Whitewater Valley Railroad Begins 40th Season

Whitewater Valley Railroad.

By William W. Gray
Whitewater Valley Railroad
http://whitewatervalleyrr.org/

Travel Through Time On Indiana’s Most Scenic Railroad

The Whitewater Valley Railroad (WVRR), an authentic, historic train offering recreational train excursions and events for its 40^th operating season in 2013. Established in 1972, the WVRR is a nonprofit 501(c)3 railroad history organization. It is an operating railroad museum dedicated to the preservation of a historic branch line railroad, the restoration of railroad equipment, and to the conduct of railroad educational programs. The railroad is operated by trained volunteers and all proceeds are used to further the organization’s mission.

Ride the 40th season of the Valley Flyer as it travels from Connersville to historic Metamora, Indiana, a restored canal town. During the 2 hour layover in Metamora, visit the working grist mill, restored canal and lock, operating replica horse drawn canal boat, historic covered aqueduct, and over 100 shops and restaurants. Trains consisting of vintage equipment depart Connersville’s Grand Central Station at 12:01 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays, May through October. This train will not operate June 14^th through 23^rd, 2013 due to a Day Out With Thomas in Connersville. Also during the month of May, the Whitewater Limited departs Connersville’s Grand Central Station for Metamora at 10 am on Thursdays and Fridays.

All Aboard with a western twist and join the Circle D Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound Overland Limited every 3rd Saturday May through October excluding June. The Overland Limited also operates a special departure on the 3^rd Sunday in October. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons, Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Trains depart Connersville’s Grand Central Station at 12:01 pm.

Cost for these 33-mile round trip excursions is $22 for adults and $14 for children ages 2 to 12. Groups are welcome with group rates of 30 or more. Special school rates are also available.

The popular Twilight Limited Train To Dinner will begin on Friday May 3rd at 6 pm. This train takes riders from Connersville to the Laurel Hotel Restaurant for a delicious pan-fried chicken dinner and other home-cooked meals. The Twilight Limited Train To Dinner operates each month on the first and third Fridays at 6 pm. Total cost for the train ride, meal, tax and tip is $29 for adults and $15 for children ages 2 to 12. Reservations are required for the Twilight Limited Train To Dinner.

Also available on most weekends is the WVRR’s Metamora Local, which offers a 30 minute ride further south from Metamora on the historic Whitewater Branch of the former New York Central Railroad. Some sites along the way include the restored canal, operating canal boat Ben Franklin III, the Duck Creek Aqueduct, working canal lock and the Whitewater Canal Trail.

Come to Connersville, Indiana and return to a time when the railroad moved the nation and the short line railroad was a small town’s best friend.  The WVRR attracts passengers and railroad enthusiasts from all across the United States and Canada. Connersville is situated 65 miles from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Indianapolis, conveniently located in between the three metro areas.

Call 765-825-2054 for more information and reservations or visit the Whitewater Valley Railroad’s Web site at www.whitewatervalleyrr.org and follow on Facebook.

Other entertaining and educational events planned by the Whitewater Valley Railroad’s 40th Season include:

• Whitewater Limited, (FAVORITE) - May 2013 – Enjoy the beautiful Whitewater River Valley between Connersville and Metamora on the Whitewater Limited. These special excursions run every Thursday and Friday during May, departing Connersville’s Grand Central Station at 10:00 am, and allows a two hour stopover in Metamora. Cost for these 33-mile round trip excursions is $22 for adults and $14 for children ages 2 to 12. Groups are welcome with group rates of 30 or more. Special school rates are also available.

• National Train Day with Mr. Abraham Lincoln, (FAVORITE) – May 11, 2013 – President Abraham Lincoln, in July of 1862, signed the Pacific Railroad Bill that put the federal government behind the building of the Transcontinental Railroad project. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869. Travel through time as you spend the day with the 16th President Abraham Lincoln on a relaxing train excursion through the Whitewater Valley. Mr. Lincoln will be riding along as you travel along remnants of the Whitewater Canal to the historic town of Metamora. Ask the former president questions and have your photos taken to preserve the memories. Listen to Mr. Lincoln as he delivers a memorable speech before the train departs Metamora for the return to Connersville.

• Mother’s Day Valley Flyer (NEW IMPROVED) – May 12, 2013 – Visit Historic Metamora, Indiana without worrying about parking!! This train departs from our Connersville depot at 12:01 pm. Old Truck Revival will be providing Live Music while onboard for Mom and her guests to enjoy. Platted in 1838, Metamora is a restored canal town. Visit the working grist mill, restored canal and lock, operating replica horse drawn canal boat, historic covered aqueduct, and over 100 shops and restaurants during the 2 hour layover. Trains consisting of vintage equipment departs Connersville’s Grand Central Station at 12:01 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays, May through October. The Valley Flyer departs Metamora for the return to Connersville at 3:30 pm, arriving at the Connersville Station at 5:00 pm.

• Memorial Day Valley Flyer, (FAVORITE) – May 27, 2013 – Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville at 12:01 pm.

• Day Out with Thomas^TM THE GO GO THOMAS TOUR 2013, (FAVORITE) – June 14, 15, 16 & 21, 22, 23, 2013 – The popular public television character Thomas the Tank Engine ^TM chugs into Connersville’s Grand Central Station. The 25-minute train rides are perfect for young children. Enjoy storytelling, live magic, handcar rides, giant family games, bounce house, miniature golf, and posing for pictures with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt. Tickets Are On Sale Now.

• Connersville Bicentennial Celebration (SPECIAL ONE TIME EVENT) – June 28 – July 7, 2013 – Something for Everybody, Every Day! Ten Big Days and Nights Proudly Celebrating 200 Years of Life in Connersville, Indiana! More information is available at www.connersville200years.com.

• Lasers & Lights Train To Dinner (BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION) – June 28, 2013 – Special running of the Twilight Limited Train to Dinner excursion departing Connersville Grand Central Station. Return back to the Connersville Bicentennial Celebration in time for the downtown Laser Light Show. Limited seating is available and reservations are required. Tickets On Sale Now.

• American Limited Civil War Special, (BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION) – July 4, 2013 – Come along and take a trip back in time with us. Be in the middle of the action as a Union Army detachment protects the US Government Payroll. While along the line a relentless group of Confederate soldiers plan and wait. Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville’s Grand Central Station at 12:01 pm. Tickets Are On Sale Now.

• Dinosaur Train™ (NEW) – August 17, 18, 24, & 25, 2013 – Roar…take a ride back to the Jurassic Period on the Dinosaur Train™! Patterned after the hit PBS Television cartoon series, families take an adventurous ride to the Nature Trackers Activity Area where they explore, play and learn about life science, natural history and dinosaurs. Guests will meet their favorite T-Rex, Buddy, find real fossils and dig for dinosaur bones! There is also giant dinosaurs and merchandise! Grab your family and friends and join a fascinating time that only dinosaurs and trains can bring together. Tickets Are On Sale Now.

• The Statesman with Mr. Abraham Lincoln, (FAVORITE) – August 10, September 14 & October 12, 2013 – Spend the day with the 16^th President on this special excursion to Historic Metamora, Indiana. Mr. Lincoln will be riding along in order to present a speech to the good town folk of Metamora. Come along as ask questions and have your photos taken to preserve the memories.

• Valley Flyer to the Metamora Music Festival, (FAVORITE) – August 31 & September 1, 2013, Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley as you’re on the way to the historic town of Metamora for the annual Music Festival. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville at 12:01 pm.

• Labor Day Valley Flyer, (FAVORITE) – September 2, 2013 – Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville at 12:01 pm.

• Metamora Canal Days Specials, (FAVORITE) – October 4, 5, & 6, 2013 – Enjoy Metamora Canal Days without worrying about parking. These excursions leave Connersville’s Grand Central Station on Friday Oct 4 at 10:00 am with a 2 hour layover. On Saturday Oct 5 & Sunday Oct 6 at 10:01 am with a 4 hour layover and 12:01 pm with a 2 hour layover. Caboose tickets & rentals are available for all trips. All trains departing Metamora for the return trip to Connersville on October 3 & 4 will combine and depart as one train consist.

• Fall Foliage Flyer, (FAVORITE) - October 2013 – Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in the Whitewater River Valley between Connersville and Metamora on one of our Fall Foliage Trips. These special excursions runs every Thursday and Friday during October, departing Connersville’s Grand Central Station at 10:00 am, and allow a two hour stop over in Metamora.

• Pumpkinliner, (FAVORITE) – October 26 & 27, 2013 – Bring the family out for a afternoon of fun. Enjoy a round trip from our Connersville Grand Central Station to our pumpkin patch. Your train ticket includes round trip service to the pumpkin patch, a hay ride to the patch, and a pumpkin from the field. Trains depart at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Ticket includes a pumpkin for children age 11 and under. Tickets are Limited and Reservations are Recommended.

• THE POLAR EXPRESS^TM, (FAVORITE) – November & December 2013 – THIS HOLIDAY SEASON… BELIEVE. THE POLAR EXPRESS rolls into Connersville’s Grand Central Station this Holiday Season. The Polar Express will come to life when the train departs Connersville’s Grand Central Station for a journey through the quiet countryside for a special visit to the “North Pole” with Santa Claus. Seating for this event is Limited and tickets are On Sale Now.

• Santa Claus Limited, (FAVORITE) – Friday November 29, 2013 – Board the train at Grand Central Station in Connersville to pick up Santa Claus along the way. Once on board Santa will come and visit with each child on the train. Train departs at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. (NOTE: These trains are not affiliated with the POLAR EXPRESS)

• Metamora Holiday Specials, (FAVORITE) – November & December 2013 - Special holiday shopping excursions to Metamora are available in conjunction with Metamora’s Annual Christmas Walk. Reservations must be made in advance. Early reservations are highly recommended, since these trains usually sell out very early due to the train’s limited capacity. Caboose Rentals: Bring the whole family, or a group of friends! Rent one of our cabooses for your private excursion to Metamora, and tag it on to any the Christmas Express Excursions. (Maximum of 20 guests on most of our caboose fleet). Limited Availability, These sell out early, so make your reservation today! Train departs Friday November 29, Saturday November 30, Saturday December 7, & Saturday December 14 at 4 pm with a 3 1/4 hour layover in Historic Metamora. (NOTE: These trains are not affiliated with the POLAR EXPRESS)

About the WVRR

Travel through time on Indiana’s most scenic railroad, voted Indiana’s Best Scenic Railway in 2013 by The Official Best Of at http://www.officialbestof.com. Established in 1972, the Whitewater Valley Railroad is a non profit 501c3 railroad history organization. It is an operating railroad museum dedicated to the preservation of a historic branch line railroad, the restoration of railroad equipment, and to the conduct of railroad educational programs. The railroad is operated by trained volunteers and all proceeds are used to further the organization’s mission. Train operations began in spring 1974 with trips between Connersville, Metamora, and Brookville, Indiana.

Come to Connersville, Indiana and return to a time when the railroad moved the nation and the short line railroad was a small town’s best friend.  The WVRR attracts passengers and railroad enthusiasts from all across the United States and Canada. Connersville is situated 65 miles from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Indianapolis, conveniently located in between the three metro areas.

‘Zest and Zing’ Foodie Event at the History Center, May 7

Image provided by the event organizers and used with written permission.

Press Release
Indiana Farm Bureau
http://infarmbureau.org/

“Zest ‘n Zing: A Foodie Event for the At-Home Chef,” will be held at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center on May 7, 2013.

Join two chefs and two farmers who will work in teams to create a great new dish during this event. A $20 ticket includes two drink tickets, five food tickets, a swag bag and the cooking competition. The full ticket price benefits Gleaners Food Bank. Tickets are available for purchase online. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the main event begins at 7 p.m. Parking is free but limited at the History Center, located at 450 West Ohio Street in downtown Indianapolis.

For more information, visit http://www.cvent.com/d/jcqv13, or call 800-327-6287.

Hillforest Victorian House Museum Open in Aurora

Hillforest Victorian House Museum.
Photo provided by Dearborn County CVB and used with written permission.

By Sally McWilliams
Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau
http://visitsoutheastindiana.com/

Located along a bend in the Ohio River, the small town of Aurora, Indiana is home to the Hillforest Victorian House Museum, which welcomes visitors from April through December each year.

An 1855 Italinate-style mansion that was once home to industrialist Thomas Gaff and his family, Hillforest is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Its unique steamboat-style architecture — including its ornate entrance, dramatic third-floor cupola and beautifully decorated rooms — transport visitors back to the mid-19th century, when sternwheelers plied the Ohio River and the thriving river town was a hub of progress and industry.

The museum will host several events and exhibitions in 2013, including “A Century of Brides,” a Victorian wedding display featuring an assortment of timeless bridal gowns from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries.

A special “Toast to the Timeless Bride” three-course tea is scheduled for May 11, 2013.

Finally, Hillforest is an ideal spot for private teas and luncheons (including bridal showers and wedding teas) for groups of 20 or more. From Hillforest, visitors can walk several blocks to Aurora’s downtown, where they’ll find shops, restaurants, historic architecture, and more.

Hillforest Victorian House Museum in located at 213 5th Street in Aurora, in Dearborn County, Indiana along the Ohio River. The museum is open for tours from April 2 to December 29,  1:00-5:00 p.m. The last  tour begins at 4:30 p.m. Hillforest is closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $6 ($3 for ages 7-13). For more information, visit http://www.hillforest.org/, or call 812-926-0087.

April Special Events at Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Lynelle Mellady
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
http://connerprairie.org/

The art of textile making is front and center at Shear Fun, Apr. 27-28, 2013, at Conner Prairie in Hamilton County, Indiana. Meet the sheep and watch sheep-herding in action; see a sheep being sheared in the Animal Encounters Barn. Choose a color in the Loom House and dye your own wool swatch. Learn the basics of wool-spinning and Native-American finger weaving. See what else you can do at Shear Fun and other “Threads Through Time” activities this month.

Admission for Shear Fun: Included with paid general admission to Conner Prairie. General admission is free for members.

In Follow the North Star, Apr. 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27, the insults and demands thrown at you by your owners will immediately transport you to a distressing 19th-century scene. Whispers from fellow runaways will engulf you in uncertainty, or determination, as you escape on the Underground Railroad. The words of former slaves instill confidence in you, while the nervous tones of others make you paranoid. The warm voices of Quakers inviting you into their home give you encouragement.

Who will you believe? What is your destiny? Be a part of Follow the North Star, a nationally acclaimed Conner Prairie program. Learn more here.

Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers, just north of Indianapolis. For more information, visit http://connerprairie.org/, or call 317-776-6006.

April Events in Downtown Indianapolis

Monument Circle at dusk. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

By Taylor Newell
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://indydt.com/

Warm spring weather is finally in the forecast – so how will you celebrate? How about with a brewery bike ride from Sun King to Victory Field for the Indianapolis Indians’ season opener? Or jogging in the Susan G. Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure? Bring the kids to Earth Day Indiana Festival to learn about fun ways to protect Mother Earth before walking over to the 500 Festival “Rev Your Engines Concert” with Gavin DeGraw and Jon McLaughlin. Or maybe just grab a pint from the outdoor cafes on the Georgia Street Boardwalk before heading to watch the Pacers, who just clinched their third consecutive NBA playoff spot. Whether you’re headed Downtown for a weekend with the family or just looking for after-work fun with friends, there is a lot to do and see Downtown this month.

Spring sports

The Indianapolis Indians open their season at home April 4 against the Columbus Clippers at 7 p.m. – if the outside temperature is below 60 degrees by the start of the game, every person in attendance will receive a FREE ticket to another Indians game of their choosing! Head to Sun King Brewery at 4 p.m. and Bike to the Ballpark with Mayor Ballard, INDYCOG and NUVO. Grab a Victory Lager, Sun King’s custom Indians brew, and enjoy some grub from Nacho Mama and Groovy Guys Fries food trucks.

The Pacers clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive season and wrap up their regular season at Bankers Life Fieldhouse April 17 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers also face the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers April 5, 9 and 12. Register for 2013 playoff tickets now through April 9.

The Indiana Ice wrap up their regular season with four home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 6, 7, 13 and 14. The first 500 fans at the April 6 game will receive an Ice water bottle, the April 7 game a Hardee’s Chill Girl calendar and the first 1,000 fans at the April 13 game will take home a team photo.

See the Naptown Roller Girls in action April 5 against the Detroit Derby Girls at the Indiana Convention Center and April 27 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Run around!

Take off on one of the many Downtown run/walks in April, including the Central Indiana Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday April 20. The run, for both competitive and non-competitive participants, begins at Military Park and also offers warm-up Zumba, a Kids’ Dash and more. For the first time ever, Mass Ave will be turned pink for the race starting April 19. The IUPUI Student Foundation is hosting a life-sized game of Candy Land at IUPUI’s Carrol Stadium from noon to 3 p.m. April 20.

Here are some other Downtown run/walks throughout April:

April 6:   500 Festival Training Series 15K at the NCAA Hall of Champions

April 13: Rock the Relay at White River State Park

April 13: Strip ‘N Run at Scotty’s Brewhouse

April 25: FDIC Courage and Valor 5K at White River State Park

April 27: Walk MS Indianapolis at Military Park

April 28: Best Buddies Run/Walk at Indiana State Museum

Find up-to-date information on road closures and lane restrictions at www.indydt.com/streetclosings.cfm.

An artful April

The provocative, social rights-centric work of famed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei comes to the Indianapolis Museum of Art April 5 with the opening of Ai Weiwei: According to What? The exhibition features more than 30 works spanning longer than 20 years of Ai’s career, exploring universal topics of culture, history, politics and tradition. Informational iPads will be available around the gallery offering interactive information about the artist. Admission to this special exhibit is $12 for adults, $6 for children 7 – 17 and FREE for IMA members and kids under 6. An opening reception and talk will take place April 4 at 6:30 p.m.

As the weather warms, the IMA hosts special outdoor activities throughout April like the Perennial Premiere on April 6, Art in the Park: Spring Up! on Saturdays in April and the Garden Club Flower Show April 27. View the online calendar here.

Special exhibits open on the evening of April 5 for First Friday include “Contents Have Shifted” at the Harrison Center for the Arts, a “First Look” show at the Stutz Artist Association and an Indy Jazz Fest High School All-Stars performance at Indy Reads books. The Stutz Artist Association hosts the 20^th Annual Raymond James Stutz Arists Open House April 26 and 27, displaying the works of 70 local artists available for purchase.

Big performances coming Downtown

On April 27, the 500 Festival “Rev Your Engines Concert” returns to Monument Circle featuring Gavin DeGraw and Indiana-native Jon McLaughlin. The concert is FREE and begins at 8 p.m. Other major Downtown performances in April include:

April 4 – May 5
Clybourne Park at Phoenix Theatre

April 5 – 27
Blackpool & Parrish at Theatre on the Square

April 6
Joe Rogan at Old National Centre

April 10 – May 12
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Indiana Repertory Theatre

April 14
Keyshia Cole at Old National Centre

April 18
Celtic Woman at Old National Centre

April 19 – 20
Finals of the APA Classical Fellowship Awards at Hilbert Circle Theatre

April 21
Indianapolis School of Ballet performance at Indianapolis Arsgarden

April 26
Taylor Swift “The Red Tour” at Bankers Life Fieldhouse

April 29
The Flaming Lips at Old National Centre

Notable events and conventions

April 5 – 6             Just Give Me Jesus

Indiana Convention Center; Fri. 7 – 9 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; FREE
This event is designed to be a life-changing revival for women. Registration is not required.

April 12                Clustertruck

Georgia Street, west block; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; FREE
Food trucks will line up on the west block of Georgia Street along the boardwalk during lunch.

April 18                Jalen Rose – Economic Club of Indiana Luncheon

Indiana Convention Center; noon – 1:30 p.m.; $35 ($30 members)
This month’s luncheon, the Economic Club of Indiana hosts Jalen Rose, former Indiana Pacer and founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.

April 22 – 27           Fire Department Instructors Conference

Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium
FDIC is the premier conference and exhibition for the fire industry bringing 28,000 attendees to the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. Many events will take place throughout Downtown during the conference.

April 27                Earth Day Indiana Festival

White River State Park; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE
Celebrate Mother Earth in a special way this year with live music, kids activities, great food and 140 special environmental exhibits. Kids will have the chance to build their own bird feeder, see wild animals, plant seeds and more.

April 27                 Rollin’ with Dean

Indiana State Museum; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE with museum admission
Dust the winter off your motorcycle and join other enthusiasts at the Museum to enjoy live music and family-friendly activities, including a James Dean look-a-like contest!

For more information, visit http://indydt.com/, or call 317-237-2222.