Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024 - 47

sary, the original home of Rock City's
founders Garnet and Frieda Carter will
be open to the public for the first time
ever. Inside, guests can visit with Santa
Claus. The jolly guy will also meet with
kiddos in his workshop atop Lookout
Mountain.
After
telling Saint Nick what you
want for Christmas, hop aboard The
Incline Railway to travel a mile along
one of the steepest stretches of railroad
tracks in the world. At the top, you'll find
Point Park-the site of the Civil War
battle commonly referred to as " The
Battle Above the Clouds. "
At the bottom of the mountain, you'll
find the historic town of St. Elmo. Quaint
and charming, this itsy village is home to
Clumpies Ice Cream Co., a boutique
shop that scoops up quirky flavors like
" Curious George " and " Firecracker. " If
you're in the mood for something savory,
order the shrimp and crawfish étouffée
from 1885 Grill down the street.
Come bedtime, book a room at the
Chanticleer Inn, a European-style bed
and breakfast situated on two acres of
lush gardens.
Enchanted Garden of Lights happens from
November 15-January 4, 2025, at Rock City
(1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain, Georgia.).
Visit seerockcity.com.
Meet Santa on the Farm in
Bryson City, North Carolina
During the growing season, Darnell
Farms in Bryson City, North Carolina,
produces 100 acres of strawberries, pole
beans, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash
and other fruits and veggies. But once
the fall harvest comes to an end, this
working farm cultivates a different crop:
Yuletide cheer.
Happening on select nights from
November 27 to December 24, Winter
Wonderland beckons locals and out-oftowners
alike to the property for charming
wagon rides.
" The experience
begins as guests
settle into heated seats, a cozy touch that
takes the chill off the mountain air, " says
David Johnson, a farm representative.
" As the wagon rolls through the farm,
thousands of twinkling Christmas lights
illuminate the path, creating a mesmerizing
display that captures the wonder of
OPENING SPREAD: The Smoky Mountains dazzle
with the holiday lights in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
LEFT: Rock City, at Lookout Mountain, Georgia,
explodes with two million holiday lights.
BELOW: Bryson City, North Carolina, offers wagon
rides though its holiday-lights displays.
the season. "
Afterward, guests can catch up with
Santa Claus, sip warm beverages and
purchase fresh-cut Christmas trees. But
the festive fun doesn't stop there. According
to Sarah Conley, executive director
of the Swain County Tourism Development
Authority, Bryson City goes all out
for the holidays.
" Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains,
our charming Christmas town
feels like it's been plucked straight from
a Hallmark movie, " she says.
Every season, the town trims the
streets with garland and hosts the Smoky
Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular,
a dazzling display you can enjoy from
the comfort of your car.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 47
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SWAIN COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
http://www.seerockcity.com
Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024

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