Here’s the game plan for our quest for bratwurst:
-
Who: The Swift Thirty (Tri-State & PA Club members + guests).
-
What: An unapologetic, full-tilt German feast. For most, it will be the Wurst! Just like my puns.
-
Where: Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Sanford, FL (browse their glorious menu at hollerbachs.com if you want to start drooling early).
-
When: Tuesday, October 13th.
Phase 1: The Infiltration (Getting There)
We will meet at the DWO clubhouse at 9:15 AM for a 9:30 AM group departure to carpool to the Poinciana SunRail Station (5136 S Rail Ave, Kissimmee for your GPS). It’s about a 30 to 40-minute drive, and parking at the station is both plentiful and free. I like that word "FREE". I'll use that word whenever I can.
Once there, feed the ticket machines:
-
Regular Adult Round Trip: $7.50
-
Senior (65+) Round Trip: $3.75 (Machines take cash, credit, or debit).
We board the 10:45 AM P316NB train for a smooth, 1-hour and 25-minute cruise up to Sanford. (And yes, the train has actual, clean restrooms, so drink all the coffee or beer you want).
Upon landing at Sanford Station at 12:10 PM, we’ll hop on the Free Sanford Trolley at 12:15 PM, arriving right at Magnolia Square and the gates of Hollerbach’s at 12:25 PM.
Phase 2: The Feast & Aftermath
Bring an industrial-sized appetite. After we stuff ourselves with pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and, of course, BEER, You’ll have time to wander around the corner to Hollerbach’s deli or pop into local shops.
If anyone somehow retains an empty corner in their stomach, Wondermade Ice Cream sits right across the street near our return Trolley stop—though I make no promises your waistband will allow it.
Phase 3: The Escape (Getting Back)
SunRail runs southbound every half hour starting at 3:06 PM, but please coordinate with your carpool group so you all catch the same train back!
-
The "Fast Track" Exfil (for light eaters/quick shoppers): Catch the 2:18 PM Trolley at the Welcome Center stop near the corner across the street from Hollerbach to snag the 3:06 PM train, landing back in Poinciana at 4:28 PM. Just in time for the HWY 17-92 rush hour.
-
The "Sweet Spot" or "Shoppers Option" (Highly Recommended): Catch the 3:18 PM Trolley at the Welcome Center stop for the 3:36 PM train. After the Trolley, be ready with your train ticket to promptly jump on the train. You’ll be back at your car by 4:58 PM + a little.
-
The "I'm Living Here Now" or "The Serious Explorers" Option: Missed those? Trolleys also run from the Welcome Center at 4:18 PM, 5:18 PM, and 6:18 PM, all connecting to later trains. Check Sunrail.com for South Bound schedules. These options avoid rush hour traffic when returning home from Poinciana and give you time to explore Sanford.