New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), the Triangle’s Train, begins its new 2018 ride season on Sunday, April 8, in conjunction with the North Carolina Science Festival, which showcases science, technology, engineering and mathematics at venues across the state.

During NHVR’s opening day, trains will depart at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors will see some of the work that goes into operating and maintaining a real railroad. The ride event will celebrate trains and science with free science demonstrations. NHVR’s Garden Railroad (G Scale) will also be operating. Ticket prices range from $8-$12.

Catering on Demand, NHVR’s food vendor, will serve a kid-friendly menu including hamburgers and hot dogs and adults 21+ can enjoy beer and wine. Food and drink are not included in the train excursion fee.

NHVR is located 30 minutes south of downtown Raleigh off of U.S. 1, Exit 89. Visitors can view the full 2018 ride schedule and purchase tickets online at www.TriangleTrain.com. Any unsold tickets will be available at the railway ticket booth one hour before the first ride.

Here is the 2018 ride schedule:

Saturdays and Sundays (departure times vary)

April 8 – North Carolina Science Festival
April 28 – Brew ‘n’ Choo Strawberry Festival
May 12 – Celebrate Mom
May 26 – Brew ‘n’ Choo Beach Party
June 10 – Slow Down Sunday
June 30 – Brew ‘n’ Choo Luau
July 8 – Slow Down Sunday
July 28 – Brew ‘n’ Choo Ice Cream Social
August 12 – Slow Down Sunday
August 25 – Brew ‘n’ Choo Pizza Party
September 9 – Slow Down Sunday
September 29 – Beer, BBQ & Choo Choo