Families looking for something fun to do during the month of July can ride a real train and explore railway history at New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) located 30 minutes southwest of Raleigh.

July events at the all-volunteer, non-profit historic railway include Military Appreciation ride day on Sunday, July 12, Diesel Excursion on Friday, July 24, and the Diesel & Ice Cream event on Saturday, July 25. While waiting for their train’s departure or after the hour-long excursion, visitors can enjoy the on-site North Carolina Railway Museum (NCRM) that includes a collection of antique train cars, artifacts and historic train memorabilia.

Honoring Our Active Duty Military Families

The July 12 Military Appreciation Day honors military personnel and their families. Military personnel (active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired or Veterans) who show their military I.D. at the ticket booth will receive a free family four pack on the Diesel train excursions only for themselves and up to three immediate family members (limit four tickets total). The Diesel train rides depart at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. The free tickets are only available at the rail yard ticket booth and not through online ticket sales. Train rides can sell out.

“Much of NHVR’s historic railroad equipment was part of a U.S. military base before finding its home at the rail yard and our organization’s current President Chris Tilley is a former U.S. Army artilleryman,” says Dave Chasco, NHVR marketing director.

Tickets for the public cost $10/adults, $9/seniors (60+) and $7/children (2-12) for diesel train rides. Steam tickets for all guests cost $15/adults, $14/seniors and $9/children.

The Apex Arts Council will also display entries from its Railroad Art Contest at NHVR on July 12. Photographs, paintings, poems, songs, sculptures and any facet of railroads and railroading are among the accepted art forms for the contest.

American Legion Fuquay-Varina Post 116 will be selling patriotic t-shirts in support of Veterans’ events.

Diesel Excursions Depart Every Fourth Friday

The next monthly Friday Diesel Excursion is July 24 at 10 a.m. The ride day takes visitors on a one-hour scenic train ride in covered, open-air passenger cars pulled by NHVR’s diesel locomotive. This ride can easily accommodate large groups.

“For moms and others looking for a fun summer activity, our Friday Diesel Excursions are the perfect adventure,” says Chasco.

Cool off with Ice Cream

The July 25 Diesel & Ice Cream event offers two generous scoops of ice cream and toppings for free with the purchase of a train ticket. Ice cream will be provided by Manna Concessions food truck, and will include chocolate, vanilla and strawberry served in cups with chocolate syrup, caramel and sprinkles. Families can enjoy the cool treat before, during or after their train ride.

“Our ice cream social, held during National Ice Cream Month, has become a family favorite. Last year, riders enjoyed more than 40 gallons of ice cream,” Chasco said.

Diesel train tickets are $14/adults, $13/seniors and $12/children.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online at www.TriangleTrain.com. Any unsold tickets will be available at the train yard the day of the ride.