Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Asheville, Dillsboro: hotel, live in, restaurants)

[Jim Ignatowski]

Has anybody done this?

About the GSMR - Train Schedules (http://www.gsmr.com/about/schedules.php - broken link)

If you did, what hotel did you stay at that you can recommend in the nearby area? Also, any restaurants you can recommend?

Any other comments, suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

[lumbollo]

A friend of mine did and they said it was great. They ended up staying at a place in Byson City and liked it, said it was a cross between a bed & breakfast and a hotel. Unfortunately I didn't get the name.

[Catbirds]

I took my son on the train years ago and we loved it. We were staying at the Natalahala Village. We rode by the river and saw the rafters and also saw the caves the Cherokee hid in.

[InformationPlease]

Yup, I just want to offer the other opinion... I didn't care for it the first few times I went... I think it's one of those things that you either love or hate.

It's changed a lot since the first time I rode it many, many years ago. I just remember being so hungry and hot and bored. I lived in the mountains so I was used to being in those settings on foot... didn't see the need to view them by train. The other kids I was with were equally bored.

However, adults seem to always enjoy it... even when I've been on it as an adult. It's not something I'd do again unless my out of town friends requested it.

As for places to stay, there are a ton of bed and breakfasts around... I'd try Dillsboro.

Enjoy your trip!

[JAngel]

We have done this several times, both as an adult couple and twice with our grandson (at age 5 and 7). We love it, relaxing and fun. Kids love trains and our grandson was no exception, found it very exciting and the dark tunnel spooky. Many kids do get tired out on the return trip and fall asleep, not necessarily a bad thing

They have greatly curtailed the train schedule this year which is probably financially hurting the town of Dillsboro significantly. Lots of fun little shops to explore while there. Can't speak to the hotel issue as we live in nearby Asheville & just drive down for the day.

The open car is the way to go, much more fun and wonderful to feel the wind in your face. You can also see much more and it feels more like an adventure, especially for children.