Tour Texas by Train
For a calming tour through the state of Texas, why not take a train? Trains are an excellent way to take it easy and let somebody else deliver you to your destination without the problem of flying. Plus, you can take in the extensive selection of surroundings as you go across the state, something nearly impossible to do by car or airplane.
There are two special trains that run in Texas that can be enjoyable for the entire family. One is known as the Texas State Railroad and travels through east Texas from Rusk to Palestine. The passenger train is pulled by either a refurbished steam engine or an antique Alco cab diesel. The stations at each end of the line have managed to hold on to their 1800's model look and feel, adding to the authenticity of the trip. The wilderness covered is beautiful and offers children a opportunity to see what historic train travel and accommodation was like.
The other unique railroad in Texas is the Austin Steam Train. This train is designed more for excursions than travel to a destination, but it’s just as entertaining nonetheless. Passengers can pick from three levels of luxury — coaches, which are open-window train cars, excursion cars that have heat and A/C, and finally, lounge cars, which are climate-controlled and have snacks available as well. Once again, it's a great teaching encounter for the children, and adults will have a good time recalling the smell and sounds of the trains they grew up with.
If you want to add an additional layer of excitement to your train trip, plan to go on Halloween or Christmas. There are special train rides and events that occur for the duration of these two holidays. The Halloween excursion involves a kid's costume judging contest, a lot of candy handed out, and ghost stories in the darkened cars. At Christmas, the train travels to the town of Burnet, where all of the residents are dressed in outfits and the city is properly decorated to resemble Bethlehem during the time of Christ's birth. There are even domestic farm animals like goats, chickens, and cows, roaming the streets for added authenticity.
(Back to Articles)
viewed: 10235
|
|
|
|
