For a short jaunt with a taste of American history in 75 minutes, take the Naugatuck Railroad scenic train ride offered by the Railroad Museum of New England. Depart from an historic 1881 station, ride on vintage 1920's coaches, and see such notable sites as the Mattatuck Forest, Naugatuck River, Waterville's historic brass mills and the Thomaston Dam.
The Railroad Museum of New England
242 East Main Street
Thomaston, CT 06787
860-283-7245
rmne.org
Combine train tours with cruises along the Atlantic coastline in this eight-day trip encompassing six New England states. Three different trains and three different ships relay tourists to give you a taste of everything the region has to offer. On-shore excursions give you a chance to stretch your legs, experience rich American history up close and personal, do some shopping and sample a traditional Cape Cod lobster dinner.
Vacations by Rail
833 W Chicago Ave Ste 503
Chicago, IL 60642-7929
1-877-929-7245
vacationsbyrail.com
This nine-day excursion features a clear view of New England's famous fall colors from the all-glass Vistadome car on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Other highlights of the tour (which explores New York, Vermont and New Hampshire) include a trip to Mt. Washington (the highest mountain in the United States), a visit to Wilson Castle and a scenic ride through the picturesque village of Stowe. A special component of the tour is an trek to the Shelburne Museum, which features 37 historic buildings that were relocated to Shelburne from all over New England. This train tour does not neglect the more modern pleasures of American lifestyle, as the expedition includes a stop at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory.
America by Rail, Inc.
5000 Northwind Drive, Suite 226
East Lansing, MI 48823
517-333-4223
americabyrail.net
Cape Cod Central Railroad features two-hour train rides with different themes. The adults-only Elegant Dinner Train treats guests to a five-course gourmet meal (no jeans allowed). The Family Supper Train caters to kids, with balloon twisting and face painting. They also offer a Narrated Scenic Train and special meals for holidays like Mother's Day and Thanksgiving.
Cape Cod Central Railroad
252 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
508-771-3800
capetrain.com
Ride the historic Essex Steam Train to see parts of Connecticut that can't be reached by car. This slow-paced ride (the train's speed tops out at 20 mph) gives you a good view of the state's wildlife, rivers and coves. Add the Riverboat option for a ride down the Connecticut River, where you'll see the Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle.
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
One Railroad Avenue
Essex, CT 06426
860-767-0103
essexsteamtrain.com
