Tweetsie Railroad located in Boone – Blowing Rock, NC is a family owned and operated theme park which opened on July 4th 1957, originally just simply as a train ride aboard the locomotive number 12. Today it is a full-fledged theme park with the train rides and other amusement type rides for the entire family. Tweetsie is an authentic steam locomotive that was built in 1917 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and was used for carrying passengers and freight on the 66-mile line that runs from Johnson City, TN, over the Appalachian Mountains to Boone, North Carolina. After the narrow gauge ceased its operations in 1950 the steam locomotive was purchased by a group of enthusiasts and operated until 1954 when the area was washed out by the floodwaters of Hurricane Hazel. It was considered at one point to be purchased by Gene Autry who wanted to take it to California to be used in the movies, but because of the transport costs involved, he relinquished the idea. Tweetsie was purchased by real-estate developer Grover Robbins and the Tweetsie now runs on a 3-mile track for the visitors to the park from May through October and can hold 16 passengers.
Ghost Town in the Sky opened on May 1st, 1961 in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. What makes this theme park so unusual is the only way to get to it is by a chairlift or an inclined railway, which is a climb of 1250 feet. You may hear speak of the Mile High Ghost Town, well that is Ghost Town in the Sky. There have been several celebrities that have made appearances at Ghost Town, including Dan Blocker (Hoss Cartwright) from Bonanza, Tony Dow from Leave it to Beaver, Irene Ryan (Granny) of the Beverly Hillbillies, Burt Reynolds and several other TV stars from the 60’s. There are live shows, westerns, and many other rides at the park.
The park itself is divided into several towns located at various elevations. Each has its own theme and no two are the same. You will find the Indian Village, Mountain and Mining Town, an old western town complete with 2 saloons, schoolhouse, bank, jail, church and several other businesses that were typical in the olden days. You will be able to experience a staged gunfight in the street every hour. At the Silver Dollar Saloon you will be able to have the pleasure of the old West can-can dancers performing, again this is every hour. At the Red Dog Saloon there are live country and bluegrass performances throughout the day. Any family vacation to the mountains of North Carolina is not complete until you have experiences the activities of Ghost Town in the Sky. There is entertainment, restaurants and more for the entire family.
Located in picturesque Cherokee in North Carolina is the Cherokee Fun Park. The park is packed with fun for the entire family with go-cart tracks, raft bumper boat pool and miniature golf courses. Not only does Cherokee Fun Park have the many physical activities as described previously, but they have a game arcade where you win tickets that can be cashed in for numerous prizes. Come for the day and spend a lifetime.
We all know that Christmas comes but once a year and that Santa is busy the rest of the year getting things ready, there is one place in North Carolina where Santa and his elves are busy at work all year, Santa’s Land Theme Park and Zoo in Cherokee, North Carolina. Here you will be able to visit Santa’s Village with all his NC elves building and making things for all. Visit Santa’s House, visit with Santa to give him your list, visit Frosty’s own place, watch magic shows in the Jingle Bell Theatre, and visit the many restaurants and picnic area of the village.
Over at the zoo in Santa’s Theme Park and Zoo you will have the opportunity to feed Rudolph, pet the baby bears, feed the monkeys on Whitebeard’s lake and feed and pet the many other animals found at the park’s zoo, visit the North Pole of North Carolina and much more, so bring the family and have Christmas year round in Cherokee North Carolina at Santa’s Theme Park and Zoo.
Carowinds Park is located just outside Charlotte, NC and provides fun and entertainment for the entire family. It is shared by both North Carolina and South Carolina as the park spreads over both state lines. Carowinds has many live shows one can catch throughout the day. They have many of the Nickelodeon characters that will provide you and the kids with many hugs and picture opportunities throughout the day. Some of the best roller coaster rides can be found at Carowinds in North Carolina. Carowinds has the family fun for the entire family whether you have kids or just want some time away from them for the day.
Jungle Rapids Fun Park located in Wilmington, NC will provide many hours of entertainment for the family. If you like climbing, you will certainly enjoy their climbing wall. You might want to try your driving skills in the Grand Prix Go-Karts, or have a go at the Alien invader laser tag. How about getting wet in the water park or experience what it is like to play golf in the jungle at the 18 hole Jungle Golf? No matter what you decide to do, Jungle Rapids Fun Park is worth your visit when in Wilmington, and you just want some time away from the beaches.
Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park located in Greensboro, North Carolina is one of the largest water parks in North Carolina. It has a total of 36 rides and attractions, providing hours of fun and entertainment for the entire family, whether you have tiny tots or if you are a senior, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park has something for all. The park has over 4 million gallons of water for your pleasure. Once you have indulged in all the water pleasures you can stand, relax in any number of lounge chairs and shaded areas of Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park. Be sure to check the rules and regulations regarding food, coolers and drinks before planning your day at the park.
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