BELLOWS FALLS — Who doesn't remember taking a Christmas Train ride with Santa and the Grinch, caroling elves, and special surprises on the Green Mountain Railroad in Bellows Falls?
This train is running again after a few years' break, so all aboard the historic Green Mountain Flyer, Bellows Falls to the North Pole (Chester Station) and back, on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Tickets are available at the Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, at www.rails-vt.com, or by calling 802-376-9534. The fee is $25 for adults, $20 for children, and free for kids aged 2 and younger.
This scenic route dates back to 1964, when Monadnock, Steamtown and Northern Amusement Corporation set up Steamtown USA. Green Mountain Railroad was off and running the beautiful Bellows Falls to Chester route.
During the past year, there have been track improvements. Along with cutting brush and trees back from the track, there are more panoramic vistas than have been available in over a decade.
The historic engines and coaches, with everyone's favorite Christmas characters providing entertainment, will depart the Bellows Falls train station at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The historic BF station has a passenger waiting room outfitted for the holidays in the style of the railroad's heyday, including early 20th century benches from the old South Station in Boston, and an “O” gauge model train set getting fixed up as a cultural heritage representation of the industrial island.
New this year is a collaboration with the restaurants and shops in the designated downtown of Bellows Falls. Bring your train ticket stub and get 10 percent off shopping and dining at all the participating shops and restaurants. If you are dining and shopping beforehand, you can bring $25 of receipts from greater Bellows Falls and get 10 percent off your train trip.
Proceeds benefit the BF Middle School Band Friends, the BF Community Bike Project, and Destination Bellows Falls – Sustainable Valley Group.