My husband, father-in-law, his girl friend, and I rode the GSMR, on Wednesday, October 23, the 1PM, Nantahala Gorge Excursion. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We got there earlier than expected because someone (ME!), misread the length of time for our drive up, but no biggie. Several shops and restaurants were open for exploring.

From the moment we arrived, the staff provided us with answers and information as our questions arose. Everyone we spoke with was professional, and friendly, going out of their way to make sure we were being taken care of. My FIL has a hard time getting around, so staff members (THANK YOU, RICK!!!) offered rides on the golf carts to get him (us) to our loading zone. ANYONE with handicaps, or mobility issues, they DO have a lift to assist people who can't climb steps, or are in a wheelchair, so if that's keeping you from going, I'm here to tell you - they have it covered! It's a manual crank lift, but it got the four of us up, and safely onto the train.

Steven was our host on the MacNeill car. He was a hoot, very entertaining, and kept us listening with the stories - and jokes - about the history of the area. The MacNeill was clean, inviting, and comfortable. Windows were a bit dusty, but hey, the train moves up and down the tracks, and dust happens. It didn't keep us from seeing an American Bald Eagle 🦅, as we were riding past a section of Fontana Lake. It was AWESOME!

Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it costs a lot to keep the train running. Our meals were quite tasty, but my recommendation is make sure you eat breakfast, or get a snack to eat before the ride, because we were three hours +/- into the ride before lunch was served. The 1st class cars were served lunch. The other cars offer a boxed lunch that you pick up before getting on the train. Yes, we splurged at my father-in-law's request. We went 1st class. My husband and I had the roast beef, with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans (NOT CANNED), and a dinner roll. The other two had the grilled chicken salad - and to clarify - it is strips of grilled chicken, on top of a salad mix along with sliced, boiled eggs, crackers, and they each had a dinner roll with butter. The meals were delicious and filling. *And included in the 1st class ticket price.

Our complementary insulated drink glasses remained filled with water, tea, coffee, or sodas. You can order alcoholic beverages from their list of options, but that's extra, although you can get a souvenir glass with those beverages. (We're not drinkers, but I paid attention to those around us who chose to imbibe). Dessert was good to me, but my husband is picky, and opted not to eat his after taking a taste - pumpkin swirl cheesecake. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the crust was a ginger cookie of some sort, or graham crackers with a ginger seasoning in it. It was definitely a seasonal type of dessert. He doesn't care for ginger spice.

CHRIS came out with his guitar, towards the end of our trip, and sang a couple of requested tunes. Nice touch to round out our day. You CAN sing along ... "Country roads, take me home ..."

One more thing then I'm done, the STEAM engine pulls you up to the NOC, then they **switch around power sources, and the diesel engine pulls the train back to the depot. It helps keep both engines running smoothly and efficiently.

**This is done during the layover. Guests can get off the train to walk around and explore, or do a little bit of shopping.

If you're on the fence about going on the train ride? I say DO IT!