Annual brewfest a favorite with micro-brew lovers and train fans

Folks looking for a truly different micro-brew festival experience that includes live music, a scenic mountain venue, and historic rails ought to "hop" on board the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad for some sudsy summer fun.

The 2 nd Annual Rails & Ales Brewfest, taking place Saturday, June 27, features more than 80 different beers and a truly unique mountain venue that is only accessible by the train.

"The popularity of our annual brewfest has really exceeded expectations," said John Thomas, VP of sales and marketing for the train. "We see guests from all over the region coming to have a great time in what is a stunning and totally different outdoor setting for a beer festival."

Visitors can board the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad at the train's location in the quaint mountain town of La Veta, just 16 miles from Interstate 25 and only minutes from Walsenburg. The train is easily accessible from Colorado Springs (2 hours) and Denver (3.5 hours). The depot is less than one hour from Pueblo, Trinidad or various points in northern New Mexico. Passengers can also board the train at the depot in Alamosa, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Guests will be able to sample the wares of 20 regional brewers from Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Four different styles of beer will be available for tasting.

The event also includes live music performed by New Mexico's The Sage Monkeys and diverse food vendors selling tasty local favorites, including Gousar Sausages, Mongolian style ribs and Memphis chicken.

For only $59, guests get a roundtrip coach ticket, event pass and a commemorative sampler glass. Reservations for the event must be made by calling 877-726-RAIL.

For more information about the train and a complete schedule of events planned during the summer, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com.