What’s better than an open-air train ride?

An open-air luau!

New Hope Valley Railway will host a Brew ‘n’ Choo Luau on Saturday, June 24, from 2 to 9 p.m., where you can ride the train in Hawaiian style, complete with craft beer, wine, pulled pork barbecue and music.

“Family and friends of all ages can find something to enjoy at our new island-inspired Brew ‘n’ Choo Luau event,” said trainmaster Dave Chasco, NHVR marketing director.

“The food, drinks and entertainment begin when the first train departs at 3 p.m., and will last an hour after the last train ride returns to the station.”

The first 500 passengers will receive a free floral lei, and a DJ will kick off the event with games, prizes and giveaways, including limbo and hula hoop contests.

Last Band Standing will perform live, and food vendors will include Carolina Brewery, Doyle’s Vineyard, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, and Chef’s House, which will serve pulled whole hog barbecue, sides like Hawaiian cole slaw, luau potatoes or Hawaiian pit-grilled veggies; hot dog combos; and the special NHVR Engineers Breakfast.

Train excursions will depart at 3, 4:15, 5:30 and 7 p.m.

New Hope Valley Railway is located in Bonsal, off Old U.S. 1 South on the Wake-Chatham county line, where its trains chug along a historic track through the woods, originally built in 1904.

The railyard is home to the North Carolina Railway Museum, and include an outdoor exhibit of historic and heritage railroad equipment dating to the 1920s.

Luau train tickets are $10 to $12, with all fare monies going to the educational museum at NHVR. Tickets and more information are available at TriangleTrain.com.

Fact: New Hope Valley was flooded in 1974 to create Jordan Lake.