Tweetsie Railroad is proud to operate two vintage steam locomotives: the #12 “Tweetsie” and the #190 “Yukon Queen”. When you visit Tweetsie Railroad during the operating season, the train will be pulled by one of these historic engines.

Locomotive #12 is the last surviving narrow-gauge steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which ran train service from Johnson City TN to Boone NC from 1919 to 1940. When the Tweetsie Railroad theme park opened in 1957, this was our sole locomotive.

In 1960, Tweetsie Railroad acquired another steam locomotive, the #190 “Yukon Queen” from Alaska’s White Pass & Yukon Railway.

Both locomotives are coal-fired narrow-gauge engines, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. #12 was completed in 1917, and #190 in 1943. Before entering service at Tweetsie Railroad, the locomotives were put into operating condition by veteran engineer Frank Coffey, who trained new generations in Tweetsie’s on-site steam train repair shop.

For more info, visit: http://www.tweetsie.com!

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Visit: http://tweetsie.com/special-events/ghost-train

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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This summer many families are searching for unique ways to experience an affordable summer vacation or a weekend getaway. Even honeymooners are looking for alternatives to expensive trips. One solution—stay closer to home and explore North Carolina. And one beautiful option is Fall Creek Cabins, nestled in the mountains near Boone and Blowing Rock.

“There are so many activities in our area that are free or reasonably priced,” said Tim Thompson, who with his wife, Beverly, owns Fall Creek Cabins. Located off U.S. 421, the private log cabins are true vacation homes with hot tubs, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and covered porches with rocking chairs and a gas grill. “Most of our guests enjoy hiking, viewing the many spectacular waterfalls nearby and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway from Linville Falls & Gorge to Doughton Park,” Mrs. Thompson said. “Others choose to try tubing, kayaking, canoeing or biking.”

Many who stay at Fall Creek Cabins return year-after-year because of its seclusion, its family-friendly feel and the personal and high-quality service provided by the Thompsons. The 78-acre property features eight cabins, some with creekside settings, others with mountain views. A state-stocked trout stream runs through the property. Hiking trails have been marked off and lead through the woods and to a waterfall. Campfire rings (including firewood), complete with seating, offer a place for the whole family to gather, as well as a private picnic table. “Many customers are now looking for affordable accommodations that allow families the ability to make “home-cooked” meals, enjoy “on site activities”, and promotes “quality family time”, which makes staying at Fall Creek Cabins so much more attractive”, said Mr. Thompson. With digital TV and high speed wireless Internet now being offered the Thompsons immediately added these features for their guests to have as well. “We were so excited to now be able to offer Internet and digital TV in order to meet the needs and requests of our many customers” said Mrs. Thompson.

One look at the Fall Creek Cabins online guest book reveals the many happy memories of guests. “We absolutely loved everything about the place,” one woman wrote. “As you probably saw in my thank-you note to you, we will recommend the place to all of our friends.” Another woman said, “The cabin and grounds were more beautiful than we could have imagined.” A honeymooner praised the Thompsons for meeting a special request — a bed of pink rose petals to greet them upon arrival.

To help make the vacation experience more affordable, the Thompsons offer specials throughout the year, including free nights . Information on those and about the cabins is available online at www.fallcreekcabins.com and www.fallcreekvacationrentals.com. They also offer discount tickets as well as bonus tickets to some attractions during certain times of year.

“We have already teamed up with Tweetsie Railroad (www.tweetsie.com) as part of their Lodging Partner’s Program and also offer discount tickets Grandfather Mountain (www.grandfather.com) ,” Mrs. Thompson said. “For our customer’s convenience, the discount tickets are in the cabin upon arrival.” Because the cabins are located centrally, it’s easy to get to the different attractions. There are golf courses, antique shops, and places to go horseback riding or rafting not far away as well.

And being close is what it’s all about in today’s economy. By staying in North Carolina, you’ll not only save on gas and transportation, you may just find some hidden gems you’ve never experienced before.

See Fall Creek Cabins on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fleetwood-NC/Fall-Creek-Cabins-Secluded-Log-Cabin-Vacation-Rentals/104389026265406?ref=ts

Visit us at www.fallcreekcabins.com Winter Review/Blog on Fall Creek Cabins: http://aladdintravel.com/meteorologist-calling-for-snow-head-to-fall-creek-cabins.html

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Spring in the North Carolina High Country is a special time of year. With so much to do up here we thought it would be fun to explore some of the many attractions and fun things to see and do during your visit to the area.

We’ll kick this series off with one of the most famous attractions in North Carolina, Blowing Rock’s own….TWEETSIE!

Visit: Tweetsie.com!

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