Across the creek and through the woods we go ... not to grandma's house, but to Blair, TN on the Secret City Scenic train, operated by Southern Appalachia Railway Museum. A ride through the woods is a perfect way for families to enjoy the crisp Fall weather after getting together for turkey day.
The rides on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 and 28, have become an annual Thanksgiving tradition for the railroad that originally served the historic Manhattan Project at the former K-25 plant complex, now known as East Tennessee Technology Park. Passengers will hear a narrative about the world-changing development of nuclear energy that took place at Oak Ridge, while the train rolls through the site and proceeds out the north gate into scenic Poplar Creek Valley. At Blair, where SARM's track ends next to the Norfolk Southern's main line, the train will pause in a heavily wooded area before heading south for the return trip.
There will be three departures each day, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling the museum at (865) 241-2140.
The rides are on restored heated coaches from the 1940's. Restrooms are provided on the train, and freshly made popcorn, hot and cold drinks and railroad souvenirs are available in the commissary car. A caboose is also part of the train for the more adventurous riders, and is available for chartering by groups of up to 10 people on a first come basis. Heat in the caboose is provided by an old-fashioned coal stove, just the way it was when cabooses were used on freight trains.
Southern Appalachia Railway Museum is a nonprofit, all volunteer museum dedicated to preserving the railroading legacy of East Tennessee and the South. Museum volunteers spend countless hours restoring, maintaining and operating the equipment used on the train rides. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older and railroad experience, while helpful, is not required. Slots in ticketing and car hosting are available and can be filled by anyone. Dues are only $30 the first year and $20 annually thereafter. Anyone interested in membership can visit the Museum's website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum, or call (865) 241-2140.
