FREE! Model Train Exhibit



We found this place accidentally actually, while walking to Charles Dickens' Christmas Towne. See that post here. It's a totally free train show, located in the Sun Trust building at 150 W. Main Street, of downtown Norfolk.
We walked in to a group of men who love trains, and love to see kids get excited about trains. They were so warm and welcoming. This is put on by the Atlantic Coast "S" Gaugers and is free and open to the public. Be sure to check out the free phone rides. You can put your phone in a car and record a ride around. Several of these cars were funny, like a (veggie in our case) hot dog and condiments train. Some were classic trains, like Peanuts and Thomas. 
One highlight was the train you could sit in and "drive." (pictured above) From here you could ring a bell, blow the whistle, and control several items in the train display in front of you. R was content to sit here all day, and wasn't thrilled when we pulled him out.
Hours: 
Wednesday- Friday 11-2
Saturday- 10-5
Mon-Sat Dec 18-23 11-7

Just around the corner is the Maine. It has an awesome rooftop bar if you're ever looking for one for date night. But for the kids it's got this really cute gingerbread house that's worth stopping by to see if you're downtown. 
 
There is another FREE train show at the Avalon Church of Christ lated at 844 Woodstock Rd in Virginia Beach. They are open until the 9th. Santa will be there at various times and they will be selling raffle tickets for a G Scale Train complete set. Call 490-2155 or click here for more info. 

Hope you are enjoying this holiday season and taking time to check out all of the awesome things going on around Tidewater!