Join in on the fun with "Elfkin Elkhounds," "Santa Bernards," and "Reindeer Rotweilers" as they parade down State St. in the Downtown St. Joseph Holiday Parade, sponsored by Chemical Bank. Downtown St. Joseph's annual Reindog Holiday Parade is December 6th beginning at noon. read more
Taken from http://www.sjtoday.org/sjtoday_htm/ReindogParade.htm
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Temporary Schedule Change Effective October 27, 2008 - December 4, 2008
Beginning October 27, 2008 through December 4, 2008, the Pere Marquette will operate one hour earlier to all stations along the route from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL, due to track work being preformed by CSX Transportation.
The temporary schedule shown below replaces the one published in the Amtrak's Fall 2008-Winter 2009 System Timetable, which becomes effective on October 27, 2008.
Temporary Schedule for Pere Marquette Train 371
Effective October 27, 2008 - December 4, 2008
Daily
Grand Rapids, MI
6:35 A
Holland, MI
7:21 A
Bangor, MI
8:02 A
St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, MI
8:39 A
New Buffalo, MI
9:06 A
Chicago, IL
9:30 A
Thank you for traveling Amtrak!
The temporary schedule shown below replaces the one published in the Amtrak's Fall 2008-Winter 2009 System Timetable, which becomes effective on October 27, 2008.
Temporary Schedule for Pere Marquette Train 371
Effective October 27, 2008 - December 4, 2008
Daily
Grand Rapids, MI
6:35 A
Holland, MI
7:21 A
Bangor, MI
8:02 A
St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, MI
8:39 A
New Buffalo, MI
9:06 A
Chicago, IL
9:30 A
Thank you for traveling Amtrak!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Holiday Events in Holland
Travel to Holland for festive holiday activities!
Dutch WinterFest and the Holidays in Downtown Holland
November 15-January 10, 2009
Holiday Open House: November 22, 6-9pm
Parade of Lights: December 2, 6:30pm
SinterKlaas Eve: December 5, 7pm
Up On the Rooftops: December 12, 6-8:30pm
Ice Sculpting Competition: January 10, 2009, 10am-1pm
Plus KerstMarkt, Santa’s House, Shopping Jam, local musical and theater events and more.
Taken from http://holland.org/sections/90-holiday-events-including-dutch-winterfest-and-the-holidays-in-downtown-holland
Dutch WinterFest and the Holidays in Downtown Holland
November 15-January 10, 2009
Holiday Open House: November 22, 6-9pm
Parade of Lights: December 2, 6:30pm
SinterKlaas Eve: December 5, 7pm
Up On the Rooftops: December 12, 6-8:30pm
Ice Sculpting Competition: January 10, 2009, 10am-1pm
Plus KerstMarkt, Santa’s House, Shopping Jam, local musical and theater events and more.
Taken from http://holland.org/sections/90-holiday-events-including-dutch-winterfest-and-the-holidays-in-downtown-holland
Monday, November 10, 2008
Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival
An annual pre-holiday event!
November 21-23, 2008
DeVos Place
Designed to be Michigan's Premier Wine & Food Experience, attendees will be rewarded with an unparalleled opportunity.
* Over 500 different labels of Wines, Beers and Spirits from around the world will be presented for sampling.
* Grand Rapids' finest restaurants have been invited to provide "small plate" samples of their prize cuisine. Click Here for Restaurant List
The Wine & Food Festival is produced by ShowSpan in conjunction with the Grand Rapids - Kent County Convention & Arena Authority.
For more information click here
Taken from http://www.showspan.com/GRW/Home.aspx
November 21-23, 2008
DeVos Place
Designed to be Michigan's Premier Wine & Food Experience, attendees will be rewarded with an unparalleled opportunity.
* Over 500 different labels of Wines, Beers and Spirits from around the world will be presented for sampling.
* Grand Rapids' finest restaurants have been invited to provide "small plate" samples of their prize cuisine. Click Here for Restaurant List
The Wine & Food Festival is produced by ShowSpan in conjunction with the Grand Rapids - Kent County Convention & Arena Authority.
For more information click here
Taken from http://www.showspan.com/GRW/Home.aspx
Monday, October 20, 2008
Take a Cheap Weekend Trip to Chicago
Save money by taking the train to downtown Chicago and discover all the free activities going on in the city during October and November! See the weekly fireworks display at Navy Pier, enjoy the festivities of the State Street Halloween Happenings Parade, experience the tree lighting in Macy’s Walnut Room and much more!
Find more free things to do in Chicago click here…
Taken from chicagoweekendfun.com
Find more free things to do in Chicago click here…
Taken from chicagoweekendfun.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Take the Family on a Train Ride to Pumpkins Galore in Benton Harbor
Pumpkins Galore
A small family farm operation that sells top quality produce to our customers. Bring your children and your camera. From one to 100 pound pumpkins types of Fairytale pumpkins, White pumpkins, Long Island Cheese pumpkins, Pie pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins, Blue pumpkins, Red & worthy Acorn & butternut squash, Turbin Corn stalks, Gourds-Autumn wings-Birdhouse Apple & swains Indian corn.
Pumpkins Galore
3256 East Napier Ave
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: (269)463-5215
Taken from http://www.michigan.org/Property/Detail.aspx?p=B11278
A small family farm operation that sells top quality produce to our customers. Bring your children and your camera. From one to 100 pound pumpkins types of Fairytale pumpkins, White pumpkins, Long Island Cheese pumpkins, Pie pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins, Blue pumpkins, Red & worthy Acorn & butternut squash, Turbin Corn stalks, Gourds-Autumn wings-Birdhouse Apple & swains Indian corn.
Pumpkins Galore
3256 East Napier Ave
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: (269)463-5215
Taken from http://www.michigan.org/Property/Detail.aspx?p=B11278
Monday, October 13, 2008
Fall Trips from A to Z
Michigan makes it easy to fall for autumn, the most colorful of its four seasons. With more than 19 million acres of forest, the annual display of reds, golds, oranges, and yellows washes across the state beginning around mid-September in the upper reaches of the Upper Peninsula, and bows out around the end of October in the southern Lower Peninsula. An abundance of natural resources means a Pure Michigan autumn experience is less than a tank of gas away, and won't strain the budget or busy schedules. Fall for Michigan from A to Z read more...
http://www.michigan.org
http://www.michigan.org
Friday, October 10, 2008
Take the Train into Holland Saturday October 18th
Saturday October 18th, Holland Michigan is the place to be! In 11 different locations, 11 different bands will be playing LIVE around the town of Holland. Enjoy drink and appetizer specials and even guest bartenders!
Plan ahead and pick up your wristband for $7 at New Holland Brewing Co. in downtown Holland, or buy one at the door for $10. Participating locations include: New Holland Brewing Co. Restaurant and Pub, Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, 84 East Food & Spirits, Butch's Dry Dock, Curragh Irish Pub, Lemonjello's, JP’s Coffee and Espresso Bar, Alpenrose Café, Parrot’s Lounge, Park Theatre and CitySen Lounge.
Don’t worry about driving; take the train into Holland and then take advantage of the GrooveExpress which travels to all locations or take a GrooveWalk! For a complete list of bands and participating locations visit http://holland.org/events/5755-groove-walk.
Plan ahead and pick up your wristband for $7 at New Holland Brewing Co. in downtown Holland, or buy one at the door for $10. Participating locations include: New Holland Brewing Co. Restaurant and Pub, Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, 84 East Food & Spirits, Butch's Dry Dock, Curragh Irish Pub, Lemonjello's, JP’s Coffee and Espresso Bar, Alpenrose Café, Parrot’s Lounge, Park Theatre and CitySen Lounge.
Don’t worry about driving; take the train into Holland and then take advantage of the GrooveExpress which travels to all locations or take a GrooveWalk! For a complete list of bands and participating locations visit http://holland.org/events/5755-groove-walk.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Get Ready to Scream
It’s FINALLY that time of year again! Michigan’s largest haunted house, The Haunt, is back for its 8th year in Grand Rapids. Every frightening detail of this now 25,000 sq. ft. scarefest is sure to make even the bravest of souls run blindly for the exit.
Also returning from 2007 is the outdoor attraction; The Dark Maze. Upon entering the maze you will become fully aware that there are no lights, no maps and no tour guides to help get you out safely. Rather than thinking about turning right or left, you’ll be wondering whether you should scream or run.
Don’t be embarrassed when a terrified cry does escape from you, it will be barely noticeable under the sounds of chainsaws and demonic laughter from one of the many ghouls and zombies. These frightening creatures roam freely around each of the terrifying rooms and leave you wondering whether the shadowy figure in the corner is going to scare a scream out of you, or if it is just your imagination. Be sure to visit with a close group of friends. You’ll be clinging to one of them throughout your entire ghastly journey.
This horrifying chance only comes once a year! This year’s dates are October 3rd-November 1st. Tickets are $14 for The Haunt-General Admission, $22 for The Haunt and The Dark Maze. And if you think the scariest part of the night is going to be the lines, there are VIP tickets available that allow you to skip to the front! Visit www.the-haunt.com for a detailed calendar with times and detailed ticket prices.
With Halloween just around the corner, most people are in the mood for a good scare. Visit The Haunt in Grand Rapids, and see just what else is waiting around the corner.
Also returning from 2007 is the outdoor attraction; The Dark Maze. Upon entering the maze you will become fully aware that there are no lights, no maps and no tour guides to help get you out safely. Rather than thinking about turning right or left, you’ll be wondering whether you should scream or run.
Don’t be embarrassed when a terrified cry does escape from you, it will be barely noticeable under the sounds of chainsaws and demonic laughter from one of the many ghouls and zombies. These frightening creatures roam freely around each of the terrifying rooms and leave you wondering whether the shadowy figure in the corner is going to scare a scream out of you, or if it is just your imagination. Be sure to visit with a close group of friends. You’ll be clinging to one of them throughout your entire ghastly journey.
This horrifying chance only comes once a year! This year’s dates are October 3rd-November 1st. Tickets are $14 for The Haunt-General Admission, $22 for The Haunt and The Dark Maze. And if you think the scariest part of the night is going to be the lines, there are VIP tickets available that allow you to skip to the front! Visit www.the-haunt.com for a detailed calendar with times and detailed ticket prices.
With Halloween just around the corner, most people are in the mood for a good scare. Visit The Haunt in Grand Rapids, and see just what else is waiting around the corner.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Fall festivities are only a train ride away!
Fall is a great time to visit West Michigan! Take a Hayride at the family friendly apple orchard Robinette's, discover giant pumpkins at Fredrick Meijer Gardens, take a spooky walk through West Michigan's largest indoor haunted attraction the Haunt, enjoy crisp fall weather and vibrant colors while hiking through one of Holland's wooded parks, take advantage of fun family activities, culinary demonstrations and special sales at Harbor Country Harvest Days in Benton Harbor and much more!
Looking for more ideas? Visit the 2008 Fall Haunted House and Halloween Guide at www.grnow.com to find out what else you can do in West Michigan this fall!
Do you know of something great going on in West Michigan this fall? Let us know!
Looking for more ideas? Visit the 2008 Fall Haunted House and Halloween Guide at www.grnow.com to find out what else you can do in West Michigan this fall!
Do you know of something great going on in West Michigan this fall? Let us know!
Monday, September 29, 2008
What Do I Do On the Train?
Relax! Watch the scenery; that seems obvious but many folks forget to look out the window and miss some of the best parts of the ride. Take a pair of small binoculars if you have them; you'll find a use for them. Take reading material, particularly for evening use. During the day you can expect to be looking out those windows and "schmoozing" with those around you, but things quiet down after dark. AM-FM/Cassette/CD players are desirable, but earphones/headphones MUST be used, and volume should be kept low in any case. A deck of cards is a good idea if traveling with others (some Amtrak snack bars stock cards). Avoid the urge to nap in the daytime -- you'll regret it about 1:00am when you're staring at the night light unable to sleep. Most important thing to do: Relax! That's what train travel is all about.
http://on-track-on-line.com/amthints-on-train.shtml
http://on-track-on-line.com/amthints-on-train.shtml
Friday, September 26, 2008
Train Travel Tips
Thinking about a train trip?
Consider taking the train on long trips when you have kids in tow; it can be much more relaxing than driving and a better opportunity to spend quality time talking or playing cards.
Check to see if you’re visiting a city with a historic or notable train station; if so, arrive by train. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or a total novice, it’s a special experience to roll into a landmark like Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station or Union Station in Los Angeles.
If your flight is canceled, booking a spot on a train may be a good alternative.
www.roadandtravel.com
Consider taking the train on long trips when you have kids in tow; it can be much more relaxing than driving and a better opportunity to spend quality time talking or playing cards.
Check to see if you’re visiting a city with a historic or notable train station; if so, arrive by train. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or a total novice, it’s a special experience to roll into a landmark like Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station or Union Station in Los Angeles.
If your flight is canceled, booking a spot on a train may be a good alternative.
www.roadandtravel.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Nine Unexpected Benefits of Trains
1. No wait, no security. Amtrak asks passengers to be at the train 30 minutes before departure. If you show up a little late, you simply walk straight on the train and find a seat that looks good to you.
2. If you want to pee, go pee.. There’s never a time on a train when you can’t stand up and do whatever you want. And that includes having a nice lunch in the dining car, which is what I’m going to go do now.
3. The seats ACTUALLY RECLINE! Instead of the 1.5 inches if lean that the little silver button will give you on a plane, Amtrak’s big black button gives a recline of about eight inches. I could actually sleep in this chair! If I wasn’t so excited about how much it reclines.
4. PLUGS! Some planes are starting to finally provide power jacks so we can keep charged through long flights. But all Amtrak trains have three-pronged jacks to keep you electrified throughout your journey.
5. No NAGGING: It’s a frikkin pleasure not having someone bug me about my seatback and tray tables and whether my electronic device is approved for that particular segment of the trip. And no seatbelts at all! Whether or not that’s technically safe, it’s certainly more comfortable.
6. Legroom: As a six foot plus guy, I notice a couple extra inches here. And it’s nice.
7. No beverage cart slamming into your knees and elbows. The beverage cart on a plane absolutely ensures that you never ever ever put any piece of your body into the aisle. Well, the train aisle is considerably wider, for one, and the cart is nonexistent.
8. Treats: If you happen to want a cheese danish on an airplane, you’re out of luck. Not here my friends…and the cost of said treats is much more modest than the $5 you’ll pay for a snack pack on American Airlines filled with crap you probably don’t even want.
9. You handle your baggage. If you lose your bags on a train, it’s your fault. There’s no waiting at the baggage claim and no worrying about how the baggage handlers (or TSA) will treat your bags.
And all of the additional, everyday benefits remain. It’s cheaper, more environmentally friendly, you can use cell phones and there are even some cars with beds.
www.ecogeek.org
2. If you want to pee, go pee.. There’s never a time on a train when you can’t stand up and do whatever you want. And that includes having a nice lunch in the dining car, which is what I’m going to go do now.
3. The seats ACTUALLY RECLINE! Instead of the 1.5 inches if lean that the little silver button will give you on a plane, Amtrak’s big black button gives a recline of about eight inches. I could actually sleep in this chair! If I wasn’t so excited about how much it reclines.
4. PLUGS! Some planes are starting to finally provide power jacks so we can keep charged through long flights. But all Amtrak trains have three-pronged jacks to keep you electrified throughout your journey.
5. No NAGGING: It’s a frikkin pleasure not having someone bug me about my seatback and tray tables and whether my electronic device is approved for that particular segment of the trip. And no seatbelts at all! Whether or not that’s technically safe, it’s certainly more comfortable.
6. Legroom: As a six foot plus guy, I notice a couple extra inches here. And it’s nice.
7. No beverage cart slamming into your knees and elbows. The beverage cart on a plane absolutely ensures that you never ever ever put any piece of your body into the aisle. Well, the train aisle is considerably wider, for one, and the cart is nonexistent.
8. Treats: If you happen to want a cheese danish on an airplane, you’re out of luck. Not here my friends…and the cost of said treats is much more modest than the $5 you’ll pay for a snack pack on American Airlines filled with crap you probably don’t even want.
9. You handle your baggage. If you lose your bags on a train, it’s your fault. There’s no waiting at the baggage claim and no worrying about how the baggage handlers (or TSA) will treat your bags.
And all of the additional, everyday benefits remain. It’s cheaper, more environmentally friendly, you can use cell phones and there are even some cars with beds.
www.ecogeek.org
Monday, September 15, 2008
Top 10 Reasons To Ride the Train
1. Money Savings
If you're watching your wallet, trains are an increasingly cost-effective alternative to planes, particularly if you're going a relatively short distance or if you're traveling in the busy Northeast Corridor, where train service is fast and frequent. In a recent search, we found a low airfare of $259 roundtrip for an October flight from Philadelphia to Boston; on the train, the price was just $160 roundtrip. We saw an even more dramatic price differential on a trip from New York to Montreal: $632 roundtrip by air versus just $124 on the train. In both instances the train ride was longer than the corresponding flight, but for travelers looking to cut costs, the train wins out -- and you'll get to see some scenery along the way. Amtrak and other rail operators usually give discounts to children, seniors, students, AAA members, military personnel and other key demographics. See our list of rail travel deals for more opportunities to save.
2. Stable Fares
Anyone who's agonized over when to purchase airfare knows how arcane and frustrating the airlines' pricing structures can be. (We're still waiting for a logical explanation of why a one-way ticket costs so much more than a round trip. Anyone? Anyone?) Train fares tend to be the same day after day on any particular route, whether it's Monday or Saturday, April or August, two months in advance or two days before departure. While some increases may occur (particularly at peak times or over the holidays) and occasional sales may be available, you can usually count on train fares being relatively stable, even at the last minute.
3. Flexibility
Except on long-haul or infrequently traveled routes, trains tend to offer travelers a great deal of flexibility. Missed the 10 a.m. train? Just catch the 10:30 or 11 a.m. train instead. Most short trips do not require prior reservations, and you can simply show up at the station the day of your trip and grab a ticket for the next train -- without paying an exorbitant last-minute fare.
4. More Baggage...
These days, nearly all the major airlines charge domestic travelers a fee to check two bags -- and many of them will charge you to check just one. Compare these stingy policies to Amtrak's baggage allowance: "Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as briefcases, purses, laptops, and infant paraphernalia such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats. ... Each carry-on bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. "Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. ... Each checked bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs." In total, Amtrak allows you to bring 250 pounds of luggage -- plus personal items -- for free. Try bringing that on an airline!
5. ...Less Hassle
Imagine taking a trip and not having to arrive two hours early, wait in a long security line, take off your shoes for inspection, or ration out your liquids and gels. Welcome to the world of train travel. In most cases you can arrive 30 minutes ahead of time and walk straight to your platform -- with no security and no lines.
6. Door-to-Door Convenience
Unlike airports, most major train stations are located right downtown in the heart of the cities they serve. Instead of taking an expensive airport cab ride from miles outside of town, you can step off your train and be just moments from your hotel.
7. Eco-Friendliness
Trains are more energy-efficient per passenger mile than planes or cars, making them one of the most eco-friendly transportation options around (short of walking or riding your bike!). Carbon emissions from trains are less damaging to the environment than those of airplanes because those emissions are not released directly into the upper atmosphere. As a bonus, the relative energy-efficiency of trains means that the industry is less vulnerable to increases in fuel prices -- making train fares more stable in an unstable economy.
8. Comfort and Relaxation
Rather than cramming yourself into an ever-shrinking airplane seat or squinting at road signs trying to figure out where to make your next turn, why not relax on a train? It's one of the least stressful forms of transportation out there: someone else does the driving, you'll have more legroom than you would on an airplane, and you'll be able to move around at will -- not just when the captain turns the seatbelt sign off.
9. Old-Fashioned Charm
There's something refreshingly traditional about taking a train, particularly if you're traveling over a long, multi-night route. The days of silverware and fine china in coach class may be long gone in the airline industry, but on overnight trains you'll still find dining cars with full-service meals and uniformed wait staff. During the day, many train travelers choose to read books, play cards or simply enjoy the scenery rushing by. (High-tech travelers, don't worry -- iPods and laptops are more than welcome aboard trains too.)
10. Beyond Just Transportation
Unlike airplanes, which whisk you from point A to point B with barely a glimpse of what's in between, a train ride can be a destination in and of itself. Take the California Zephyr -- a dramatic route that wends its way through the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains from Chicago to San Francisco. A ride on this popular Amtrak route offers spectacular scenery. During fall foliage season, try a ride on the Ethan Allen Express from New York to Vermont and enjoy the autumn colors.
www.independenttraveler.com
If you're watching your wallet, trains are an increasingly cost-effective alternative to planes, particularly if you're going a relatively short distance or if you're traveling in the busy Northeast Corridor, where train service is fast and frequent. In a recent search, we found a low airfare of $259 roundtrip for an October flight from Philadelphia to Boston; on the train, the price was just $160 roundtrip. We saw an even more dramatic price differential on a trip from New York to Montreal: $632 roundtrip by air versus just $124 on the train. In both instances the train ride was longer than the corresponding flight, but for travelers looking to cut costs, the train wins out -- and you'll get to see some scenery along the way. Amtrak and other rail operators usually give discounts to children, seniors, students, AAA members, military personnel and other key demographics. See our list of rail travel deals for more opportunities to save.
2. Stable Fares
Anyone who's agonized over when to purchase airfare knows how arcane and frustrating the airlines' pricing structures can be. (We're still waiting for a logical explanation of why a one-way ticket costs so much more than a round trip. Anyone? Anyone?) Train fares tend to be the same day after day on any particular route, whether it's Monday or Saturday, April or August, two months in advance or two days before departure. While some increases may occur (particularly at peak times or over the holidays) and occasional sales may be available, you can usually count on train fares being relatively stable, even at the last minute.
3. Flexibility
Except on long-haul or infrequently traveled routes, trains tend to offer travelers a great deal of flexibility. Missed the 10 a.m. train? Just catch the 10:30 or 11 a.m. train instead. Most short trips do not require prior reservations, and you can simply show up at the station the day of your trip and grab a ticket for the next train -- without paying an exorbitant last-minute fare.
4. More Baggage...
These days, nearly all the major airlines charge domestic travelers a fee to check two bags -- and many of them will charge you to check just one. Compare these stingy policies to Amtrak's baggage allowance: "Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as briefcases, purses, laptops, and infant paraphernalia such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats. ... Each carry-on bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. "Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. ... Each checked bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs." In total, Amtrak allows you to bring 250 pounds of luggage -- plus personal items -- for free. Try bringing that on an airline!
5. ...Less Hassle
Imagine taking a trip and not having to arrive two hours early, wait in a long security line, take off your shoes for inspection, or ration out your liquids and gels. Welcome to the world of train travel. In most cases you can arrive 30 minutes ahead of time and walk straight to your platform -- with no security and no lines.
6. Door-to-Door Convenience
Unlike airports, most major train stations are located right downtown in the heart of the cities they serve. Instead of taking an expensive airport cab ride from miles outside of town, you can step off your train and be just moments from your hotel.
7. Eco-Friendliness
Trains are more energy-efficient per passenger mile than planes or cars, making them one of the most eco-friendly transportation options around (short of walking or riding your bike!). Carbon emissions from trains are less damaging to the environment than those of airplanes because those emissions are not released directly into the upper atmosphere. As a bonus, the relative energy-efficiency of trains means that the industry is less vulnerable to increases in fuel prices -- making train fares more stable in an unstable economy.
8. Comfort and Relaxation
Rather than cramming yourself into an ever-shrinking airplane seat or squinting at road signs trying to figure out where to make your next turn, why not relax on a train? It's one of the least stressful forms of transportation out there: someone else does the driving, you'll have more legroom than you would on an airplane, and you'll be able to move around at will -- not just when the captain turns the seatbelt sign off.
9. Old-Fashioned Charm
There's something refreshingly traditional about taking a train, particularly if you're traveling over a long, multi-night route. The days of silverware and fine china in coach class may be long gone in the airline industry, but on overnight trains you'll still find dining cars with full-service meals and uniformed wait staff. During the day, many train travelers choose to read books, play cards or simply enjoy the scenery rushing by. (High-tech travelers, don't worry -- iPods and laptops are more than welcome aboard trains too.)
10. Beyond Just Transportation
Unlike airplanes, which whisk you from point A to point B with barely a glimpse of what's in between, a train ride can be a destination in and of itself. Take the California Zephyr -- a dramatic route that wends its way through the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains from Chicago to San Francisco. A ride on this popular Amtrak route offers spectacular scenery. During fall foliage season, try a ride on the Ethan Allen Express from New York to Vermont and enjoy the autumn colors.
www.independenttraveler.com
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