What is the minimum age to attend?

This event is 21 and over; bring valid government-issued ID for verification at check-in.

Is the train handicapped accessible?

Due to the historic nature of the equipment, the train is not handicapped accessible; contact the operator before booking if you have mobility concerns.

Are cigars included with the ticket?

Cigars are available to enjoy at the designated outdoor spaces at Market Street Creatives; confirm inclusion or purchase options with your booking details.

Where and when do I check in?

Check in at the Thomaston station at 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787 at the time listed on your booking confirmation.

Yes—dinner is prepared on-site by Not Just Blowin’ Smoke and typically includes steak and chicken served family-style.

Can I take photos on the train and at the venue?

Photography is welcome on the train and at Market Street Creatives; please be respectful of vendors, other guests, and designated no-smoking areas.

Scotch, Cigars, and River Views: Evening Train to Market Street Creatives

On an evening aboard the vintage train departing Thomaston, Connecticut, the landscape of the Naugatuck River Valley unfolds like a moving painting. Scotch and Cigar Limited pairs thoughtful whisky tastings with a hearty steak-and-chicken dinner from Not Just Blowin’ Smoke, a stroll through Market Street Creatives’ artisan halls, and the rare possibility of spotting bald eagles along the riverbanks. The experience begins at 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787, where guests check in at the Thomaston station for a four-hour adult-only journey. As the train eases along historic rails, guides pour a curated flight of scotches representing multiple distillers, inviting conversation about flavor, provenance, and the stories each dram carries. About forty-five minutes in the train arrives at Market Street Creatives in nearby Torrington, where vaulted industrial windows illuminate more than 150 vendors, galleries, and studios. On arrival, dinner prepared by Not Just Blowin’ Smoke—seasoned steak and chicken served family-style—anchors the evening with smoky, satisfying sustenance. Cigar enjoyment is reserved for the outdoor spaces at Market Street Creatives, respecting both venue rules and the historic nature of the train equipment. The historic rolling stock itself is part of the draw; the carriage design, period details, and riverside vantage points offer a perspective of the valley many visitors never see from roads. What makes this trip special isn’t just the pairing of scotch, smoke, and supper, but how it frames local landscape and culture. The Naugatuck River Valley is a working corridor of rock ledges, riparian hardwoods, and overlooked habitat where bald eagles have reestablished themselves. Riding the rails concentrates those elements into a compact evening adventure: tasting, dining, browsing, and watching the treetops for raptors scanning for fish. Practical notes matter here. The event is strictly 21+, lasts roughly four hours, and departs from the specified Thomaston meeting point. Historic equipment is not handicapped accessible; travelers with mobility concerns should inquire before booking. Pack a light jacket for outdoor cigar time and bring binoculars if eagle watching is high on your list. For visitors to northwestern Connecticut this trip is both a social evening and an interpretive window into regional natural history. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for an elevated, place-specific night out that feels local, tactile, and distinctly New England. Reservations are required and capacity is limited, so book early through the provided referral link. Bring government-issued ID for age verification, comfortable shoes for walking the Market Street Creatives floors, and a reusable bag for artisan purchases. Smoking policies require cigars to remain in designated outdoor areas; please follow staff directions. Consider arriving early to explore Thomaston’s Main Street shops before departure and to secure preferred seating on the train and bring a camera.

About Railroad Museum of New England

The Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut preserves and operates historic railroad equipment while offering seasonal and themed train excursions. The museum maintains restored passenger cars and locomotives and runs public trips from Thomaston Station that showcase the Naugatuck River valley and the Litchfield Hills. Guests can choose family-friendly rides, holiday specials, and adult-focused tastings that use local partners.

Trips include the Leprechaun Express to Bad Dog Brewing with live music and tastings; the Easter Bunny Express featuring a Bunny Patch stop and chocolate eggs; and the Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Seasonal excursions also include the Pumpkin Patch Express, Autumn Colors Limited, and the Connecticut Ice Cream Train serving Nutmeg Fudge Company ice cream. The Chocolate Decadence Tour pairs chocolate with wine, beer, or spirits and includes a confection-making stop at Fascia’s.

The museum highlights railfan-focused events such as Railfan Day with Locomotive 2019, providing opportunities for photography and historic preservation fundraising. The Naugatuck River Scenic Train offers a 20-mile round trip from historic Thomaston Station with river valley views and a stop at Fascia’s Chocolate Factory.

The Railroad Museum of New England partners with local breweries, confectioners, and vineyards to create unique experiences. Ticketed excursions provide clear descriptions of duration and age policies. The organization preserves regional railroad history while offering scenic, educational, and seasonal train rides for families, rail enthusiasts, and adult travelers. Tickets are available online and at Thomaston Station on select dates subject to availability.