It’s the Chattanooga Choo Choo in ‘13
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am, looking forward to our 43rd Annual Convention at the historic Chattanooga Terminal Station. The Terminal Station has been a landmark in this southern city since it was opened for business on December 1, 1909. Today it serves as a vacation complex and during the week of July 14 – 20, 2013, it will come alive with the sounds of trains once again, as we bring the LCCA and our Lionel trains into that beautiful station.
There are 363 sleeping rooms, including 48 sleeping parlors aboard authentic railcars, so a word to the wise, reserve your accommodation early to be sure you get what you want. Also, be sure to bring your comfortable walking shoes because there are about 24 acres of property and we will be covering just about every bit of it. Now, don’t get concerned if you’re having mobility problems. The hotel has golf carts to pick you up and take you any where on the grounds you want to go. But for those of you who are not physically impaired, this is a great place to walk and enjoy the train platforms, the rose garden and the beautiful Gazebo in the garden. This facility just oozes with ambiance and I know you’ll enjoy the week we spend here.
Our club travels on its stomach and eating is also a pleasure at a number of delicious spots at the hotel. One place you must try is the Station House Restaurant, where you’ll be entertained by your singing servers. You begin with all the boiled shrimp and salad you want from the salad bar, then place your order and enjoy a delicious steak or seafood entrée and if there’s room, be sure to try the warm apple dumpling al la mode. If you dine in the Garden Dining Room, it’s available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and their shrimp and grits is a southern treat. On Fridays and Saturdays, with reservations, you can have a special dinner in a Victorian railcar, as you enjoy your “Dinner in the Diner”.
You will enjoy riding the antique trolley as it travels through the outdoor garden, out to the Track 29 building, which is where the trading hall will be, and back to the depot. There is also a Model Railroad Museum on the second floor of the old freight terminal with its 174’ x 33’ HO model train layout. This highly sceniced layout takes you from Chattanooga to the back country of Tennessee.
The Tours for this convention are being finalized and may include as many as 4 off-site train trips so get your calendar, your summer clothes and comfy shoes and make plans to attend what will be a wonderful and fun time in Chattanooga, TN, July 14 – 20. See you on Track 29.
Bob Carter
Convention Co-Manager
RM #6620