Now through Sunday, August 2nd, Thomas the Tank Engine fans can meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and ride a train pulled by Thomas himself! Just step aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City for all of the excitement. Your Day Out With Thomas™ includes a 25-minute train ride pulled by the authentic steam powered Tank Engine, plus live entertainment, a petting zoo, story telling, video viewing, an interactive play center (The Imagination Station) and more.

Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up and can be purchased through this link.

While you are at it, be sure to check out the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum located just a block away from the Railroad. Thomas fans will enjoy seeing over 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories displayed and operating before their very eyes!

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There are some things that you just don’t leave home without when packing for vacation:  Passport? Check.   Toothbrush? Check.   Swimsuit? Check.   Fido? …??? 

Well if you plan a visit to Asheville, North Carolina anytime soon, you’ll be able to check that one off of your list too. That’s because Asheville is positioning itself as a top dog-friendly destination and I had the chance to experience it firsthand this week with my dachshund pal, Moose.  Here’s how our trip shook up – where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did – from my perspective, as well as Moose’s.

Hotel:  Quality Inn and Suites – 1 Skyland Drive, Arden, NC

My take:  I love how inexpensive the pet deposit is here – only $25 for the ENTIRE stay!  When I saw that the hotel wasn’t in Asheville, I was dreading a long commute into downtown, but the hotel is located right on the edge of Arden, making it only about a 10 minute drive to Biltmore Estate and the downtown scene.  The pet-friendly rooms are located on the first floor in a segregated wing (I suppose to limit the disturbance to any other guest) and they provide complimentary “poop scooper” bags to aid in keeping the grounds pristine.

Moose’s take:  I loved the large grassy area where I could run around and sniff. Some hotels have just a small patch of grass for my potty breaks, but this hotel’s lawn was bigger than my backyard at home!  My only issue is that I like peace and quiet. My human owners don’t have the super-bionic hearing that I do, so they couldn’t hear the racket that the other dogs were making in the neighboring rooms – but I could and I kept barking at the door in an effort to get those rascals to calm down. That’s something that I never do at home.

Dinner:  Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company – 675 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC

My take:  This restaurant isn’t located in the heart of downtown, but it was worth the 2 mile drive to get there.  They are very dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved and leashed four-legged friends to dine with you in the outside seating area. The pizza was pretty greasy, but tasted great and they brew their own local beer.

Moose’s take:  There were lots of friendly dogs here and the staff was just as friendly.  They offered me fresh water in a dog bowl!  I got in trouble though because I didn’t want to sit still – I wanted to PLAY with the other dogs.  Finally my owners banished me to the crate in the backseat of our parked car, so I don’t think that I can give an impartial review of this place.

Entertainment:  Asheville and the Central Mountains Area

The following sites ranked “two paws way up” among Moose’s favorite locations:

•       Biltmore – While you can’t tour the inside of the home, the winery, or the indoor shops with your dog, the immense grounds (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted) are completely pet-friendly and breathtakingly beautiful.
•       Chimney Rock Park – The only place that your dog can’t go is in the elevator that rides you straight to the top of the mountain, but dogs are welcome everywhere else.  You (and your pet) won’t experience another view like it.
•       French Broad River Park and Dog Park – Lots of paved and dirt paths, bbq area, river outlooks, and a 1 acre dog park tucked away to play. Located along the picturesque French Broad River at the intersection of Amboy Road and Riverview Drive.
•       Downtown – Just walk around the downtown area and window shop / people watch.  Many of the stores even allow you to browse around with your pet in tow.  Just make sure that you ask first.

Additional Resource:  Our friends at ExploreAsheville.com have an excellent section of their site dedicated to pet friendly travel.  Be sure to check it out and let us know what else would you recommend when traveling with your dog to Asheville.

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Elkmont Fireflies; Image provided by Judd Patterson

Our friends over at Wildwater Rafting have given us all the details surrounding the annual synchronized firefly show in the Smoky Mountains. If you are interested in no-cost wholesome entertainment that most people in the world have not experienced, this is truly an event that should not be missed!

There are only two places on earth where you can experience a synchronized firefly phenomenon - southeast Asia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The peak flashing for synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park occurs for only two weeks in mid-June. The Male’s time is short since they live as adults for only about 21 days. So they have a limited amount of time to attract the Females and reproduce (think “Speed Dating” for insect-kind that immediately advances to fourth base).

The Males fly and flash and the usually stationary Females respond with a flash creating a spectacular and unparalleled natural light show. They are the only species in America that can synchronize their flashing light patterns.

The show takes place at the Elkmont Campground. We hear that getting there can be a challenge, but with entertainment like this it’s well worth it. The campground is closed to private vehicles after 5 p.m. Entrance is allowed if you have a campsite reserved or you may ride the trolley for $1 from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Trolleys begin a at 6 p.m. and run every 20-25 minutes. Last trolley leaves at 11 p.m.Be sure to come prepared for the evening. The following items have been recommended:

* A blanket or a small lawn chair to sit on

* A flashlight (cover it with red cellophane to minimize white lights)

* A backpack with refreshments (The only amenities at the campground are portable toilets)

Other important notes:

* Park rangers and volunteers will be available in various locations for questions, guided walks, and assistance.

* No pets or alcoholic beverages allowed.

* If attempting to take pictures or video, do not use a flash. Not only does it disturb the fireflies, but your picture will turn out horrible. Try turning the flash off, setting your aperture to f11 and taking a long exposure of a few seconds.

If you go, be sure to take a Go Blue Ridge Card to get you into all of the best things to do in the area and  let us know what you thought of the fireflies!

Ghost Town in the Sky, North Carolina’s mountaintop family theme park, will open for the 2009 season May 22nd along with the much-anticipated and long-awaited Cliffhanger Rollercoaster! Originally built in 1985 and located literally on the side of Buck Mountain, the Cliffhanger underwent a complete overhaul and promises a thrill each moment.

Ghost Town representatives say that The Cliffhanger has several qualities that set it apart to make it a unique experience.  First, it has a top speed of 56 miles per hour. As a rider leaves the terminal, the illusion is given that you are going to fall off the mountain!  Next, an exciting loop generates three g-forces of pressure as riders travel 2,063 feet along the fun-filled ride.  And perhaps most importantly, the cars are uniquely engineered to create an open atmosphere in which to enjoy the stunning views. Apparently, there are only seven other loop coasters in the world that exist without a shoulder harness restraint.

Exciting stuff and we can’t wait to check it out! Are you brave enough to take the ride? If so, let us know what you think.

The Go Blue Ridge Card includes free admission to Ghost Town in the Sky.

·         Mountain Man Tractor Pull, March 7. Jackson Park, Hendersonville
·         RiverLink’s River Front Bus Tours, March 19, April 16, & May 21. City Hall, Asheville
Nearby attractions: Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Smith-McDowell House Museum
·         Scandinavian Heritage, March 22-28. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown
·         Melange of the Mountains, March 26. The Gateway Club, Waynesville
Near by attraction: Ghost Town in the Sky
·         The True Story of Bats, through May 10. NC Arboretum, Asheville
Nearby attractions: Gray Line Trolley Tour of Ashevilleand Colburn Earth Science Museum
·         Headwaters Gathering: Southern Appalachia at the Crossroads,March 27 – 29. Warren Wilson College, Asheville
Nearby attraction: Biltmore
·         River of Words & Art, April 3 – 26. Pack Place Community Gallery, Asheville
Nearby attraction: LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour of Asheville
·         Spring Bass Classic Tournament, April 11 / HiYak Festival, April 17-19. Fontana Village
Nearby attraction: Wildwater Rafting (40 minute drive)
·         Appalachian Growers Fair, April 18. Appalachian Women’s Museum, Dillsboro
Nearby Attraction:  Dillsboro Rafting
·         Spring Hike Week, April 19-24. Historic Fontana Village
Nearby attraction: Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting (40 minute drive)
·         MerleFest, April 23 -26. Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro
·         Thunder in the Smokies, April 24 – 26. Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Nearby attraction: Ghost Town in the Sky
·         Historic Johnson Farm Festival, April 25. Hendersonville
·         Pioneer Day, April 25. Mountain Gateway Museum Grounds, Old Fort
·         Wildflower Walk and Plant Sale, April 25. Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Boone
Nearby attractions: Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, and Horn in the West
·         Greening up the Mountains Festival, April 25 – 29. Sylva
Nearby attraction: Dillsboro Rafting
·         Birding and Wildflowers, April 26 – May 1. The Swag, Waynesville
Nearby attraction: Ghost Town in the Sky

Starting this weekend, people can visit www.virtualblueridge.com for their chance to win this incredible vacation package valued at $886.87. By partnering with Foscoe Fishing Company, the lucky winner and a friend can enjoy a half-day wade trip for two. This trip will take both people to wild and hatchery supported trout rivers and streams in the North Carolina High Country. The Foscoe Fishing Company guides are trained to help novices and experts alike and will make your experience even more enjoyable. All guides are Orvis® endorsed.

We at Go Blue Ridge Card, have also gotten in on the fun by providing two 2-day Go Blue Ridge Vacation passes, good for incredible savings on the Blue Ridge area’s most popular attractions. General admission to attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, and Biltmore are all included.

Alpen Acres is offering their charming mountain chalet to help you unwind after all this fun in the sun. Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, they are just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 291.9. Full of mountain enchantment and designed like the motor courts of the past, Alpen Acres features wireless Internet, a playground, heated outdoor pool, and complimentary light continental breakfast.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store has generously donated a “Parkway Guide Kit” to complete this vacation package. It includes a Virtual Blue Ridge CD-ROM, Blue Ridge Parkway Laminated Tour Map and popular book “Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway” by Victoria Logue. These bestselling products will give you all the information you need to truly enjoy your Blue Ridge Parkway Vacation getaway.

Have the soaring gas prices forced you to cut back on your vacation? If so, warm up your mouse-clicking finger and get over to www.virtualblueridge.com before the August 31st deadline for your chance to win!

Although Biltmore is open 365 days a year, spring is one of the best times to visit the estate. Encompassing 8,000 acres of lush landscaping and lavish architecture, Biltmore both impress and inspires visitors from all over the world.

From now until May 18, visitors can enjoy the Festival of Flowers, an annual event showcasing hundreds of azaleas in a dazzling array of colors and hues. Plus, enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 am-3:30 pm in the garden. You can also take a self-guided tours of the gardens, which is included with estate admission.

In addition, the Biltmore is offering free admission to Moms on Sunday, May 11 with the purchase of a youth or adult ticket. Starting May 30, the Biltmore will host a new interactive exhibit entitled If These Walls Could Talk. More information is available on the official Biltmore website.

If you’re visiting Blue Ridge this weekend, then stop in at Grove Arcade from 5-8 pm on Friday, April 18 to enjoy free live jazz music performed by The Golden Quartet and Dave Perkins Certified Organic. This Friday performance is the final Jazz After 5 concert for 2008, and local restaurants will offer beer, wine, and appetizers for purchase.

Sponsorship for the Jazz After 5 series is provided by LandDesign, News Radio 570 WWNC, 880AM The Revolution, Fosters Group, and Empire Distributors of North Carolina.

Other upcoming events at the Grove Arcade include the Grove Arcade Flower Show April 26-27 and the Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth CD Release Party on June 1.

It’s time to celebrate the beginning of Spring in North Carolina! I’m sure you’d love to take some pictures of your trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, complete with flowering blossoms.

Thanks to the Blue Ridge Parkway Association,  this handy bloom schedule will let you know what’s flowering and where it’s located along the road. You’ll see everything from Mayapples and Dogwood to Flame Azaleas and White Rhododendrons.

Be sure to keep your eye out for beautiful flora at your favorite attractions as well, like the flower pictured in this post, found at the Biltmore Estate. We’d love to hear which flower you’d like to see during your travels, so let us know in a comment!