Scenic Railway Adventure

All aboard! We’re off to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a wonderful train adventure. Summer is the most popular season in the Blue Ridge Mountains and for good reason. With warm summer temperatures, clear blue skies, crystal clear waters, vibrant green trees and grass, plus the abundance of wildflowers, mountain laurel, dogwoods and more, there are very few places that pack so much beauty and fun into one place. Join us on this two-day adventure that is filled with history, fun and beauty.

Friday, June 21^st and Thursday, August 22^nd – This morning we begin our adventure by traveling to Quicksburg, Virginia and touring “American Celebration on Parade”. It is one of America’s most unique museums and offers an up-close experience with parade floats from famous national celebrations including Presidential Inaugural Parades, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and much more. On television these floats may seem small, but at this museum, you’ll discover that they are larger than life. You’ll see more than 20 full-sized parade floats up close, experience what it’s like to stand on or drive a massive float and be able to take pictures at backdrops where US Presidents and other famous Americans have stood, including the 60’ by 40’ US flag used in multiple Presidential Inaugurals beginning with President Reagan’s in 1989. Then it’s a short drive to Staunton, Virginia where we will board a beautifully modernized 1940s railroad passenger car, enjoying a dinner as the train winds through some of Virginia’s prettiest countryside. Going east from Staunton on a three-hour round-trip excursion, we will pass through the Blue Ridge Tunnel and then turn around in Ivy, Va., before returning to Staunton. From exciting tunnels to thrilling turns around rock cut-outs, you will surely enjoy this train ride and the delicious dinner they serve en route. Afterwards we will check into our hotel, the historic Hotel 24 South. (D)

Saturday, June 22^nd and Friday, August 23^rd – After a tasty breakfast at our hotel, we are off for more adventures. We will begin with a driving tour of Staunton where we’ll learn about the history and architecture of this award-winning “Main Street.” We’ll visit four of the six historic districts plus stop at Trinity Episcopal Church to see the original Tiffany stained glass windows that are absolutely gorgeous.

On the June trip, you’ll have free time at Staunton’s Farmer’s Market to browse through a variety of stands that sell vegetables, alpaca products, bakery goods and so much more. There is nothing quite like purchasing from the person who grew or made the product.

On the August trip, we’ll go next to Carter Mountain Orchard for their extraordinary fresh fruit and produce, and for the whimsical shopping in their market and bakery. 

For both trips, our last destination will be Charlottesville to enjoy lunch at Michie Tavern. This Historic Landmark was established in 1784 by William Michie and was the social hub of the community, providing travelers with food, drink, and lodging. In the 1920s a local businesswoman had the vision of moving it to Monticello Mountain, 17 miles from its original location. In 1928 the entire building was taken apart beam by beam and reconstructed on its current site. As you step inside the tavern to enjoy a wonderful lunch, you will feel you are stepping back in time as their tradition of hospitality continues to live on, even today. After a scrumptious meal, we will make our way home, with great memories of our train adventure in western Virginia.

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