Event Details

Date

July 21, 2018

Time

9:30 am - 6:30 pm

Location

Utica Union Station (Boehlert Transportation Center)
321 Main Street
Utica, NY 13501

Cost

$50.00 Adult fare, shuttle & all on board food/beverage
(additional attendee $50.00 ea.)

$58.00 Adult fare, shuttle & includes make your own lunch
(additional attendee $58.00 ea.)

Host

South Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Jerry Bertoldo
585-281-6816

Pre-Registration Deadline: July 19, 2018

EVENT HAS PASSED

2018 CCE Adirondack Summer Excursion

July 21, 2018

2018 CCE Adirondack Summer Excursion

As a longtime railroad enthusiast, former tourist train operator and volunteer on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, it is my pleasure to take on the organizational role. This will not be a plain ride on a train, I assure you. Those who joined us for the 2016 excursion will most likely agree. 



A short summary of the itinerary is as follows:
  • 9:30 AM Train departs Utica Union Station (Boehlert Transportation Center)
  • 11:45 AM Train arrives at Thendara Station (Old Forge)
  • 12- 4:00 PM Free time for local area activities
  • 4:30 PM Train departs Thendara Station
  • 6:30 PM Train arrives at Utica Union Station

Note: Continuing train service to Big Moose is not available this year during the summer.

Cost for the basic excursion:
  • $50 - adult fare (over 16 years of age, includes all on board food, shuttle service and beverages except as noted below)
  • $58 - adult fare, shuttle and includes make-your-own-sub box lunch
  • $30 - child fare (6-16 years of age, includes all on board food, shuttle service and beverages)
  • $36 - child fare, shuttle and includes make-your-own-sub lunch

The two chartered rail cars for our exclusive use have special features. The "City of Utica" is a coach with facing seats and tables in between. It is a great way to relax, watch the scenery, chat and enjoy the finger food and refreshments during the trip with friends and family. There is a serving counter and side tables for refreshments and trays of food. The special treat will be the "Nehasane" an authentic business or office car, the early 20th century equivalent of the corporate jet. It features a kitchen, dining room, full bathroom, sleeping compartments, lounge area and a classic open-air observation platform (padded folding chairs provided). Our group can also explore the rest of the train including the baggage car with open side doors and safety barriers.

It is 52 miles on the rail from Utica to Thendara. There is some spectacular scenery to enjoy along the way especially from the sightseeing baggage car, a vestibule door or the Nehasane's back platform. On each leg of the trip, there will be refreshments and light food items. 

  • The morning will feature coffee, tea, milk, juices (some augmented!) along with donuts and some of Utica's famous Italian bakery delights. 
  • The afternoon return will offer cheese, soppressata, crackers, chips and dips, nuts, mints and assorted beverages. Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the City of Utica for cash only, please.
  • A make-your-own-sub box lunch with bag of chips/pretzels, soft drink/water and cookies will be available for $8 before our arrival in Thendara. Recommended if you are taking the boat cruise.
  • Free shuttle buses run from the Thendara depot into Old Forge for sightseeing, to the Old Forge Lake Cruise dock and to the chairlift at McCauley Mtn. and return.
  • 2-hour cruise on the lakes from 1-3 PM. You must make arrangements on your own. A block of tickets will be held for our group. On-line purchase for adults $22, children (3-12) $13 subject to a service charge. For Old Forge Lake Cruise information, reservations and payment go to https://oldforgelakecruises.com/ 
  • Ride the chairlift at McCauley Mountain. Adults $6, children (6-16) $5. No need to reserve ahead. Pay upon arrival.
  • Stay in Thendara and enjoy the food and drink on the porch or inside of the 1892 Van Aukens Inn directly across from the train station.
Reservations and payments for the train excursion and lunch will be handled through the NWNY Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Team website (https://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/) by Cathy Wallace. Note: This on-line payment portal can handle only two reservation options. The basic train excursion for adults and adult excursion with the make-your-own-lunch are the two options that will be available on-line. If you have a youth that will be joining the group, you will have to fill out and mail the form attached with cash or check payable to "CCE". The regular CCE reservation system could handle more options, however we would be subject to their 17% handling charge.


Any profit from this excursion will go to the NYSACAA scholarship fund. Your fare does not include your meals in Thendara/Old Forge, lake cruises or McCauley Mountain chairlift ticket. Further details will follow regarding parking near Utica Union Station. 

Please RSVP as soon as you can. Closeout for reservations will be July 16th. Either e-mail (grb23@cornell.edu) or call me (585-281-6816 cell) for questions.

Please note that personal adult beverages are not permitted on board. Smoking anywhere on the train is also prohibited.

Hope you can join us for a memorable "rails to the Adirondacks" adventure!

Jerry Bertoldo - Trip Coordinator


Train Trip Mail - in Form (PDF; 547KB)


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