Chocolate & Railway Festival, Smiths Falls, Ont.?

RobertInOntario

Active Member
I just asked about this festival on another thread, but decided to start another one here (since the other thread was really on another topic).

Just wondering if many of our members have gone to this festival in the past and if they recommend it.

My sons and I are train & chocolate fans, so it's tempting to go -- although I'm not sure about embarking on another long road trip (4 hours / 230 miles or so from Toronto to Smiths Falls).

Thanks for any feedback!

Rob
 

kirkendale

New Member
Yes, GO and enjoy. Robert, I have been to the Hershey factory several times in the past but never during the festival. The factory was built with a viewing gallery so you can see the operations. The store is well worth stopping in at. The last time my family and I stopped at the store we brought a small cooler and wrapped the chocolate and candies in plastic so it would not melt in the car on the return trip.
announce1The factory is scheduled to close :eek: later this year and the store some time next year :curse:. announce1THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST CHANCE.
I was at the railway museum a week ago. Met and talked with Railway Bob from the Gauge. My friend and I had a great time. We ran out of time and did not make the Hershey factory. Our sole objective was the museum and with the friends we made there we were also shown the hot spot for rail fanning... the Via station.

So if there is any chance you can go then I do encourage you; GO.


kj
 

RobertInOntario

Active Member
Yes, GO and enjoy. Robert, I have been to the Hershey factory several times in the past but never during the festival ... So if there is any chance you can go then I do encourage you; GO.
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kj

Thanks, Kirkendale. It certainly sounds good! ... still not sure about the distance, though :-( Thanks for your description & feedback.

Rob
 

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
I would encourage you to go as well...!

The only other event of the summer that might be an alternative is the RailExpo model train show. It may correspond with the Delson Museum's weekend of model trains, but I am not sure. You'd have to cross reference that yourself. One thing's for sure - that weekend won't have as much chocolate...! (Although you can visit the Hershey factory anytime before it closes :( .)

Andrew
 

RobertInOntario

Active Member
I would encourage you to go as well...!
The only other event of the summer that might be an alternative is the RailExpo model train show. It may correspond with the Delson Museum's weekend of model trains, but I am not sure. You'd have to cross reference that yourself. One thing's for sure - that weekend won't have as much chocolate...! (Although you can visit the Hershey factory anytime before it closes :( .)
Andrew

Thanks, Andrew! I'll look into RailExpo as well then. I wonder if you could take a VIA train from T.O. to Smiths Falls?! I'll check that as well. Rob
 

RobertInOntario

Active Member
Yes, VIA runs from Toronto to Smiths Falls in a little over 3 hours I think...

Andrew

Great! That sounds good -- now I'll check their website for prices -- unfortunately, we're a little broke after our PA trip :-:)sad: so that's a factor.

Hmm, another idea might be to go to Smiths Falls another time on the train ... then we could still visit the area and see the RR museum?!

Thanks,
Rob
 

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
You can always go to Smiths Falls on the train. However, it is a bit of a hike to the Hershey factory and the Railway Museum is also across town (not that far really). But each is probably 30+ minutes of walking from the VIA station.

If you plan to come later, check the schedules for the museum and Hershey's, 'cuz I'm pretty sure they change after Labour Day.

Andrew
 

RobertInOntario

Active Member
You can always go to Smiths Falls on the train. However, it is a bit of a hike to the Hershey factory and the Railway Museum is also across town (not that far really). But each is probably 30+ minutes of walking from the VIA station.
If you plan to come later, check the schedules for the museum and Hershey's, 'cuz I'm pretty sure they change after Labour Day.
Andrew

Thanks again, Andrew! I'll try to check the VIA website today for prices. Rob
 

kirkendale

New Member
Robert, When I got back last weekend I checked the VIA site. Maybe I could entice my wife and youngest daughter to go with me :p
VIA from Toronto to Smith Falls return same day for the three of us was $700.00 :eek:. My full gas bill for last weekends trip and drive around ( 1,300 km ) was only $100. wall1
I agree with you, the drive is long... But I think it is well worth it. :thumb:
It was for that reason that I had originally planned on a jump over to Delson. ( see my thread in Real Things - Canada ). I do not regret any of my time in Smith Falls.

kj
 

eric halpin

Eric Halpin
Rob,

The festival is well worth the drive. Activities are at the rail museum as well as at the CP/VIA station itself. CP is supposed to have a loco there (AC4400??) for folks to walk through. Plus there will be operating layouts at a nearby hall and the usual dealers selling stuff related to the hobby. I shall be there for sure.

Eric
 

RobertInOntario

Active Member
Thanks, guys, but I think my low energy and cash levels are going to make me stay home this weekend! :-( ... My family and I returned from a road trip to PA (with many RR sites) about a week ago.

But I think I'll still plan a trip there in the future, as it sounds like the RR museum is really good with many railfanning opporunities.

Thanks again though!!

Rob
 
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