While train travel was de rigueur in the 19th century, it seemed to fall by the wayside as automobiles and airplanes became the choice mode of transportation for many. Still, you’ll find classic trains all around the country offering quaint and leisurely rides through some of America’s most scenic locales. Many rides even feature themes, ranging from fictional murder mysteries to chocolate feasts. Here’s a look at five fun themed train rides around the country.
You can’t visit California’s wine country without taking a ride on Napa’s famed wine train. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers lunch and dinner rides through scenic wine country, with views of the rolling vineyards as you sip some of the region’s finest vino. The Wine Train’s menu always includes gourmet dishes made with sustainable and environmentally responsible ingredients, matched with a three-hour tour on an antique train.
Spend an evening unraveling a classic whodunnit aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, courtesy of Fillmore & Western Railway Co. in Fillmore, Calif. (about an hour from Los Angeles). Once dinner is served, the train car becomes the scene of a comedic murder mystery, and it’s up to you to help discover the murderer amid the mayhem and entertainment. Different themes are used throughout the year, including “Viva Lost Vegas,” “Cirque du Foul Play” and “The Love Train.”
Santa Express
The kids won’t want to miss a chance to hop abroad the Santa Express with Old Saint Nick himself come Christmas time. This daytime ride through Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia includes Christmas carols, holiday characters and a telling of a Christmas story, plus a themed souvenir, candy cane and activity book. A night train takes the tots to Santa’s Pavilion, where the kids can visit with Santa.
Calling all steampunk fans: Grab your best gear and don’t miss the Steam Punk Express, brought to you by the Austin Steam Train in Texas. This ride includes a trip to a fully restored 1912 train depot, a perfect fit for all things steampunk. If you’re new to the genre, you can learn all about this love affair with all things steam-powered as you meet steampunk fans on the ride.
You can never have too much of a good thing, which is why chocolate is the star of the Chocolate Express’ four-course dinner. By the time dessert is served on this Pennsylvania train ride, you’ll have dined on delectable dishes like cocoa ravioli with dark chocolate chorizo, arugula salad with chocolate champagne vinaigrette and pork tenderloin with a chocolate rub. And for dessert? More chocolate, of course!
(Main image: cloudchaser32000)
