Verde Canyon Railroad celebrates 30th anniversary of ‘Wilderness Route’
“Arizona’s longest-running naturel show,” Verde Canyon Railroad celebrates its 30th anniversary this November. Trains follow the famous “Wilderness Route” between high-desert red-rock pinnacles and the Verde River. Verde Canyon is one of the state’s premiere migration destinations for raptors, and the railroad showcases migrating and resident bald eagles in a natural environment only accessible by rail. Year-round celebrations range from summer wine-tasting and Autumn beer-tasting trains to December’s Magical Christmas Journey. [azbigmedia.com]
The secret underground train in London you can actually ride
The seats are tight, there’s no on-board service, it’s partly in the dark — and it’s one of the most intriguing train rides you’ll find anywhere. Welcome to a piece of nearly forgotten history: London’s Post Office Railway, affectionately known as the Mail Rail. The Mail Rail opened to visitors in 2017 and is one of the highlights of The Postal Museum. The museum does an excellent job making postal history relevant, interesting, and fun. There are lots of hands-on exhibits that will intrigue visitors of all ages. [travelawaits.com]
You can now ride a real Thomas the Tank Engine train in Japan
Japan’s Oigawa Railway has begun running a Day Out With Thomas train tour along its Shizuoka Prefecture main line. The event will continue until October 19, giving Thomas the Tank Engine fans a chance to hop aboard this iconic locomotive designed to look like the character from long-running children’s show ‘Thomas and Friends’. The excursion runs from Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station, with numerous activities to enjoy at both stations. [timeout.com]
Charlie Russell Chew-Choo is a dinner theater on wheels
The Charlie Russell Chew-Choo, which the Food Network has deemed to be one of the craziest restaurants in America, chugs between the mountains and prairies in central Montana. During the train’s four-hour, 50-mile trek, wildlife such as antelope, eagles and coyote can be seen from its five rail cars. And masked bandits, saloon girls, rolling hillsides and an ample slab of prime rib are all part of the show! [billingsgazette.com]
Budapest streetcars give riders a scenic view of the city’s history
Budapest, Hungary’s capital city, has a unique tram history. Not only does the city use five different kinds of streetcars, including the longest trolley in the world, but the trams in Budapest provide passengers with particularly scenic routes. Budapest’s transit system has been around for over 120 years. Since then, passengers have been able to watch the city’s history unfold before their eyes. Today, the streetcars are an essential part of Budapest life, but also a way for tourists to see historical landmarks and even nature. [yahoo.com]
