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About this trip
This fall trip features a 4 /12 hour scenic heritage railroad excursion in a First Class car offering
extraordinary sights that you can't access by car. You will have a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala Forest and Gorge, historical structures and fall foliage. The trip includes a one hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a world class whitewater destination, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy watching students tackle this beautiful river. Beyond this historic steam engine trip, there will be time to explore Bryson City including the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum boasting 7,000 Lionel engine, cars and accessories in impressive operating layouts. Other exploration options afford you the opportunity to stroll around this very walkable town and enjoy mountain artisan studios and galleries, specialty shops and explore the Swain County Heritage Museum.
On departure day, we stop in the town of Columbus before leaving the mountains for a visit to the House of Flags Museum. This is the only House of Flags Museum in American and every one of the over 300 flags has a story to tell as shared by the Museum curator.
Our Accommodations, the Best Western River Escape Inn, sits along the scenic Tuskasegee River.
** Scroll down to see what is included in this trip and read about the itinerary detail.
Deposits and Cancellation Policy
A $300 deposit is required to book this trip. Final payment is due on September 15th. After that date, a cancellation refund is only issued if the participant or trip organizer is able to resell the purchased trip. A wait list is maintained by the trip organizer for this purpose. Trip insurance is also available through this website.
Payment Options
You can pay by credit card or with an ACH secure eCheck on this website. Credit card fees range from 2.9 % to 3.9% and eCheck fees are 1%. You can also pay by check or with Venmo to avoid fees entirely. Contact the trip organizer at [email protected] for these non-fee payment instructions.
What’s included
- Coach transportationOn a luxury 56 passenger coach
- Rail ExcursionIn a First Class dining car
- LunchDuring our rail excursion
- AdmissionTo the Smoky Mountains Train Museum
- AccommodationsAll Riverfront Rooms at the Best Western River Escape Inn & Suites in the town of Sylva.
- BreakfastFull hot breakfast in the hotel each morning
- Trip Host
- Trips snacksBottled water and snacks provided
- Musuem admission/tourAdmission to the House of Flags Museum
What’s not included
- DinnerDinner on your own with numerous options in Sylva and Bryson City
- LunchOn travel days
- GratuitiesBus driver and train host gratuities are welcome if you desire!
Available Packages
Per person price for two people sharing room
Per person price for two people sharing a room with two queen beds.
One person in a room with two queen beds
Itinerary
Day One: October 28
8am - Departure from Kendall's Hallmark Shop in Leland
There will be a lunch stop break in Columbia SC and rest stop breaks as needed.
Approx. 4pm - Check-in at the Best Western River Escape in Sylva
Dinner on your own in Sylva that evening with options offered in advance.
Day Two: October 29
9:30am - Depart Sylva for the 30 minute drive to Bryson City where we enjoy 3 hours of time for exploring this mountain town prior to our train excursion departure. Visit the Swain County Heritage Center, numerous unique shops and the Train Museum prior to boarding at 1:30pm.
2pm - 6:30pm - Train Excursion with lunch and a cash bar on board. Dinner in Bryson City on your own that evening with options offered in advance.
Day Three: October 30
9am - Depart Sylva for a stop at the House of Flags Museum in Columbus. There will be a stop for lunch following our morning tour at the Museum. Approximate return time to Leland will be 7pm.