The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Thomaston railroad station offers family fun trips
THOMASTON — Guests can enjoy the best of Connecticut’s fall foliage and take a train ride to the Pumpkin Patch this weekend, when the Railroad Museum Of New England’s Naugatuck Railroad kicks off its 10th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Train Rides. Children can select their own pumpkin and everyone can savor cider and donuts.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to reconnect and take a fun trip back into years gone by,” said Howard Pincus, chairman of the Railroad Museum Of New England. “Parents and grandparents can bring their children and grandchildren along for a ride on Pumpkin Patch Train and watch them pick out their own pumpkin in our field. All will enjoy the magnificent foliage this time of year. Everyone should bring cameras to capture these wonderful memories.”
Pumpkin Patch Trains are scheduled for Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day, Oct. 7-9, 14-15, 21- 22, 28-29) at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. After the children select their pumpkins and families take photos, passengers re-board the train for the ride back to the historic Thomaston Station.
The fares are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at www.rmne.org or phone 860-2837245. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Trains depart from Thomaston Station at 242 East Main St, Thomaston, Connecticut. Tickets are picked up at Thomaston Station's “will call” window on the day of your train ride. Guest should arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure time. Trains leave promptly at the scheduled times.
In addition to the "Pumpkin Patch Trains," the RMNE schedule for October includes the “Scenic Train Tours” on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. There are also a few tickets available for the “Chocolate Decadence Foliage Tours” for adults at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 7 and 14. These include a train ride with hearty hors d’oeuvres, wine and chocolate. The Friday sunset tours are all sold out for this season.
In late November and throughout December, the RMNE also will offer the “Santa Express” and the “Northern Lights Limited.”
The RMNE, located at the historic Thomaston Train Station, is a not-for-profit, all volunteer, educational and historical organization that dates back to January 1968. The mission of the RMNE is to tell the story of the region’s rich railroad heritage through our educational exhibits and operation of the Naugatuck Railroad. The museum concept is more than just artifacts; it's also a story of the region and the development of society around the railroad.
More information about the Railroad Museum of New England can be found at: www.rmne.org.