Heber Valley … I just adore Heber Valley. There is something so welcoming about a quaint little town, nestled in a gorgeous valley just a short drive up the canyon, that makes me smile.

I haven’t quite decided if it’s the beauty of the scenic drive through stunning Provo Canyon, the beckoning shops of Main Street, the rolling hills full of outdoor adventure, the charming and secluded inns perfect for a long weekend getaway, or the excitement-filled shopping extravaganza that is Midway’s Swiss Days. That valley is just enchanting to me.

Some of the many things I enjoy about Heber Valley are the memories made aboard the decades-old passenger cars of the Heber Valley Railroad. The railroad is well known for its scenic rides and the popular Christmas-themed North Pole Express, but did you know the train also hosts themed excursions perfect for date night or even a girl’s night out?

Last month, my friend Angie and I decided to indulge our sweet tooth and board the Chocolate Lover’s Train for a fun girl’s night. The two-hour adventure featured a lazy, relaxing train ride up the canyon while nibbling on samplings of chocolate and being serenaded by talented violinists.

When we boarded the train, a bit late unfortunately, I was surprised to see dozens and dozens of couples cuddled together in their seats, bundled in blankets ready for their evening ride.

Hmmm … maybe I should have dragged my husband along for what seemed like a popular romantic evening.

Nah … Angie and I had a lot of catching up to do and why not chit-chat aboard a vintage train instead of a noisy, informal restaurant.

And it really was all about the chocolate, right?

What I wish we had done before our train ride, however, was grab some dinner. While chocolate is always a great idea any time of the day, the sample-sized servings didn’t really fill our ravenous bellies. Several of the couples around us opted for steaming hot dogs from the train’s concession car, but we decided to hold out for dinner in Midway at a fantastic little pizza joint — Café Galleria — after returning to the station.

Tonight the railroad welcomes all cheese connoisseurs to board the Cheese Tasting Train. Like the Chocolate Lover’s Train, this two-hour ride features live entertainment while passengers nosh on artisan cheeses and chat up the local cheese makers from Utah’s own Heber Valley Artisan Cheese.

Apart from tonight’s Cheese Tasting Train, the month of May is filled with special event rides perfect for the entire family. A Mother’s Day Train on May 11 allows children to treat their mom to a free rail adventure. And summer will officially be welcomed in Heber Valley with the Summer Kick-Off train on May 31 and June 1.

One of Heber Valley Railroad’s largest, most popular annual events will pull into the station May 24.

Thomas the Tank Engine, that bright blue, steam-pumping engine will jump off your child’s favorite storybook and onto the train tracks of Heber Valley to greet friends and fans of all ages.

Day Out with Thomas is the perfect chance for little train-loving preschoolers to ride with Thomas and have their photos taken with Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of Thomas’ railway. Other activities such as a petting zoo, bounce house, face painting, magic shows and other Thomas-themed activities, make for a full day of adventure.

Day Out with Thomas runs May 24-27 with trains pulling out of the station from morning until early evening. Tickets are available now and are sure to sell out fast.

For more information about the Cheese Tasting Train, Day Out with Thomas, the Mother’s Day Train or any other upcoming themed train rides, call the ticket office at (435) 654-5601 or log on to www.hebervalleyrr.org.

Heber Valley Railroad Cheese Tasting Train

When: April 26 at 7 p.m.

Where: Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City.

Cost: $30 per couple, $20 per person

Info: (435) 654-5601, www.hebervalleyrr.org

Day Out with Thomas

When: May 24-27 with rides departing every 45 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the last train leaving at 6 p.m.

Where: Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City

Cost: $18 for general admission for ages 2 and up, $14 for the military (must present valid ID), and groups of 20 or more are $14 each.

Info: (435) 654-5601, www.hebervalleyrr.org