Loving the train life? Extend it with a ride on the Virginia Scenic Railway, a tourist train excursion that will take you through the Shenandoah Valley in vintage style. Restored 1940s train cars have been modernized with comfortable seating and climate control while retaining their original charm.
The Blue Ridge Flyer goes east from Staunton and through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, Fishersville, and Waynesboro. The Alleghany Special ventures westward past picturesque rural farms and national forests. These excursions come with a catered meal, plus wine and beer selections, and depart from Staunton’s Amtrak station.
New this year is the “Shenandoah,” an adults-only, glass-paneled dome car. Originally built in 1948 for the California Zephyr, it offers panoramic 360-degree views from the upper level, Art Deco lighting fixtures, and a walk-up bar. Make sure to book these hot-ticket excursions in advance at virginiascenicrailway.com.
Feature image by Kate Simon
This story is part of our July Explore Virginia by Train issue. Check back as we share additional weekend trips in Virginia that are just a train ride away. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
