Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs and North Arkansas RR sits on the NW edge of Arkansas in a small town that has been known since cave man days as a great place to soak in healing waters. The depot and railyard I wouldn't call a boneyard, but it has all the charm of presenting itself as a unique find, making visitors feel as though they are the first ones to find the antique treasures of the past. The photos tell it best. My favorite find was a 1951 Chevy wagon used as a Galloping Goose. I've seen and photographed many Galloping Geese, but this one is truly rare, and it still runs. The RR shuts down at the end of October. I would really like to see them offer more seasonal attractions like Polar Express and stay open the entire year. Again the professional period dress of their staff makes for a wonderful experience for the passengers.

Branson photos

Branson, MO

No one asked for my AARP card! Branson gives the appearance of being the ideal resort destination for seniors. Seniors in the past have been my largest audience for storytelling, but Branson is probably used to big names like Grandpa Jones, Roy Clark and others who used to appear on Hew Haw. Even though Branson marches to a different drum, it was fun walking around exploring the town, watching their water squirting exhibit shoot to the tune of "Kung Fu Fighting" (the song). They had two cabooses that merited photos. If the train in Branson could steal the marketing person from the train in Lebanon, OH I'll bet they could pack the train with all ages.

Mammoth Springs

Mammonth Springs, Arkansas

Bad news & good news. Mammoth Springs doesn't have a rolling train, but they do have a beautiful museum, caboose, & gift shop located on a post card view of a small lake and cascading water over two dams. Even better news, they have Henry. Henry is the ghost of a young man who lost his head while working on the local train. Henry haunts the gift shop, museum, and even the residence of the general manager. My ghost story book "Rail Tales That Haunt Us" is currently sold out, but look for Henry and all of his antics in the next edition that is due out in 2011.

Lick photos

French Lick (yummy)

3rd Stop on the 24th….
French Lick is not an ice cream shop, but a very popular tourist destination in Southern Indiana and is also the home of the Indiana Railway Museum. I counted three cabooses that were open for the public to tour; all in good shape. Their authentic antique depot and old steam engines that sit out front definitely cause people to slow down. Their operation is right down town and sits next to a Super Fancy resort called (what else) The French Lick Resort. The mineral springs at the resort and the tourist train make a great combination to fit the needs of all ages. They are open seven days a week and offer a full train experience that includes a 2,200 foot tunnel and forested rolling hills that has made this area famous for its fall beauty.