by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: August 23, 2010

Taking a train ride is an interesting way to introduce your family and yourself to travel from yesteryear. All across New England there are historic trains that allow you to take a scenic train ride while enjoying the countryside and in some cases you can also enjoy a meal on the train.

Train travel per say doesn’t have the appeal that it once did to get from point A to point B. When it comes to vacation however, many families enjoy taking a short train ride to enjoy the country side or to view an area they are visiting from a new and different perspective. Here are a few of the best in New England.

Cape Cod is a great place to visit in almost any season. During the summer and early fall however it has some special appeal. The Cape Cod Central Railroad offers a variety of different options that combine food and train travel as well as some dastardly deeds. You can choose from an elegant dinner, lunch, brunch or family dinner train ride. You have a choice of entrees and the train will travel from Hyannis to the Cape Cod Canal and then back in about three hours. You can choose to just take a narrated ride if you prefer. This is a two hour ride which on Saturdays will stop in West Barnstable. You can even combine this train ride with a one hour Harbor tour in Hyannis. The train also has seasonal specials when they offer other options. Check out their website for all the details.

In Vermont the White River Flyer offers the opportunity to take a two hour trip from White River Junction. There are special trains that run from Easter all the way to the Polar Express in December. In the warm weather the schedule is much more regular with two trips on most days. This is a pretty ride along the Connecticut River in any season but of course during the fall, the foliage makes it especially attractive. To find out what days the train is running and the times check out the website. 

 Essex Connecticut is the jump off point for the Essex Steam Train  which runs year round. It travels along the scenic Connecticut River through the towns of Essex, Deep River and Chester. You can enjoy the changing seasons on the train. In the warmer months it can be combined with a Riverboat ride. If you opt for the combination ticket, you will get off in Deep River and board the River Boat.

If you are going to be in the Weirs Beach area of Lake Winnipesaukee the historic Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad   travels for eight miles along the shore of the lake. This train runs for two hours and has several stations where you can board. The full round trip is a two hour excursion.

These are just a few of the many historic excursion trains that run in New England. No matter what state you live in or are visiting, there will be a train where you can enjoy a ride and perhaps a special meal.

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