Do I need painting experience to join?

No—Beth Hilliker provides step-by-step instruction for all levels, and all painting supplies and a canvas are included.

How long is the experience?

The advertised duration is 2.5 Hours; that includes instruction time and the scenic portions of the ride.

Is alcohol served onboard?

Yes, a cash bar offers regional wines, craft beer and cocktails; bring valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Where do I board the train?

Boarding is at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland; check your booking confirmation for exact station information and arrival time.

Is the event family-friendly or age-restricted?

No specific age limits are listed in the description; contact the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for any age or group restrictions.

Is the trip accessible for guests with mobility challenges?

Accessibility details are not provided in the listing; contact the railroad directly to discuss accommodations before booking.

Paint & Pour: Evening Paint Night on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Paint & Pour aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a rare blend of craft and carriage. Located in Cumberland, Maryland, this two-and-a-half-hour evening experience takes place on a heritage train as it crosses the Allegheny Mountains. Guests are greeted with a complimentary toast before settling into reserved easel stations; local artist Beth Hilliker leads step‑by‑step instruction so painters of all levels finish with a completed canvas.

The ride itself is the other half of the show: wooden coaches, river bends and folded ridgelines of the Alleghenies slide past the window while oil lamps of settling light soften exposed rock and mixed oak-hickory forest. The route highlights the region’s slate and sandstone outcrops and long, low ridges that define the Allegheny Plateau—elements that make the landscape an immediate source of shapes and palette for painters. During the session, the rhythm of track and the occasional whistle give the workshop a steady, low-frequency pulse that’s part craft-class, part mobile observatory.

This is a social experience. Seats are laid out with individual easels; brushes, paints and canvas are provided, and an onboard cash bar pours regional wines and craft beer for a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Beginners leave with a confident composition; repeat guests treat the trip like a moving sketchbook, collecting impressions to refine later at home. The combination of a preserved heritage railroad and a guided art class makes Paint & Pour distinct among Cumberland offerings—the trip feels local because it is: a community artist instructs, local beverages are offered, and the railroad traces tracks that have shaped the valley’s working history.

Practical notes: plan to arrive early for boarding and the welcome toast, keep paint smocks handy in your bag, and factor in evening temperatures that can drop quickly once the train slows in river valleys. The pace of the ride means instructors work with broad shapes and layered washes rather than fine detail; if you want photographic reference, bring a phone or small camera to capture scenes between brushstrokes.

Why book it? Paint & Pour is best for travelers looking for a low-pressure creative night that still feels rooted in place. It’s an accessible way to learn composition, meet fellow travelers, and come away with a physical memento that carries both the pigment of the evening and the memory of rolling through the Allegheny Mountains. For anyone who wants art with a view, this mobile studio is hard to beat. Expect attentive instruction for all skill levels, an evening schedule that fits after a day hiking or exploring, and an experience that makes a practical souvenir—no framing required for a colorful conversation piece. Book early for popular weekend runs and themed nights that sell out quickly throughout the year.

About Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad preserves and operates heritage rail excursions through Mountain Maryland and the Allegheny Mountains. The railroad offers a variety of seasonal and themed trips, including scenic daylight runs, sunset rides, dinner trains, holiday specials, and educational seminars.

Signature experiences include the Frostburg Flyer (Coach, Lounge, Lunch, Dome Class, and 1309 Cab Ride), the Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train with a rotating three-course menu, the Murder Mystery Dinner Train with live actors, and the family-focused Polar Express Train Ride™ offered in Coach, Table, Dome and First Class options. The Sunset on the Mountain departs from Cumberland at 7:00 PM behind historic steam locomotive no. 1309.

The Frostburg Flyer Dome Class rides in a Pleasure Dome Car originally designed for the Santa Fe Super Chief, showcasing panoramic fall foliage views. The Pumpkin Patch Limited provides a one-hour round trip from Downtown Cumberland to Bone Cave with costumes encouraged. Educational offerings include the Fireballs & Fast Freights Seminar, led by Conductor Cameron Stefan, featuring original memorabilia and regional railroad history.

Experiences range from family-friendly holiday events to 21+ dining and lounge services for adults. The railroad highlights historic equipment, themed programming, and curated dining options that combine scenic travel with immersive storytelling. As a regional heritage operator, the railroad emphasizes public engagement through scheduled excursions and special events. Prospective visitors can verify schedules and seating classes for each trip class—Coach, First, Table, Lounge, Open-Air, Dome, and Cab—when planning reservations. Tickets, seating details, and seasonal dates are available on official channels online.