Almost Heaven WV Train Get Away

Day One

Depart Pennsylvania for your unique Appalachian Adventure. Your tour begins in the morning with travel to Lewisburg, WV. Stop on an extended comfort stop for lunch before arriving at the Greenbrier Resort early this afternoon. Here the secret is out! The declassified Bunker at the Greenbrier is a must-see experience that takes you behind the scenes and walks you through a fascinating period in the resort's history. Carved deep into the mountianside beneath our West Virginia Wing is an emergency Cold War fallout shelter. After a visit at Greenbrier check in for an overnight stay in Lewisburg before freshening up and re-joining the group for an included dinner in Downtown Lewisburg at Food & Friends.

Day Two

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before climbing aboard the Klein Coach to head into the rugged West Virginia Mountains. Your desintation is the Town of Cass, which remains relatively unchanged since its founding in 1901. It was built as a company town for the loggers who worked in the nearby mountains. You'll have time to visit the Company Store, which houses a gift shop and The Last Run Restaurant and Soda Fountain, as well as an artisans co-op and the Cass Historical Theater and Museum. The highlight of Cass is the four hour ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad to Bald Knob the third highest point in West Virginia. Panoramas of the lofty Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher and higher. At one point you will suddenly realize that you have entered a completely different eco-system because of the change in trees, flowers and atmosphere. Train will include luncheon. After the train, you will check into the Wingate by Wyndham in Elkins, WV for a two night stay. After checking in and getting settled, you will enjoy an included dinner in a Timber Baron's Mansion at either the Graceland or Halliehurst Mansions. Both elegant homes built in 1890's at the height of the timber era.

Day Three

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll be headed off for another train ride from Cass. This one is West Virginia's newest train and will take guests on a four hour excursion into the wilderness of the Greenbrier River Valley. Framed by forested hills on both sides of the river this remote, rugged, unpopulated region is home to Bald Eagles, Osprey, Black Bear and Coyotes. You may spot these species and others as you ride round trip between Cass and Durbin with a lunch onboard the train. Leaving Cass you cross into the next valley and find it filled with giant satellite dishes. This is the Green Bank Radio Astronomy Observatory intentionally located in one of America's most quiet spots. Her our scientists are listening for sounds from outer space. Returning to Elkins tonight your group will visit the Gandy Dancer Dinner Theater for their "Tribute to Musical Legends Dinner Show." After enjoying a wonderful plated dinner, sit back and enjoy this amazing show where the Gandy Dancer performers pay their tribute to such musical legends as Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, John and June Cash, Elvis and more!

Day Four

Enjoy Breakfast, then set out on today's wilderness excursion on the New Tygart Flyer that departs from the town of Elkins. This route features an "S" curve tunnel, a high bridge and miles of unspoiled mountain views. The vintage diesel-powered locomotive climbs along the cascading Shavers Fork of the Cheat River to the High Falls which are accessible only by train. The closest road is literally five miles away. Enjoy the view relaxing aboard our comfortable climate controlled passenger coaches. The train runs until 2pm, upon which we will depart for our return to Pennsylvania, stopping for an extended comfort stop along the way.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner