North Conway Scenic Railroad
Karen Lyons
Join your neighbors and fellow Road Runners on a unique trip on Oct. 1 to experience four New England trains and three New England cruises. Travel partners Brandt Travel and Mayflower bring this exciting offer to the club.
The tour begins with a panoramic guided tour of Boston, which includes the Freedom Trail and the Public Garden. Then travel up the coast to Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s coastal jewels, before continuing to the seaside town of Portland. Rich in history and culture, Portland boasts a vibrant waterfront and one of a kind shopping, galleries, and restaurants.
The next day the tour will take you to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. Then a short rail trip along the Promenade of Casco Bay. Later a cruise on scenic Casco Bay will sail past Victorian cottages dotted along the Little and Great Diamond islands as lobstermen, fishing fleets, and abundant sea and wildlife are observed.
Then the tour goes inland, traveling on the North Conway Scenic Railroad. Enjoy the Mt. Washington Valley countryside where the first train traveled over 135 year ago. Later shopping at local shops in North Conway is on the schedule.
On Day 5, experience the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and the Green Mountain Railroad through the White Mountains. Fall foliage will be on display as the train winds through vast forest, old logging roads, and Indian hunting paths. After crossing into Vermont, there will be a stop at the Quechee Gorge before arriving in Chester to board the Green Mountain Railroad.
In the Berkshires region, the Norman Rockwell Museum is the next stop. After seeing the famous exhibit, free time will be in the Berkshire town of Stockbridge before continuing to the incredible Mohegan Sun Resort for the next two nights.
The Essex Steam Train and the Riverboat Becky Thatcher are the next features of the trip. Be swept away by the hiss of the steam and whistle through some of the most beautiful country in the state. Then a relaxing trip up the Connecticut River before returning to the resort.
The last day before heading home will be at Plymouth Rock and a Whale Watching cruise before gathering for a farewell dinner.
The Rail and Sails tour features 14 meals and roundtrip airport transfers. For more information on this trip, please visit the Road Runners website, rrrrclub.com, or contact Brandt Travel at [email protected] or 703-715-2910 ext. 1.