Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to
If Santa had his own train, it would certainly stop in a place named Star. This tiny town has always been known for its holiday spirit: Its Christmas parade is
If Santa had his own train, it would certainly stop in a place named Star. This tiny town has always been known for its holiday spirit: Its Christmas parade is
All aboard! This magic-filled train ride through a Montgomery County wonderland includes seasonal sweets, plenty of cheer, and a few extra-special passengers.
If Santa had his own train, it would certainly stop in a place named Star. This tiny town has always been known for its holiday spirit: Its Christmas parade is one of the oldest in the state. The post office holds a holiday stamp cancellation contest each year. And Starworks, its arts center, draws shoppers from all around for an annual ornament sale. So is it any surprise that Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway chose Star as a stop for its new Carolina Christmas Train?
As the whistle reverberates through the December night, families with children — some clad in pajamas — board the train from a hub of twinkling lights in front of Starworks. Joyful carols ring out over the intercom, and scents of hot cocoa and sugar cookies fill the train cars. Children savor their sweets between visits with such lauded guests as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch.
The Carolina Christmas Train offers people a way to experience the area’s century-old railway heritage. photograph by Jerry Wolford & Scott Muthersbaugh
During the hour-long ride, the train stops at the circa-1919 Little River trestle. At 125 feet, it’s the highest in the county — providing the perfect vantage point for a light show set to festive music.
As children and their parents depart, they pass once more through a maze of lights. From there, they’ll head home, where visions of sugar cookies and holiday trains are sure to dance in their heads.
For more information about the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway’s Carolina Christmas Train, visit acwr.com/excursions.
Get our most popular weekly newsletter: This is NC
John Champlin has traveled across the state — and the nation — in search of hard-to-find spots that serve an unforgettable hot dog. After 11 years, what he’s discovered goes way beyond the bun.
In the early 20th century, textile mill owners sponsored baseball teams, providing entertainment for their employees and nurturing a passion for the game that’s been handed down through generations of North Carolinians.
Our writer reflects on where his love of vinyl began, and how the snap, crackle, and pop of a needle sliding across a turntable will always satisfy his soul.