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A SATURDAY NIGHT TO REMEMBER: SUNSET SIPS, ICE CREAM RIDES, AND A CONDUCTOR’S FIRST CALL

💫 What a Saturday night to remember! 💫

This past weekend, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) brought together fine dining, twilight rides, and exciting firsts in Chattanooga. Guests stepped aboard for Dinner in the Depot, toasted the evening with the debut of Sunset Sips, and breezed along the rails with Ride & Chill: Ice Cream Edition featuring local favorite Clumpies Ice Cream.

But perhaps the most memorable moment of all was a milestone for TVRM’s own Rikki Durden, who took the role of conductor on the Evening Ridge Runner for the very first time. Known by many as a skilled locomotive engineer, Rikki traded the cab for the conductor’s cap — and her debut was met with smiles, applause, and plenty of photos.

🍽 Dinner in the Depot – Six Courses of Elegance

The night began with Dinner in the Depot, where guests were welcomed into the restored Grand Junction Depot. The atmosphere was alive with soft lighting, the clink of silverware, and live music that echoed through the historic space.

  • Duration: ~3 hours

  • Highlights: Six-course chef-prepared menu, live entertainment, evening train ride

  • Best For: Couples, anniversaries, and anyone who enjoys a gourmet dining experience

This event pays tribute to the tradition of dining in style that once defined long-distance rail travel. Guests dined upstairs before boarding the Evening Ridge Runner for a twilight ride, a perfect combination of culinary artistry and railway charm.

🌅 Sunset Sips – Raising a Glass to the Rails

The highlight of the night for many was the debut of Sunset Sips. Guests boarded the Evening Ridge Runner for a 75-minute ride, where each ticket included two beverages of choice — alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

No treat box was needed; the star of this ride was the view itself. As the train rolled eastward from Grand Junction, passengers watched the sky shift into shades of gold, rose, and lavender, all while sipping a refreshing drink.

  • Duration: ~75 minutes

  • Includes: Two beverages per guest (21+ for alcohol)

  • Best For: Adults seeking a relaxing summer evening activity

This ride captures the magic of twilight in Chattanooga and gives guests a new way to enjoy the Evening Ridge Runner.

🍦 Ride & Chill: Ice Cream Edition – Sweetness on the Rails

Families and friends looking for a lighter option found joy in the Ride & Chill: Ice Cream Edition. Partnering with Chattanooga’s beloved Clumpies Ice Cream, TVRM offered riders a cool treat alongside a breezy evening rail experience.

  • Duration: ~75 minutes

  • Includes: One serving of Clumpies Ice Cream

  • Best For: Families, children, groups of friends

On a warm summer evening, few things are more satisfying than ice cream enjoyed on a moving train with the windows open. The laughter of kids combined with the soft rhythm of the rails created an atmosphere of pure summer joy.

🚂 A Milestone Moment – Rikki Durden as Conductor

TVRM thrives not only because of its locomotives, but because of the people who bring them to life. Saturday night marked a special milestone for Rikki Durden, a familiar face to many regular visitors. Usually found at the controls of a locomotive, Rikki stepped into the role of conductor on the Evening Ridge Runner for the first time.

Her voice called out the “all aboard,” her hand waved the signal, and her presence made history on the line. The conductor’s role is as vital as the engineer’s — overseeing passenger experience, coordinating with the crew, and ensuring safety. Rikki’s debut reflected the flexibility and dedication that TVRM’s team embodies.

📌 Historical note: In mid-1981, TVRM began major work on its new turntable pit, with design specifications prepared by John Stine and Associates. The museum petitioned the City of Chattanooga to rezone property across from Emma Street and sought permission to close part of the street for construction. If all went as planned, the turntable was expected to be operational by year’s end. This project reflected TVRM’s determination to build lasting infrastructure — a commitment that continues today through both physical improvements and the dedication of its people.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need tickets in advance for special events like Sunset Sips or Dinner in the Depot?

Yes. These events often sell out, and advanced reservations are recommended. [Reserve here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4jheRTE]

Q2: Are children allowed on Sunset Sips?

Sunset Sips is limited to guests 21 and older if selecting alcoholic beverages. Families with kids may enjoy the Ride & Chill: Ice Cream Edition instead.

Q3: Will these new experiences return later this year?

Yes! Both Sunset Sips and Ride & Chill will appear on select upcoming weekends. Keep an eye on the TVRM calendar for future dates.

From six-course elegance at Dinner in the Depot, to raising a toast with Sunset Sips, to savoring Clumpies Ice Cream on the Ride & Chill edition, Saturday night was truly one for the books at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. And with Rikki Durden making her debut as conductor, the evening carried not just laughter and celebration, but also a sense of heritage carried forward by dedicated people.

Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry — more unforgettable adventures are just ahead. Reserve early, bring friends and family, and step aboard for Chattanooga’s most unique evenings.

🎟 Book your next ride here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4jheRTE

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