for a special reception beginning at 7:45 PM in the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum located steps away from the depot.  Start the night with an exclusive selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks, and Feast on array of hors d' oeuvres: Tiger Shrimp with Cocktail sauce,  Button Mushrooms stuffed with, Shrimp/Crab and Parmesan, Fruit covered in rich chocolate.

New Year's Eve on the railway includes dinner and dancing with a champagne toast at midnight.  Do something different this year and forgoe the old traditional party and hop on board for the send off of the New Year.  The train departs Monday December 31 from the historic Bryson City, NC depot at 9 PM and returns after the midnight toast.  

Enjoy a Feast fit for First Class,  beginning with a salad made of fresh baby greens in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing and warm yeast rolls.  Choose from a selection of delicious entrees: Spinach stuffed chicken with a creamy parmesan sauce, Seasoned pork loin served with a tart raspberry glaze, Portobello mushroom tower stuffed with smoked peppers, spinach and parmesan cheese.  Finish off your meal with a tasty rich white chocolate cheesecake covered with fresh berries. Dinner is served buffet style and guests can mingle, relax, indulge on delicious food while greeting the New Year in Style.

Musical entertainment is provided by Alias Smith & Jones, a popular Atlanta-based acoustic guitar/vocal duo whose vast repertoire ranges from the must-have classics to the totally unexpected.  Two experienced guitarists combine their voices with harmonica, flute, mandolin, percussion, and a few surprises to deliver a unique musical experience.
Book now! Tickets are going fast.   $135/per adult (plus tax and gratuity)  1-800-872-4681

The Polar Express begins its Holiday runs at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

November 9 - December 30    The Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad    All Aboard The Polar Express for a memorable journey to the magic of the Holiday season. The 1.25 hour round-trip excursion departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through a peaceful wilderness to a special visit at the North Pole.

The motion picture soundtrack music plays as guests on board enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while 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 everyone a special gift as in the story – a special silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung on the return back to the Bryson City Depot.

Get a link for the Polar Express and more information about the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 6-28   Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express  The PEANUTS gang returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. 


Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment.

Get a link for the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express and other Smoky Mountains fall events on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Dinosaur Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

July 20-22, 27-29 and August 4-6   All Aboard Dinosaur Train™  based on the popular PBS-Kid television series, created by Jim Henson. This adventure filled train ride is packed full with music, stories, entertainment, and activities. PLUS all children will receive their very own Nature Trackers Club guidebook and membership card. Kids will have the opportunity to meet the popular T.rex, Buddy.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND take advantage of this GREAT DEAL:  Book your Crown Seating reservation for the Dinosaur Train™ and chill with a cool GSMR Personal Fan. In addition, every child 12 years and under, in the reservation, will receive an official Dinosaur Train™ Coloring Book. MENTION CODE: DTFAN

Get a link for tickets and details
on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad hosts Pioneer Weekend

June 9-10    Pioneer Weekend at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   This special event train departs from the historic Bryson City depot  at 1 PM. Travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro for a 2 hour layover on Saturday and 1.5 hour layover on Sunday. Enjoy special presentations and old style demonstrations of a true pioneer camp presented by noted story tellers and reinactors of the time period!

Get a link for Pioneer Weekend and other local information on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide

Easter Events: All Aboard the PEANUTS™ Easter Beagle Express!

 April 6-7  -  PEANUTS™ Easter Beagle Express!  on The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Trains will depart the historic Bryson City depot at 10:30 AM. The train will travel along the Tuckasegee River into the quaint town of Dillsboro North Carolina for the 1 ½ hour layover.

Passengers will join Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and our Easter Bunnies for old fashioned Easter fun! Festivities during the layover include crafts, coloring sheets, temporary tattoos, live music and snacks with Snoopy and more. Join in the on-going Easter egg hunt for special prizes and of course lots of candy.

Advance tickets are required, as seating is limited. Adult tickets are $49 and children, ages 2-12, are $29. Hurry, tickets are going fast! Advanced reservations are suggested for this special event train.

Get a link for tickets on the Easter Beagle Express and more local information on the
Bryson City Visitor Guide 

Polar Express Chugs into Bryson City this Weekend

November 4-6  The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Bryson City for a journey to the "North Pole". Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa and a special treat and  memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum! Event runs from November 4 through December 24.

Get a link gor the Polar Express and other
Bryson City events, lodging and visitor information HERE

Hop Aboard the Great Pumpkin Patch Express

All Aboard for the 5th Annual PEANUTS™ Pumpkin Patch Express. Returning to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for 2011! The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot.

DEPARTURES:

October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30

• Fridays at 3:00pm Departures
• Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am and 3:00pm departures

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, giant slide, hayrides and live musical entertainment. Don't forget to wear your Halloween costumes! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

• Crown Coach Class*: $66 Adults, $38 Children     (ages 2-12) under 2 ride at $10.00.  *Includes Climate Controlled, Souvineir Tumbler with FREE refills on beverages ALL DAY and a light snack item.
• Coach Class: $53 Adults, $31 Children (ages 2-12) under 2 ride complimentary.

BOOK NOW ONLINE!  

or Call 800-872-4681 for more information and reservations.

*All ticket fares subject to 4% Historical Preservation Fee
New in 2011 we're working with local merchants & restaurants to include valuable money saving coupons.  Each family attending the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Event will receive a grab bag of goodies and coupons valid thru 12/31/2012.

Special offer for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Available for Pumpkin Patch reservations booked prior to September 23, 2011.

Purchase 4 Pumpkin Patch tickets for any date during the month of October 2011 and receive 2 FREE excursion ticket vouchers for the Nantahala Gorge Excursion valid January 14, 2012 to March 31, 2012.

ONLINE BOOKINGS ONLY PROMO CODE: PUMPKIN2