Train Rides and Dinner Trains

If you like trains, consider a date on the rails. Many towns and cities have train companies that offer short-excursion trips and dinner trains. The trains are usually restored from a bygone era, often with steam engines. The scenery ranges from picturesque to spectacular. The short-excursion trips often end in a small town were you can sightsee or eat lunch before returning. The dinner trips usually start before sunset and a multi-course meal is served on the train. Some train lines offer champagne brunch rides and luncheon rides. A few even offer a murder-mystery dinner ride.

COST

Train ride only is $8 to $15 per person. Dinner trips are $25 to $100 for each of you.

LENGTH OF DATE

Excursion trips range from one to four hours. Dinner trips are usually two to three hours.

HOW TO FIND

Look in the Yellow Pages under "trains." Your local travel agent should be able to tell you about trains in your area. And don't overlook AMTRAK for neat daytrip packages. Riding the Rails by William C. Herow. $14.95. Try getting it from the public library, or from www.travelbooksusa.com.

PREPARATION

Reservations are a must. Be sure to arrive early—the train won't wait for you. Check out the menu. Often times only one or two items are available. Make sure it's not Steak Tartare if your date is seriously vegan.

ATTIRE

When you call for reservations, ask about proper attire. Some of the dinner trains are very formal, others are casual.

TRADE-OFFS

Don't expect a fi ve-star dinner. The feast is often more for the eyes than the stomach.

ALTERNATIVES

Try taking an overnight train trip on Amtrak. The scenery can be breathtaking. You can also get a sleeper compartment where the rhythmic swaying of the train and pitter-patter of the wheels on the rail bed can make the ride more exhilarating than you ever imagined. Be sure to take along a bottle of your favorite lubricant —ah, libation—in addition to other items that might enhance your personal comfort and enjoyment. Check with Amtrak at (800)872-7245, phone Amtrak Vacations at (800)321-8684 or try their website at www.amtrak.com. Also check with your local travel agent for romantic rail excursions.