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The scenic views are as tantalizing as the aromas coming from authentic
dining cars on these regional passenger trains. Departing from historic
depots, passengers tour the countryside in old-fashioned luxury and
dine in vintage dining cars.
The days of onboard chefs
and kitchens are gone, as the prepared meals are brought on board. And
while this does not allow for menu changes, a dinner train trip can
recapture the images of luxury and romance from a bygone era.
Here is a sample of regional dinner trains in Arkansas and southern
Missouri. Prices include round-trip train fare. Remember to call ahead
for reservations.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
The meal is brought on board, though there is the option to purchase
wine and champagne. The spectacular showpiece dessert–a flaming
train-shaped baked Alaska–is the meal’s highlight. Waiters parade up
and down the dining car aisle with the pyrotechnic treat before
returning to the prep area where slices of the dessert are served.
The trips departing from the depot at 299 N. Main St. run about 11/2
hours and travel a leisurely 41/2 miles and then return to the station.
Trains run April through October. It is a relaxing way to view the
countryside and travel the historic rails that brought the first
visitors to Eureka Springs in 1883.
Dinner is $36.50, lunch is $22. Lunch tickets for children younger than
8 cost $11. Choices for dinner include chicken, prime rib or rainbow
trout, plus soup, salad, rice pilaf, vegetables and flaming baked
Alaska. Lunch choices are chicken salad, a beef entrée or a hot deli
croissant plus bread, beverage and dessert. Excursion-only fares are
$12 for adults, $6 for children age 4–10.
Arkansas-Missouri Railroad
Arkansas and Missouri Railroad passengers travel in refurbished antique
passenger or parlor coaches. The 134-mile round-trip from Springdale,
Ark., includes a three-hour layover in historic Van Buren, Ark., where
passengers enjoy shopping and lunch. Scenic travel through the Boston
Mountains continues with the 70-mile round-trip from Van Buren to
Winslow.
First-class and upgrade trips include a snack, beverage and souvenir
photo for $65 for the Springdale leg, $52 for the Van Buren portion.
Conductors provide a nostalgic touch and commentary along the way.
Trains run April through October, with departures from the train
station at 306 E. Emma in Springdale. AAA members receive a discount.
Branson Scenic Railway
A four-course candlelight dinner of beef, chicken or fish is served on
Saturday excursions in a restored 1956 “Silver Chef” diner from Denver.
The dinner trip, recommended for passengers 13 years and older, costs
$50.50 plus tax. Appetizer, dessert, salad, vegetable and beverage are
included.
The route takes passengers about 20 miles from Branson before reversing
direction and returning on the same tracks. A diesel-electric
locomotive on the northbound end and another on the southbound end
allow the train to make the return trip without having to switch tracks
or turn around. Passengers can hear a narrated history of Branson and
the Ozarks as they cross bridges and trestles on this scenic route.
A snack car is available for refreshments on the excursions that do not
offer dinner. AAA members receive a 10-percent discount on adult fares
($22.50) for these excursions. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are
prohibited. The bright red vintage train leaves from the 1905 depot in
downtown Branson alongside the new Branson Landing shopping and
restaurant district.
St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway
This trip is to die for. Passengers participate in and help solve a
murder mystery production while enjoying a dinner that includes two
entrée choices and dessert. The four-hour trip departs from Jackson at
5 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for this train ride that is popular with
couples and groups are $45.
Parents with little engineers usually opt for the two-hour sightseeing
train ride that leaves Jackson at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $9 for children.
The St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway is proud of its
powerful diesel engine that was part of Amtrak’s system until 1985. The
Jackson railway acquired the restored engine from a railroad museum in
Pennsylvania, where it was given its original colors of maroon and gold
and No. 5898.
The Jackson station is about 9 1/2 miles northwest of Cape Girardeau. Take exit 99 off Interstate 55.
These scenic dinner trains are a nostalgic way to pass a pleasant evening and enjoy the area’s scenic beauty.
Patsy Bell Hobson is a contributor from Cape Girardeau, Mo. |
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In
title: Passengers on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
travel historic rails, view the charming Victorian town and its
surroundings while enjoying a full meal that includes baked Alaska for
dessert. Arkansas Parks and Tourism photo
Above:
Branson Scenic Railway offers 40-mile round-trip excursions departing
from downtown Branson. Branson Scenic Railway photo
| Before You Go |
| For more information, contact:
• Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, (479) 253-9623, www.esnarailway.com;
• Arkansas-Missouri Railroad, (800) 687-8600, ext. 116, www.arkansasmissouri-rr.com;
• Branson Scenic Railway, (800) 287-2462, www.bransontrain.com;
• St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, (800) 455-RAIL (7245), www.rosecity.net/trains.
Stop by your nearest AAA service office for maps, reservations, TripTiks and TourBook guides. View a list of offices.
Order free information through the Reader Service Card online. Click on Reader Resources.
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