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HOW TO USE THE SITE
Select the state you are interested in or intend to visit (check back regularly as both the number of states included and facilities within states already posted will grow daily). Within each state, the entries are arranged by city of origin. Each entry names the facility; identifies it’s address or boarding location; lists the telephone number(s) to call for information or to make a reservation; and provides the facility’s Web address. Also find a brief description of the location’s offering. See below for the definitions of descriptors as they relate to specific categories of information. ACCOMMODATIONS FREQUENCY: Light, 1-10 trains daily; Moderate, 11-20 trains daily; Heavy, 21+ trains daily. A majority of these movements may be at night. ROOMS TO REQUEST: For the best view of trains, as provided by the property unless otherwise noted. Know, of course, that the closer you are to the trains, the noisier – or enjoyable, depending on your and/or your companion’s point of view - the room will be. DINNER TRAINS AND EXCURSIONS SCHEDULE: 1]. “Year-around” refers to 11 or 12 months out of the year, “Seasonal refers to 10 or fewer months. 2]. “Regular Schedule” describes operations that run, for example, every Friday and Saturday, while “Varying Schedule” describes operations that run, for example, on a different Saturday each month. 3]. “Occasional” describes an average of one operation per month, “Moderate” refers to an average of from two to five operations per month, and “Frequent” refers to on-going regular operations of six or more trains per month. NOTE 1: Many dinner train and excursion operations quicken their frequency during peak seasons, such as during summer months, fall foliage, and/or holiday periods. NOTE 2: Where dinner trains are concerned, these entries refer to food service only; the host railroad may have other, more extensive excursion operations. RAIL TRAILS What distinguishes this site from other sources of information on rail trails is that all cities with a trailhead (one or more) on the route of the trail are identified. If you plan to visit Sebastopol, California, for example, you'll learn that the city is a trailhead along the West County-Joe Rodato trail that runs between Santa Rosa and Forestville. All three cities are listed as entries, with the first of them - Forestville in this case - being a complete entry and the following cities - Santa Rosa and Sebastopol - annotated to "See Forestville." Further, whenever possible, the identity of the railroad(s) which once operated on the trail's route is/are identified. You are strongly encouraged to visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's TrailLink.com citation, and other links where cited, to better understand and locate the various access points to the trails cited. At TrailLink.com you will find maps, in-depth descriptions of the trails, reviewer's comments, pictures, and other useful information. TrailExpress.com also offers useful detailed information on selected trails where noted in the LINKS section of entries here. A WORD ABOUT QUALITY Mention in The Railroad Tourist does not constitute an endorsement of, nor should it be considered a favorable evaluation of, the respective sites found here. This is but a compilation of information from various sources, verified by The Railroad Tourist either in person or by voice, email, or internet contact. All complimentary services provided to The Railroad Tourist, if any, are noted where appropriate. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS While every effort has been made to insure the information found here is correct, circumstances change daily on a project of this scope. Always - ALWAYS - call or go on line before you visit to insure the location or event you want to enjoy is available on the date(s) you plan to visit or attend. Meanwhile, notify The Railroad Tourist by email at therailroadtourist@yahoo.com of any corrections you deem appropriate (you might win a free book). IN CLOSING We can't do this alone. Input from readers and operators is sought and welcomed. If You'd like to recommend a site idea, or volunteer a story of your own, go to the Contact Us tab and drop us a line.