Songs About Trains

[plumtreeblossom]

So, it turns out I've won a pair of round-trip tickets on Amtrak to anywhere in the continental US, usable anytime between now and December 16, 2007. I was entered automatically in the sweepstakes when I bought an Amtrak ticket to Rochester in December, and I didn't even know it. When the first notification came I assumed it wasn't legit, but upon calling Amtrak, it's a genuine win. I've never been the type to win sweepstakes or drawings, so this is a lovely surprise. I've discovered over these past few Christmases how much I enjoy train travel.

beowabbit naturally has dibs on the companion ticket. But where to go? Wabbit pointed out that it would be a waste to use it for New York, when for almost nothing you can get there on Fung Wah (with a nice crackling fire in the back for keeping warm). A co-worker said "Take it as far as you can go! Go to Seattle or California!" Well, sure I like train travel, but I wouldn't want to be on one for four days each way. I'd probably put the one-way travel lid at 12 hours or so.

But within that range, I wonder where might be fun to go? DC might make a nice Autumn trip, and we could go nuts in The Smithsonian. Or Niagara Falls, NY (we could cross over to the Canadian side on our own).

Some not-too-far places that I've yet to visit as an adult:

Baltimore
Philadelphia (was there at age 3, which doesn't count)
Atlantic City, NJ (Boardwalk! Frozen Custard!)
Long Island
Saratoga Springs, NY (heard it's gorgeous, good hiking)
Williamsburg, VA (was there at age 8 but remember little)

Wabbit is having a crummy day due to phone-gone-missing, so I'm sure he's in no mood to think about travel today. But no decision needs to be made any time soon anyway. Just fun to start thinking about.

Here's where Amtrak goes in the general Northeast area. Any suggestions or inspired ideas?

Comments

[epilimnion.livejournal.com]

Yes that was me! I was going to say hi, but I wasn't sure, and you didn't seem to recognize me, and I can barely brave the embarrassment of "oops, wrong person" when I'm awake! Somehow, I've perked up after having food and tea, but we'll see how long it lasts.

Sadly I must say that except for some parts of CT, the view wasn't all that interesting. But I was also finishing a composition on the way down to DC, where I was going to meet with the dance I was writing for, so maybe I just missed the good parts.

Speaking of compositions, I have some cabaret ideas we should talk about sometime...

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I've dyed my hair back to brown since the last time you saw me, so I can see why you might not have been sure. Also it was tied back and wet, not my usual lion mane. :-)

Oooh, I would love to hear your cabaret ideas!

[seaweedgirle.livejournal.com]

That's right ... between the Rhode Island border and New Haven there are some great water views. At times, you'll feel like you're cruising on the water! Going south, I believe you'll have to be on the left hand side of the car to get maximum viewing.