We wanted to take our kids on one last trip before school started too! With 3 kids and all that “back to school” preparation entails we decided on a day trip. There are so many cool places to go around Charlotte so we picked Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock! We have been several times when our 3 kids were younger (in 2011 & 2013) but since our youngest was a baby when we went last we knew we had one more shot!
And Tweetsie Railroad definitely didn’t disappoint! There is something for ALL ages! The entertainment, the rides, the scenery, the weather, ALL were amazing! Some rides that my kids couldn’t ride the last time we were there, now they are old enough to enjoy. We spent the ENTIRE day there and they didn’t want to leave.
We started with, what else, the TRAIN! We loaded up (super easy and comfortable, you will want to get a seat on the right side of the train as that’s where all the action is), listened to a short presentation on the history of the train, watched the “bandits” climb aboard and off we went! The train stopped a few times and we enjoyed watching the sheriff, deputy, bandits and indians all duke it out over gold! Watch out for little ones because the gunfire is fake but loud.
Once back at the station the kids were hungry, of course, so we headed up to the Feed & Seed Restaurant. There are plenty of places to eat around the park but this is the largest, with the most variety of food, AND it overlooks the train on Main Street. After lunch we took a delightful chair lift ride to the top of the park (note that there is a bus that will hold strollers in case you don’t want to ride the chair lift and a stroller parking area if you do ride).
Once at the top we enjoyed the Mouse Mine Train ride (my 5 year old loved it and rode it 5 times!) , feeding llamas and goats at the Deer Park Zoo (small cost for food) and watching a show at the Miner’s Mountain Theater. There is also panning for gold ($10 charge per bucket).
Then we rode the chair lift back down and went to the County Fair portion of the park. This was our favorite area! There is a Ferris Wheel (it’s fast!), Tilt-A-Whirl, Carousel (great for little ones), a Planes & Helicopter ride (also, great for little ones), Arcade and our favorite the Turnpike Cruisers! The Turnpike Cruisers fit a parent and child (and as long as the parent manages the pedals and helps with steering the little ones can sit in the “driver” seat!) and we rode it over and over! These little cars take a closed pathway around the County Fair area and you can see almost the whole park!
We rounded out our day trip at the Tweetsie Junction. The kids got to climb up on horses, climb into carriages, see a giant teepee and watch a clogging show!! It was a FULL day and we had a blast! I really enjoyed strolling down memory lane and remembering what each one of our trips to Tweetsie Railroad was like for each of my children. We will definitely go back!
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, Tweetsie Railroad is an American treasure brimming with Wild West nostalgia and home to classic family fun. Hop aboard one of Tweetsie Railroad’s historic steam locomotives for a thrilling, scenic three-mile adventure, then stroll down Main Street and mingle with the city folks of Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy live shows and performances at the Tweetsie Palace, take a spin on the rides at the Country Fair and on Miner’s Mountain, where you can also try your hand at panning for gold.
Tweetsie Railroad is open Labor Day weekend. Ghost Train is in September & October with Halloween Shows and Trick or Treating (buy tickets in advance). And you don't want to miss Tweetsie Christmas in November and December when the park is dazzlingly lit for the holidays! For more information check out Tweetsie.com!
