Tweetsie Railroad is a train-themed amusement park on the outskirts of the town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since 1957 the park has offered guests rides on what is now the only functional steam locomotive in the state, and has added a number of rides and attractions since then. Once you've seen Tweetsie there's plenty more to do in the area, including hiking, fishing, skiing, art galleries, museums and seasonal festivals.
The Chetola Resort encompasses three separate accommodations spanning 87 acres, and is just five miles from Tweetsie Railroad. The Chetola Lodge is the most basic of the three, offering earthy, country-style decor. Some rooms boast private balconies and Whirlpool tubs. The Bob Timberlake Inn is a bed and breakfast named for the internationally-renowned artist and furniture designer whose work appoints the inn's eight rooms. Each room is named for a different local luminary and offers views of Chetola Lake. Guests at the inn are offered complimentary breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres and have access to a coffee shop and library. Finally, the Chetola Condominiums offer the privacy of home with the perks of a resort. The condos are privately owned and fully furnished and range from a 750-square-foot one-bedroom to a lavish 3,000-square-foot four-bedroom. All condos have washers and dryers, and most feature Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Housekeeping is not included with a condo rental, but can be provided for a fee. No matter where they stay, guests can take advantage of the resort's heated indoor pool, sauna, exercise room, full-service spa, hiking trails and children's playground and activity room.
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock
500 N. Main St.
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
800-243-8652
chetola.com
The Hillwinds Inn is a cozy bed and breakfast-style hotel just minutes away from Tweetsie Railroad and other attractions, including the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway. Suites with kitchenettes are available, as are one-bedroom cottages with similar amenities to the suites. All guests receive free daily breakfast, access to a local seasonal pool and complimentary snacks, wine and cheese in the evening. Special Tweetsie Railroad packages are available and can be customized for each guest. Other local attractions include the Appalachian Culture Museum in nearby Boone and Mystery Hill, a science-themed museum that features optical illusions and artifacts.
Hillwinds Inn
315 Sunset Drive
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
800-821-4908
thevillageinnsofblowingrock.com
The Mountainaire is a rustic inn located within walking distance of Blowing Rock's shops, restaurants and parks and just a few minutes' drive to Tweetsie Railroad. The inn boasts an "outdoor living room," landscaped gardens, a fire pit and a library. Owners Jim and Deborah McDowell are on hand to greet residents and offer a more personalized stay than the average hotel. A number of cabins are available that offer amenities specific to fishing and other outdoor activities.
Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins
827 N. Main St.
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
828-295-7991
mountainaireinn.com
The Alpine Village Inn is reminiscent of an English cottage, nestled in a country setting but still within walking distance of all the town has to offer. It's just a few miles from Tweetsie Railroad, hiking, fishing, golf courses and other top attractions. Suites are available that offer private balconies with mountain views. The hotel is situated off the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers a drive full of natural wonders that is as much a draw as any particular destination.
Alpine Village Inn
297 Sunset Drive
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
828-295-7206
alpine-village-inn.com
