July 31, 2013 (Carson City, Nev.) —Nevada residents receive 25 percent off a round trip train fare on the historic V&T Railroad (http://www.vtrailway.com) in August. The discount is good for adult, child and senior/veteran fares for the Sunday 10 a.m. steam engine departures. (Twenty-five percent discount with online ticket purchases by using the code: NEVADA).

Step into the history books this August and live a piece of Nevada’s rich Old West history. Passengers retrace the original Comstock-era right-of-way paved by silver miners through the Virginia Range during the fully narrated train trip from Nevada’s capital, Carson City, to the 1860s boom-era mining town of Virginia City. Featuring scenic vistas of the Carson River and majestic Sierra Nevada, engines chug through two tunnels, by abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries and along the countryside where sightings of wild mustangs are routine.

A stop in Virginia City offers plenty of cowboys, gunfights, Victorian ladies and ice cream parlors. To see a current calendar of events go to www.visitvirginiacitynv.com. The regular season steam train rides continue Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 20.

Other V&T ticket options and packages:

— Round trip and one-way steam locomotive train rides. The trains run weekends through October from Carson City to Virginia City, providing travelers with plenty of Old West history and lore, spectacular scenery, dining and shopping. These weekend iron horses feature a 1916 Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 or a 1914 Baldwin-Built Mikado 2-8-2 steam engine leading three 1914 Pullman cars.

— One-way steam train rides commence from Virginia City to Carson City on Saturdays and Carson City to Virginia City on Sundays for $29 per adult, $25 for veterans and seniors, $18 for children. These trips are popular with history buffs looking for overnight stays who wish to explore both of the historic cities.

— One-way diesel trains running Fridays are $21 for adults, $20 veterans and seniors and $15 for children.

— In addition to the V&T’s Carson City-Virginia City Sisters in History 16-mile excursion, a 4-mile, 35-minute Historic Route loop through Virginia City and Gold Hill is offered. The V&T initially reopened the Historic Route in 1972 under the ownership of the Gray family who have preserved the railway’s heritage. With their help, the reconstruction project between Virginia City and Carson City became a reality for future generations. For schedule and ticket prices visit www.virginiatruckee.com or call 775-847-0380.

— The popular Toast of the Canyon wine and appetizer round trip train from Carson City through nearby scenic canyons is offered Saturdays. Designed for train enthusiasts with a taste for the finer things, guests enjoy a vintage train ride down into the canyon, while indulging in gourmet food paired with a glass of wine and view the spectacular high desert scenery. The Toast of the Canyon trip begins at 4:30 p.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Prices are $25 per person; $20 rate is available when continuing from the round trip to Virginia City.

The holiday Polar Express train returns for a third season Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the holiday season, Nov. 22 – Dec. 29. Characters, entertainment and Santa bring the story to life, with a souvenir silver sleigh bell to remember the journey. Tickets will be available beginning Aug. 15, 2013.

The Carson City Depot station is located at 4650 Eastgate Siding Road off of Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East, and has a gift shop with various V&T souvenirs to keep the memories rolling. For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets visit www.vtrailway.com or call 877-724-5007.