CLARKDALE, AZ -- (Marketwire) -- 08/29/10 -- The first sign of autumn isn't always the changing of the leaves; sometimes it's the changing of the kegs. When the air turns crisp and carries the sound of polka music and the aroma of brats sizzling on the grill, it can only mean that Oktoberfest has arrived. Ales on Rails is Verde Canyon Railroad's way of toasting this German tradition.

Ales on Rails provides a rollicking farewell to summer every Saturday at noon and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. throughout October. Bavarian favorites such as brats, pretzels, strudel and beer fuel the festivities. Local breweries proudly showcase their richly-crafted beers.

Relax in climate-controlled comfort as the train rolls into the Canyon bathed in autumnal hues. More microbrews are served on board as passengers marvel at the vibrant landscape.

As autumn arrives in the Verde Canyon, it sweeps through with a gaudy flourish. Wreathing the lower reaches of the canyon in a swirl of ruby and scarlet, amber and gold, vermillion and violet, the woodlands flaunt their seasonal hues. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Fall Colors Tour puts this masterpiece on vivid display. As the train rolls through at a leisurely 12 mph, passengers are treated to the most colorful show in Arizona. Amidst the fall finery, a chorus of wings adds a touch of music, as migratory birds return to the sanctuary between the canyon walls.

No matter what your plans might be for Halloween night, spend part of your day aboard the Haunted Halloween Express on Sunday, October 31st. There's a costume contest, prizes and candy for plenty of ghoulish good fun for the whole family.

For those looking to continue the day's fun, mosey over to the Blazin' M Ranch in nearby Cottonwood for a Wild West Adventure and a hearty campfire meal dished up with plenty of music and comedy. Reservations for this Wild West experience can be made at the same time as train reservations.

The Verde Canyon Railroad depot is located in Clarkdale, Arizona, 25 minutes from Sedona and two hours north of Phoenix. For reservations call 800-293-7245 or book on-line at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

It's not the destination; it has always been the journey
No reason to mess with perfection
100 years of Service, 20 years of Style

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