They say “Virginia is for lovers”, but it’s for scenic train rides and more!
It’s not often that you hear of Virginia being a top destination, but that’s because you’re unaware of the state’s best-kept secret.
While CNN reported Richmond is the best town to visit in the U.S., the state’s lesser-known train is doubling down on where the best sites are located.
Rightfully named the Virginia Scenic Railway, it’s time to unveil one of the most stunning train rides in America, taking you through majestic beauty on 3 different routes.
The ‘Alleghany Special’
The first route offered is the ‘Alleghany Special, bounded by Virginia’s gorgeous Alleghany and Blue Ridge mountains.
Your launch point will be the small, charming town of Staunton an hour and 45 minutes from Richmond and 2 and half hours from Washington DC, the 2 closest notable cities.
Oddly enough, one of the most efficient ways to get here is by Amtrak, where the Virginia Scenic Railway recommends the Cardinal Amtrak.
But this route exudes anything but big city vibes as you head west through farmlands and stunning mountain views – you’ll definitely want to snag a window seat with your camera in hand!
Especially when the journey truly comes alive as you enter the lush wilderness of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
The train shares tracks with Amtrak and freight trains making this classic vintage ride stand out even more.
According to the Virginia Scenic Railway’s website, the current schedule has the train leaving Staunton at 10:30am Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for a 3-hour round-trip adventure.
Beer and wine are available for pre-order and onboard (limited to 2 per person), but soft drinks and meals are included with your ticket, which is $120 and purchasable online.
There are no seat assignments per se, but tables seating up to 4 people are assigned based on the size of your party.
The ‘Blue Ridge Flyer’
This route chugs along through time capsule towns, stunning natural sites, and the thrilling Blue Ridge tunnel carved into the mountainside—definitely not for the claustrophobic!
Nearly a mile long, this is just a small blip on your journey as you make your way east opposite of the ‘Alleghany Special’ through Shenandoah Valley’s delightful small towns of Fishersville, Waynesboro, and your starting point of Staunton, also a great place to make your base if needed.
The route provides elevated views of the Blue Ridge mountains, especially near the tunnel where you will ascend 1,000 feet before entering darkness.
Between Afton and Ivy is where you’ll want to take advantage of a window seat before turning back through the tunnel yet again.
This route has all the same amenities as the ‘Alleghany’, including the same ticket price of $120.
The main difference being the schedule as this train departs at 3:30pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Christmas In July? Booking Is Available For ‘Santa’s Scenic Railway’
It’s never too early to be in the holiday spirit! Many travelers are still in the midst of enjoying their summer, but booking is available for ‘Santa’s Scenic Railway’.
No, it doesn’t take place in July, but you can go ahead and plan your Christmas or, better yet, Thanksgiving.
This jolly train ride begins November 25th with ticket prices nearly half the price of other routes at $65 per person.
Ending December 22nd, you’ll have nearly a month-long window to plan out this festive, family-friendly event.
Virginia is one of many states with ‘winter wonderland’ weather perfect for the hot beverages served onboard, along with a ‘sweet treat’.
This ride lasts about 50 minutes and is more of a novelty than an epic trip through the region’s sightly mountains.
Christmas vibes galore with the real Santa Claus on board ho-ho-ho-ing for photo-ops and the Railway encourages all the festive attire you can muster.
You know what that means…
Time to go thrift shopping for ugly Christmas sweaters!
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