Memorable train journeys in New England
It wasn't that long ago when a journey by train was the most sophisticated and luxurious mode of travel, complete with its own sense of adventure and the thrill of arriving in style! Contemporary rail travel can still be the same - a relaxed, stress-free travel experience with fun and amazing scenery to boot. Sit back and ride the rails on these memorable train journeys in New England.
One for the kids
Conway Scenic Railroad
New Hampshire's White Mountains are one of the best places to see autumn's vibrant colours on a relaxing, old fashioned train ride. Conway Scenic Railroad's Notch Train takes passengers on a five-hour tour (including lunch) of some of New Hampshire's most spectacular fall scenery as it chugs through Crawford Notch, following a historic route first traversed by trains more than 130 years ago. Alternatively, journey alongside picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee through the front yards of many fine New Hampshire resort homes on the Winnipesaukee Railroad - hoborr.com/winni.html. Your youngsters will love the 'Hobo Picnic Lunch' and the chance to take home their own souvenir Hobo Bindle Stick!
conwayscenic.com
One for those who love to 'sip'
Wine Tasting Trains - 'Wine Wednesdays'
Vermont Vintners produce a wide variety of amazing wines. On this journey, you will learn about wine production in Vermont, take in the stunning landscapes of the Green Mountain State whilst sipping on five Vermont wines paired with award-winning Cabot Cheddar Cheese, again from Vermont. Sample 'baked in Vermont' Westminster Crackers, Vermont Peppermint Candy to cleanse the palette and you even get to take away a 'Trains Around Vermont' wine glass as a souvenir. For passengers aged 21 and older.
rails-vt.com/wine-tasting-train
One for those who like variety!
Essex River Steam Train & Riverboat
Gather family and friends for a journey aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the United States. Climb aboard a vintage coach in Essex, Connecticut for a 12-mile trip through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley, then transfer to the Becky Thatcher steamboat and cruise along the river itself, viewing historic sites including Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House and an array of wildlife.
essexsteamtrain.com
One for foodies
Cape Cod Central Railroad
Travel back in time and engage in some old-fashioned entertainment aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad departing from Hyannis Depot, taking in the Cape's unspoiled and hidden beauty, accessible only by rail. Combine this with gourmet food on the Luncheon, Sunday Brunch or Elegant Dinner journeys for one of the USA's top on-board dining experiences.
capetrain.com
One for the beaches - new for summer 2013
CapeFLYER
For the first time since the 1980s it will be possible to take a weekend trip to Cape Cod from Boston by rail - ideal for visitors who don't want to drive! Priced at just $30 for the return trip, the CapeFLYER service will run from May 24 to September 2, 2013, taking passengers to Hyannis in the heart of Cape Cod via some of New England's best-loved coastal scenery. Don't have a full weekend to spare? The schedule also makes it easy to enjoy a Saturday or Sunday day trip!
capeflyer.com
One for the photographers
Mt. Washington Cog Railway
The steepest railroad track in North America! For more than 140 years, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway has taken tourists to the top of New England. Visitors take in the spectacular panoramic view, spanning the mountains and valleys of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, north into Canada, and east to the Atlantic Ocean, as they make this unforgettable journey. The beauty of the mountains and the thrill of ascending the Northeast's highest peak are just as enchanting today as they were in 1869, when Sylvester Marsh opened the world's first mountain-climbing railroad on New Hampshire's Mount Washington. Nearly 150 years later, the Mount Washington Cog Railway continues to provide a sense of adventure and history as it carries passengers to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington.
thecog.com
Explore the coast with Amtrak
If you are just looking to explore New England's spectacular shores, it couldn't be easier than with Amtrak. For travellers seeking a quintessential New England seashore experience, the Amtrak Downeaster offers five daily round trips from Boston's North Station to points north including the coast of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine, with an option to travel on to Freeport for fun shopping followed by a lobster dinner. From Amtrak's last Downeaster stop in Brunswick, catch the Maine Eastern Railroad in season to go to scenic Wiscasset and Rockland, Maine, with its art museums and annual lobster festival. Heading south from Boston? Amtrak will take you through Rhode Island to the attractive colonial city of Providence, or head further south to Westerly, Rhode Island, a beach town with renowned hotels ... or Mystic, Connecticut where you will find a museum of the sea and the Mystic Aquarium.
amtrak.com
For further information on New England, visit discovernewengland.co.uk.
