b'Weve been blown away by the success, especially with the dinner trains. We knew they would become popular but were surprised that they sold out four and five weeks in advance.- CHRIS PARROTTLeaving from Nashville, Georgia, passengers climb aboardWe did the dinner ride on July 3, says Tara Goble. I thought that the Azalea Sprinter for short trips on the historic Georgia andwould be a great thing to do for my husband and sisters birthday, Florida Railroad to either Willacoochee Moody Air Force Base,and we had a great time. The entertainment was very enjoyable, and or Valdosta.the food was awesome. We have told everyone how relaxing and Running on select Fridays and Saturdays, the trains primaryenjoyable the dinner ride was.route is a relaxing 34-mile journey through fields and woodlandWhen it came time to celebrate her fathers 90th birthday, Goble before crossing the Alapaha River on its way to the ruralsays the train was a perfect choice. This was my dads second ride. community of Willacoochee.He went on the Pizza Express with us and had such a great time that Seating options include coach, club car, and the caboose iswe decided this was what we wanted to do on his birthday.available for small groups.An Economic EngineAt the start of the summer, the Dinner on the Rail becameParrott says starting the passenger train was a way to give back a popular excursion. The dinner train provides passengersto the communities they serve. The response has been great, with a unique opportunity to enjoy the train experience and aand there is a lot of excitement. People are talking about the delicious meal and live music. As the train stops on the trestleopportunities to bring tourists to the area and grow jobs.overlooking the Alapaha River, passengers are served salad, three entrees (roasted chicken, filet mignon, and lobster tail),Serving as the boarding location, the Nashville Farmers Market is vegetables, rolls, and a choice of dessert.reaping the economic benefits of the Azalea Sprinter. Weve been blown away by the success, especially with thePeople come in to shop before and after they get off the train, dinner trains, Parrott says. We knew they would becomesays Winshelle Winnie Preston, manager of the Nashville Farmers popular but were surprised that they sold out four and fiveMarket. We have always been busy on Fridays and Saturdays, but weeks in advance. on train days, the number of customers doubles even triples. This years fall schedule will include the Willacoochee fallThe Nashville Farmers Market offers an expanded selection of farm-foliage rides and dinner trains, holiday-themed Santa trainfresh fruits, vegetables, homemade pies and cakes, local jams and rides, and Willacoochee to Valdosta trips on Nov. 6 and Dec. 4,jellies, homemade crafts, and a selection of books by local authors. and include a barbecue boxed lunch.The Azalea Sprinter has definitely created a buzz and has brought more awareness and traffic to downtown Nashville, says Nancy All the trips offer something for everyone, Parrott says. Its aPesce, director of Nashville Main Street. The farmers market is great experience, and we are creating memories for families.within walking distance to downtown, and we believe in cooler Frequent riders Keith and Tara Goble from Valdosta use theweather we will see a lot more foot traffic coming into the shops and train rides to celebrate family events.downtown restaurants.BUSINESS + CULTURE 17'