Who needs a DeLorean when you have a train? One of our many fun adventures during our South Georgia Adventure was a ride aboard the SAM Shortline Train. The 19th century mainline is operated today by Heart of Georgia Railroad and used by the SAM Shortline's passenger trains. As a matter of fact the name “SAM Shortline” derives from the original railroad’s name, the Savannah, Americus and Montgomery, and from the name of the line’s founder and president, Colonel Samuel Hugh Hawkins, a prominent 19th century Sumter County capitalist. You can read more about the amazing history of the SAM Shortline here.
A moms review:
The SAM Shortline train is an air-conditioned passenger train with vintage cars from 1949. Each train car is named after one of the cities it visits. The SAM Shortline makes stops in 4 quaint towns that offer a variety of attractions, restaurants and shopping. The train only operates Thursdays through Sundays and there are several excursions to choose from. Depending on which day you travel, the train stops long enough for passengers to get on and off the cars, usually only 5 minutes. Some stops are longer layovers, allowing you to visit the town (s) and soak in some history. You can also opt to stay in a town and catch the train back on its return trip or even the next day.
There are two boarding locations from which excursions begin: The Cordele Depot or the Georgia Veterans State Park Depot. We took the Watermelon Express Train Ride which boarded at the Cordele Depot and had a layover in Plains, Georgia.
The Cordele Depot is located on 9th Avenue in a historic, yellow brick building right across the street from the railroad tracks. On the other side of the railroad tracks is ample free parking for passengers. While I picked up our tickets the children had fun playing with the toy train tables. After I got our tickets we read about the history of the railroad, checked out the artifacts and posed with Sam and Thomas for photos. Definitely be sure to check out the gift shop which is full of train toys, memorabilia and lots of Thomas the Train merchandise.
Then the whistle blew and it was time to board. The first thing the children noticed about the train was that it had two engines! Since we were in the "Hawkins" car we had to take a little bit of a walk down the sidewalk to our train car. There is no platform so you do have to step up to board, but handicap lifts are available for those with disabilities. Boarding was quick and easy! There are several car accommodation options to choose from including coach class, premium seating and VIP lounge seating. Fares start at $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children. Seating ranges from bus like benches to padded luxury.
The "Samuel H. Hawkins" car was absolutely lovely. Stepping inside truly felt like we had traveled back in time. This particular car is the most historic piece of equipment operated by the SAM Shortline and was named after the original SAM founder and president. The #1508 tavern-observation car was built by Budd in 1939 and ran on the Florida East Coast Railway as the "Bay Biscayne" before becoming the 6607 on the Seaboard's passenger car roster. The car was climate-controlled (bring a sweatshirt) and featured carpeting, ceiling fans, leather couches (comfy enough to take a nap on) and tables and chairs (perfect for dining, playing and coloring). The windows were very wide and provided us with great views and photo ops. This VIP lounge ticket also includes includes a complimentary beverage and lunch from the concession car.
Throughout all of the cars are beautiful old photos and artwork depicting early trains and the cities on the route. Restrooms are available and feature airline style toilets, hot water and soap. My husband recommends sitting because the toilet is a moving target!
