The 2011 season for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad is high-balling down the track toward opening weekend, May 27–29 in Carson City.

Before the official opening weekend, the railroad is offering a sneak peek into the historic route with a special event on Mother’s Day, May 8.

Families hopping aboard the special edition train in celebration of mom can surprise her with a rose en route to Virginia City, then enjoy an afternoon of shopping, antiquing or lunch before returning to the depot. Tickets for the May 8 Mother’s Day excursion from Carson City to Virginia City are $29 for adults, $16 for kids under 12 and $26 for seniors over 65.

Season opening festivities slated for Memorial Day weekend showcase steam and diesel engines with round trip and one-way rides from Carson City to Virginia City. After opening weekend, trains run weekly Friday – Sunday through Oct. 30. With the first two seasons’ impressive complete sell-outs, getting “all aboard” now preserves a window to Old West history.

The V&T Railroad’s 16 miles of track re-opened in August 2009 after 70 years of non-operation. Each 90-minute ride includes scenic vistas of the Carson River and majestic Sierra Nevada, passing through two tunnels, by abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries and offering occasional sightings of wild mustangs. The historic train travels the same silver route paved by the miners of the infamous 1860s Comstock silver boom.

For tickets, go online.