Tour Texas by Train
For a relaxing tour through the state of Texas, why not go on a train? Trains are a fantastic way to unwind and let someone else deliver you to your vacation spot without the hassle of flying. Plus, you can take in the vast variety of scenery as you go across the state, something practically impossible to do by car or airplane.
There are two special trains that run in Texas that can be fun for the whole 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 aged Alco cab diesel. The stations at each end of the line have managed to hold on to their 1800's fashion look and feel, adding to the authenticity of the trip. The countryside covered is picturesque and offers kids a chance to see what old-time train travel and lodging 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 fun nonetheless. Passengers can select 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 fantastic teaching experience for the kids, and adults will have a good time recalling the smell and sounds of the trains they grew up with.
If you want to include an additional layer of excitement to your train trip, plan to go on Halloween or Christmas. There are unique train rides and events that happen during these two holidays. The Halloween tour involves a kid's costume judging contest, a lot of candy handed out, and ghost stories in the darkened cars. At Christmas, the train goes 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 extra authenticity.
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