Neill McNeill's Blog

Tweetsie Railroad was my first theme park experience. I remember my mom and dad loading up the 1965 Impala for the four hour journey to Blowing Rock. Several years ago I took my own children to Tweetsie. Believe it or not, they seemed to enjoy it as much or more than the Disney Parks. (It was A LOT less expensive and not as crowded too!)

This is why I was happy to read in the Winston-Salem Journal this morning Watauga County Commissioners have agreed to help keep Tweetsie Railroad open. You see, the park’s railroad (which consists of a late 1800s-era steam locomotive that pulls passengers through the mountain foliage to experience an old-fashioned train robbery—among other things) runs through several pieces of property the park leases.

Apparently the ownership of one of those pieces of property expressed an interest to end its relationship with Tweetsie, sell the property, and make a whole lot of money. (That just goes to show you the current land value in North Carolina’s High Country.) Tweetsie couldn’t compete with that. The park’s president, Chris Robbins, (His family’s owned the place since it opened in 1957!) had said this and other unresolved land issues threatened to close the park.

Then last night, Watauga County Commissioners stepped up to the plate. They agreed to spend more than 3-million dollars to buy the land in question with plans to sell it back to Tweetsie eventually plus interest and other expenses. The deal also calls for the county’s tourism authority to spend more than 1-million dollars to market the park and other area attractions.

I was also pleased to read the management of Grandfather Mountain (which certainly competes with Tweetsie for visitors) spoke up in favor of Tweetsie at the meeting saying that when people drive up from Florida they need more than one place to visit or they’re not going to come. Talk about cooperation. Some of those in the Piedmont-Triad who resist “regionalism” can learn something from this.

This is certainly good news for Tweetsie which has faced some tough challenges in recent months. (The park’s museum burned recently.) Yes, this park is what many would call “campy.” But the eyes of so many children (and adults!) —despite the Disney-fication of our world—will still light up as they  experience the thrill of a real steam locomotive, see an old-west show, speak to cowboys, pan for gold, and enjoy a show in the old dance hall---just as I did in the mid-1960s and just as my children do today.

I’m just glad Tweetsie ended the old parking lot practice of sticking “Tweetsie Railroad” bumper stickers on your car while you’re inside enjoying the park. My dad and I had a lot of trouble peeling one off the Impala.