Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through North Carolina For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train rides through North Carolina's rugged mountain terrain, showcasing remote areas and fall foliage.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad allows passengers to make the most of the rugged and gorgeous mountain terrain found throughout North Carolina. You can hop on board to see some of the most remote and primitive parts as well as some gorgeous fall foliage.
The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is the perfect way to experience fall. It takes you along Fontana Lake and the rugged Nantahala Gorge. The 4 1/2 hour ride departs from Bryson and travels along 44-miles of mountain landscape ending back in Bryson City.
If you're traveling with little ones, opt for the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express. There's narration of Schulz’s "It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Once you reach the pumpkin patch, you have a 1 hour and 45 minute layover including photo ops with your favorite Charlie Brown characters, marshmallow roasting, trick or treating, bouncy house and hayrides. Each child gets to take home their own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch as well.
It sounds like all my plans are 'falling' into place for experiencing the most WNC has to offer during the abundant fall foliage. Click here for tickets.
Have you ridden on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before or plan to this fall?
If you want to know more about GSMR or other train rides in North Carolina, read our article here.
I love big cities - you really can't beat the amenities and fun things to do of somewhere like Durham or Charlotte. Of course, small towns have their charms as well, and really make up the backbone of the Tar Heel State. There's no shortage of amazing rural little towns in North Carolina, and they're perfect for when you want to go somewhere a little more laid-back and easy-going. Still, it's a fact of life that small towns aren't going to have the multitude of restaurants and shops you'd find in a crowded urban area. If you're looking for something that's a little more of a middle ground, we've got the perfect spot for you today. Morrisville, North Carolina is a mid-sized city of 29,000 that's right in the middle of the bustling Research Triangle region. It's perfect for when you're not looking for the crowds of a huge city but still want to enjoy a little more than what most small towns have to offer.
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I'm sure if you're reading this, the Triangle needs no introduction. This is one of the Tar Heel State's most populated regions, nestled between the cities of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. This nine-county region boasts a population of more than 2,100,000, and so there are more than a few great attractions in the area. Morrisville lies almost directly between Durham and Raleigh at about 15 miles away from each. This makes it an attractive location for anyone seeking fun.
This photo was taken at Lake Crabtree County Park(county of Wake). Lake Crabtree is a flood control lake. 250 acres of land surround the lake, which includes several native plant and animal species of the North Carolina Piedmont.The photo shows the reflection of clouds and setting sun in the lake during a beautiful sunset.
The scenery here is quite beautiful. Morrisville lies right where the North American Piedmont and Atlantic Coastal Plain regions meet, so you'll find plenty of gently rolling hills. Both Crabtree Creek and Lake Crabtree are in town and are perfect for relaxing by the water or enjoying time out on a boat.
Morrisville has eight parks and there are a variety of activities available, whether you're looking for hiking a greenway, enjoying time on a basketball court, or even playing a little sand volleyball. The greenway system is extensive and spans through much of the town, providing an excellent option for those looking to get in a little exercise.
If the weather's not up to par and you're looking for something fun to do indoors, check out RushHour Karting. With indoor go-karts, axe-throwing, and arcade games, there's something for everyone here.
Want to do a little shopping when traveling through the area? Park West Village has an extensive array of shops and restaurants, plus a movie theater and playground. Morrisville Square is another popular shopping destination within the city. We're always a fan of shopping local, and the Town of Morrisville website has a great small business directory that will help you find even more places to keep your dollars within the community.
If you're the type that loves to dine, I'm in the same boat - it's so much fun trying out local restaurants when visiting a new city! Babymoon Cafe serves up authentic Italian cuisine in Morrisville and has a wonderful outdoor dining area. Another superb spot is Carmen's Cuban Cafe, which serves up savory Cuban dishes and also offers fun salsa nights.
Have you ever visited Morrisville, North Carolina? Share your favorite things to do there in the comments!
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Morrisville? We love this cozy centrally-located home that's not too far from the area's many attractions.
It doesn't get much better than summer in North Carolina. Some of the destinations and adventures below are well-known, but you may come across a new and memorable place. Make some plans to explore these unforgettable sights in North Carolina.
North Carolina Zoo - a perfect destination for folks of all ages. From the addra gazelle to the zebra, a huge selection of animals await. Watch them in their habitats as they cool off during the humid summer heat.
Carolina Harbor Water Park at Carowinds features splash pads, water slides, two wave pools, and other exciting and refreshing water activities. For those seeking bigger adventures, the Boogie Board Racer is the Southeast’s longest mat-racing slide.
North Carolina has some of the best restaurants in the nation. Give The Bristol Cafe a try with outdoor seating. It opened in 2017 in a building that was originally a saloon in the late 1800s.
The classy eatery is open for Mimosa Brunch Thursday-Sunday with a full menu, including the delicious Crabcake Benedict.
At this new and improved museum as of July 1, 2024, learn about Chang and Eng, the Siamese twins born in a village in Siam on May 11, 1811. They moved to Mount Airy, North Carolina in 1854, and had 22 children. We find this fascinating education worthwhile and unforgettable. For further information, visit the
Children revel in this education of sailing for youth and are matched with the right-sized boats. They learn safety, self-reliance, and sportsmanship. Find out more on the Little Washington Sailing School website.
Since 2009, this family farm is the first in Wilkes County to offer one-hour Highland Cow experiences, where you can meet, brush, and feed some other furry creatures, such as goats, ducks, and pigs. Look for events on the Happy Dash Farm website.
If you find yourself out in Western North Carolina, stay all night or weekend in a luxurious yurt or tiny log cabin. You never know who might show up. Check for availability on the Maggie Valley Yurts & Tiny Log Cabins website.
While you're in Maggie Valley, drive over to Waynesville and enjoy an authentic pub atmosphere in a stately, 100-year-old building. The Scotsman Public House provides live music which is one of the best ways to celebrate summer in North Carolina.
While this is a heavy dish - the Guinness Braised Ox Cheek is an example of the exceptional house-made cuisine.
A walk across some sand is standard North Carolina vacation material, and what better place to experience the rushing waves and seashells than at Oak Island. Fish from the Oak Island Pier or grab some rays in this breathtaking space. The Town of Oak Island offers 65 public beach access locations. Find them on the
