The SAM Shortline Excursion Train has kicked off its 2012 excursion season.

The train begins and ends its trips in Cordele, Ga., but many of the season’s excursions include stops at towns along the way, often including Leslie, Americus and Plains.

“We have all kinds of people on our train rides,” Train Manager Kathy Odom said in a news release. “It’s the kind of daytrip that is relaxing for some, because they just want to sit back and enjoy the ride. And it’s an adventure for others who prefer to get off at a variety of stops and explore small towns. We even host birthday parties, family reunions and anniversary parties on the train.”

Sites worth seeing at the stops along the way include The Windsor Hotel in Americus, the Rylander Theatre in Americus, the Rural Telephone Museum in Leslie and the Jimmy Carter Campaign Museum in Plains.

“Several people tell us that the telephone museum is their favorite part of the trip,” Odom said. “I think they’re surprised because few people have heard of it, and it’s found in such a small town. That’s part of the charm though.”

For more information about future excusrions, visit http://samshortline.com/.