by Amanda Leavy
As you step out of your car, you are immediately impressed by the mass of the train; by the very feel of the ground vibrating beneath you as the engines idle. It is one thing to wait in your car at a train crossing, but quite another to stand next to one in person. Trains have captured the hearts and fascinated both the young and old since the 1800’s. Sam Shortline Excursion Train offers an all day adventure on restored 1949 vintage passenger cars that the whole family can enjoy. SAM Shortline is operated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) under the guidance of the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority. While the passenger cars are owned by the Excursion Authority, the engine is owned and operated by the Heart of Georgia Railroad Company (HOG).
From the time you step onto the platform to board the train, the conductors are courteous and helpful. Each car has a host that is a volunteer. They answer questions about the train and give information about places to shop, visit and eat during the stop overs in each town. It is apparent that these men and women love the work they do. Our host rides twice a month but stated that he would ride every day given the chance; he just loves trains that much. Another volunteer that strolls the train visiting with passengers was dressed as SAM. The only paid personnel on the train are the engineers and the concession cashier.
One of the surprising aspects of this short excursion is the vacation-like atmosphere you will experience. You feel free to talk to the family or couple in the next seat as though they are your neighbor. Boundaries are more relaxed on vacations and on SAM it is no different.
Everyone on board shares in a camaraderie and excitement even while it seems the rest of the world and its worries have slipped away. As we rolled past rural Georgia neighborhoods, kids playing in yards run alongside and wave at the train. They too, for that moment, become part of SAM’s charm and a neighbor. Residents come out on their porches to smile and wave at the train, which runs several days a week. It’s obvious that the communities support SAM.
The train is comfortable and very family-friendly. This is a great trip to take with small children, large groups or families celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. They announce over the intercom personal greetings to all special guests about events making the feeling of your being part of the SAM family even stronger. You are welcome to explore the train as long as all those under 13 are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Coolers for snacks and drinks are allowed which is convenient when traveling with small children. SAM also serves hot dogs, sandwiches, drinks and snacks in the concession car at very reasonable prices.
There are several different excursions to choose from depending on the day of the week that you travel on SAM. We rode on Saturday and rode all the way to Archery and back. Our first stop was in Americus, where trolleys were available to deliver passengers downtown for lunch, shopping and then back to the train. We then stopped in Plains and walked around downtown, where everyone lined up for peanut butter ice cream; well worth the wait. Last stop was Archery, Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home. The National Park Service now maintains this 17-acre home and farm; restored to its 1937 pre-electrical appearance. From there, as our daughter stated, the train backed up to Cordele. It was a quiet ride home. As the train got up to speed and that rocking rhythm settled in, many eyes throughout the train began to get heavy.
This is a great one day trip to experience, riding a train and getting to see parts of Southwest Georgia in a new way. SAM Shortline is an affordable, fun way to explore Southwest Georgia that is easily accessible to groups and families; a fun way to meet new people and have a mini vacation.
