Day Tripper

Rustic chug

By MICHELLE JONES, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 28, 2003

Forget life's frantic pace and take a train ride back in time. The Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, a train museum on wheels, provides a journey through rustic Manatee County. Choose a swaying air-conditioned ride in a tavern car built in the 1920s or an open-air car right behind the engine.

The museum, founded in 1982, is devoted to acquiring, restoring and operating historic railroad equipment for the public.

Next month, Thomas the Tank Engine will pull the train on its journey to Willow. This engine, based on a cartoon character, and his friend Sir Tapham Hatt will visit the museum March 21-23 and March 28-30.

Rides 45 minutes long will be given between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for $14 for both adults and children 1 and older. In addition, there will be photo opportunities, clowns, magicians and stories, and videos about Thomas and his friends.

Sights along the way include scrub pine, water oaks laden with Spanish moss, wildflowers and butterflies. Watch for turtles and alligators in the swamps along the tracks.

The cars may be vintage, but cold drinks, snacks and restrooms are available.

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum

• WHERE: U.S. 301 and E 83rd Street, Parrish, Manatee County. (877) 869-0800.
• HOURS: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, January through April; and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, May through December.
• COST: $10 for adults and $6 for children 2 and older.

Brandon Times: The rest of the stories