RIDE THE RAILS OF THE UNDEAD

09-10-2008

 

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Nelsonville, Ohio – September 9, 2008 – Whether it’s to see the changing leaves by day or solve a murder mystery by night, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway has your fall boarding pass.

 

There’s something creepy about riding the rails at sundown. Haunting noises make the imagination race. A chill wafts through the passenger car and with a jolt, IT happens – A rollicking good time as you find yourself part of the show aboard the Hocking Express.

 

Hop aboard with Professor Phillip Phelps as he investigates psychic phenomenon. If train cars could talk, these would scream – “WATCH OUT!”

 

The Professor has been at this business for years, long enough to differentiate between ectoplasmic vapors, orbs and globes. But he soon finds something unearthly has been investigating him – The Vampire Whisperer!

 

Each mystery train includes improvisation, music and sound effects, and of course audience participation to split your sides …with laughter. It is up to the passengers to find the clues to solve the mystery. Some may network to share leads while others are more interested in dancing in the aisle.  

 

The Vampire Whisperer installment of Hocking Valley Mystery Trains runs October 24 & 25 and 29 – 31, 2008. It’s a professional theatric event assembled and performed by Random Acts of Mysteries.

 

If turning over new clues isn’t your thing, perhaps turning over a new leaf is.

 

Trips for the Hocking Valley Fall Foliage Tours, including visits to a reconstructed 1840’s era village depart Nelsonville, Ohio regularly throughout the autumn season.

 

The 22-mile round trip to Logan, Ohio and back are leisurely rides along the Hocking River and Appalachian foothills providing great family-friendly entertainment. Choose to ride in either the 1920s commuter coaches or open air cars. There’s even first-class service in a restored B&O coach complete with air-conditioning. The most used engine is a diesel locomotive built in 1952. The interesting history of the area and the railway are highlighted by the conductor’s narrative as the train passes by a canal lock, historic old company towns and other landmarks while following the Hocking River through rolling hills filled with natural fall splendor.

 

During the trips, passengers have an opportunity to step off the train and back into time at Robbins Crossing. Instantly, cooking from the nearby wood stove floats an inviting aroma passed your nose. Clanking and clamoring rings out from the fully-operational blacksmith shop. Ladies in period-dress are busy candle making and spinning yarn. Folks gather on porches for some good ole Appalachian-style music dancing off instruments of Yesteryear.

 

The leisurely visit may be commemorated with a unique purchase at the railway's Gift Shop and Train Store. 

 

Fall Foliage Trains are offered every Thursday and Friday in addition to the regular Saturday and Sunday Schedule from October 2 – 31, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. and last about 2 ¼ hours, including a 30-minute stop at Robbins Crossing.

 

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway preserves, restores and operates historic railroad equipment for the education and entertainment of the public. Many old trains left to die are given new life at a train yard passengers can see en-route to Robbins Crossing. Founded in 1972, this non-profit organization has continuously operated by volunteers. The railway attracted more passengers in 2007 than any previous year in its history.

 

The town of Nelsonville is just a skip and jump from the Hocking Hills State Parks and has plenty to offer before and after train excursions. Across the tracks from the depot is The Rocky® Outdoor Gear.  Downtown features a recently restored public square and is loaded with sites ranging from the 1879 Stuart’s Opera House to the historic Dew Hotel where Presidents Roosevelt, Taft, McKinley and Harding made campaign stops. 

 

For more information such as hours and admissions about Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and its regular or specialty trains that run throughout the year, including Christmas season, visit www.hvsry.org.

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