Step aside, partner, it’s my day, bend an ear and listen to my version of a really solid Tennessee excursion.
And I won’t play hard and fast with the route which never went actually through Carolina…
It was western Virginia, although we’re sure that their ham and eggs is mighty fine.
The lovesick sap on the train from Pennsylvania Station in New York to Chattanooga may well have enjoyed his magazine and Baltimore.
But he would have missed the views along the way.
You won’t make that mistake when you visit Chattanooga, which not surprisingly makes the most of its railway heritage.
Tennessee is not very far
With the Tennessee Valley Railroad putting on year-ride vintage rides for fans of the Volunteer State, of which we are signed-up members.
Now naturally at this time of year the emphasis is on Christmas.
And the Tennesseans don’t let the small matter of being in the Deep South of the US to stop them celebrating the North Pole.
Tennessee Rail Road Valley puts on a Magical Journey with North Pole Limited Christmas Train, a Christmas Tea and Christmas Daylight Express.
You can also enjoy a picturesque round-trip train ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge.
Write a letter and meet Santa and enjoy a delicious gingerbread cookie and chocolate milk on the train.
And just so the big people don’t feel left Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday is just for you over-21s.
With a nightcap with St. Nick, a one-hour train ride with all the bright trimmings of the season.
Loop the loop
And because Tennessee isn’t just for Christmas then why not plan ahead for May-late November and the Hiwassee Loop?
You’ll be whisked away on a five-hour journey through the lower Hiwassee River gorge, featuring that loop.
This 50-mile round trip starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m, showcasing the natural beauty and railway marvels of Tennessee ($56pp).
The high point of which is at Farner, where the tracks intriguingly cross over themselves.
As they spiral up the mountain, the only example east of the Mississippi.
The one I call Funny Face
It looks like the Tennessee Valley Railroad has taken care of everything.
Well, maybe not a certain party at the station, satin and lace, I used to call funny face.
Guess, I’ll take her with me this time and maybe branch out to those familiar and memorable destinations from my MLK 50 trip.
And start a whole new my version of a really solid Tennessee excursion
Fly London Heathrow to Nashville with hotel stay at the Hayes Street Hotel with British Airways from December 11-16 from £1,633pp.
Chattanooga is just two hours drive, and the whole of the Volunteer State awaits.
