Travel and Leisure magazine this month looks at spectacular fall foliage train rides with a few rides on the eastern United States sure to pass by some changing leaves. The west coast rides might pass by some color, but it is doubtful because these rides are close to the Pacific Ocean and far from the trees that produce wonderful fall color.
Nonetheless, we also have a few train rides to consider that will produce some color in your cheeks (pun intended) and likely the chance to see some fall foliage.
Sacramento Beer Train
The Sacramento Beer Train is a popular favorite event on the local craft beer scene. Each trip features a live band and eight beer selections from Northern California breweries!
This fun, casual event starts with finding your assigned seat where your instructions to the event will be waiting. From there you can walk around the train to visit any of the four tasting stations located throughout the train, each pouring two beers from a different Northern California Brewery.
Half way into the trip the train stops at a park along the river where guests can deboard to stretch their legs and enjoy the view (Spoiler alert: some fancy tree leaves here).
During the 2.5 hour trip, feel free to wander among the three open-air cars or return to your assigned seat in the enclosed cars to enjoy your beer. Each Beer Train ticket includes the 2.5 hour train ride and 6 tastes of your choice of Northern California regional breweries as well as the entertainment in the form of a band. Additional details can be found by visiting sacramentorivertrain.com.
Designated driver tickets only include the train ride. No beer tastings will be provided to this tickets. No alcohol will be sold to these guests.
Please note, only adults aged 21 and older may ride the Beer Train. Meals are not included in the ticket but are available for an additional price. Meal order must be placed at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Colorado Wine Train
Now, this is a train trip where you will not only see fall color, but you can savor some of Colorado's excellent wines.
Savor a relaxing summer evening in the Mystic San Luis Valley. Departing from Alamosa on select Fridays and Saturdays on a Colorado Wine Train. The excursion offers seating in a dome or dining car and traditional white linen rail dining service with three carefully selected appetizer courses paired with exclusively Colorado wines. The chef-inspired menu allows you to sample both whites and reds with a variety of delectable small plate offerings, ending on a sweet note.
This excursion is perfect for couples or foursomes, as well as large parties. You can choose to keep it casual or dress to a theme! Engage in conversation and walk around vintage dome and art deco club cars while enjoying wine education and music on your two-hour roundtrip rail journey.
Wine experts are on board to educate you about their offerings and answer your questions. Colorado’s mountain valleys have an ideal contrast of warm days and cool nights with enough humidity for the cultivation of wine grapes at some of the highest levels of elevation. Colorado wines consistently win top national awards for their quality. There are over 160 wineries in Colorado. The Wine Train currently serves the fine wines produced by Cottonwood Cellars.
Live music performances are offered nightly by Jenni Mansfield Peal. A Song collector and award-winning songwriter, Peal shares swingy jazz, great Americana, funky old folk and her own crazy originals on guitar, mountain dulcimer, and accordion.
Advance reservations are required — the train accepts same-day reservations. The menu and wine vendors are expected to change periodically during the season, so you will have a reason to return! All guests must be 21 years of age or older and have valid ID.
Wine Train also offers a Sunday Brunch ride.
