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The Conway
Scenic Railway, operating out of Conway and North Conway,
New Hampshire, offers three different ongoing trips, and numerous
special events. A couple of years ago I took a very enjoyable foliage
tour on the Conway Scenic Railway, and later took a trip that was
specially designed for rail fans. Both trips were taken on the Railway's
meticulously restored equipment, through the varied scenery of the
White Mountains region.
The North Conway train station has been operating
for 128 years, beginning as a terminus for wealthy summer visitors.
In 1932, snow trains began running, bringing skiers up to the region
that is considered to be the birthplace of American skiing. However,
passenger service to North Conway ended in 1962, with freight service
ending in 1972, when the station was boarded up. Fortunately for
those who love trains, the Conway Scenic Railway restored and reopened
the station in 1974, and the Railway began excursion train service.
The
Railway operates two trains, the Valley Train and the Crawford Notch
Train. The Valley Train departs from the historic North Conway station
and travels eleven miles to its terminus in Conway. Another Valley
Train makes a 21 mile round trip to Bartlett, and both trips take
the traveler through beautiful countryside, featuring farmland and
woodlands. The Crawford Notch Train takes a 5½ hour journey
northward, through valleys and over incredibly high trestles, passing
through the beautiful White Mountains.
Now that we are on the cusp of spring here in
New England, the Conway Scenic Railway has released a schedule of
its springtime events. On the weekend of April 12 - April 14, 2002,
you can celebrate the arrival of spring at the Mt. Washington Valley
Rite of Spring Express and Parade. The kids will love to take a
ride on the Bunny Express and see "The Rabbit King" at the Woodland
Theatre. Maybe they'll even meet King Rabbit. The Bunny Express
leaves on Friday at 4:00pm, Saturday at 10:30am and 2:00pm, and
Sunday at 10:30am. I recommend advance reservations. For more information
call 603-356-8776 or 603-356-5251 or visit www.monarchenterprises.com.
You can make reservations beginning April 8, 2002.
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12, 2002
Have your child bring you along, and you travel
free on Mother's Day. If Mom comes with another paying adult, Mom
will ride free in First Class. Complimentary snacks are served in
First Class. The train departs at noon, 1:00pm and 2:00pm and reservations
are not required.
Saturday, June 1, 2002, is Junior Railroader's
Day, with special activities for the little ones, including contests,
video shows and raffles.
Father's Day, Sunday, June 16, 2002
Just like Mother's Day, but for the Big Guy. Dad
rides free with his child, and free in First Class when accompanied
by another paying adult. Complimentary appetizers are served in
First Class. The train departs 11:30am to Bartlett, 1:30pm to Conway
and 3:00pm to Conway.
For further information about any of the above
special events, call (603) 356-5251 or 1-800-232-5251 or go to www.conwayscenic.com.
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