Features | US Dinner Trains 2010

Frommers Travel Guide bestows three stars -- the guidebook's highest rating -- on this rolling landmark, currently celebrating its 40th year. Views from the steam train's refitted 1920s Pullman dining cars include sailboats and yachts parading up and down the Connecticut River and the magnificent Gillette Castle perched along the river's shore. Dining: Four-course menus feature a changing trio of entrees; Cranberry Glazed Chicken and Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce among them. The signature Chocolate Mousse Cake knows no season and is always a hit. A separate summer alternative, the Murder Mystery Train features a light supper. Packages: Connecticut River cruises aboard the Mississippi-style riverboat, "Becky Thatcher," are also available. Schedule: Dinner trains operate Saturdays and Sundays from May through October; Fridays in July and August. Murder Mystery Trains run Fridays in July and August. Foliage luncheon trips operate Saturdays and Sundays in October. Service notes: Full bar; Children welcome; Vegetarian diets accommodated (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

Called one of America's "unforgettable day trips by rail" by Parade Magazine, the train's scenic route passes salt dunes, forest, cranberry bogs and the Great Salt Marsh of Barnstable Harbor. The Cape Cod Canal crossing, via a rare vertical lift bridge, is a rail fan's treat! Three luxurious mid 20th century dining cars and "Cape Codder" lounge have been painstakingly restored. Dining: Authentic homemade New England Seafood Chowder is the pride of a restaurant-class kitchen car that prepares an ever-changing selection of four entrees. Herb-Encrusted Tenderloin Crevette and Stuffed Salmon Florentine are typical favorites. An Omlette Homard of lobster, asparagus and cheddar cheese is just one of the Sunday Brunch choices. Schedule: Dinner trains operate Thursday and Saturday evenings from May through October (Buzzards Bay trains run on Fridays in July and August). Luncheon trains run on Tuesdays and selected Saturdays from late May through October and Thursdays in July and August. Family Supper Trains run Tuesdays and selected weekdays from late June through late August. Sunday Brunch Trains operate from late May through late October. Special dinner trains also operate on Mothers Day and Thanksgiving. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's menu (dinner, ages 12 and up); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

The White Mountain's restaurant on wheels treats guests to a memorable sunset ride through the scenic Pemigewasset River valley. Five-course dinners are served aboard three unique dining cars -- among them the "Granite Eagle," a rare tri-level Pullman Planetarium dome car. The great views continue after dark when halogen floodlights illuminate the countryside. Dining: Fresh herbs and seasonal ingredients characterize a changing bill of fare prepared in the chef's onboard kitchen. No detail is too small: salad greens are picked from the railway's own garden; dinner rolls are fresh baked; sorbets and desserts are homemade! Typical menu highlights include Café Chicken Cordon Blue with mustard and maple garnishes and Pesto Scallops encrusted in toasted almonds and parmesan. Schedule: Dinner trains operate Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through late October; also Tuesdays and Thursdays from late June; selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in September and October. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children welcome (ages 6 and up); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; MiIitary discounts; Group pricing; Reservations recommended; Charters; Gift certificates.

Sweeping panoramas of sparkling Narragansett Bay fill the windows of Aquidneck Island's "Train with a Million Dollar View." Guests dine amid music and candlelight aboard one of three beautifully restored Budd dining cars, each reflecting America's Golden Age of Railroading. Dining: Tender Hickory-Smoked Baby Back Ribs -- the chef's signature dish -- plus variations of Sauteed Boneless Chicken Breast and Seafood Stuffed Sole highlight the full course menu. Also featured are beers from the Newport Storm Brewery and wines from Newport Vineyards including a private label Newport Dinner Train Reserve. Packages: Same-day packages include lunch train plus harbor sail or Rosecliff Mansion tour. Overnight packages include Ultimate Newport Getaway (hotel plus dinner train, mansion fly-over by helicopter, harbor sail and vineyard tour). Packages offered on selected days only. Schedule: Dinner trains operate Fridays and Saturdays from April through December (upgrade Fridays to murder mystery; Saturdays to piano car). Lunch trains run Thursdays and Saturdays from May through September. Dining trains also operate on selected holidays. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's menu (ages 10 and under); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

Lancaster County's Amish farmlands are home to the country's oldest short line railroad: one of America's "unforgettable day trips by rail" according to Parade Magazine. Along its route, century-old steam locomotives tow America's only operational wooden dining car past horse-drawn buggies paused at rail crossings and mule-hauled plows tilling trackside fields. Dining: The onboard kitchen staff turns out traditional three-course dinners featuring entrées like Crab-Stuffed Flounder and Oven Roasted Prime Rib while the Pennsylvania Dutch dinner train offers hearty fare like Tom Turkey, Lancaster County Ham, and authentic Shoo-Fly Pie. Also featured are beers from Lancaster Brewing Company and wines from Twin Brook Winery. Schedule: Traditional dinner trains featuring live entertainment (musician or murder mystery) operate Wednesdays and weekends in July and August; Saturdays and some Sundays April to June and September to November. Pennsylvania Dutch dinner trains run Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in July and August. Lunch trains operate daily April through October; weekends and selected days in March, November and December. Service notes: Full bar; Children's pricing (ages 2-11; seat charge, under age 2; murder mystery not recommended for under age 5); Vegetarian diets accommodated; Handicap access (with advance notice); Informal dress code (Sunday lunch, neat casual); Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

From the splendidly restored stone depot in the Victorian era resort town of Eureka Springs, trains depart on scenic excursions through the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. Guests aboard the restored 1920s Eurekan Dining Car relax along a woodland route that features rock formations, trestle crossings and a unique "wye" turn-around for the return trip. Dining: Four entrée choices assure an option for every taste. Four-course dinners of Chef's Prime Rib, Baked Chicken Breast, Fish Selection of the Day or Vegetarian Lasagna are capped off with Flaming Baked Alaska. Lunch menus offer similar variety. Schedule: Lunch and dinner trains run Tuesday through Saturday (Sundays on Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends) from May to October. Service notes: Wine and champagne only; Children welcome (dinner, ages 5 and up; special lunch menu for ages 7 and under); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Reservations suggested (required for groups); Charters; Gift certificates.

New to Florida, the Star Clipper brings a quarter-century-plus of onboard restaurant experience from its former Michigan home. Today the country's oldest dedicated dinner train rolls among the scenic lakes of Central Florida's Lake County. Dining: Appetizers like Shrimp Cocktail Avocado get four-course dinners off to a promising start. The prepared-to-order entreés that follow -- like Teriyaki Filet Mignon Tips and Chicken Cordon Bleu -- are the pride of the chef's kitchen. Three-course lunches are prepared with similar attention. Packages: Rails and Romance Weekend includes dinner train, overnight accommodation, breakfast and lake cruise. Same-day packages are also available. Schedule: Dinner trains operate Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons, and selected holidays year-round (Murder Mysteries run Fridays; Family Specials on Sundays. Vegas-style shows and scenic exterior illumination on Saturdays begin in September). Lunch trains operate Saturdays year-round (except when Santa Breakfasts run in December); also Fridays from April through June, and Wednesdays from May through June. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's menu (dinner, adults only); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Handicap access (with advance notice); Informal dress code (Sunday lunch, neat casual); Group pricing; Reservations required (prepaid 72 hours in advance); Charters; Gift certificates.

Spectacular views of the Callosahatchee River are among the attractions of the Gulf Coast's Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Passengers settle aboard restored vintage dining coaches dating to the 1930s and 40s. Dining on gourmet fare, they compete to unravel the live performance's comic story line. Dining: A trio of entrees -- Shrimp Gratinée, Mango Chicken and Slow Roasted Prime Rib -- star on a five-course bill of fare prepared in the train's own kitchen. The chocolate-denched Raspberry Mousse makes a "dazzling final act!" Packages: Dinner train plus hotel get-aways are available Wednesdays through Sundays. Schedule: Murder Mystery Dinner Trains operate Wednesday through Sunday evenings and on selected holidays. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children welcome (ages 12 and up); Handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

From its ante-bellum limestone depot, guests depart aboard one of three lavishly upgraded 1940s vintage dining cars. Passing tobacco fields, horse farms, and the Jim Beam distillery, the route's highlight awaits in Bernheim Forest where the train crosses a rare all-timber trestle some 60 ft/18 m above the Jackson Hollow floor. Dining: Bluegrass favorites range from traditional Kentucky Hot Brown (a cheese-baked casseolet of turkey and ham)... to succulent Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Loin... to a chocolate chip and walnut filled Kerns Derby Pie! Cajun Cod, Eggplant Parm and kid-size portions of the train's signature Slow-Roasted Prime Rib are featured on both three-course lunch and four-course dinner menus. Schedule: Lunch and dinner trains operate Saturdays and selected weekdays and holidays from April through December with reduced frequency between Christmas and Easter. Murder Mystery Dinner Trains are scheduled monthly. Service notes: Full bar; Children's menu (ages 5-12; age 5 minimum); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

The Hawkeye State's popular dinner train treats guests to awesome views of the beautiful Des Moines River Valley and frequently encounters wild turkeys, deer and bald eagles along the way. The rail cruise crosses the 156 ft/48 m Bass Point Creek high bridge -- the highest single-track interurban railroad bridge in the United States. Dining: With a choice of five entrees, the train's four-course menu offers something to please every palette including Roast Pork Loin, Marinated Salmon Steak and Five Cheese Vegetarian Lasagna. Desserts like Apple Camel Cheesecake provide the perfect finish (there's also a separate "Dessert Train"). Schedule: Dinner trains operate Saturdays from April through November and Fridays from June through October. Dessert trains run on the same schedule. Service notes: Bring your own wine (one bottle limit, corking fee); Children welcome; Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

Tracing its history back to 1833, today the oldest rail line west of the Alleghenies hosts Michigan's original Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Guests boarding the vintage dining car at Blissfield enjoy dinner along with a comedy club style cabaret that invites audience members to join in the fun. The train's sister operation in Charlotte offers a similar dinner and show. Dining: Entrée choices of Hand-Carved Prime Rib, Honey-BBQ Glazed Salmon or Stuffed Chicken Breast Amore; -- prepared to order by the onboard chef's staff -- highlight the four-course menu. Also featured are Erie Brewing Company Railbender Ale and wines by Pentamere Winery and J. Trees Cellars. Packages: Overnight getaways are available. Schedule: Blissfield trains operate Saturday evenings and selected Sundays; Charlotte trains operate on selected Saturday evenings and Sundays. Service notes: Full bar; Children welcome (not recommended for under age 13); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Senior discount; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

From its 1906 depot, the Ozark Zephyr follows a James River Valley course inaccessible by road. Enroute, the mainline through the Ozarks takes diners through a 0.5 mi/0.8 km tunnel and across the 113 ft/ 35 m Little Walnut Creek trestle -- where incredible panoramas occasionally reveal a bald eagle or two. Dining: In addition to Prime Rib the three-course menu offers Baked Tilapia and Rotisserie Chicken dinners, each topped off with black-and-white Shadow Cake for dessert. Schedule: Dinner trains operate Saturdays from April through October. Service notes: Children welcome (ages 13 and up); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

Recalling train travel in the 1940s, period carriages have been retro-fitted and meticulously restored to bring a nostalgic dining experience to America's heartland. Rural river valleys and the occasional wild deer or quail compete for diner's attention with a calendar of entertainment upgrades including murder mysteries, melodramas and USO shows. Dining: Prime Nebraska Beef is a mainstay of monthly menus featuring four entrée selections. Roast Goose and Filet of Ostrich are popular seasonal choices. Packages: Discount partnership with area hotels. Schedule: Year-round schedule features five-course Saturday night dinner trips and three-course Sunday dinner excursions (entertainment upgrades on Saturdays and selected Sundays). Additional dinner trips are scheduled on selected Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's pricing (dinner, adults only); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Informal dress code (Sunday lunch, neat casual); Group pricing, Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

Amid Wisconsin's North Woods, trains ride the rails along the beautiful Namekagon River, over the Bean Creek Trestle, and along the shore of Green Lake. After feasting in a circa 1918 mahogany panelled dining car, guests are invited to visit the adjoining club car for cocktails and dancing. Dining: Wisconsin Cheeses, a choice of entrées -- all freshly prepared onboard -- and desserts like Eli's Famous Turtle Cheesecake highlight five-course dinner menus. Barbeque Buffet Trains serve up everything from Cowboy Chili and Grilled Chicken to salads, watermelon and lemonade. Brunch Buffets feature salad bar, breakfast favorites and more. Packages: Wedding parties are hosted in America's only active chapel car. Schedule: Friday and Saturday night dinner trains and Sunday Brunch Buffet Trains operate May through October; between Thanksgiving and Christmas and on selected holidays. Family Pizza Trains operate Saturday afternoons from May through October plus Tuesday and Thursday evenings in July and August. Barbeque Buffet Trains run on Wednesdays in July and August. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's pricing (dinner, adults only); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

"The Home of the Hollywood Movies Trains" is also home to Southern California's Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Locomotives and dining cars used in films like "Sea Biscuit," and "Get Smart" and shows like "NCIS" and "Bones" roll past Back Country peaks and through the avocado and citrus orchards of the Santa Clara River's Heritage Valley. Dining: Three-course dinners are prepared onboard with Hand-Rubbed Prime Rib and Chicken Cordon Bleu among the four entrée choices. Fresh-baked Cheesecake -- Triple Chocolate or Raspberry Brulé -- provides an elegant finish. Packages: Overnight getaways available. Schedule: Trains operate Saturday evenings, year-round. Special theme and holiday trains run on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's menu on selected runs (ages 13 and under; murder mystery, ages 18 and up only); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Senior discount; Group pricing, Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.

This Wine Country favorite has been acclaimed by the Food Network, Parade Magazine, NBC and others. Open-air Silverado Grill, classic Gourmet Express and elegant Vista Dome dining cars feature separate on-board kitchens and offer three distinctive menus. En route, guests view sweeping vineyards and famous wineries framed by mountain peaks and wild flowers. An observation deck and wine tasting car enhance the experience. Dining: Wine train cuisine is a celebration of the chef's creativity in using natural and organic ingredients. Changing menu choices include Portuguese Minestrone, Grilled and Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Seared Petrale Sole, and a to-die-for Chocolate-Covered Tiramisu. Gourmet and Dome guests choose from four-course lunch and five-course dinner menus. Silverado guests enjoy à la carte dining. Packages: Choices include San Francisco ferry/train combo, overnight getaways and winery tour add-ons. Schedule: Dinner Trains operate Saturday in January and February; Friday and Saturday in March and April; Thursday through Monday from June to mid November; Friday and Saturday in late November and December. Lunch Trains run Fridays and Saturdays in January and February; daily from March through Christmas. Special events are held on selected schedules. Service notes: Full bar and wine list; Children's pricing (ages 1-12; Vista Dome, adult pricing only); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Handicap access; Neat casual dress code; MiIitary and AAA discounts; Group pricing; Reservations recommended; Charters; Gift certificates.

As the beauty of Big Sky Country unfolds, rugged hills and vast ranch lands roll past, three trestle bridges are crossed, and the dinner train disappears into the darkness of a 0.5 mi/0.8 km tunnel. Observant guests are likely to spy antelope, eagles, deer, hawks, coyote... and a masked bandit or two; all the while being serenaded by Western musicians. Dining: Guests enjoy a full course Prime Rib dinner including dessert. Packages: VIP upgrade includes priority boarding, preferred seating, a complimentary drink with dinner, plus a souvenir tee-shirt and a disposable camera. Schedule: Trains operate most Saturday evenings from mid June through mid October. Service notes: Full bar; Children's pricing (ages 12 and under); Vegetarian diets accommodated (with advance notice); Handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Purchase tickets in advance; Charters; Gift certificates.

Beyond the Columbia River Gorge, dinner trains "zig-zag" up a steep incline and follow the Hood River Valley to the base of Mt. Hood. Dining cars, featuring roomy booth seating aside panoramic windows, are ideally suited to viewing track-side orchards and the snowy Cascade peaks. Dining: Four-course dinners are prepared "en tren" using the finest local ingredients. Natural Cascade Beef Rib Roast and Grilled Prawn Skewers are among the seasonal favorites. Sunday Brunch offers creative breakfast entrées, seasonal fruits and fresh-baked pastries. Monthly Fiesta Trains feature a Mexican-themed menu. Also featured are local wines by Pheasant Valley Winery, and The Pines. Schedule: Saturday dinner trains, from April through November, feature alternating themes. Murder Mystery Dinner Trains run most Saturdays. Classic dinner trains operate the first Saturday of the month; Fiesta Trains on the second Saturday. Christmas Tree Luncheon Trains on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Service notes: Full bar; Children's pricing (ages 2-12; murder mystery, adults only); Vegetarian and special diets accommodated (with advance notice); Limited handicap access (with advance notice); Neat casual dress code; Group pricing; Prepaid reservations required; Charters; Gift certificates.