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Southern Appalachia Railway Museum has announced two additional departures to its very popular Valentine dinner train schedule, due to unusually high demand for reservations. Trains have been added for a 6 p.m. departure on Friday, February 10 and a 1 p.m. departure on Sunday, February 12.
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Secret City Scenic Excursion Train |
Southern Appalachia Railway Museum (SARM) will again roll out its restored 88-year old Pullman dining car, and Chef Andras will skillfully prepare an assortment of 4 different and delicious entree choices for the museum's annual Valentine Dinner Trains. The event gives couples the opportunity to experience the romantic setting enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930's and 40's.
The museum's Secret City Scenic Excursion Train's Valentine trips have become so popular that four departures are planned; Saturday, February 11 at 5 p.m., Sunday, the 12th at 5 p.m., Monday, the 13th at 6 p,m, and Tuesday, the 14th at 6 p.m. Passengers will begin their journey back in time aboard Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, which was built in 1947. They will then be ushered into the classic dining car where they'll be greeted by neatly-dressed servers and tables set with fine china on crisp white tablecloths. A long-stemmed rose will await each lady at her table.
Advance reservations are required as seating is limited. Tickets are $140 per couple, include the train ride, dinner and all taxes and gratuities. Reservations can be made by calling 865-241-2140. Callers should be prepared to make their entree choices at time of reserving. The choices are: Bourbon-marinated grilled filet of beef, herb-marinated grilled chicken breast with white wine sauce, grilled Cajun style shrimp with pesto cream sauce and Spinach and feta stuffed baked tomato with brie cream sauce. Full payment by check made out to SARM must be mailed to arrive one week before the event.
The train boards next to the Heritage Center on Highway 58, about 10 miles west of downtown Oak Ridge, and the rides last approximately 1-1/2 hours and take the diners through the original K-25 uranium enrichment plant site, now known as East Tennessee Technology Park, as well as through the hills and hardwoods of rural Poplar Creek Valley.
The non-profit museum's volunteers have done all the restoration work on their vintage equipment and all proceeds from ticket sales go into operating costs, equipment restoration and insurance. The museum's mission is to preserve the railroading history of East Tennessee and the south, and to provide public enjoyment and education of that legacy.
