The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society announces two train excursions that will cover over 250 miles of the Great Valley of Virginia on Veterans Day weekend.

The first trip slated for Saturday, November 10 will travel 120 miles to the charming pre-Revolutionary town of Abingdon  where riders will have approximately three and a half hours to take in an array of historic attractions plus the new Artisan Gateway “Heartwood”. Passengers will have the choice to enjoy lunch at one of many restaurants in town or purchase a box lunch prepared by the Sweet Spot Cafe. Another option will be to remain on the train some 15 more miles to Bristol where the locomotives will swap ends with the passengers remaining on board before heading back to  Abingdon. Those remaining on the train are urged to purchase the box lunch or bring food from home as only drinks and light snacks are available on the train.

The trip slated for Sunday, November 11 will travel 134 miles through scenic, isolated sections of the Shenandoah Valley  often miles away from the interstate highway. The route will follow the peaceful James River for some 16 miles before reaching Natural Bridge Station and heading toward Buena Vista,Vesuvius,Stuarts Draft and Grottoes. Our destination , the lovely little town of Shenandoah is located in a narrow section of the valley sandwiched between the the Blue Ridge to the east and the Massanutten range to the west. Passengers may elect to order an optional pork  tenderloin dinner or order a box lunch. Some may elect to remain on the train to a siding  north of Luray known as Vaughn where the train will reverse directions. Those passengers are urged to order the box lunch or bring food from home. For those staying over in Shenandoah, the town will have a service honoring all veterans at 2 PM in a new Memorial Park near the station .

Both trips are Amtrak Charter operations with Amtrak diesel locomotives,comfortable,carpeted Amfleet coaches, with convenient rest room facilities and hosted by courteous and informative car hosts. We also offer two types of first class service featuring restored streamlined equipment from the post World War II era. Lounge service features the luxury of a rolling parlor car while the magnificent dome class cars provide a panoramic view in all directions. First class service includes a light breakfast , along with snacks and beverages throughout  the trip. Coach passengers may purchase light snacks and beverages with complete food service available at each destination.

The Abingdon (Bristol) trip will depart Roanoke at 8:00AM,arrive Abingdon at 11:45AM,  lv. Abingdon at 3:15PM,and return to Roanoke  by 7:00 PM.

The Shenandoah (Luray) trip will depart Roanoke at 8:00 AM ,arrive Shenandoah at 12:30 PM,lv. Shenandoah at 3:30 PM, and return to Roanoke by 7:30 PM.
All passengers riding  beyond Abingdon or Shenandoah must remain aboard when the train is turned at Bristol or Vaughn.

The cost of either trip is $150 for Adults  and $95 for children in coach. Dome Class is $275  and Lounge Class is $215.

HOWEVER;TO HONOR OUR VETERANS WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH FROM PEARL HARBOR TO AFGHANISTAN WE ARE OFFERING A DISCOUNT OF 10 %. This offer also includes those now serving in the military.

Tickets for any class are available from Roanoke Chapter by calling (540) 774-0611 or see WWW.Roanoke NRHS.org.

Coach tickets are available from :
O.Winston Link Museum-(540) 982-5465
Virginia Museum of Transportation -(540) 342-5670
Norfolk and Western Historical Society – Internet Only www.nwhs.org

The Roanoke Chapter of the NRHS  is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization,and proceeds from trips,if any, are used to restore historic rolling stock and structures in the Roanoke area.

Submitted by Dorr Tucker