Need advice-Day out with Thomas

We are taking our two little Thomas the Train fanatics up to Strasburg, Pa this weekend. We are traveling up on Saturday, staying overnight, and then our combo ticket rides are for 11:45. Our boys are 3 1/2 and just turned 2. We have heard that there is usually a traffic jam getting into the railroad and that there are many things to do on site. What did you like doing? What should we avoid? What else would be worthwhile inthe Strasburg area -or should we just forget about doing anything else?Thanks so much!

 

We went last year and the traffic was non-existent, but we also had tickets for later in the day. The activities my 3 boys enjoyed were the mini-golf (just a couple of holes), the hay maze, some tube you get to run through, the petting zoo, and the Thomas tent with all sorts of Thomas stuff to buy. The train ride itself was cute. It went slow and went out a little way and then came back. Our boys were enthralled with the ride. Your boys will have a blast (my boys were ages 5 1/2, 4, and 2 1/2). They loved it.

I'm just noticing that you're going to Strasburg...we went to Cumberland, MD so I can't promise that the activities will be the same!

 

Our family has been to Strasburg a couple of times and visited the railroad but never for the Day out with Thomas. When we go we plan to stay overnight so the kid (and us old folks) aren't too tired to do everything in one day. We've taken the regular (not Thomas) train ride, which lasts about 45 minutes and goes from Strasburg to Paradise, PA. We've usually ridden in the coach car, which has nice bench seats and open windows. It has been a lot of fun for our family - kids and grownups alike.

Other activities very close by include the Railroad Museum, the National Toy Train Museum, and the Choo Choo Barn (another miniature train place). All are reasonably inexpensive and good if your child (or you) is into model trains or interested in trains at all. The restaurant downstairs from the Thomas store and the Choo Choo Barn is fun for kids. It's called Issac's Deli and Restaurant and they offer a "rainbow sandwich" that is PB&J with marshmallows - all on the side for the child to assemble himself - on rainbow colored bread (see attached picture). The Amish Village offers tours of an old Amish house and grounds. It's good for kids (the grounds part) and adults. It's also fun just to drive around and watch the horse and buggies.

There are many places to stay in the area (Lancaster is very close). Several years ago we stayed at the Hershey Farm Inn, which is simple and nice. It also has a full service restaurant and a farm animal area to walk around. It was nice to stay at something other than a chain hotel. Last summer we tried something different and stayed at a B&B called the Neffdale Farm of Paradise, which is a working dairy farm. They have about 80 head of cattle so the smell outside definitely smells like a farm, but that's part of the "charm" of experiencing the area. The owners are very nice and it is very family friendly. You can tour and watch them milk the cows, check out the sheep, and be followed around by the barn cats and kittens. Our three year old (and the rest of us) really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Can you tell we have enjoyed our visits there and will return?

 

There is a nice childrens museum in lancaster, Hands on House, www.handsonhouse.org. It's not far from Strausburg, and my kids enjoyed it.

 

DUTCH WONDERLAND! Kids will LOVE it.
http://www.dutchwonderland.com/index.php

And there are ALOT of outlet stores too!

 

I didn't realize that this place still existed! I went to Dutch Wonderland when I was a kid and it was a great trip! Will have to check it out sometime to see how it has changed.

 

Re: Need advice--Day out with Thomas?

eduk8em, T8erman, and others--

"Y'all" are correct in your assessments about Strasburg, PA areas. Since we have alot of Mennonite relatives in PA (as well as GA and OH--:scaredeyes, we frequent the Lancaster, PA areas quite often. In fact, we already will be attending the "Day out with Thomas" train excursion that weekend. One of our nephews is having a birthday party; and we all are traversing to Strasburg, PA for the Thomas event.

By the way, another "must see" train-oriented" place(s) to visit and kids love the attractions--"little kids" and "young at heart kids"--, are the following:

Web sites are below--

www.rrmuseumpa.org (Railroad Museum of PA's site/info. Great place for history on PA trains, exhibits, etc. Quite near the Strasburg train station.)

www.nttmuseum.org (National Toy Train Museum's site/info. This museum is near the Railroad Museum and is maintained by the Train Collectors Association.)

Also, for Amish/Mennonite baked goods, farmers markets, Amish crafts, etc., check out the following markets. Some of our Amish and Mennonite friends/family members owns stalls and business at both markets. Great foods, etc.

www.bihbakeshop.com (Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop's site/info. Owned and operated by friends of ours who are Mennonites. Closed on Sundays and open on Mondays through Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Handcrafted Amish/Mennonite toys, souvenirs, local canned goods, baked goods, etc.)

www.birdinhandfarmersmarket.com (Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market's site/info. Market building is owned by "English"--non-Amish and non-Mennonites--the Amish and Mennonites and others have their own businesses and/or stalls inside this huge Butler-style building. Great handmade Amish quilts, Amish handmade foods, toys, etc. Hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.)

For both of these markets, get there early! Great places for jams, apples, apple butters, ciders, etc. Even fritters--just like I made and dropped off at the Nature Center months ago!

Another great place to spend the night(s) is at the Red Caboose Motel next to the Strasburg Railroad. The owners purchased years ago several caboose and railroad cars. They renovated and refurbished the railcars for people and families to stay in overnight or longer. I believe there is a restaurant and small playground there also. Next to the Strasburg attractions and museums. You can also Google for reviews of the motel, etc.

Web site is below--

www.redcaboosemotel.com (Red Caboose Motel's site/info.)

Yes, Dutch Wonderland is great. Also, Howard Johnson has an Inn and Caribbean Indoor Waterpark in Lancaster, PA. Recently renovated and brand new indoor waterpark. The Hojo's is directly across from the Dutch Wonderland amusement park. Recent reviews of Hojo's are good. Great place to go just the day and the waterpark. Our quads and twins kids loves it!

Web sites are below--

www.dutchwonderland.com (Dutch Wonderland Park's site/info.)

www.hojo.com (Howard Johnson's site/info. Location for above info is Lancaster, PA.)

Hope this helps--see "y'all"--

Foodie & Family

 

Re: Need advice--Day out with Thomas

Forgot to add the following web sites--

www.strasburgrailroad.com (Strasburg Railroad's site/info. Links to "Day Out with Thomas" excursions, etc. Get there early for Thomas events! Strasburg Railroad also numerous train activities for younger and older kids too.)

www.choochoobarn.com (Choo Choo Barn's site/info. As someone previously posted, great train store with all types of train toys, etc. Largest selection of Thomas & Friends collections around the house--bad pun--roundhouse
i.e.trains--! Also, there are other toys at Choo Choo Barn and at the shopping center that makes great Christmas presents.)

Happy shopping--

Foodie

 

Thank you everyone for your very helpful posts. We had a great weekend with only one meltdown. Strausburg is very close-only a short 2 ½ hour drive. We arrived mid day Saturday and went straight to the town of Bird-In-Hand on route 340. First stop was at the Bird-In-Hand Bakery so the boys could play on the playground and feed the goats. We bought yummy bread, whoopee pies, and pecan buns. Then we were off to the BIH Market. Great crafts, foods, and things to look at but a bit too busy for little kids. After watching two hot air balloons fill-up and float way, we ate at the BIH restaurant. Smorgasbord was good, kids under 3 eat free and they have a little Noah’s Ark area with the kid food. Foodie I loved the broasted chicken! Now I have to find it around here. One thing to remember is that Amish stores close at 5 and aren’t open on Sunday.

Our Thomas train ride was at 11:15 on Sunday . We arrived at the Strausburg Railroad at 9 so we got to park on the grounds. If you arrive much later you have to go to overflow parking and take a bus. The bus takes off from the Red Caboose Motel-way cool place that I want to stay at next time!-less than a mile away. There are some things that are included with your ticket: under the tents were tattoos, storytelling, videos, hand crank cars for the little ones, a Thomas store with everything Thomas, and a tent with Thomas train tables (we never got there). There is also a miniature steam train ride and a ride on another type of train (sorry I forgot the name). I think you had to pay to go on the little cargo car and you have to pay to take a longer 45 minute ride on a steam train. They line you up 30 minutes before your ride, Thomas pulls into the station, excitement reigns as the kids see the big happy face. Everyone piles on the train and you take a 25 minute ride into the country and back again. You get off the train, go to the front and have your child’s picture taken in front of Thomas. Then they direct you over the track and you wait in line to see Sir Topham Hatt. You could probably spend more time in the tents but we decided to leave at 2:30.

The boys were too tired to see the National Toy Train museum or the RR museum of PA. We went to Issac’s deli and then they fell asleep in the car. Husband and I took turns going into the outlets although many of them are here in Leesburg. If the boys were older I would definitely take them to Dutch Wonderland in the afternoon. Overall it was a good family trip. One problem, the oldest wants to know when it will be “Day out with James!” Thanks again for all the good advice!

 

eduk8em and others--

Glad you and your family (especially the kids--big and small--) enjoyed your Strasburg/Day Out with Thomas excursion/weekend.

We also were in Lancaster and Strasburg, PA this past weekend. We had a great time too visiting our nephew at his birthday party with our family members. Our family and relatives (a large party of us--) also rode on the Day Out with Thomas train to celebrate our nephew's birthday. Great fun for all!

Our kids (especially Dad) loves trains. There are plenty more sights to inform you of of the Lancaster, PA region. I will post those later before Fall arrives. Other train trips not too far from Strasburg, Mennonite/Amish stores, etc.

As far as the Broasted Chicken, you can visit the Lancaster County Dutch Market in Germantown, MD. Kings BBQ is owned by some Amish friends of ours and their business features Broasted Chicken. Some of our Mennonite and Amish friends owns stalls/businesses at this market.

The Lancaster County Dutch Market's web site is below. The Amish/Mennonite people hired an "English" (non-Amish) company to create this web site and to post information on this web site about their businesses. Kinda like a "middleman" for their businesses. The owners who lease the physical building for the Lancaster County Dutch Market are non-Amish ("English") and provided the web site information for the Market's customers.

www.lancastercountydutchmarket.com (Lancaster County Dutch Market's site/info.)

As far as Broasted Chicken, read my previous posts on our thoughts of opening a Mennonite business and serving Broasted Chicken.

Have a good week--

Foodie