I second the recommendation for the cafe on the HSB. It wasn't open when I was there during a December day, but the action was still the same. And the great thing is, you can take the train to get there on a very flexible schedule.

I would also recommend Miller's Smorgasbord in Ronks for anyone visiting Strasburg, it's kinda like Shady Maple, only the food is better. It's a little on the pricey side though. Victory Brewing in Parkesburg is also good.

For Steamtown, I'd recommend Cooper's Seafood, which is located in the old Erie depot (which now looks like a lighthouse) and Coney Island of Scranton.

For New Hope & Ivyland, I'd recommend just walking through town because that town has more restaurants than you can shake a stick at. This would also work if you're visiting the Black River & Western, given the two railroads proximity to each other.

All the places we used to recommend within walking distance of the Steam Railroading Institute in downtown Owosso, Michigan, burned down. So I'm not gonna say anything.

But if you visit the Durand Rail History Museum, I recommend the Iron Horse Pub, the only place you can get a big Reuben sandwich under a heroic mural of a CPR 0-6-6-0.

Aarne H. Frobom

If you pay a visit to the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation, there are plenty of great local options. Irvine has Steam Engine Pizza (appropriately enough, a favorite hangout of KSHC crews), Backstreet Grub (run by a local 19-20 year old and his family with some interesting plates), and La Cabaña (Mexican, obviously). Ravenna has The Wigwam (another crew favorite- open since the 50's and insanely low prices), El Ranchito (the better of the two Mexican restaurants IMO), and Old Timer's (great for breakfast, but don't go if you don't like cigarette smoke).

Of course, with Ravenna Railroad Festival going on this weekend, there will be some good food truck options on site!