The Chocolate Choo-Choo will take its first journey on the old Hocking Valley Railroad tomorrow. The train's been resting its wheels since New Year's, but as Valentine's Day nears its time to rollout.
Departing 7 p.m. tomorrow full of chocolate, wine, live violin music and lovers, the train will travel almost to Logan said Lynn Decker, director of The Nelsonville Mainstreet Organization.
Lots of chocolate and lots of wine
Decker said.
Tickets cost $35 dollars and all food, music, wine and chocolate are included. It is the train's first Valentine's Day trip, but the organization hopes to make it an annual fundraiser for Nelsonville. All proceeds will go to the Nelsonville Mainstreet organization, to better the town.
I'm getting people hyped up about moving Nelsonville forward Decker said.
A social hour will occur one hour prior to takeoff, allowing voyagers to pass through the kitchen car for appetizers, check out the historic station and socialize car-to-car. Frog Ranch donated its bread and butter pickles, Bedrock Rentals its chocolate fountain and the local opera chapter its wine bar. All passengers receive a chocolate gift bag and souvenir wineglass etched with the Mainstreet's logo.
To class-up the train, Decker said, local violinist Rebecca Perkins will play while walking up-and-down the cars, adding subtle ambiance as the train moves.
I think it's reasonably priced and it's gonna be a lot of fun
Decker said.
A lady from Illinois called in asking for details on the chocolate train, Decker said. The woman and her husband plan to vacation in a Hocking Hills cabin for their 35th wedding anniversary this weekend and added the Chocolate Choo-Choo to their romantic itinerary.
I've had several calls from then on that are so cute
Decker said.
One of the calls came from a man who's currently separated from his wife, but unhappy with the pending divorce Decker said. He phoned in to get the scoop and share his surprise plan.
I'm gonna get tickets on the Chocolate Choo-Choo and try to win her back
he said in a phone conversation with Decker.
Young lovers are welcome too, and Decker encourages students to join in the fun. Marketing major Chelsea Anderson said for $35 it's worth considering.
It would be something fun and different to do with my boyfriend
Anderson said. It sounds really romantic for Valentine's and like something I would never think to do.
Purchase tickets online through Nelsonvillemainstreet.com or an hour prior to the event. For more information contact Lynn Decker at 740-818-9505. The ride will last 1.5 hours, so plan your Valentine's itinerary accordingly.
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Culture
Steph Doan
