EAL Fall 2023

Photo courtesy of Bryson City TDA and Chamber
Photo courtesy of McBride
THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN
RAILROAD
Located at the historic depot in Bryson
City, the GSM Railroad offers several
options for train excursions and the Polar
Express during the Christmas season.
Daily round trips include excursions
into the Nantahala River Gorge or to nearby
Dillsboro. Options include first class cars
with a private attendant or open-air gondolas.
View scenes and colorful foliage
from Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana
Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, Nantahala National Forest,
Nantahala and Tuckasegee rivers and historical
structures.
Dining is available in first class, or a box
lunch can be purchased. When we were
seated at our table in first class, souvenir
sippy cups filled with iced water were at
each place setting. At our table for four,
each one had ordered a different entrée.
We decided the pot roast was best, and
the kale salad was second for lighter fare.
While the barbecue was good, the grilled
chicken plate wasn’t as popular.
The round trip stops for an hour layover
in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge.
You can shop, dine or go sightseeing. The
attendant in each train car passes out
shopping bags.
After our stop at the Nantahala Gorge,
dessert was served on the return trip. Two
of us ordered a rich chocolate brownie,
while the other two selected cheesecake
race, an upstairs social room and a selfand
cherry turnover, with all receiving a
thumbs up. During the return trip, a singer
played the guitar and entertained with a
few songs.
Along with daily scheduled excursions,
trips with themes are available. Themed
excursions include Leaf-Looker, Uncorked
Wine and Barbecue and Brews, among
others.
During the Christmas season, the Poplar
Express is popular for families. Sounds
of the motion picture soundtrack play as
guests board the train to the North Pole.
Guests are served warm cocoa and a treat
while listening to the story.
At the North Pole, Santa boards the train
to present each child with a silver sleigh
bell as in the story. Christmas carols are
sung.
For further information, visit GSMR,com or call
800.872.4681.
THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
NATIONAL PARK
The park has been acclaimed as a top
attraction for families by several national
publications, with Bryson City as the place
to stay and dine. There are four nearby
entrances to the park for enjoying outdoor
activities, viewing colorful foliage and
camping. Visit Clingmans Dome, the highest
peak at the park for spectacular views.
Other popular sites include Mount
LeConte, the 100-foot waterfall Ramsey
Cascades, the sheer rock pinnacles of
Chimney Tops, scenic and historic sites
at Cataloochee Valley, Cades Cove and
Oconaluftee.
The Smokies are among the oldest
mountains in the world. Cherokee Indians
called them shaconage, “blue, like smoke,”
which clings to the mountainsides and fill
the valleys. The park was established in
1934 and covers more than 400 acres.
The park is open daily, year round. Entrance to
the park is free.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN TRAINS
MUSEUM
Excursions include free admission to
the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. The
museum contains a collection of 7,000
Lionel engines, cars and accessories.
Everett Boutique Hotel and Bistro
Located in downtown Bryson City, the
Everett Boutique Hotel and Bistro is situated
in a courtyard with the Swain County
Heritage Museum and Visitors’ Center.
The 1908 renovated historic building was
once a bank until the mid-1960s. It then
served as the Swain County Chamber of
Commerce office.
In 2010, Ron LaRocque and Scott Mastej
purchased the building and renovated
the first floor. They opened Cork and
Bean, a coffee house and wine bar. When
other buildings became available, they
expanded the restaurant and renovated
the second and third floors.
They opened the hotel and bistro in
October 2015 with 10 rooms, a rooftop ter-
EAST ALABAMA LIVING 39