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Charlie & Debbie

Sample Moonshine While Riding The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Author Debbie Nance

Yes, you can sample North Carolina moonshine on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience.  The “Shine and Dine” four-and-a-half hour trip departs from Bryson City, North Carolina daily through October 30.  The excursion crosses historic bridges and offers views of the beautiful Nantahala Gorge and lakes of the Appalachian mountains.  Because passengers are offered samples, the ride is for adults only.  And, the sampling menu includes all the classics like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Cherry and Peach, locally made in North Carolina.  Plus, they’re hand-crafted, triple distilled.  But, it doesn’t stop there.  Riders can purchase moonshine-infused cocktails such as Copper Cola and Moonshiner’s Mimosa.  The Shine and Dine experience takes place in The Carolina Shine, a renovated first class train fleet car.  The copper-lined walls document the history of moonshining in the state.  As the train whisks you away, read about the proud Appalachian tradition of bootlegging.  Also, learn about Swain County’s most famous moonshine outlaw of the 19th century, Major Redmond.  And, the ride comes with an attendant for full-service, including a meal.  This month, early morning departures feature a Cheesy Shrimp and Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole meal.  In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Pulled Pork BBQ meal.  In addition, customers have a choice of purchasing tickets for the diesel ride or steam engine.  Of course, prices and ticket purchasing are available on the website. 

And, if you want something the kids love, check out the Polar Express coming up in November.  Based on the popular book and film, kids experience a magical ride filled with Christmas carols and cocoa.  And, of course, Santa climbs aboard and presents children with their very own silver sleigh bell.

I remember when we took our son for something similar in Alabama.  It truly was magical!

11 Breathtaking Places to Enjoy This Fall in North Carolina

Are you ready for the fall season as much as me? North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places to visit during the fall season. You have mountains, city views, beaches, and so much more to enjoy. We are one of the most beautiful states in the country and have so much to offer during every season.

Virginia Travel Tips curated a list of the 11 breathtaking places to enjoy fall in North Carolina. Do you already have a favorite North Carolina spot for fall foliage? There are plenty of parks, towns, and attractions to enjoy this fall. Fall is my favorite season, so I am fully prepared to get through this bucket list! Fall is so much fun from the not too hot or cold weather, beautiful colors, and great festive things to do. Time to start planning your fall bucket list. Check out Virginia Travel Tips list of the 11 most breathtaking places to enjoy this fall.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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