Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Matthew Keegan

Situated in the heart of central North Carolina along the border of Wake and Chatham counties, just thirty minutes south of Raleigh, is the North Carolina Railroad Museum / New Hope Valley Railway. Featuring steam and diesel locomotives as well as various boxcars, flatcars, and the like, the museum / railway has been entertaining train fans at its rural Bonsal location since 1981. Take a trip down the old railroad line with me and experience a little bit of American train history!

Since I was a boy I have been enamored by trains — steam engines, diesels, bullet trains and even subways. My family feels the same way; we marvel at the sight of a steam locomotive hissing and wheezing its way clackety-clack down the tracks, imagining that we, too, are taking a trip across this great nation of our’s.

This particular rolling museum will excite train buffs for the variety of equipment on hand, as well as, for the rides that are made available to the general public. Indeed, when we visited the museum recently the grounds were packed since ride days are held only on the first Sunday of the month [from May through November with special Halloween and Christmas season rides as well]. Five excursions are held each ride day; visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the ride they wish to take.

Pulled by a rugged General Electric diesel locomotive [built in the early 1940s], the one hour train ride allows passengers to travel from Bonsal to New Hill and back. The 6.5 mile track was purchased from the venerable Southern Railway Company and is now used exclusively by the museum.

Enthusiasts sit in one of two comfortable open passenger cars that are, in fact, converted flat cars. On a recent Sunday, the museum brought out one of the aforementioned diesels and added a pair of wood sided red cabooses and a brown baggage car to round out the set.

On the sprawling museum grounds sits a US Army Transportation Corps Tool Car which currently houses the museum’s gift shop and exhibits. Various other cars and a crane boom tender are located on site as well; some are being carefully restored while others are in active use. Currently, the museum’s steam locomotive is used on a limited basis, but plans are to begin using it on excursions more frequently.

The railroad museum is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers [Saturdays are workdays and skilled volunteers are welcome]. Train ride prices are reasonable and passengers know that the fares are helping to restore a little bit of train history to North Carolina while reliving it at the same time.

A “G” scale model garden railroad is on site along with a barbeque restaurant and adjoining picnic area. There is plenty of parking on the premises as well.

Yes, there certainly is much to see and do while visiting the North Carolina Railroad Museum / New Hope Valley Railway in Bonsal, NC — stop by soon and you will hear the conductor announcing to you, “all aboard!”

When not busy writing articles on travel related topics, Matt manages two very active aviation websites: the Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.com and the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net and http://www.cabinmanagers.com

[tags]North Carolina Railroad Museum,New Hope Valley Railway,North Carolina,Raleigh,Bonsal,train museum,train history,g scale model

By Richard Rspad

Nothing beats spending a week or two on a luxurious rejuvenation vacation. Of course, who has the time? Allow me to introduce you to mini rejuvenation vacations.

Mini Rejuvenation Vacations

If you need a little pick-me-up or just an indulgent weekend, why not try one of the many day rejuvenation retreats available throughout the country? Whether you’re on the East Coast, in sunny California, or landlocked in the Midwest, there are plenty of different retreats ready to pamper you for that weekend getaway or midweek splurge.

When choosing a place to take a mini vacation, you’ll want to choose a place that’s close enough to home to be convenient for a small vacation. At the same time, it needs to be far enough away that you get that “getaway” feel. It may sound like a small distinction, but your mindset is critical part of getting the most out of the rejuvenation process.

If you’re on the East Coast, the southern area of North Carolina and below can be a welcome change if you’re from the New England area. One retreat that offers mini vacations that the whole family can enjoy is Pinehurst Resort, located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This resort offers a unique experience: the teen relaxation service. More specifically, they offer treatments and techniques tailored to children age 6-11 or teenagers age 12 and above (with parental supervision for children under age 17). The services include teen facials, a Mother and Teen Daughter ReTreat, a Mother and Young Daughter ReTreat, and even pedicures and manicures for the younger set. The Pinehurst Spa is a great place for a mini vacation that includes the whole family without the stress!

If you’re looking for an even more “mini” mini vacation, why not try a trip to a day rejuvenation retreat for relaxation? Take, for instance, the Two-Hour Heaven package at the 5 Elements Spa and Wellness Center in San Clemente, California. This two hour package includes a European facial and full-body massage with aromatherapy. Even though you haven’t even been away for a full day, this sort of pampering will make you feel as though you’ve taken the greatest of vacations.

Just remember that no matter how short your vacation is, use the time to relax and enjoy! You’ll feel great if you just allow yourself to enjoy the treatments and tranquility of your chosen location and atmosphere. Yes, there are tasks waiting for you back in the real world, but they aren’t going anywhere!