1. Amtrak’s Most Scenic Trains are the California Zephyr, (daily, Chicago-Bay Area), the Empire Builder (daily, Chicago-Seattle/Portland), the Coast Starlight (daily, Los Angeles-Seattle), the Cardinal (three times weekly, Chicago-Washington-New York). 2. Book Early because long-distance trains sell out quickly and sleeping car accommodations are especially hard to get in the summer months. 3….
I clearly remember the excitement of a overnight train ride when I was 10 or 12 years old. The anticipation was excruciating and, once aboard, I would wedge myself against the window in order to see as far forward as possible. The object was to catch a glimpse of the locomotive—a steam locomotive in those…
I wonder sometimes if the leadership at Amtrak fully appreciates what they have in the Pacific Parlour Cars. Each one features eight overstuffed swiveling armchairs, a lounge area, and booths where sleeping car passengers can opt to take their meals There is also an attendant who serves the meals, handles wine tastings, and functions as…
Yesterday an email popped up from a couple planning a cross-country train ride. They want to know which of the western trains out of Chicago I would recommend. I had to laugh because I go through that same quandary myself once or twice every year. I’ve done it every possible way, too—the Texas Eagle,…