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5 Beautiful Train Rides in North Carolina Through Quaint Towns, Vibrant Cities, and the Blue Ridge Mountains

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5 Beautiful Train Rides in North Carolina Through Quaint Towns, Vibrant Cities, and the Blue Ridge Mountains


There’s one thing basic and timeless about taking a prepare journey. For some, it’s a day by day a part of their commute, however for others, it’s an invite to embark on an journey again in time. In case your travels are bringing you to the Tar Heel State, these prepare rides supply a singular view of the enduring Blue Ridge Mountains, in addition to themed vacation experiences. This is a information to one of the best prepare rides in North Carolina that you just (and the entire household) received’t wish to miss.



Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad

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Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad



Nestled in Bryson Metropolis, roughly a one-hour drive from Asheville, is the Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad takeoff station. There are two prepare varieties — an old style steam-powered locomotive and a extra trendy diesel choice — in addition to a number of routes various in distance, time, and theme, although all present a scenic expertise.


One of the crucial well-liked journeys is the Nantahala Gorge Tour, a 4.5-hour round-trip journey providing a pit cease to soak within the mountaintop views. Or, you may hop aboard the Tuckasegee River Tour, a four-hour trek that features a cease in a small historic city for some fast buying.  

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Locals and vacationers alike swarm to the Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad for its particular Polar Specific prepare throughout the holidays, which incorporates cookies, sizzling cocoa, and a Santa sighting, in addition to encourages passengers of all ages to put on their pajamas whereas on board. {Couples} can take pleasure in dinners with a wine pairing, a Carolina moonshine tasting, a homicide thriller social gathering, and different themed rides that make for a enjoyable date night time.


Ticket costs vary based mostly on age and sophistication of service, together with firstclass, premium open-air gondola, coach plus, crown, and coach class. Costs begin at $58 for adults and $33 for youths ages two to 12. 



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Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad



A child’s wonderland may be discovered within the small, quaint village of Blowing Rock, deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tweetsie Railroad is understood for its journey park providing themed experiences, together with Thomas the Practice, a ghost trip, and a vacation journey. Along with railroad journeys, the admission payment consists of entry to kid-friendly amusement park rides, a deer petting zoo, dwell interactive exhibits, and extra. Seasonal occasions like a canine frisbee competitors and visiting musicians additionally add to the character and allure of this tiny city expertise. Day by day admission tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for youngsters ages three to 12, and free for youths below two. 

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New Hope Valley Railway

New Hope Valley Railroad



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If experiencing a historic prepare trip is in your want checklist, think about the New Hope Valley Railway. This four-mile, hour-long journey from Bonsal to New Hill is called the “Triangle’s Practice” because it’s situated within the Piedmont area of the state (or the Triangle), connecting Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.


Passengers aboard this classic locomotive will wind via tall pine timber, a signature of the state. All year long, seasonal experiences are on supply, together with summer time adventures with Thomas the Practice, an Easter egg hunt in April, and extra. Verify the web site for particular occasions that promote meals and drinks whereas aboard the prepare, too. 


Whereas some seasonal rides could value extra, normal admission is $11 for youths ages two to 12, $14 for adults, and $13 for seniors 60 years and older. 

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North Carolina Transportation Museum

North Carolina Transportation Museum



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For a daytime tour match for the entire household, think about visiting Spencer, North Carolina, a small city located between Charlotte and Greensboro. This Rowan County vacation spot is the house of the North Carolina Transportation Museum, which was as soon as the Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive manufacturing unit within the southeast. 


Right here, you and your journey companions can study varied types of transportation within the Tar Heel State through the years, from aviation and railroads to vehicles and extra. You’ll be able to tour the Barber Junction Depot, a prepare station in-built 1898 that’s now the customer middle. 


And, after all, no go to could be full and not using a prepare trip. The prepare takes you thru the museum’s 60-acre campus and lasts about 25 minutes. Experience availability modifications every month, however you may hop board Fridays to Sundays (and choose Thursdays and Easter Monday) from March to Might. From June to Labor Day, you may take pleasure in rides from Thursdays to Sundays. Like different railroads within the state, themed rides are a part of the enjoyable, together with Easter bunny excursions and Wine & Dine date-night occasions. 

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Tickets value $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and active-duty army members, $8 for youngsters ages three to 12. Admission for youths below three is free.



Craggy Mountain Line

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Craggy Mountain Line



For these in search of craft beer and mountain views, nothing hits the spot fairly like Asheville. This vibrant metropolis gives quirky experiences, together with boozy rafting down the French Broad River, a tour of the biggest privately owned residence in America — the Biltmore Property — and a prepare trip on the Craggy Mountain Line. Locals name it the “Asheville to Craggy Department,” a nonprofit group that acquired the final three miles of the Craggy Mountain Line in 2001. 


They’ve turned it right into a enjoyable technique to expertise and think about the Blue Ridge Mountains, whether or not for a family-friendly journey or romantic afternoon date. There aren’t any frills or additional bells and whistles; it’s merely a fast tour on a historic prepare. 

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Tickets are $15 per particular person, with children three and below at no cost. It’s also possible to lease the railroad with a gaggle for 2 hours for weddings or bachelorette events. For journey planning, bear in mind the prepare solely runs on Saturdays at 4 p.m. 



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North Carolina

Major update in gruesome murder of glamorous North Carolina realtor found dead inside her townhouse

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Major update in gruesome murder of glamorous North Carolina realtor found dead inside her townhouse


A major breakthrough has developed in the gruesome murder of a glamorous North Carolina realtor who was found ‘wrapped in bloody bedding’ inside her luxury townhouse.

The lifeless body of Charlotte real estate agent Whitney Hurd, 32, was discovered in her upscale South Park home last July after she was reported missing by her family.

She was brutally stabbed to death in the chest, according to an autopsy report released in October.

After six months without an update, police finally have a lead in the case.

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Brandon Braxton, 34, a man with a disturbing criminal past, has been named a person of interest, according to a search warrant of his home on unrelated charges.

Braxton is currently behind bars at Mecklenburg County Jail on unrelated charges.

His troubling criminal history includes allegations of misdemeanor larceny, simple assault, injury to real property and indecent exposure. 

It is unclear if he has entered a plea to those charges, and their respective case is still ongoing.

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The lifeless body of Charlotte realtor Whitney Hurd, 32, was discovered in her upscale SouthPark townhouse last July after she was reported missing by her family

Brandon Braxton, 34, a man with a disturbing criminal past, has been named a person of interest in the chilling case (July 24, 2024)

Brandon Braxton, 34, a man with a disturbing criminal past, has been named a person of interest in the chilling case (July 24, 2024)

Just last week, while investigators were building their case in Hurd’s murder, Braxton was arrested for allegedly stealing from a woman and punching a man in the face – adding to his lengthy criminal record. 

Lindsey Newsome was running a dog adoption fundraiser at a south Charlotte restaurant when she said she had a terrifying encounter with Braxton.

‘He started talking to me a little bit saying he had been wanting to adopt a dog,’ Newsome told WSOC-TV.

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What started as an innocent conversation quickly turned frightening.

‘I was screaming for help. I said, ‘He’s got my money, he’s got my money. Can you help me?” she recalled after Braxton allegedly snatched her bag and fled.

A good Samaritan tackled Braxton near a hotel and held him in a chokehold until police arrived – before getting punched in the face by the suspect.

‘I was just scared. I was in shock,’ Newsome said of the ordeal.

Court records reveal a disturbing pattern of alleged violence that has escalated recently. 

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Brandon Braxton's January 2 mug shot
Brandon Braxton's other mug shot from his recent arrest
Brandon Braxton's October 2024 mug shot

Braxton’s violent history has continued to escalate in recent months. Just last week, while investigators were building their case in Hurd’s murder, Braxton was arrested for allegedly stealing from a woman and punching a man in the face – adding to his lengthy criminal record

In the days before the fundraiser incident, Braxton allegedly threw a brick through a man’s window in Ballantyne, punched a man in the face at a gas pump in the same area, and shattered a Harris Teeter window on Providence Road with a rock.

Police documents note Braxton is known for ‘random acts of violence.’

Just months after Hurd’s death, Braxton was arrested again in October – this time for indecent exposure.

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Search warrants reveal that investigators discovered ‘clothing, shoes and a knife’ during a search of Braxton’s property.

A subsequent warrant requesting DNA swabs stated there was ‘probable cause that a murder has been committed and that the DNA of Brandon David Braxton… is evidence of that murder.’

Despite mounting evidence, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have not officially named suspects in Hurd’s death.

He is set to remain in custody in the meantime for those unrelated charges.

Hurd, described by friends as a vivacious 32-year-old in Charlotte’s competitive real estate market, vanished without a trace on July 11, 2024. 

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Her luxury BMW, which had sparked a citywide search, was recovered a week later under circumstances police have kept quiet

Her luxury BMW, which had sparked a citywide search, was recovered a week later under circumstances police have kept quiet

The desperate search for the beloved realtor came to a tragic end when a private investigator hired by her family made the horrifying discovery.

‘I’m helping the family look for a missing daughter… the body’s here,’ the investigator told 911 operators in a haunting call that would mark the beginning of a six-month investigation.

The young realtor’s body was found ‘wrapped in a pile of bloody bedding’ inside her townhome off Werburgh Street in the exclusive Magnolia Park community.

Her luxury BMW, which had sparked a citywide search, was recovered a week later under circumstances police have kept quiet.

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‘It was something we’re not used to happening in this area,’ Carolina Harris, a neighbor who lives just doors away from the crime scene, told WBTV.

Another resident, Tyler Everett, expressed the community’s growing unease.

‘I’m close to that same age so you don’t think of that being a possibility,’ Everett told WBTV.

‘It was devastating for everybody around here and to not know anything is obviously concerning as well.’

Investigators delved into Hurd’s activity on the dating app Hinge, where her mother revealed she ‘was active’ and ‘was talking to several different men’ before her death.

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The young realtor's body was found 'wrapped in a pile of bloody bedding' inside her townhouse off Werburgh Street in the exclusive Magnolia Park community

The young realtor’s body was found ‘wrapped in a pile of bloody bedding’ inside her townhouse off Werburgh Street in the exclusive Magnolia Park community 

But it was fingerprint evidence that led authorities to Braxton, court documents show.

‘They were friends since high school and Whitney has always been generous and loving to anyone in need.’

Since the gruesome murder, community members have expressed growing fears.

‘I live only half a mile from where Whitney did and am terrified of going out alone now. I went to high school with her as well and remember her as such a sweet, beautiful person. If anyone who knows her is reading this, I would help organize something for justice and awareness,’ one resident posted.

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Her obituary describes Hurd as a vivacious young woman whose life was cut short.

A proud graduate of Providence High School and the University of South Carolina graduating in 2014, Hurd was remembered for her ‘infectious smile and laugh.’

She was a devoted aunt to her nephew Camden and niece Catherine, whom she adored deeply, and a loving member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

She also cherished her cute mini Bernadoodle, Luna, her obituary states.



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Chance of snow this week more likely east and south in central NC

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Chance of snow this week more likely east and south in central NC


RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — We’re not even one month into 2025, and there’s already a second chance to see snowfall in central North Carolina.

Most of the week will be rather cold with temperatures in the 30s to 40s.

Spotty showers are likely on Sunday, amounting to 0.10 to 0.20 inches. This is not all that impactful for the region, and it’s too little rainfall to make any big dent in the drought conditions across the Triangle. The chance for any backside mixed in snowflakes Sunday afternoon looks fleeting, but you’re more likely to see it in far eastern portions of the viewing area.

Another chance for precipitation will be on Tuesday night (more snowy) and Thursday into Thursday night (more icy).

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Tuesday: There can be a path of 1 to 3 inches of snow in the southern/eastern parts of central NC.

Thursday: There is a risk of some freezing rain at night, more likely in the eastern parts of central NC. Details beyond this are limited.

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WATCH | First Alert to Winter Special 2024

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In this week’s special First Alert to Winter show, the team looks at snow chances, the winter forecast and getting ready for wintry weather.

Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Key Ole Miss Transfer Target Thaddeus Dixon Chooses North Carolina Over Rebels

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Key Ole Miss Transfer Target Thaddeus Dixon Chooses North Carolina Over Rebels


The Ole Miss Rebels have made strong moves in the transfer portal this offseason, but the program missed out on a key contributor on Saturday when cornerback Thaddeus Dixon pledged to the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Ole Miss was in the race late for Dixon, but a deciding factor in his decision to join the Tar Heels may have boiled down to Carolina’s hiring of former Washington assistant Armond Hawkins as defensive backs coach. Dixon is a transfer from the Washington Huskies, so familiarity in his new home likely played a role.

READ MORE: Will Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons Continue Playing Baseball in 2025?

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So, where do the Rebels go from here? Ole Miss has already gained some key pieces in its secondary out of the transfer portal (including CB Jaylon Braxton of Arkansas), but Lane Kiffin’s team will probably still be seeking some help in the defensive backfield as the transfer portal continues to move.

According to On3’s current transfer portal class rankings, Ole Miss has the third-best haul in the country, behind Texas Tech and Missouri. The Rebels have seen 23 players transfer into the program so far this offseason, and that number could continue to grow between now and kickoff of the 2025 season.

Ole Miss opens its 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 at home against Georgia State.

READ MORE Ole Miss Rebels News:

Ole Miss To Host Former Penn State WR Trey Wallace

Ole Miss Rebels DT Jamarious Brown Named Freshman All-American

Ole Miss Lands Former Louisville QB Pierce Clarkson Via Transfer Portal

Former Ole Miss Football Superstar AJ Brown Named AP All-Pro Second Team

The Pete Golding Effect: How Ole Miss Football Will Reload Defensively in 2025





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