The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Travel

August 25, 2008

Ride rails of the undead

NELSONVILLE, Ohio –- 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.

Hop aboard with Professor Phillip Phelps as he investigates psychic phenomenon. He has been at this business for years, long enough to differentiate between ectoplasmic vapors, orbs and globes.

Each mystery train includes improvisation, music and sound effects, and of course audience participation. 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 Oct. 24 and 25 and Oct. 29 - 31. It’s a professional theatric event assembled and performed by Random Acts of Mysteries.

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

The 22-mile round trip to Logan, Ohio, and back are leisurely rides along the Hocking River and Appalachian foothills. 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. 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.

Passengers have an opportunity to step off the train and back into time at Robbins Crossing with inviting aromas, a fully-operational blacksmith shop, folks gathering to spin yarn and play Appalachian-style music.

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

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway was founded in 1972, this non-profit organization has continuously operated by volunteers.

The town of Nelsonville is near the Hocking Hills State Parks and has plenty to offer before and after train excursions. The 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 about Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 Canal St., Nelsonville, OH 45764; visit www.hvsry.org; call 800-967-7834; or email shebner@ameritech.net

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