It wasn't that long ago that the favored method of transportation in Texas was by horseback or stagecoach. Then along came the locomotive and everything changed. With the introduction of rail transport, markets to the east opened up and modernized the frontier. Passengers could ride west as far as California in search of adventure and fortune. In fact, Texas, like so much of the world, owes a lot to railroad heritage.
Think back to a time when the train was the fastest and most convenient way to get from one point to another; when traveling by train held a certain romantic and adventuresome allure for Americans. Those days are back!
 Burnet, the bluebonnet capitol of Texas, is located in the central region of the Texas Hill Country an hour west of Austin. In fact, you can travel to the festival by catching the Hill Country Flyer (steam train) in Cedar Park, a community on the outskirts of Austin, for a cross-country rail ride that will take you through scenic countryside, providing a genuine flavor to the event.
The excursion includes round-trip service, entrance to the festival with a 3 hour layover in Burnet to enjoy the festivities. All passengers on The Flyer and the Bertram Local receive free admission to the Railfair, but given the popularity of the train ride, reservations are recommended. Call the Austin Steam Train Association for information and reservations (512-477-8468).
Arriving by train sets the mood for this unique festival which highlights the historical significance of American steam train travel. Visitors will be able to climb aboard various displays of railcars and soak in the ambiance of train travel dating back to last century. In the 1950s, the introduction of the diesel-electric train put steam train travel out of business, but further enhanced rail travel for the average American. During the festival, you will have plenty of opportunity to view commuter cars and finely designed sleeper/lounge cars. Climb aboard and relive the days when locomotion ruled!
 No festival would be complete without its diehard enthusiasts and you won't find more dedicated vendors and exhibitors than railroad history buffs.
The festival features a railroad memorabilia museum as well as an extensive collection of model railroads exhibited by vendors, a treat for young and old alike. Fair visitors will also be treated to free railroad motorcar rides within the grounds.
Regardless whether you ride the train from Austin or opt to drive the family buggy to Burnet, you'll still get the chance to take a short ride on the rails.
The Texas Hill Country Railfair & Festival is the medium used by the Austin Steam Train Association and The Burnet Chamber of Commerce to make Texans and its visitors aware of the unique railroad history of the state.
The ASTA got its beginnings in 1989 when railroad enthusiasts and preservationists seized the opportunity to develop a tourist-based scenic railway. Just three years earlier Southern Pacific Railways had closed their Austin operations and sold much of its lines to the city. Fortunately these lines ran through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Hill Country, including vast fields of wildflowers, clear cool streams and plenty of rolling hills. A massive privately funded effort got underway to bring this vision to fruition and in 1992 Burnet received its first passenger train in over 50 years.
 For more than a decade the ASTA has brought pleasure train travel back to Central Texas and soon expanded services to include not only the run to Burnet, but the ever popular runs from downtown Austin through the historic district of the city. Perhaps most popular are the seasonal train adventures and themed events, like the Polar Express, a Christmas themed run that children adore. Also a favorite are the enchanting Storybook Special trains where favorite children's stories come to life.
For Mom and Dad, there are the fun and adventure onboard the Murder Mystery Train. Check with the ASTA for special trains and events scheduled throughout the year.
So step away from your hectic technological world and step back into a time where travel was slower paced and the journey was as important as the destination. Enjoy the Texas Hill Country Railfair & Festival and the beautiful trains of the Austin Steam Train Association.
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