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Preview
By Stephen Kirchner, Editor & Publisher
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elcome to Byways Great American Railroads issue, featuring operating and heritage railroads in North America. We head north to Alaska to visit the Alaska Railroad, an operating railroad serving the state in both passenger and freight service. Built by the federal government between 1914 and 1923, the Alaska Railroad has played a pivotal role in Alaska’s development. In 1985 Alaska purchased the railroad from the federal government, and the railroad remains a state asset. However, it receives no funds from the state, operating on revenue from passenger and freight service. Today, The Alaska Railroad offers rail transportation and rail travel packages, with the option to create a personalized rail excursion, complete with lodging, tours and activities. The Kettle Valley Steam Railway operates a heritage railway in British Columbia. You can experience a 90-minute journey in a restored 1912 steam locomotive in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Located in southern British Columbia, the Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in all of Canada. The area is favored for its sunny climate, lakes, and winery attractions, and has become a popular destination for vacationers and retirees. Unlike most heritage railroads, California’s Fillmore & Western Railroad emerged from Hollywood. The majority of its rolling stock was acquired from four major motion picture studios: 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Warner Bros, and MGM. Today, its rolling stock and right-of-way is still used for the filming of television series, motion pictures and commercials and as a locale for private and commercial still photography. The railway has been Byways 4
used in more than 400 movie, TV and commercial shots. In his column, Bill Graves takes us to Virginia City, once the richest place on earth. It was the crown jewel of Nevada’s Comstock Lode. The jewel was silver, tons of it that flowed into our country’s coffers for 30 years. It funded an estimated $400 million of the young nation’s westward-expansion, and paid for the Union Army during the Civil War. Iowa’s Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a heritage and excursion railroad begun in 1983. In 1983, an 11-mile section of the line was purchased by the Boone Railroad Historical Society and its 2254 charter members, for $50,000. The railroad became an immediate success and has expanded regularly since its founding. The James H. Andrew Railroad Museum and History Center was added to the existing depot and dedicated in 2012. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two-foot gauge railway. The leisurely train ride lasts approximately 35 minutes and travels 3 miles roundtrip along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. The museum has become a popular visitor attraction for the greater Portland area surpassing over 55,000 visitors annually. In What’s Happening, travel to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775. It is America’s oldest continually-operating distillery. Making the most out of an unprecedented year is just what Buffalo Trace set out to do. Despite being closed for four months, the distillery experienced strong visitation despite Covid challenges. We hope you enjoy this issue of Byways.
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Volume 38, Issue No. 1 2021 On the Cover. An Alaska Railroad train passes by a glacier, just one of the many wonders of traveling in the 49th state. For more on Great American Railroads, turn to Page 8.
Features The Alaska Railroad .............................................................................................................................. 8 BC’s Kettle Valley Steam Railway ....................................................................................................... 16 California’s Movie Trains ..................................................................................................................... 22 Iowa’s Boone Scenic Valley Railroad .................................................................................................. 30 Maine’s Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum ....................................................................................... 36
Departments Byways Instant Connect ........................................................................................................................ 3 Byways Preview .................................................................................................................................... 4 Traveling the Highways & Byways with Bill Graves............................................................................. 28 Advertiser/Sponsored Content Index .................................................................................................. 43
What’s Happening Buffalo Trace Distillery, Strong Visitation Despite Covid Setbacks...................................................... 38
Coming in Future Issues Future issues of Byways will feature . . .Mountains and Valleys, Ocean Views, Rivers & Lakes, Great American Roads and more . . .
Next Up: Mountains & Valleys The Laurel Highlands offer mountain ridges, rushing rivers, rolling farmlands, and charming towns across 3000 acres in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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onstructed decades before the Territory of Alaska earned statehood, the Alaska Railroad has had a profound impact on the 49th addition to the United States. The railroad has also played a pivotal role in the country’s military and economic endeavors. Indeed, military and mining needs drove interest in a railroad. President Woodrow Wilson put the wheels in motion in 1914, forming the Alaska Engineering Commission to determine the best route. Construction on the nearly 500-mile route began in 1915 and concluded in July 1923. In 1985, the state purchased the railroad from the federal government, and the Alaska Railroad remains a state asset today. The railroad receives no operating funds from the state, nor are railroad employees state employees. The railroad’s freight, passenger and real estate services generate revenue to cover personnel, employee benefits, operations and maintenance expenses. The railroad also receives federal funding to augment its capital program. The railroad employs about 550 Alaskans year-round and more than 700 Byways 10
during the peak summer season. The Alaska Railroad offers year-round passenger rail transportation with Adventure Class and premium GoldStar service. More than a half million passengers ride Alaska Railroad trains each year. The summer season is mid-May to mid-September and includes daily service on most routes. The winter season is mid-September to mid-May, and includes weekend and some midweek service. The Alaska Railroad offers rail transportation and rail travel packages, with the option to create a personalized rail excursion, complete with lodging, tours and activities. It also offers a flagstop service, the last of its kind in the United States. Special events trains operate around seasonal holidays, festivals and events and typically offer themed onboard entertainment.
Goldstar Service The Alaska Railroad’s premium class of service offers passengers an exceptional way to travel across
Alaska. Glass-dome ceilings allow for panoramic views as Alaska unfolds along the tracks, and an outdoor, upper-level viewing – the only of its kind in the world – offers fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos. On the lower level of GoldStar railcars, passengers enjoy a full-service dining room. GoldStar tickets include meals, all soft beverages and two complimentary adult beverages per trip for passengers over 21.
Adventure Class Experience rail travel across Alaska at the best rate. Adventure Class cars offer comfortable seating and large picture windows. Adventure Class guests are encouraged to travel between railcars, whether to take advantage of the open seating in the Vista Dome cars or visit the Wilderness Café.
Dining The Alaska Railroad offers dining and bar service for purchase on every passenger train with the exception of the Hurricane Turn Train. Note that trains are cashless. All major credit cards including debit and pre-paid cards that can be run as a credit accepted.
Coastal Classic Discover for yourself why National Geographic Traveler ranked the Coastal Classic Train among its Top Ten Train Rides in North America. Departing Anchorage, the train winds along Turnagain Arm, where the steep mountains of the Chugach Range plunge directly to the sea. Following a brief stop in Girdwood, the train continues to the end of Turnagain Arm and veers away from the road system into the backcountry wilderness – and what many consider to be the most scenic stretch of the entire Railbelt. Upon a late morning arrival into Seward the train comes to a halt on the shores of Resurrection Bay, before making the return journey to Girdwood and Anchorage at 6:00 pm that evening. A day in Seward offers a range of options: cruise Resurrection Bay or Kenai Fjords National Park, or enjoy a scenic ride to a remote island lodge for lunch. Or, stay on land for the Real Alaska Tour – a full day sampler of activities including a visit to Exit Glacier and a dog sled ride at the famed Seavey kennel. Seward is also home to a number of charming shops and restaurants, as well as the excellent Alaska SeaLife Center.
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Denali Star 2021 Modified Service Update: The Denali Star Train will operate a modified schedule summer 2021. In addition to the train’s standard stops, the Denali Star will also provide flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane. Going to Denali National Park? Take the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. Every summer morning, the northbound Denali Star Train departs Anchorage for the 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park; while in Fairbanks, the southbound Denali Star embarks on the reverse route. The route spans two of Alaska’s five geographic regions – South Central and Interior Alaska. On a clear day, passengers enjoy sights of the train’s namesake peak: Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. Just south of Talkeetna, you can watch for views of Byways 12
Denali rising high above the Susitna River. North of Talkeetna, the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Just south of Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions; north of the park, the train winds along Healy Canyon, following the curves of the Nenana River below.
Glacier Discovery Departing from Anchorage, the Glacier Discovery Train travels much of the same route as the Coastal Classic, with the addition of a turn off the main line to the tiny port town of Whittier and a turnaround point of Grandview. With many more stops than the Coastal – some in areas accessible only by train – the Glacier Discovery opens up a number of unique day trip options, suited for all ages and energy levels. From Anchorage, the Glacier Discovery stops briefly at the resort town of Girdwood before continuing on to Portage; here, guests may disembark to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to black and brown bears, moose, caribou, wood bison and
more. The train then travels through a mountain tunnel to Whittier. The train returns to Portage to pick up Wildlife Center guests and other passengers before continuing south, away from the road system and into the wilds of the Chugach National Forest. The next stop is the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, a backcountry paradise developed in partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service. A wellmaintained, 1.3-mile gravel path leads from the tracks to the edge of Spencer Lake and a spectacular view of massive Spencer Glacier. Rafting, hiking, and kayaking around the glacial lake are all available as day trips. Staying on the train has its appeal, however, as Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier come into view. Many consider this the most scenic stretch of track, as the train winds along the Placer River Valley and amid the alpine meadows of Grandview.
Summer Hurricane Turn 2021 Modified Service Update: Summer 2021, the Alaska Railroad will provide flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane as part of its scheduled Denali Star Train. Byways 13
It’s a train like no other. Departing from Talkeetna, the Hurricane Turn Train leaves civilization behind
Summer Hurricane Turn 2021 Modified Service Update: Summer 2021, the Alaska Railroad will provide flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane as part of its scheduled Denali Star Train. It’s a train like no other. Departing from Talkeetna, the Hurricane Turn Train leaves civilization behind and makes a round-trip journey through the wilds of the Indian River Valley. Along the way, passengers may take advantage of the Hurricane’s unique flagstop service to get on or off the train anywhere along this backcountry route (due to the nature of this service, scheduled stop times may vary). Locals have long loved the Hurricane for access to remote cabins, hunting and fishing, while visitors consider this train the Alaska Railroad’s best-kept secret for a truly authentic Alaskan experience – not to mention the panoramic views at the train’s turnaround point, Hurricane Gulch. On a clear day, Denali towers over the braided Susitna River. Unlike all other Alaska Railroad trains, there is no Byways 14
dining service on the Hurricane Turn. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own meals aboard; there are a number of tasty restaurants in Talkeetna that provide to-go lunches, as well as a general store.
Aurora Winter Train Weekends, mid-September to mid-May. The Aurora Winter Train travels weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making the northbound 12-hour journey on Saturday and the return trip on Sunday, as well as select mid-week departures. Along the way, the train stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and provides flagstop service along the 50-mile stretch of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch. Further north, the train stops as needed at Healy and Nenana before arriving to Fairbanks. While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow. Passengers enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining.
On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali rises into view above the Susitna River. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild.
Day Trips The Alaska Railroad is your ticket to the most memorable Alaska day trips and excursions. Summer train schedules pair perfectly with a wide variety of unique Alaska activities. From Anchorage, take the train to Seward for a wildlife and glacier cruise before the return rail journey to Anchorage that evening. Or, spend an afternoon exploring the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop – a backcountry area only accessible by rail – with a guided nature walk, ice climbing, or rafting on a glacial river. Each year, the Alaska Railroad also offers a variety of special event trains. Tickets for these special trains are limited. To be notified when special event train tickets go on sale, sign up for the Alaska Railroad’s email newsletter.
Group Travel The Alaska Railroad is a natural fit for groups. The trains provide the perfect environment for groups to
relax and interact with each other. It’s easy to keep groups together while still allowing for plenty of space to move around and enjoy the trip. groupreservations@akrr.com https://www.alaskarailroad.com
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he Kettle Valley Steam Railway has been operating a heritage railway along a preserved a 6.2 mile (10-kilometre) section from Prairie Valley Station to Canyon View Siding, near Summerland, British Columbia. This is the only active remaining section of the Kettle Valley Railway. Here you can experience a 90-minute journey in a restored 1912 steam locomotive at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. While on board, enjoy views of the Prairie Valley and its lush orchards and vineyards. And from the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge, see Okanagan Lake and the canyon below.
History The Kettle Valley Railway was built between 1910 and 1916 under the direction of Andrew McCulloch, Chief Engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railroads’s new line in the southern interior Byways 18
of British Columbia. The result was the building of 325 miles (500 kilometres) of rail over and through three mountain ranges. Like all railway construction of that era the work was backbreaking, brutal and dangerous. Thousands of workers, most of them immigrants were recruited to come to Canada. Once completed and over time, the Kettle Valley Railway experienced the challenges all railways faced as transportation progress brought more and better roads as well as more easily accessible air travel. These factors, coupled with the challenges of operating a railway in face of the difficult terrain and weather, took their toll. By 1964, passenger service had ceased and in 1989, the last freight train rode the rails. The Kettle Valley Steam Railway showcases a unique part of Okanagan’s and British Columbia’s history. The Kettle Valley’s “Kootenay to Coast Connection” powered the region’s pioneer fruit industry into world markets, and transported its families on vacations. Byways 19
Located in southern British Columbia, Canada, the Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in all of Canada. The Okanagan includes the cities of Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Osoyoos. During the summer months, visitors are offered countless
The Trout Creek Trestle Bridge. Byways 20
sandy beaches, hot sun, and a variety of outdoor and water activities. Okanagan Lake provides the valley not only with excellent swimming but is also a spectacular backdrop to the golf courses and Okanagan wineries.
The area is favored for its sunny climate, lakes, and winery attractions, and has become a popular destination for vacationers and retirees.
Kettle Valley Steam Railway Today Today the Kettle Valley Steam Railway is alive again, thanks to a dedicated society and financial assistance from municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments. In 2020 it celebrated its 25th anniversary since its revival. Today the railroad is operated by the Kettle Valley Railway Society, a non-profit, charitable organization that welcomes memberships in order to continue the restoration of the national historic site. Vintage engines, passenger and open air coaches, live music, artifact displays, and historical commentary are some of the experiences that you will enjoy on your railway adventure. Amazing views of the Okanagan Lake, surrounded by all kinds
of wildlife and flowers, while riding through the canyon crossing over numerous creeks. https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org
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nlike many of North America’s heritage railroads, California’s Fillmore & Western Railway history does not date to the 19th or 20th centuries. In fact, its history dates to the film industry. The majority of Fillmore & Western’s rolling stock was acquired from four major motion picture studios: 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Warner Bros, and MGM. And its rolling stock and right-of-way are frequently used for the filming of television series, motion pictures and commercials and as a locale for private and commercial still photography. Visitors to Fillmore often see filming activity as well as sets and support equipment at the company’s railyard and along the tracks between Santa Paula and Piru, California. The railway has been used in more than 400 movie, TV and commercial shots. Movies shot on the railroad include Throw Momma from the Train, Three Amigos, Byways 24
Seabiscuit, Get Smart, Rails & Ties, and Race to Witch Mountain. Television series such as CSI, NCIS: Los Angeles and Criminal Minds have used the railroad for location shooting. The railway is also featured in the documentary series Mystery Diners as itself.
In addition to its Hollywood resume, the railroad also operates year-round tourist trains and offers numerous special events, including the Railroad Days Festival, the Pumpkinliner, Christmas Tree Trains, the North Pole Express, and the Day Out with Thomas. The normal schedule involves weekend excursions, dinner trains, murder mystery trains, barbecue trains, and shopping excursions to nearby Santa Paula.
History Fillmore & Western Railway Company (Short Line Enterprises) was founded in 1967. Between 1967 & 1972, the company bought, sold and traded locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars (mostly of 19th century origin). The majority of the equipment was acquired
from the property departments of the major movie studios. This activity, combined with Short Line’s experience in buying, selling and evaluating railroad equipment led to the company’s emergence as one of the foremost appraisers in America of rolling stock and other railroad related items. It also focused the
company on its long-term path of providing movie trains for the film industry.
By 1976, Short Line’s collection of rolling stock was anything but short. The company moved lock, stock and locomotive, to the Sierra Railroad in Jamestown, California, which provided a better location for film work. It was also close to Sacramento, where principals of Short Line had been engaged by the Byways 25
California Department of Parks and Recreation to supervise restoration of the extensive and historic collection of the California State Railroad Museum. Short Line was also retained as the prime contractor by the Nevada State Museum on restoration projects in Carson City. This series of projects ran from 1979 to 1988, and resulted in the restoration of three derelict steam locomotives and seven 19th century passenger and freight cars. In 1985 Short Line moved its movie operations to Newhall Ranch, placing it within the Hollywood production zone. Between 1985 and 1990, Short Line was used in over seventy feature films, television series and commercials. No Hollywood railroad location had ever amassed that number of credits in such a brief period of time. However, the track lease was cancelled in 1990. Byways 26
A search began for a new home of Hollywoods “Movie Trains”. All potential sites in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura
Counties were explored. The only line that met the specific needs of the film industry was Southern Pacific’s Santa Paula Branch in rural Ventura County. The Fillmore & Western railyard is located adjacent to the restored city hall in downtown Fillmore, and is part of the revitalized section of the city rebuilt after extensive damage caused by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The “Movie Trains” found a home and Fillmore became “Train Town”. In 1996, Short Line Enterprises became the film division of the Fillmore
& Western Railway Company. Operations expanded from movie work and limited passenger trips to regularly scheduled daytime passenger excursions, Saturday and Sunday lunch/dinner trains, holiday train and other specialty trains. The antique trains of Fillmore & Western rolled into the 21st century. They remain highly involved in the magic of movie making, while the company’s passenger excursions, dinner trains, private party and corporate event trains provide the means of travel to a bygone era. http://www.fwry.com/index.html#home Byways 27
Traveling the Highways & Byways with Bill Graves Virginia City, Nevada V irginia City, 150 years ago, was the richest place on earth. It was the crown jewel of Nevada’s Comstock Lode.
The jewel was silver, tons of it that flowed into our country’s coffers for 30 years. It funded an estimated $400 million of our young nation’s westward-expansion, and paid the Union Army during the Civil War.
The riches of the Comstock were the reason President Lincoln in 1864 declared statehood to Nevada, long before it had met the population requirement. Byways 28
Built into a steep mountainside, it was a modern town in the 1860s, with theaters, churches, opium dens and newspapers. Indeed, a young reporter at Nevada’s first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, made a name for himself here, quite literally. He arrived as Samuel Clemens; when he left 22 months later he was known as Mark Twain. For 25 glorious years, it was the leading city in Nevada and the brightest and most important settlement between Denver and San Francisco. It had the only elevator this side of Chicago.
Today, Virginia City is the largest historic district in the United States. Its old buildings preserved or restored, it’s still a functioning town of private enterprise and remains the seat of county government.
With a past as rich as its storied silver vein, its business now is tourism. But that’s just evolved in the last 40 years. When LeRoy Goodman grew up here, in the years after World War II, it was simply an old mining town with no real future. “We were just hanging on then. During the war, county government almost shut down. Most of the men were away in the service,” LeRoy told me. “In 1949, the mine shut down where my dad worked. He was good at fixing things, so he bought a garage. I hung out there out a lot. “It was across the street from the Silver Queen Saloon. When Clark Gable was making the movie Misfits down in Dayton, he’d drive up here from Reno on his way to work and stop in there for a couple shots. He was easy to talk to. He drove a Lamborghini. Its doors swung open from the top like wings. “We had 12 kids in my graduating class. That was a big class. . .38 in the whole school. After school, we usually went to somebody’s house. My mother was the telephone operator so she always knew where we were. She knew where everybody else in town was too. People all the time would pick up the phone and ask her where so and so was. She would know, or ring a few places and find out.
the line had a different ring. She knew everybody’s ring. They were like names to her.”
“At lunch time, I’d walk home and listen to One Man’s Family on the radio. We all did that. At night we’d hear the The Shadow and The Green Hornet.”
Welcome to America’s outback.
Kids grew up here with a wonderful simplicity of desire. They knew one way of life, one standard of living. LeRoy explained it: “We had no doctors or lawyers or anybody here who lived differently than we did. If we were missing out on something, we didn’t know it. “We had a sheriff and one deputy for the whole county. They had it easy. Nobody ever got in trouble. “We were everybody’s kids – even people who didn’t have kids. Heck, they often took us fishing and to ball games in Reno. At Christmas, the Fire Department had a party for us. Every kid in town got a present. “My mother’s telephone switchboard is in the museum now. We had party lines. Each family on
About the author: After seeing much of the world as a career naval officer, Bill Graves decided, after he retired, to take a closer look at the United States. He has been roaming the country for 20 years, much of it in a motorhome with his dog Rusty. He lives in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and is the author of On the Back Roads, Discovering Small Towns of America. He can be reached at Roadscribe@aol.com. Byways 29
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he Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a heritage and excursion railroad begun in 1983 by a group of volunteers who wanted to preserve a scenic section of the former Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railroad. The original track was built in the 1890s and electrified in 1907. After massive 1954 flooding damaged the power plant in Fraser, Iowa, which provided electricity to the line, the railroad turned to diesel equipment to pull its trains. The Chicago & North Western purchased the entire Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern system in 1968. Shortly after acquiring the line, the Chicago & North Western began to place portions of it up for abandonment. In 1983, an 11-mile section of the line was purchased by the Boone Railroad Byways 32
Historical Society, and its 2254 charter members, for $50,000. The stretch of track winds through the Des Moines River Valley and across a 156-foot tall
bridge spanning Bass Point Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River. The line runs from Boone, through the old coal mining town of Fraser, and ends at the site of the former junction with the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway at Wolf. The railroad became an immediate success and has expanded regularly since its founding. A depot was dedicated in 1985. Today, more than 30,000 visitors take a ride on one of the regular or special event trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine
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(September), the Pumpkin Express (October), and Santa Express (weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas) that features a book written and illustrated especially for the trip. Dining cars are reserved for special dinner trains.
The James H. Andrew Railroad Museum and History Center was added to the existing depot and dedicated in 2012. It is a 9,000 foot facility featuring a research library and theater. The museum preserves thousands of Iowa railroad artifacts and memorabilia such as track equipment, toy trains, dining car china, timetables, photos, lanterns, and telegraph equipment. The museum hosts special exhibitions, maintains a research library, and has a small theater/conference room. https://bsvrr.com/wp/ t
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he Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two-foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. The leisurely train ride lasts approximately 35 minutes and travels 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay in Portland. Train crew and/or history docents are available to provide historical information aboard the ride. Both open air cars and enclosed cars are available depending on the season. Trains operates rain or shine. Pets are welcome during regular-service train rides provided they are on a leash and well-behaved.
History Starting in the latter part of the 19th century, Maine had a unique system of railroads that ran on rail only two feet apart. From the 1870s until the 1940s, some 200 Byways 36
miles of narrow gauge lines served many of Maine’s smaller communities.
Eventually there were five of these railways: Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes (1879-1935) Bridgton and Saco River (1881-1941) Monson (1883-1943) Kennebec Central (1890-1929) Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington (1894-1933) Transporting both passengers and freight, they were the smallest narrow gauge common carrier railroads in the United States. They connected the less populated rural areas of Maine with the larger cities and thus were an important part of the economic development of the interior of Maine. Founded in 1992, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is a nonprofit educational organization with a mission to educate the public and preserve historic equipment related to Maine’s twofoot gauge railways. The museum has become a popular visitor attraction for the greater Portland area surpassing over 55,000 visitors annually, including tourists and area residents, to experience a remarkable piece of history unique to the state of Maine.
The museum offers a discount for groups of 15 or more with advanced reservations. Following the train ride along the historic Portland waterfront and Casco Bay, guests can explore exhibits and artifacts in the museum with a selfguided tour. Groups of any size are welcome. In addition, the railroad and museum are handicap accessible. https://mainenarrowgauge.org Byways 37
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o say 2020 was a challenging year is an understatement, but making the most out of the unprecedented year is just what Buffalo Trace Distillery strived to do. Despite a nearly four-month closure at the onset of the pandemic, and limiting the number of guests it can welcome, Buffalo Trace is reporting strong visitation for 2020, all thanks to the many guests who felt comfortable visiting the Distillery during this time. Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American familyowned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775. It is America’s oldest continually-operating distillery making whisky for more than 200 years. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery, which closed its doors to public visitation in early March 2020, reopened July 1st and Byways 38
welcomed 145,365 visitors throughout 2020 and actually grew visitation yearover-year in December. Having welcomed nearly 300,000 guests in 2019, the Distillery shifted focus when the pandemic struck, utilizing the closure to drive forward with a massive expansion of its Visitor Center and enhance safety and sanitation protocols. “As soon as the pandemic hit we got to work making modifications in order to be able to reopen safely and
really create a comfortable environment for our guests,” Homeplace Development Director Meredith Moody said. “Our sincere thanks goes to the thousands of visitors, from across the country, who have felt confident in our safety protocols and chose to visit Buffalo Trace Distillery since we reopened.” Upon reopening to the public in July, the Distillery began offering a safe haven bourbon experience
for guests, and debuted its expanded Visitor Center, which triples the size of the previous space. The expanded Visitor Center conveniently allows for easier social distancing, and provides ample space and comfort for guests exploring the Gift Shop or tasting in the new expansive tasting rooms.
and social distancing campus wide. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first year
the Distillery has not set a new record for inperson visitation since 2010, but paired with its increased virtual tourism numbers, the Distillery is showing no signs of slowing down. Early in May, Buffalo Trace began
With the reopening, Buffalo Trace kept its complimentary tours, but began limiting tour group sizes, accepting visitors by registration only, and implementing increased sanitation, mask-wearing
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hosting live stream segments on social media each week, called Whiskey Wednesday. From May 13 through December, these episodes were viewed by more than 3.6 million people around the world. The Distillery is continuing its Whiskey Wednesday
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episodes in 2021, continuing to feature a variety of topics including more bourbon tastings, behind-the scenes tours, trivia, history and special guests. “With the many challenges 2020 brought to all of us,
we are thankful to have seen such robust visitation, and even year-over-year growth around the holidays,” Moody said. “We are encouraged by the visitation we have experienced since reopening and look forward to welcoming more visitors to the Distillery in 2021.”
The Distillery, which has remained operational as an essential business, also undertook hand sanitizer production at the onset of the pandemic, having now created about 1.1 million gallons on an industrial scale for some of the world’s largest organizations in healthcare, government, military, retail, distribution, airline, pharmacy, and banking industries. This is in addition to its never-ceasing bourbon production, and its ongoing $1.2 billion infrastructure improvement and distillery expansion to increase production for future bourbon demand. Operating hours for Buffalo Trace Distillery are 10 am-4:30 pm. Monday through Saturday, and 11:30 am-4:30 pm. Sunday. Registrations for the Trace Tour, Old Taylor Tour, Bourbon Barrel Tour and Expansion Tour can be made at https:// www.buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us.html. All tours are complimentary and include a socially distanced tasting. A complete list of safety procedures, along with information about enacted sanitation measures and protective equipment in use can be found here.
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Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America. Byways is emailed to more than 4000 tour operators / Travel Trade. Subscriptions are complimentary. An iPad & iPhone version is available for consumers in iTunes in the App Store. An Android browser version is available at www.issuu.com/byways. Byways’ distribution includes motorcoach companies, tour operators, selected travel agents,
bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners, meeting planners and the travel trade. For advertising rates, editorial deadlines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine at 502-785-4875. ©Copyright 2021 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form without express written permission of the publisher.
Editor & Publisher Stephen M. Kirchner
Advertising 502-785-4875 Internet
bywaysmagazine.com stephen.kirchner@gmail.com Byways on Facebook Byways on Twitter
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