Nelsonville, Ohio is one of Ohio’s best kept secrets.
First settled in 1814 by the Daniel Nelson family, Nelsonville was incorporated in 1838 with Charles Cable as its first mayor.
Nelsonville blossomed into a classic Appalachian town by the mid-19th century, relying on the extractive industries of coal, clay and salt. Like many large mining towns, Nelsonville was home to a large hotel, The Dew House,
and a thriving theater, Stuart’s Opera House,
both located on the Public Square.
The large amount of coal extracted from the Nelsonville area earned Nelsonville the nickname “Little City of Black Diamonds.”
Recent years have brought a revival of sorts to Nelsonville, capturing its artistic spirit in an effort to restore the Public Square into an Arts District. Most recently, Nelsonville was admitted into the national Main Street Program, and named a Preserve America Community. Nelsonville is best known for producing Star Brick, and you will see these striking bricks lining the sidewalks throughout the historic district.
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway began as part of the historic Hocking Valley Railway in the early 1870s. Today, the railway offers scenic excursions from Nelsonville to Logan, traversing the Hocking Hills. Known for their specialty trains, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway hosts thousands of passengers each year. Including me Saturday night!!! All Aboard Nelsonville’s Chocolate Choo Choo!
Everyone gathered at the Depot at 6:00.
Then boarded the train for an hour of wine, chocolate, food, fun and more wine before setting out on an hour and a half train ride. Did I mention there was wine?
Wine and Chocolate!
Violin Serenade!
Nelsonville has other seasonal train rides including Easter Train, Robbery Trains, North Pole Express, Fall Foliage Trips, Haunted Hills Train, Santa Train, Caboose Train, Great Hocking Valley Train Pull and wine trains (gotta go on THAT one).
I do know that this gal will definitely be on the Chocolate Choo Choo again next year! Not to be missed!!
wayfaringandwanderlust 