Businesses in Copperhill and McCaysville got some good news last week. Ron Huster, Assistant General Manager of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, told members of the TriCities Business Association that the excursion train will extend its layover in the Copper Basin during the upcoming season. Instead of stopping in Copperhill-McCaysville for 90 minutes, the layover will be extended to two-hours. That's expected to be a big boost for local restaurants and retail businesses, since the nearly 60,000 riders on the train will now have more time to eat and shop.

The first train of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway season is scheduled for Saturday.

Merchants in Copperhill-McCaysville have long sought the extended layover. Huster said management decided to try the longer stay this year, after discussions with Board members of the TCBA about the potential benefits for both businesses and riders, who often complained that they were rushed during their visits. He noted the longer layover will continue “as long as everybody participates and cooperates.”

In conjunction with the announcement of a longer layover, Huster made several requests of local businesses. The railroad is asking that local restaurants offer a reduced price lunch for the volunteers who serve as car hosts on the scenic railway and Huster encouraged restaurants to offer quick menu items for those who don’t want a sit-down meal.

Huster also requested the TCBA's help in sprucing up the railroad's approach to the two cities, and the river bank along the Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers in the downtown area. In response to that request, the TCBA planned organized trash cleanups for Feb. 23 and 24 along Highway 60 in McCaysville, and along the riverbanks downtown.

Huster was quick to point out that the layover could always be rolled back to 90 minutes, if there is a negative response from riders of the scenic train. He urged business owners to do everything possible to make the layover entertaining and enjoyable for visitors. Huster particularly urged businesses to be open on Sundays, since many riders had complained in the past about the number of shops closed during Sunday layovers. “The bottom line,” Huster said, “is we are looking for the business community to gather around together and help each other out.” He said the goal is to provide a more pleasurable experience and also help the local businesses.

He said Monday that there was great participation at the meeting and “a spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm that’s going to go a long way.” He said he was encouraged by the response and the weekend cleanup. He noted the Railway is interested in providing special trains for special events, such as a Santa Village that could make the twin cities a destination for visitors as well as excursion passengers.

Board members of the TriCities Business Association are considering several ideas for additional festivals and entertainment during train visits, to help occupy train passengers time during their visits.

Excursions from Blue Ridge will run Friday through Monday through May, with some additional week days in April and May. From June through mid-August, excursions will run every day but Wednesday, then go back to the four-day weekend until October. For the fall color season, trains will run almost every day, with two trips on Friday and Saturday in October and on Saturday in November. Santa trains are scheduled for December, and regular excursions will run between Christmas and New Year’s.