Experience the Old West in North Carolina at Tweetsie Railroad, then stay at The Inn at Ragged Gardens, an enchanted 1900s manor in the historic village of Blowing Rock. The lovely inn is a great place to book a reunion with 12 spacious rooms and suites and even features its own restaurant. And the best part is the easy access to Main Street which offers sweet boutiques, art galleries, and beautiful parks. And for some old-time western fun, Tweetsie offers a memorable day complete with historic interpreters.

You'll board this Wild West train ride on one of the historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives from April through October.

The action-packed, three-mile adventure through the rugged mountains takes about 45 minutes. Watch out for bandits and other old-western characters.

Old West nostalgia is everywhere in the quaint village with a jail, horses, and a covered wagon.

Some of the shows include Diamond Lil's Can-Can Revue, an old-time Magic Show, and the Tweetsie Railroad Country Clogging Jamboree.

Even the General Store offers memorable keepsakes and photo opportunities.

While the last Wild West train ride for the 2023 season was at the end of October, Tweetsie Christmas season begins on Nov. 24.

The festivities are available on select days throughout November and December, including a 20-minute, open-air train ride at night! The three-mile route is lined with more than 1 million Christmas lights. Find out more about the event on the Tweetsie Railroad Christmas event web page.

After the Wild West fun, treat yourself to a charming getaway surrounded by formal and "ragged gardens" at this early 1900s manor.

It's an opportunity to enjoy the lovely town of Blowing Rock with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants on Main Street, only a couple blocks away.

The open common seating areas are a part of the warm experience you'll find here with pretty views of the gardens.

Natural materials of stone and wood enhance the warmth of this historic inn and lamps bring soft lighting.

The rooms and suites are very comfortable and cozy with gas fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, and thoughtfully decorated with antiques.

We especially love the gardens with magical sculptures that are truly something to behold during any season.

A Music on the Lawn series is also featured at the inn each Friday from May through October (weather permitting).

Established in 1965, the Best Cellar Restaurant has earned an excellent reputation for great service and cuisine as it prepares all entrees and desserts in-house every day.

Some of the elaborate meals include New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Crab Cakes, and Alaskan Halibut Piccata. And a room at the inn includes a generous made-to-order breakfast.

For more information, visit the Tweetsie Railroad website. Book a room on The Inn at Ragged Gardens website. And read about why Blowing Rock is a great place to visit at Christmastime.