The city of Nelsonville is offering couples a way to ditch the traditional Valentine’s Day celebration and opt for an evening on the historic Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Saturday.
The 2nd annual Valentine’s Chocolate Choo-Choo will travel through Nelsonville’s main drag Saturday. The event is dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of the area. Train rides on the scenic railway brought more than 35,000 visitors to historical Nelsonville last year.
“Our Valentines Chocolate Choo-Choo is not only a great way to start off Valentine’s Day by doing something different, but it is also the only opportunity to ride the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway at this time of year because it is closed until Easter weekend,” said Lynn Garbo, director of Nelsonville Main Street.
The train will depart from the Depot at 5:30 p.m. for Haydenville and the ride will last about 1 hour 30 minutes round trip. En route to Haydenville, guests will be treated to an array of hors d’oeuvres — catered by Rhapsody Restaurant — such as grilled chicken satay and puff pastry bouchees with cream cheese artichoke spread.
“The event will be better than last year because it features some different things,” Garbo said.
During the trip, the train will stop for a social hour at Robbins Crossing Pioneer Village in a historic cabin. Guests will enjoy a fire and hot, mulled cider in front of a backdrop of original, historic cabins festively decorated, Garbo said.
The ticket costs $35 a person and includes chocolate, treat bags, hors d’oeuvres and 2 pours of wine throughout the train ride. Tickets can be purchased online at the Athens County Visitors Bureau or in person at the Depot an hour before the event — but space is limited.
All proceeds benefit the Nelsonville Main Street Organization, Garbo said.
“Many people do not know we (Nelsonville) have a historical public square a block away from the station,” Garbo said. “It is important to preserve and showcase these nationally known historical sites off for everyone to enjoy.”
kh845809@ohiou.edu
