The Charleston Inn in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains plus a Train Ride

Enjoyed a wonderful two days In Bryson City, NC. We stayed at the Charleston Inn. Angela and Scott, the owners made our time at their Inn memorable and special.  They have been the owners for the past 10 years or so. It's a very peaceful and relaxing place surrounded by luscious and very interesting vegetation.

 My mother and Cliff looking forward to eating breakfast.  Loved the music that played in the background from the late 70's.

The atmosphere and the decorating style at the Inn were very homey.  This room housed quite a few board games.  Cliff is not really the board game type.  We spent time using the internet and I watched 24 using the headphones when everyone went to bed.

Early Friday morning we got ready for the train ride on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad which leaves from Bryson City.  The 44 mile round trip was made along the Tuckasegee River and over the breathtaking Fontana Lake.  I learned the bluish green waters of the lake were the result of the copper content.  There used to be copper mines in this area.

We splurged a little and rode in one of the first class cars and were treated to unlimited drinks (tea, soda, lemonade) and a delicious lunch.  Our waitress was Renee, a lovely and bubbly first time grandmother who made our train experience memorable. We also received and embroidered tote bag and a souvenir tumbler.

We took a walk all along the train and saw another First Class car.

The train stopped at the Nantahala River Gorge were we spent one hour. It was fun to see the river rafter and those brave souls riding on the kayaks.

The Kayaks

After the train ride we explored the area and found a waterfall nearby.  We always look for the waterfalls if we are in the mountains. It was not super impressive but nevertheless worth the hike.  With all the eating we did I welcomed this work out.

 Another picture taken of my handsome husband during our exploration after the 4-1/2 hour train ride. It was fun to see the people riding on tubes. $3.00 a tube is certainly more affordable for the wildwater rafting which costs around $44.00 a person.

......so which do you prefer, the mountains or the beach?