Charleston Living Magazine Nov-Dec 2021

BUZZ | ROAD TRIP
Tomotley Oak Alley, Beaufort, SC
B
eneath the flocked white Christmas tree adorned with handmade wooden ornaments
lays a hardbound book. On its cover, a picture of a beaming light from what appeared to be a steam
engine, a blanket of snow and the words, “The Polar Express.” For years, it was tradition to have a bell placed
somewhere that allowed it to ring with the movement of a door, to keep the magic of “believing” alive during
the holidays. Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this book inspired many for years before Tom
Hanks helped make it an annual holiday tradition, played out on passenger trains across the country.
PHOTOS BRYSON CITY TDA & CHAMBER
Bringing the magic to life, the Great Smoky
Mountains Railroad operates The Polar Express
November 12 through Jan 1, 2022.
(Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving).
The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion
comes to life as the train departs the Bryson
The Thing About Trains
‘It doesn’t matter where they’re goin’ — what matters is deciding to get on’
By MANDY MURRY
City, NC depot for a journey through the quiet
wilderness for a special visit to the North
Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture
soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm
cocoa and a treat while listening and reading
along with the magical story. Children’s faces
show the magic of the season when the train
arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus
waiting. Santa will board The Polar Express,
greeting each child and presenting them with
a special gift as in the story: their own silver
sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as
November/December 2021 | 45