Tweetsie Railroad Outside of Boone, North Carolina

Tucked away in the scenic highlands of North Carolina's Great Smokie Mountains, halfway between Boone and Blowing Rock my family found a unique playground that offers something for the entire family. Our discovery is not only fun....it is an adventure! Often families with young children (4-12) have difficulty finding places to visit, which provide fun and entertainment for the entire family. Yes, Disney Land and Disney World fill the bill, but both of these popular parks are expensive, crowded and frequently require considerable travel and expense to reach.

My family recently discovered a smaller, less known family oriented park that provided three fun-packed days for the entire family. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy the park (we will return this summer), we were impressed with the family atmosphere and how everyone working at the park-dedicated him/herself to ensuring that we (and especially the kids) had a wonderful time.

This little known park is located in the gentle, welcoming mountains of western North Carolina, on highway 321 between Boone (the home of Appalachian State university) and Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Known as Tweetsie Railroad the park began as fun and scenic mountainside ride on one of the few remaining steam engines operating in America. As the train became popular with families and children Tweetsie introduced entertainment on the train including rough and tough cowboys, saloon gamblers, frontiersmen, who saunter down the aisles looking for a seat. At one point train robbers make valiant attempts to stop and board the train. The children, many adorned in cowboy hats, boots and cowboy neckerchiefs, love it as these various characters spring to life and act out their respective parts during the train ride. Just when the lawmen seem to have things under control a band of wild Indians attack the train, but eventually give in to the speed of the of "iron horse".

The "Wild West Train Ride" on which the park was founded remains the most popular attraction, but is far from the only source of entertainment.

Departing the train in an old west town one suspects that the rough looking cowboys leaning against the hitching post are up to no good, but thankfully strikingly handsome sheriff, stuffily outfitted and wearing a white hat and a gold star keeps order....However in spite of the sheriff's it is not uncommon to see an occasional street shoot-out between the good and bad guys. (Good guys always win).

Stopping by the recreated Diamond Lil's Saloon one can see pretty, young saloon girls as they perform a well choreographed version of the Can-Can. Music from the 1800's is featured as guests are encouraged to participate in a rousing sing-along.

Another popular show is the Tweetsie Clogging Jamboree. Here young, enthusiastic dancers perform accompanied by traditional and contemporary country and blue grass music and by enthusiastic audience hand clapping and foot stomping in a rowdy good time.

A chairlift ride takes you to Miner's Mountain where you can be entertained by Professor Peppercorn and his magical extravaganza. Children and adults alike sit fascinated by the professor's magical illusions and magical deceptions.

On weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) nights a Special Musical Revue in which the casts of all the above shows participate is held in the Palace Saloon. It is mix of talent and fun which all can enjoy.

Tweetsie also has a ride park featuring many of the most popular carnival rides including a Carousel, Tilt-a- whirl, Tornado, Round up, the Tweetsie Twister, a mini mouse driven train, a free fall chair ride, helicopter ride, and miniature train, plane, car and boat rides for little ones.

Smaller children enjoy visiting Deer Park where over 90 small animals are on display including Pygmy goats, Miniature horses, Pot bellied pigs, Emus, llamas, European fallow deer, Burros, Turkeys, and Nubian goats.

In addition to attractions and entertainment Tweetsie has a selection of restaurants, snack bars, ice cream shops and gift shops for purchasing souvenirs of Tweetsie.

Whether one spends a day or a week at Tweetsie one thing is certain. The entire family will enjoy the fun and entertainment in a wonderful family atmosphere.

My children still talk of what fun they had at Tweetsie and how anxious they are to visit Tweetsie again. I smile and let them think they are the only ones who enjoyed our time there, but have to admit I can't wait to get back on board the Wild West Express and do my part to defend the train against desperadoes intent on robbing the train and/or wild Indians attempts to kill the iron horse.

I love Tweetsie.

You will too.