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 Posted - May 27 2007 : 1:13:34 PM
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I've been wanting to go to Strasburg for years but have never made it. My wife and I wanted to make a weekend of it, it would be a good getaway for both of us.
I know a few of you have been there and I was looking for any tips you might have. Good times to go? Nice affordable lodging for the night? Where to buy or not to buy price wise? Any tips are appreciated.
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obtrey
Little Six
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Posted - May 27 2007 : 3:09:57 PM
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Living in Philadelphia makes it somewhat easy for me to go there. I have found that prices are reasonable in most places. Choo Choo barn has a nice lay out inside but it costs to go through the curtain I don't know how much. You can buy repainted cars in the area sites colors thay are different every year, Choo Choo Barn, Red caboose Motel, Strasburg RR, PA Railroad Museun, Toy Train Museum, again don't know how much. There is a decent store in the strip mall beside the Choo Choo Barn that sells all kinds of model RR trains accessories etc. Upstairs is a big Thomas Toy Train showroom and store.
PA RR Museum is accross the street from Strasburg RR. It had a really good display the last time I was there, a lot of stuff outside that was being worked on before bringing it inside. Strasburg RR is a nice ride but I think a little pricey but a nice ride and you can get an early train go to the picnic area spend the day and get a later train back. A lot of shops and snack places right there at Strasburg Station.
Red Caboose Motel is nice and the history is funny. My brother in law stayed there and said it was nice and reasonable, a diner is attached to the shop and the food wasn't bad and priced fairly.
Toy train museum, behind the motel is a nice visit for first timers mostly Lionel the last time I was there. You can buy a brick and have it inscribed and placed on the sidewalk. I got one for my grandaughter for her great grandfather, a HUGE Lionel fan and collector before he died.
A lot of horese and buggy rides and "Dutch Wonderland" an amusement park is only 15 mins away. I never stayed overnight as Philadelphia is not that far away.
Some of the places have web sites to review, I know Strasburg is one and they have links to other sites.
I for one always enjoyed the train ride but the price has risen quite a bit since my kids were younger, still a nice slow ride and there is an open car, used in "Hello Dolly" that you can ride in, but costs more.
Hope this helps.
Bob
In Malfunction Junction:
When all else fails get a bigger hammer.
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Posted - May 28 2007 : 11:48:49 AM
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Thanks Bob. No mention of a Dinner Train, I thought they would have one. I've never eaten on a train. Most of my train rides were along the NE corridor into Penn Station. I used to commute from NJ into the WTC via Rail everyday.
Maybe I'll have to take that dinner train ride out of Lambertville NJ sometime.
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obtrey
Little Six
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Posted - May 28 2007 : 9:59:47 PM
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There are a few eateries nearby some more expensive than others and most within 10-20 mins driving. Depends what you are looking for, Mickey-D, burg king, or a sitdown dinner. The restaurant at the Red caboose is 2 cars set up for dining and they play RR music the whole day, the car vibrates once in a while to simulate riding the rails, (at least it used to) my father in law was getting ready to yell at me when he realized it wasnt me shaking the table.
There is a snack shop attached to Strasburg RR also. All in all it's not too bad.
We try to get there at least around October, my grandaughter likes to go to the pumpkin patch and pick her own pumpkins. We try to leave early so as to get to a place called "Shady Maple" smorgasbord an extremely nice, clean, and reasonable place to eat. We try to get there for breakfast and it does get crowded, just about anything you can think of for breakfast and all fresh. Strasburg is @1/2 hour away from there.
In Malfunction Junction:
When all else fails get a bigger hammer.
Edited by - obtrey on May 28 2007 10:43:33 PM
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Posted - May 28 2007 : 11:25:26 PM
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Hope that you get there because you will love it. What part of Pa are you coming from? I ask because if you are not familiar with the area, I can suggest a few things. As far as lodging:
If you want cheap, there are quite a few good priced motels on route 30 (Econolodge et al.) The only thing being that you are on route 30, the main east-west road in the area and heavily traveled this time of year.
If you want moderate, Hershey Farm Inn and Restaurant is outstanding. For about $100-135 a night you get a free smorgasboard breakfast and the run of their landscaped grounds. (They have a great walk around garden). Their dinners are reasonably priced as well.
If you don't mind a bit more expensive, There is a great Hampton Inn on Greenfield road. They take AAA and their price includes a continental breakfast. It is a fabulous hotel, adjacent to the Lancaster tourist information center.
Wherever you decide to stay, book it in advance as this is the beginning of tourist season and vacancies get scarce on weekends.
I also agree with Obtrey about the Shady Maple Smorgasboard. t is a sight and a feast unlike any other in the area.
Hope this helps some.
Russ
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Posted - May 29 2007 : 11:53:14 PM
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Todd, Strasburg is a great place to visit especially the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. However, personal interest makes me want to recommend you visit the New Hope Railroad. It’s about an hours scenic ride from your home (take US 611 south from Easton and stay on River Road when 611 splits off). And yes they have a dinner train along with a six dome tank car as was mentioned in one this Forum’s threads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXJ-vR8TryQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpfUwjt3bOs
Loopy
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
Edited by - LoopnHook on May 30 2007 12:02:28 AM
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