CALIFORNIA INN OFFERS THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE PACKAGE; Storybook Character Visits California Western Railroads Skunk Train

The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek in Little River is offering a Thomas the Tank Engine package in conjunction with the characters Day Out with Thomas visit to the Mendocino Coast, April 25-28. The Inn at Schoolhouse Creeks Thomas the Tank package offers free tickets aboard the Thomas Train for kids staying at the bed and breakfast, a special "Engineers" breakfast featuring pancakes, cereals, fruit faces and banana men and a Kids Social Hour offering cookies, juice, fruit and games.

MENDOCINO, Calif. Feb. 26, 2002 -- The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek in Little River is offering a Thomas the Tank Engine package in conjunction with the characters Day Out with Thomas visit to the Mendocino Coast, April 25-28.

The dearly beloved storybook character will pull the California Western Railroads Skunk Train during his four-day visit. Both grown-ups and kids can ride aboard, sing along with the train singer and get their picture taken with Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of Thomas Railway. Visitors also can watch screenings of Thomas & Friends videos, enjoy storytelling and shop for Thomas & Friends merchandise.

In conjunction with his visit, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creeks Thomas the Tank package offers free tickets aboard the Thomas Train for kids staying at the bed and breakfast, a special "Engineers" breakfast featuring pancakes, cereals, fruit faces and banana men and a Kids Social Hour offering cookies, juice, fruit and games. Thomas the Tank Engine fares for adults cost $14.

Nightly rates range from $115 for a lodge room to $205 for a suite. There is a two-night minimum stay during weekends. All rates are based on double occupancy and are subject to a 10 percent room tax.

Rated three diamonds by AAA, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek is 13 miles from the Skunk Trains depot in Fort Bragg.

On Mendocinos quiet side, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek comprises nine cottages, two small lodges and the 19th century Ledford Farmhouse all nestled on eight acres of hills, gardens, meadows and forest. The Inn offers delicious homemade breakfasts and evening hors dourves. All guest quarters are surrounded by gardens and have separate entrances, private baths, fireplaces, king or queen beds, cable TV/VCR, CD players and coffee makers. Many have spa tubs and featherbeds plus refrigerators and microwaves. The Inn offers easy access to the beach and a hot tub with panoramic ocean view.

A 3.5-hour drive north of San Francisco in Little River, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek is an ideal coastal retreat for couples, families and nature lovers seeking to explore Mendocinos bounty.

For more information or reservations, call 800-731-5525 or visit the Web at http://www.schoolhousecreek.com.

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