If you have a Junior Train Engineer at your house - this article is for you! For our grandparents - train travel was the norm, for our parents it was an option and for our kids - they rarely get to experience the beauty of traveling on the rail. The Tri-State Model Railroaders, together with the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot, are bringing us some great opportunities to experience this form of travel. The Mineral Bluff Depot is the oldest public building (and one of the oldest structures) in Fannin County at 130 years old. It is owned by the State of Georgia, leased to the Fannin County Commisioners and now currently occupied by the Tri-State Model Railroaders. When you walk inside- you get to experience the History and Heritage In Miniature layout. This layout recreates the L&N's "old line" as it ran from the Atlanta Metro area (Elizabeth Yard) Northward through Tate, Ellijay, Blue Ridge and McCaysville, GA; Murphy, NC; Copperhill, Ducktown, and Farner, TN to its terminus in Etowah, TN. My daughters loved the amazing detail and artistry put into this miniature line. A lot of research and planning went into the layout and you will even see details like the Veteran's Memorial in Downtown Blue Ridge!
If you want to actually ride the rails you also have some great opportunities coming up! On May 20th and 21st, as well as Sept. 16th and 17th, there will be trips continuously scheduled from 10am through 3pm each day. You and your family can experience a five-mile trip ride by railroad motor car traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River to the Hogback Road crossing at Murphy Junction, then returning over the bridge back to the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot. Then take a fun handcar ride! We had so much fun on the motor car - and the view from the Iron Bridge was awe inspring. For a brief time you feel like you have stepped back in time as you travel through nature unencumbered by sounds of traffic and views of concrete. Your little conductors will love this trip!
When: May 20, 21, and Sept. 16, 17 (for Ride the Rails)
Where: Historic L&N Depot in Mineral Bluff, GA (www.tsmri.org or 706-455-8903)
Suggested Donation: $10 Cash ($11 Card) for audlts to ride the motor cars. $5 for children 2-12 (under 2 free). Take a fun ride on a genuine railroad handcar (all ages) for just $2 per trip.
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