ATHOL — On Oct. 18, the Athol Golden Age Club is inviting seniors to join its members on a trip for an Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Excursion. Board a steam locomotive pulling vintage coaches at the 1892 Essex Station for a narrated trip through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. Once off the train, participants will board the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a cruise along the Connecticut River. From Becky’s multiple decks, enjoy the visual serenity of the river valley as well as historic sites such as Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. After the cruise, board the steam train once again for return to Essex Station. We will depart for a late lunch, dining at The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, having opened in 1776.
The cost for this trip is $110 per person, which includes the driver’s gratuity. Masks are REQUIRED to be worn while on the bus and the steam train. For more information and reservations, call Mare Hawthorne at 978-660-6102. Checks are payable to the Athol Golden Age Club. Seats are assigned when full payment is received. Boarding the bus begins at 8:15 a.m. at the Athol Senior Center, 82 Freedom St. Departure is at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Estimated time of return to Athol is 5:30 p.m. This is a rain or shine event.
Forty participants are required for this trip; therefore, friends and relatives are welcome. Early reservations are recommended. There will be no refunds after the deadline for payment, which is Oct. 4.