The Pacific Starlight May Be a Thing of the Past, But the Charms of Yesteryear Can Be Found on These Amazing Dinner Trains
A journey on a dinner train can be the ideal antidote to our chaotic modern age of endless security lines, traffic and road rage. Rolling through the tranquil countryside soothes the soul, and by tossing in some gourmet cuisine (often paired with fine wine), you’ve got the perfect recipe for a night out.
While Vancouver, British Columbia‘s popular Pacific Starlight Dinner Train has come to an end, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an amazing experience on other dinner trains. In fact, there are a wealth of options still available today.
The Royal Banff Dinner Train, Alberta, Canada
Royal Canadian Pacific offers an exceptionally luxurious ride and dining experience in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Aimed at reviving the days when railways were famed for fine dining and romance, the Royal Banff Dinner Train is available via private charter only, but makes for the ultimate evening of nostalgia paired with culinary excellence.
Passengers hop aboard in Calgary, Alberta and travel through the dramatic peaks of the Rockies to Banff, Alberta while enjoying a cocktail reception and full dinner service. Available for groups of up to 32, it’s perfect for a family reunion, corporate event or just about any other celebration with a larger group.
The exquisite fare is prepared by exclusive Royal Canadian Pacific chefs, and the delicious dishes are paired with fine wines. Wine tasting is available, complete with a sommelier, as well.
Napa Valley Wine Train, California
The Napa Valley Wine Train is arguably the most famous dinner train experience in the United States and one of the best luxury train tours in the country. It offers a wide range of dinner train options that, of course, include the region’s legendary vino and travel through the picturesque Napa Valley wine country.
If you’re looking for romance, the nighttime Romance on the Rails train may be ideal. The three-hour ride in the glass-topped Vista Dome includes a multiple course dinner, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, two glasses of a private label wine, along with extraordinary views of dimly lit vineyards and stars sparkling above.
The fabulous meals are designed with gourmet foodies in mind, with dozens of top chefs creating an experience that offers the best in fine dining perfectly paired with wine.
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Royal Gorge Route Dinner Train, Canon City, Colorado
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad hosts an elegant three-course, first-class dinner in its gorgeous Vista Dome car on Colorado’s most popular train, allowing passengers to dine while soaking up some of the most expansive vistas of the impressive canyon.
A variety of trips ranging from two-and-a-half to three hours are available depending on the season. Feature entrees are prepared using fresh regional ingredients such as Colorado-raised slow roasted prime rib, and include a delectable dessert.
Every passenger enjoys a seat in a private open-air car which offers 360-degree views of the Royal Gorge, as well as access to the knowledgeable servers who can regale you with information about the area’s rich history and the train itself, and help you choose the very best wine, micro-brew or specialty mixed drink to go with your meal.
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Dinner Train, Garibaldi, Oregon
The Oregon Coast is legendary for its jaw-dropping, unobstructed natural vistas along over 300 miles of coastline, which boasts idyllic beaches, wind-sculpted dunes, soaring seaside cliffs and a wide variety of wildlife.
Book a scenic excursion dinner train via the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and you’ll experience an incredible three-hour adventure along the coast. The dinner train includes a wide range of seating and meal options, as well as special events for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
The excursion travels from Garibaldi to Wheeler and back and includes “ocean view tables” for stunning views of the Pacific as well as Tillamook and Nehalem Bays. If you choose a “mountain view table,” you’ll be able to gaze out at charming beach communities and the surrounding mountains along the way.
Dinner includes a full four-course catered meal with a variety of entrees available such as prime rib, baked wild salmon and herb pork loin, as well as vegetarian options like eggplant Parmesan.
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The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, White Mountains, New Hampshire
One of the top attractions in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train allows passengers to dine on an antique train, rolling through the spectacular mountain scenery.
One of just 20 fine dining dinner trains available in North America today, it features a five-course meal and a chance to escape the ordinary and relive the romance of the rails. Passengers travel in one of three beautifully restored Pullman dining cars, indulging in gourmet cuisine and spirits, served in old fashioned, grand European style.
Period music echos through the cars, keeping in time with the rumbling of the rails, while the occasional engine whistle wails. As the train traverses through the lush, dense forest with dramatic mountain vistas all around, you’re guaranteed a great seat in the house no matter where you are.