Another Step Back in Time

Observing Amish life around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, certainly takes you back to a time when everything was much simpler. You can experience another step back in time by visiting the very popular Strasburg Railroad in Strasburg, PA. The railroad has been in operation since the mid-1800’s, currently running a number of authentic, turn-of-the-century steam locomotives and passenger cars and is a Mecca for railroad enthusiasts and photographers.

Old 475 (Click on photo for info)

A ride on the Strasburg Railroad through the scenic farmlands of Lancaster County is enjoyed by young and old alike. It’s a leisurely, 45-minute narrated roundtrip between the towns of Strasburg and Paradise. The train makes one stop along the way at Groff’s Picnic Grove where you can hop off for a picnic and return to the station on a later train, if you like. You have the option of riding in a coach car, dining in a dining car, or living in luxury in the President’s Car or First-Class Parlor Car. There are also many special events during the year like Wine and Cheese Trains, Victorian Teas, Veteran’s Day military specials, Easter Bunny Trains, and the always popular Santa’s Paradise Express.

The Trip (Click on photo for info)

On a Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago I went over to the railroad to take a few pictures – it turned out to be one of the “Day out with Thomas” days. Thomas the Tank Engine was there, along with hundreds and hundreds of his closest friends. It was a madhouse, but I was fortunate enough to get a good parking space. Because of the crowds, there weren’t too many good photo opportunities, but I did manage to get a few shots of the train coming into the station. I’m not that familiar with Thomas the Tank Engine since he became popular in this country after our kids were older, but watching the kids and their parents turned out to be very interesting. I’ve never seen so many small children so excited – they were riding on a train pulled by their hero, Thomas. It was pure joy. If you have children who like Thomas, I would highly recommend catching one of his visits to Strasburg. His next scheduled visit is Dec. 4 – 6, 2009.

Speaking of railroad enthusiasts, if you’re really into railroading, you also can’t miss the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, right across the road from the Strasburg Railroad. The museum displays over 100 locomotives and cars from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, including the priceless Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection.

The Arrival (Click on photo for info)

Through the Fields (Click on photo for info)

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