Fall 2010 NRHS Rail Excursions

This fall, the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is offering two remarkable day trips, perfect for savoring the colors of the region’s autumn leaves. The Chapter is hosting two roundtrip Amtrak train excursions: the first on Saturday, November 6 to Danville, VA, and the second on Sunday, November 7 to Bluefield, WV. With trips only offered one weekend each year, tickets are expected to sell out well before the excursion weekend.

Both trips originate in Roanoke from the former Norfolk & Western passenger station in Downtown Roanoke, now home to the O. Winston Link Museum and the Roanoke Valley Visitors Center. While on board, passengers can relax and enjoy the comfort of roomy Amtrak coaches. Seats in privately owned deluxe dome and lounge cars are also available.

On Saturday, November 6, the excursion will travel via Moneta and Chatham to the beautifully restored 1899 Southern Railway Station in historic Danville. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the Danville Science Center located at the station, or enjoy shuttle transportation to visit Civil War sites around Danville, the “Last Capitol of the Confederacy.” Food options will be available. The train will return to Roanoke on a slightly different route via Altavista, Lynchburg and Bedford.

On Sunday, November 7, passengers will enjoy mountain railroading at its finest, traveling through remote reaches of the Virginia countryside en route to Bluefield, WV. Always a favorite, this excursion will feature spectacular scenery as the train climbs Christiansburg Mountain, follows the New River for 38 miles, and passes through the Narrows of the New River before climbing the final grade into Bluefield. Several dining options will be available In Bluefield only a block away from the train station.

Tickets are $145 for adults and $95 for children in coach. Dome class tickets are $275 and lounge class is $215. For more information or to order tickets, call (540) 774-0611 or visit www.roanokenrhs.org.