Model train display at Charleston Place Hotel

Model train display at Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, SC    

It's tradition! Everyone must pause and admire the model train display at Charleston Place Hotel each holiday season. Can you imagine packing that up each year? It's worth it. Thank you Charleston Place Hotel.

Train set at Charleston Place Hotel

Model train display at Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, SC   

Pausing to watch the model train set at Charleston Place Hotel is a holiday tradition. It is a grand display.

Model trains at work

Charleston Area Model Railroad Club, Charleston, SC  

When the gentleman from the Charleston Area Model Railroad Club called to say they were considering starting an outreach program I said, "you got the right girl!" After getting the necessary approvals they moved in a large portable train display and a couple of engines and ran them all day at the hospital. It was a happy surprise for our visitors, patients and staff and a brilliant idea. Thank you gentlemen!

Model Railroad Club

Charleston Area Model Railroad Club, Citadel Mall, Charleston, SC   

It is sad to see empty shop space in a mall and Citadel Mall does have some turnover. This is good use of the space though - the Charleston Area Model Railroad Club is set up right inside the mall next to Dillards. They have limited hours so check that before you take the kiddies. Who doesn't like model trains? We all do!

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9 PM

Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 PM

Model Train Display

Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, S.C.

The train model set up at Charleston Place Hotel is a big hit every year. I love watching all the parents holding kids up to see the trains come by.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas. I spent mine in a little cabin on Lake Marion. It was completely peaceful with no tv and occasional phone and wifi access. I took mostly prepared food up and we enjoyed a lazy Christmas morning reading and going for a walk. It was a bit too chilly and windy for the kayaks but a very pleasant place to be and for the last few years had been a tradition. I enjoyed coming back to see all the happy family pictures posted through the day on Facebook. I have one more completely free day. What shall I do with it?!

Halloween countdown - Charleston style

Charleston Railway Museum, Citadel Mall, Charleston, S.C.

I dropped my car off at Sears Auto at Citadel Mall for an oil change and stopped by the Railway Museum while I was putting in time waiting for them to call me. They never did call so I did a lot of wandering. Hanging around a mall can get expensive.

I had my pocket Canon camera in my purse and was trying to get the shot of the miniature Halloween decorated tree in the scene as the train came by. Tricky! One of the gentlemen came by and said, "You want to catch the train in that spot? I'll use the kill switch". So, there ya go. All we needed was the Kill Switch to stop it in it's tracks.

The Best Friend of Charleston Railway Museum contains artifacts, videos and Lionel's limited edition operating model of the Best Friend train. The museum is located at The Citadel Mall at 2070 Sam Rittenberg Road in Charleston SC. Visitors are invited to visit the museum Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9 and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5.