One lesson quickly learned from our time overseas: tourism in the USA is very different from attractions in Europe. Both regions have areas of astounding natural beauty; what sets them apart are their relative ages as nations. With Europe's history stretching back thousands of years, it makes sense that many of their attractions center on things unknown to America: castles, abbeys, and other ruins from ages past. So what does America offer on the sightseeing front? For one, transportation, which was vital to connecting the vastness that is North America. To that end, our first major travel adventure in the States was a visit to the Strasburg Railroad.
Located in the heart of Lancaster county's Pennsylvania Dutch country, the Strasburg Railroad is a heritage railway experience. You can ride aboard an open-air car through acre after acre of Amish farmland over the 45-minute journey, enjoy the wooden dining car, and take in the sights (and smells) of the steam engines. Thomas the Tank Engine is present at the park and comes out during scheduled Thomas days. At the station, ride the hand-powered pump car, kid's cranky cars (powered by hand cranks), or the pufferbelly miniature steam train. Several gift shops (including one selling all things Thomas) and restaurants (featuring the famous whoopie pie) round out the experience, and across the street is a train museum.
Though I grew up near Strasburg, I think this was my first visit in 25 years. It was fun! Both kids and adults enjoyed themselves, and I got that distinctly "Americana" feeling as I watched the steam engine pull into the station, not to mention some Pennsylvania pride. Yes, America is different than Europe. Different is fun.
Rating: A
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