Pittsburgh Garden Railway Society -- 2009 Train Trip

June 2009 Train Trip to Cumberland, MD
revised 3-22-09

The Pittsburgh Garden Railway Society plans at least one train excursion each year. If you have any ideas or suggestions for a train trip please contact any of the PGRS officers.

Weekend Trip to Cumberland
Maryland
June 12^th to 14^th, 2009

This year I have planned an open ended weekend trip to Cumberland about 2 ½ hours from Pittsburgh. The following is a summary of attractions, lodging and directions. I hope you can attend and we are looking forward to a great weekend!

This is an open ended weekend, so you can do as much or as little as you wish. It will be up to you. There is an option to go for one day, two days, or the entire weekend. I have planned some of the more important events, but the rest of the time will be up to your discretion. Depending on where you live it’s only about 113 miles from our area!

I have reserved a block of 20 rooms at the Holiday Inn in Cumberland and it is located one block from all planned activities. Rooms are $92.00 a night single or double occupancy with tax included. If 25 or more people register at the hotel, a free continental breakfast will be provided. When making reservations the group name will be “Pittsburgh Garden Railways Society”.

Holiday Inn
100 South George Street
Cumberland, MD, 21502
301-724-8800
www.cumberland-dtn.holiday-inn.com

(Room amenities include; Coffee Maker, Hair Dryer, Iron and Ironing Board. Room entertainment features include; pay-per-view movies, free Internet, free HBO, free, ESPN, and free CNN. Other hotel features also include; Outdoor pool, Fitness Room, and Guest Laundry.

Friday:

Friday kicks off the second day of the Cumberland Heritage Weekend. There will be four bands playing in the Park from 5pm – 10pm. There will be plenty to explore with interesting Shops, Antiques, Crafts, and Sidewalk Cafés open for business.

Saturday:

Arrangements will be made to ride the Potomac Eagle; this is located in Romney W.V about a 45 minute drive down RT.28. You will need to be there by 11am to get your seats and the train departs at 11:30am for a beautiful 3 ½ hour excursion along the Potomac River. Coach is $40.00 per person and $75.00 for a First-Class ticket. This exciting trip may include spotting nesting Eagles that are often seen around town as well.

Saturday night back in Cumberland will include the Cumberland Theatre for all that are interested. Tickets are $15.00 each and “Dirty Blonde” will be the show playing that weekend.

Sunday:

Arrangements will be made to ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to Frostburg MD, where you can enjoy watching the train being turned around on the turn-table. Coach is $30.00 and First-Class is $55.00 that includes a hot meal; departure is at 11:30am. Senior discount for either ticket is $2.00 off.

Before leaving scenic Cumberland on Sunday take the opportunity to visit Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a historic French & Indian War site. The church was built on the foundation of Fort Cumberland and was also a vital part of the “Underground Railroad” during the Civil War. Tunnels beneath the church were built under George Washington’s direction in 1755. The church itself provides views of beautiful tiffany stained glass and inspiring architecture. Tours of this site are $2.00 per person.

Reservations for this wonderful trip need to be made by May 1^st. Anyone that is interested or has questions please contact Keith Baggus after 7pm at 412-276-1236. Time is short and seating is limited for these great excursions, so early reservations are strongly recommended.

Driving Directions:

From the Pittsburgh Area, take Interstate 79 (I-79) South to Morgantown, WV then travel East on Interstate 68 (I-68) to Cumberland Maryland. Upon arrival into the Cumberland Area take Exit 43C “Downtown”.

Internet Links for the Trip:

Scenic Western Maryland Railroad – www.wmsr.com

The Potomac Eagle – www.potomaceagle.info

The Cumberland Theatre – www.cumberlandtheatre.com

Holiday Inn, Cumberland Maryland – www.cumberland-dtn.holiday-inn.com

REGISTRATION FORM

Cumberland, Maryland Weekend

Cost

Number

Total

Saturday June 13

Potomac Eagle

First Class (Complementary Lunch & Beverage)

$75

Coach

$40

Cumberland Theater

“Dirty Blonde”

$15

Sunday June 14

Western Maryland

First Class

$55

(Choose meal)

Roast Beef

Roast Turkey

Coach

$30

Senior Discount for either ticket

(-$2)

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Total Amount

Please make reservations by May 1^st

Name:

Return Registration Form to

Ann Celento

312 Hawthorne St

Canonsburg, PA 15317

Street:

City:

State:

Zip:

Any questions, please contact Keith Baggus after 7 PM 412.276.1236

Note:

Make reservations with Holiday Inn Group Reservations Name “Pittsburgh Garden Railways Society” by May 1^st to get the group rate. Full price applies after May 1^st.

1.301.724.8800 www.cumberland-dtn.holiday-inn.com