Train Tales
Information and inspiration for people who love train travel!
FROM OUR READERS
New York By Rail loves to receive photos that Amtrak passengers snap along their travels! These make us want to get back on the train soon:
TRAVELER TIPS
We went to Facebook in search of train travel tips from frequent riders! There, we joined several Amtrak fan groups, where the conversations focus on advice and adventure. We asked, and our new friends answered!
Onboard Comfort and Entertainment“ I always bring snacks, water, a good book, and earplugs. If I ' m feeling social I ' ll bring cards or a board game to share in the cafe car.”
— Valerie R., Mt. Vernon, WA
“ I always bring my chargers, GPS, ear buds, extra batteries for my mouse, small snacks for between meals when I don ' t feel like going to the lounge car, and a few movies for after dark. I can ' t read on a train.”
— Ed W., Boyertown, PA
“ I ship my luggage ahead of time via UPS. It doesn’ t save money, but it is nice not having to lug any luggage around at all.”
— Guy P., Smyrna, TN
What to do near Amtrak stations“ If faced with a layover at Buffalo-Depew( e. g., transferring from the Maple Leaf to Lake Shore Limited): A) Get your picture taken with the buffalo out front; and B) Walk or taxi to the Walden Galleria. It’ s a nice mall with a movie theater. Also, en route is the Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart with a large selection of trains and displays.”
— Daniel L., Little Rock, AR
The Best Views!“ When I take one of the Empire Service trains, I usually get on at Syracuse and wait for the conductor to tag my ticket. I head for the cafe car and sit on the right hand side eastbound; left hand side west bound. There ' s nothing like a cold beverage and the beautiful Mohawk and Hudson Valleys to view. Just fascinating.”
— Drew G., Odessa, NY
“ Best place for a good view of Niagara Falls on the Maple Leaf is on the left side when crossing over the Niagara River from the U. S. side to the Canadian side.”— Joseph S., Niagara Falls, NY
“ The ride from Albany to New York’ s Penn Station is quite the treat! Sitting on the right side of the train is best for Hudson views. The lighthouses, the grand old estates, the castle ruins, West Point … and the sunsets! Oh, and one of the most important reasons my family likes to travel from ALB-NYP … it’ s RANGERTOWN!”
— Lisa A., Granville, NY
Tell us your Amtrak travel tip! Send an email to editor @ newyorkbyrail. com.
“ My husband is a train enthusiast. We purchased a USA rail pass and were touring upstate New York. I wanted to see Niagara Falls because I haven’ t been there since I was three( I am 61). I spotted this rainbow close to Syracuse after a brief rain storm.”
— Carol Ann Aldinger
“ I was on the train leaving from Albany-Rensselaer to Penn Station when I came upon this breathtaking view of the bridge which had me fumbling for my phone. I was determined to capture a glimpse of it, even as the train passed under the bridge. I remember saying to myself,‘ Oh, I am going to miss it,’ but I just kept on shooting. And boy, am I happy with the result.”
MaryEllen Staten
— Aline Cassinera
“ I am currently on a trip in Niagara Falls with family, and this is our first trip on a train and to the Falls. What a beautiful trip by rail; can’ t wait to experience more.”
— MaryEllen Staten
“ I took this shot of Amtrak 704 at the Poughkeepsie Station last night.”
— Chris Jones
Got a great shot to share? Send your train travel photos to editor @ newyorkbyrail. com, and we may include it in the 2017 issue!
Chris Jones
Carol Ann Aldinger
Aline Cassinera
PHOTOS:( RANGER RIDE) LISA ACKERT;( CLOUDS) CAROL ANN ALDINGER;( BRIDGE) ALINE CASSINERA;( OLD TRAIN TRACK) MARYELLEN STATEN;( TRAIN) CHRIS JONES
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