Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The many ways to appreciate the South Carolina's scenery by train with Amtrak include booking a two-hour scenic train trip from Florence to Charleston. Leave in time for dinner in historic Charleston, spend the night and travel back to Florence the following day. As of 2010, South Carolina cities on the Amtrak route include Camden, Charleston, Clemson, Columbia, Denmark, Florence, Greenville, Kingstree, Spartanburg, and Yemassee. Fares are reasonable and some train packages include discounts on rental cars once you reach your destination.
A group of railroad buffs established the South Carolina Railroad Museum in 1973 with a mission to preserve railroading in South Carolina. Journeys available through the museum run generally westward from Rockton Rion, through the Rion community to the Anderson Quarry. A narrator accompanies guests on an hour-long ride and shares information, explaining such things as the blue granite in the Anderson quarry. There are also charter services available that include charters for small groups who would like to reserve the dining car for a private trip.The South Carolina Railroad Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The South Carolina Railroad Museum presents "Train Rides with Santa" during three weekends at the appropriate season. "St Nick" greets all children and rides along with them on the scenic, hour-long ride. For 2010, "Train Rides with Santa" are available November 27th, December 4th and December 11th. Train departure times are 9:30 a.m.,11:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. There are no tickets sold in advance and all seats are sold for each trip prior to the train's scheduled departure time, on a first come first served basis. The Open Air Car and Cabooses are not operated during this special holiday ride. Dates and times are subject to change season to season.