2009 METRO NORTH CROTON-HARMON OPEN HOUSE: Visit this hundred-year-old former New York Central shop facility for what could be the last time. Metro-North is curerntly constructing a new shop facility to replace the original shop complex. MTA Metro-North Railroad welcomes you to join us for our most festive occasion of the year. On Saturday, October 11th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring family and friends to Metro-North Railroad's Annual Harmon Open House in Croton, New York. Metro-North's friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer questions as you tour the railroad's largest maintenance facility, take a fall foliage train ride, and watch Metro-North workers show off their mechanical and technical abilities during an ongoing series of informative demonstrations. It's all fun, all free, and never fails to impress! Maps will be given to visitors to help guide them through the various exhibits in the 275,000-square-foot shop. Get up close to a wide variety of passenger coaches, locomotives and specialized track equipment. Operate a track switch with the click of a computer mouse and watch the rails move into position, then get onboard a diesel train for a 50-minute fall foliage train trip through the majestic Hudson Highlands right at the peak of leaf season.DIRECTIONS: The best way to get to Harmon Shop is to take a Hudson Line train to Croton-Harmon Station, where free shuttle buses will be running all day long to take you to the shop. Or, if you are driving from New York City, take the New York State Thruway to Exit 9, Tarrytown. Go left onto Route 119 for 2/10ths of a mile. Make a right onto Route 9, and continue north for 14 miles. After crossing the Croton River Bridge, take the first exit to Croton Point Avenue and look for directional signs to the free parking. If you're driving from Stamford or White Plains, take I-287 to the New York State Thruway entrance at Elmsford, and follow the directions above. Mark your calendar because it is a great way to spend a fall day with the family. For Hudson Line train schedule information, call Metro-North in NYC at (212) 532-4900, outside of NYC at 800-METRO-INFO. The hearing impaired can (via teleprinter) call 800-724-3322. Or you can visit Metro-North on the web at www.mta.info. In addition, train schedules are posted at all Metro-North stations.
