It was 37 degrees when I left the house today! Brrr...I didn't have anything planned for the kids so I checked out the event listing at http://www.hvparent.com and decided to bundle them up and check out the Catskill Mountain Railroad's new line in historic Kingston. (The Esopus Scenic Train that leaves from Mt. Pleasant or Phoenicia is closed and will reopen in May. One day while I was driving on Route 28, I saw a re-enactment of a train robbery at the train stop. Not sure if this is standard on their trips!).
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The Kingston train leaves from Aaron Court in Kingston Plaza--(right in front of the Hanneford's store). The train was packed with a church group when we boarded, but we still managed to find seating in the coach. Towards the end of the ride, after the big group left, we went outdoors where we got more of the full train experience (and diesel smell!) The route isn't as scenic as the Mt. Tremper line, but I think a lot of kids just love the fun of being on a small train. One family brought a blanket with them, which was a very smart idea! Also, the train is handicap accessible. A girl traveling in a wheelchair (non-electric) sat in the coach with her family, and had a great time too! For more info visit their website, http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com. $6 for adults, and $4 for 4-11. The under 4 crowd ride free with a paid adult. Santa will be aboard the train from Dec-19th-Dec. 23rd. Ho-ho-ho! Hudson Valley Good Stuff!
