Spring train rides at New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), the Triangle’s Train, begin in April with the North Carolina Science Festival on Sunday, April 9, and Brew ‘n’ Choo Strawberry Festival on Saturday, April 29.

The 2017 NC Science Festival, which showcases science, technology, engineering and mathematics at venues across the state, will be celebrated in the railyard on Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will include free science demonstrations and kids’ activities and visitors will see some of the work that goes into operating and maintaining a real railroad. NHVR’s food vendor Chef’s House will be at the railyard and ice cream will be available for purchase from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of Apex.

On Saturday, April 29, during the prime of North Carolina’s strawberry season and North Carolina Beer Month, NHVR will host its Brew ‘n’ Choo Strawberry Festival event from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Brüeprint Brewing Company will pour its most popular beers and Doyle’s Vineyards will serve wine for tastings and by the glass.

A strawberry-inspired menu will be available from Chef’s House and will include strawberry chutney glazed pork loin and a mixed green salad with fresh strawberries, nuts, tomato, cucumbers and grilled chicken with a strawberry vinaigrette. Bruster’s will serve strawberry ice cream and a DJ will provide music and games.

To make it truly a strawberry event fresh, local strawberries will be available for purchase and the North Carolina Strawberry Association’s mascot will be roaming the railyard for fun and photos. All Brew ‘n’ Choo events are fundraisers that benefit projects at the railroad, such as the construction of a restroom facility, train car restorations, etc.

Train departure times can be found on NHVR’s updated and redesigned website www.TriangleTrain.com. The volunteer-run railroad also updated its ticketing system. Ticket prices vary for each event and depend on age, but tickets range from $7-$12. All visitors must purchase a train ticket to be admitted onto the grounds and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Food and drink are not included in the train excursion fee.

The non-profit tourist railroad is located in Bonsal, N.C., 30 minutes south of downtown Raleigh off of U.S. 1, Exit 89. Visitors can view the full 2017 ride schedule at www.TriangleTrain.com/schedule. Any unsold tickets will be available at the railyard ticket booth one hour before the first ride.