After canceling most of its season last year due to the pandemic, the North Carolina Railway Museum, which operates New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), begins its 2021 season early with a new event.

On Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28, the all-volunteer, nonprofit railway will host its inaugural Hop into Spring train rides. The new event will feature socially distant photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and a visual egg hunt along the train route, where riders can search for hidden eggs from their seats.

Model trains will be operating in the Garden Railway, but the Birthday Party caboose and museum exhibit cars will be closed.  

Round-trip excursions depart from NHVR’s rail yard located at 3900 Bonsal Road in New Hill, N.C., at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both days. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their departure time.

Individual tickets cost $14 for all ages and currently can only be purchased in advance online. Children under 2 are free. Train capacity will be limited to less than 50 percent to allow for socially distanced seating and all guests, passengers and volunteers are required to wear a face covering while in the rail yard and when riding the train. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their departure time.

Visit www.TriangleTrain.com to see dates, departure times and tickets for all of NHVR’s 2021 rides except for Track or Treat Halloween Express rides and Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express rides, which will go on sale later this year. From April to December, NHVR typically offers two 10:30 a.m. weekday rides and two weekend ride events each month.