White Mountains Rail Tour
We then began our return to North Conway, and I understood why there was an engine in the front and in the back of the train, since there was no place for the train to turn around. The ride home was as enjoyable as the ride up, and as interesting, since we all changed seats with those across the aisle, and were able to see what we had missed on the way up.
At around 6:00 p.m. we reached the North Conway station, had 45 minutes of time to view the station museum, and walk around the town, and then returned to the Conway station.
This was an incredibly interesting and relaxing trip, although a traveler must be prepared for an eight-plus hour trip. However, the numerous stops, the freedom to walk around the train and to the outdoor car, the snack bar, and the really great train personnel and passengers made this a wonderful day. My twelve-year old son was one of many children on the train and it appeared that they all enjoyed the trip.
The Conway Scenic Railway’s upcoming schedule includes a “Thanksgiving Turkey Trotter” express, a “Santa Claus Express” and the always-popular “Polar Express,” a recreation of the Chris Van Allburg story of a mystical journey to the North Pole.
That evening we stayed in Center Conway, about a three-mile drive from North Conway. We had no reservations, and it was the last week of peak foliage, so we had to search around for accommodations. We chose to stay at the Lavender Flower Inn, which turned out to be a cozy bed and breakfast. The rooms were beautifully furnished and it was in a very convenient location for travelers going from the White Mountain region into Maine.
Those who plan to spend a few days in the region might think about visiting Heritage New Hampshire, an interactive museum exploring over three hundred and fifty years of New Hampshire history. It is about a twenty-minute drive from North Conway, in the White Mountain region, and provides an extremely interesting perspective on New Hampshire, and New England, history.
Helpful Web Sites
Conway Scenic Railroad, 1-800-232-5251, http://www.conwayscenic.com/ The “Turkey Trotter" rolls on November 24-26, 2000, the “Santa Claus Express” on December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, 2000 and the “Polar Express" on November 30, December 1-3, 7-10 and 14-17, 2000. Call for reservations.
Lavender Flower Inn, P.O. Box 328, Center Conway, New Hampshire, 800-729-0106, (603) 447-3794, http://www.lavenderflowerinn.com/ or
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