Mountain Rails

Depart from New Philadelphia, Ohio for our “Mountain Rails” tour. The first stop today is “Steel City,” also known as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Once we arrive to the city, we will drive across the Allegheny River to board the Explorer Riverboat at 9:30 am for a Uniquely Pittsburgh 90-minute Sightseeing Tour. We will travel on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers listening to narration describing the history of the city, stories of the region’s past, and answering the question, “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh”.

After disembarking we cross back over the river and spend time in the Strip District of Pittsburgh.   The “Strip”, as locals call it, is a narrow strip (one-half mile) of land between the Allegheny River and a mountain of a hill.  It is a foodie heaven and as authentic as it is fun.  Locals love it for its low prices and tremendous selections.  The shopping district is full of ethnic grocers, produce stands, meat and fish markets as well as sidewalk vendors.  Bordering downtown, this neighborhood is pure Pittsburgh!  Here we will have time to stroll the streets, perhaps buy a souvenir or find something here for lunch on our own.    For those that might enjoy an adult beverage, there are breweries and a distillery just waiting for us!

This morning is an early start for our 7:30 am Amtrak departure to Altoona. Departing out of Union Station we will experience Pennsylvania countryside and the famous Horseshoe Curve. Upon arrival we will meet our local historian at the ALTOONA RAILROADERS’ MUSEUM. Learn about the massive railroad history of this area of Pennsylvania, and tour this fascinating interactive museum, housed in the 1882 Master Mechanics Building. The museum will take you into the personal lives and ethnic heritages of the men and women who lived, ate and slept railroads back in the day!  

Next, we are headed over to the famous Horseshoe Curve located at Kittanning Point at the base of the Allegheny Mountains and ride the FUNICULAR up to the overlook. A catered sandwich buffet will be served in the outdoor picnic pavilion as we take in the spectacular views of the countryside and of trains rounding this stunning horseshoe curve! Next, we take a scenic drive to Cumberland, Maryland. 

This morning we will see something you can’t see anywhere else:  The Ridge Dale Farm. Built in 1835 by a 5^th cousin of George Washington, this impressive brick residence offers an imposing view of the surrounding area from its cupola. Lovingly restored and furnished, this private residence is only open to us, so take advantage of the opportunity! It was used as a hospital during the Battle of Kelley’s Island in 1861, and the famous Confederate officer, Captain Richard Ashby, died in the parlor. You will tour the house from its cellars to its cupola, and the owners will gladly answer your questions about the Washington family, the farm, and the romance of Captain Ashby and Etta Washington, who lived in the house her entire 99 years.