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Today’s Email Announcements

Watauga County Gospel Singing, June 24

WHAT:                Watauga County Gospel Singing       
 
WHERE:              Mountain Dale Baptist Church
Mountain Dale Road, Vilas, NC
Pastor B Eric Cornett
 
WHEN:                June 24, 2017
6:00 p.m.

 

Concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church, July 2

Sunday, July 2nd will find The Good Vibes Trio at St. John’s Episcopal Church performing swing, bosa nova and torch songs in the style of Lionel Hampton.  Bring a covered dish to share and join us for supper on the lawn after an evening of wonderful music.  The concert is at 5:00 pm with admission of $5.00 per person.  St. John’s is located in Valle Crucis on Herb Thomas Rd., – off Mast Gap Road – signs will be posted. For further information www.holycrossvallecrucis.net and clink on the link for St. John’s or call 828-963-4609

 

Summer Excursion Train Through the Great Smoky Mountains, Aug. 12

If you’re experiencing the Summer Doldrums, we have the cure for you – getting out of the house and taking a great train ride! Escape the Dog Days of Summer with a cool, refreshing and scenic train trip through the mountains of the Southern Appalachian region. On Saturday, August 12th, 2017, the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum will sponsor its “Summer 2017 Excursion” – a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through the majestic Smoky Mountains and the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. The train follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade, many bridges, and the beautiful whitewater Nantahala Gorge. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers and crosses Fontana Lake Trestle, standing 100 feet above the lake and spanning 780 feet. After crossing the lake, the train will enter the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge – a natural wonder. Passengers can choose to ride in comfort in Coach Class, Crown Class or First Class. Ticket prices for adult Coach Class seats are $83 and $69 for children (2 to 12 years). Adult Crown Class seats are $96 and $79 for children (2 to 12 years). First Class seats $152 for adults over 21.

The trip will begin in the parking lot of the Liberty Bell Middle School in Johnson City, TN, where passengers will board a motor coach departing 9:15 a.m. We will also pick up passengers in the Asheville area at the Weaverville, NC Wal Mart Super Center , 25 Northridge Commons Parkway, Weaverville, NC at Exit 19 off of Interstate 26 at 10.00 am. Upon arriving Bryson City, NC, passengers will have time to shop, snack, and visit the Smoky Mountain Train Museum before boarding the excursion train at 1:45 p.m. for the 4.5 – hour roundtrip to the Nantahala Gorge and return. There will be a layover at the Gorge for sightseeing. Expected arrival back in Weaverville at 7:30 p.m and to Johnson City at 8:30 p.m.

To order tickets (and lunch for Coach and Crown Classes, if desired), send your check or money order along with the number of tickets, the class of car you choose and lunch choices to Summer 2017 Excursions, Watauga Valley RHS&M, P. O. Box 432, Johnson City, TN,37605-0432. A printable ticket / lunch order form is available by going to our web site at www.wataugavalleynrhs.org and clicking on the “Excursions” link. Please specify if you will accept an alternate class of service if your choice is sold out; you will be refunded the difference. Money will be refunded if you do not wish an alternate service.

Passengers will have several options for lunch:

  1. Bring your lunch (small coolers only).
  2. The following box lunch meals will be available for purchase at $11.00 per meal

and must be pre-ordered with your train ticket.

  1. TURKEY & CHEESE ON CROISSANT
  2. BAKED CHICKEN BREAST ON CROISSANT

Included with the box lunch are chips, cookies and a choice of drink (unlimited

coffee, tea or soft drink) in a disposable cup. Box lunches can be picked up in the

concession car once boarded.

  1. We’re excited to offer our passengers a dining in historic dining cars. A truly

unique, on board dining experience in the grand tradition. A choice of meal (see

menu below) will be available for selection. Note all dining car meals must be

pre-purchased when ordering train ticket. These dinners include a choice of drink

(unlimited coffee, tea or soft drink); and a special dessert. The cost is $15.00 per person.

  1. Purchase food from the concession car.

For questions about the trip, visit our web site at www.wataugavalleynrhs .org; phone (423) 753-5797; email wataugavalley@embarqmail.com; or write us at Watauga Valley RHS&M, P. O. Box 432, Johnson City, TN 37605-0432.

Dinner Menu

 Pulled Pork Boston roast rubbed with our special spices then slow-roasted to

                     Perfection served with slaw and cinnamon apples.

Fire Braised Our freshly made gourmet salad of cashews, sunflower seeds dried

Chicken       cranberries, fresh blueberries, edamame, red onion, grape tomatoes,

Salad             shredded carrots, napa cabbage, and kale tossed with a light

                     Pomegranate blueberry dressing then topped with fire-braised

                    Chicken, seasoned and sliced.

Veggie         Our freshly made gourmet salad of cashews, sunflower seeds, dried

Lover           cranberries, fresh blueberries, edamame, red onion, grape tomatoes,

Delight         shredded carrots, napa cabbage, and kale tossed with light

                     Pomegranate blueberry dressing.

Pot Roast     Pot Roast

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie “The Fugitive,” starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed in Dillsboro along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The wreckage of the set can still be viewed on the outbound train excursion from Dillsboro. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad also was used in the filming of the 1996 comedy “My Fellow Americans,” starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, when they stumble on to a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill Fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie “Forces of Nature,” starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, also were filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

FOR INFORMATION – VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT www.wataugavalleynrhs.org

Or phone 423-753-5797

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Evening Program, June 24

Saturday, June 24th, 2017

Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 316 

7:00pm Stream Gems

The waters along the Blue Ridge Parkway are home to several species of trout. Come learn about trout, why they are found in this area, the things that they feed on, and the challenges they face.

Approximately 45 minutes in length

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Evening Programs, June 30, July 1

Friday, June 30th, 2017

Linville Falls Visitor Center – Milepost 316

11:00 am Linville Falls Guided Hike

Join a ranger and learn about the cultural and natural history of this iconic waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is rated moderate, so good footwear is encouraged. Weather can be variable so be prepared and bring water. Hike will last about an hour and a half.           

 

Saturday, July 1st, 2017

Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 316

7:00 pm The Bear Necessities

Want to learn about bears? The American Black Bear is a fascinating and awesome animal, which draws thousands of people to visit Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway every year. Come to this ranger-led program to learn about bear biology, stories about how bears and humans coexist, and what to do in a bear encounter.       **there are no live bears at this program**

Approximately 45 minutes in length

All programs are Free and open to the public

Special thanks to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Eastern National, and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway for their financial support of these programs