A mid June day brought beautiful weather for a train ride through the mountains of western North Carolina. Members of Tennessee State Bank’s Super Partners and Super Sixties were able to take full advantage of the wonderful day as they boarded the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train left the depot from Bryson City for the 4.5 hour – 44 mile round trip excursion along the Nantahala River Gorge.
The track was built in the late 1800’s for transporting logs to the lumber mills as well as passengers from the cities that came to the mountains to avoid the summer heat. With the invention of the automobile and the creation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the need for passenger transportation and the movement of cut trees diminished. In 1988, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad was formed and now transports upward of 200,000 passengers each year.
After the train excursion, the group satisfied their appetites at the town of Dillsboro at the historic Jarrett House Inn. Dillsboro was formed due to the railroad passing through. Opening in 1884, the Jarrett House Inn benefited from the city visitors and earned a reputation of famous home cooked meals. With full bellies and fond memories of a relaxing day aboard the train, the group headed through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the return trip home.
Tennessee State Bank offers travel opportunities to their senior customers who are members of the Super Sixties and Super Partners. Trips planned for the future include New York City; Asheville, N.C. and Biltmore by Candlelight; and Holland and Belgium for tulips and windmills. To find out more how you may participate in these and other Tennessee State Bank events, visit any of their eleven locations.

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