Pumpkin Express — Bluegrass Railroad Museum

The Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles, Kentucky, runs its Pumpkin Express as an old-fashioned family fall outing. The train travels west through Kentucky countryside, past cattle and fields of corn, soybean and tobacco and through two Thoroughbred horse farms, to Abbott's Platform at the Life Adventure Center.

There the operator says passengers can step off, stroll through the fields and choose a pumpkin to take home, with pumpkins for sale by cash or card. The stop also offers apple cider, a chance for fall photos, a game of cornhole and kids' activities and games, before everyone re-boards for the return trip.

The operator sells three ways to ride: antique commuter coaches, First Class cars with individual reclining seats and air conditioning, and new open-air cars where riders sit behind the engine.

A two-hour round trip through Kentucky countryside to Abbott's Platform, with time to pick a pumpkin, drink apple cider, take photos, play cornhole and join kids' games. Pumpkins are for sale on site. The operator says the train runs rain or shine and to dress for the weather.

The train boards at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, 175 Beasley Road, Versailles, Kentucky (the operator also names Woodford County Park Station). Seating classes are Coach, First Class and the open-air Hobo Experience car. Pumpkins are sold at the stop by cash or card, usually a few dollars each by size. The operator says tickets sell out quickly and recommends booking as early as possible. In the rare event of a cancellation, ticket holders are notified by email and text. Phone (859) 873-2476.