Hello, My husband, two kids (9 and 11) and I are doing a loop trip next June/July. We leave Martinsburg, WV to Chicago. In Chicago, we pick up either the Zephyr or the Empire Builder. We take that to either Seattle or San Fransisco and lay over for 3 days. Then it's the Coast Starlight to the other of those two cities. From there it's either the Zephyr or the Empire Builder back to Chicago and then home. So my question is, is there any compelling reason to do the trip in one direction over the other? Arriving in and leaving both Seattle and San Fransisco is much more convenient if we take the Empire Builder East-West. However, friends have said that you sleep through some of the most spectacular scenery when you do it that way. Any suggestions? Kay
Posted by JoeRids1 (Member # 152) on :
For the sake of seeing the best scenery, you definitely want to take the Zephyr west, the Coast Starlight north, and the Empire Builder east. There's a good chance that you'll miss the very best scenery if you take the Coast Starlight south. My family and I have taken that exact same trip two years ago and enjoyed every minute of it. Another idea: Why not stop over for a night or two in Essex, MT, on the route of the Empire Builder? There's an incrediable little lodge there called the Izzak Walton Inn, which is right along the tracks. From there you can sit on the spacious porch and watch the trains go by on the busy BNSF main line, or you can rent a car or take a bus tour of surrounding Glacier National Park, possibly America's most spectacular national park. If you have the time, it's a experience not to be missed. Any questions, feel free to e-mail me.
-Joe
Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :
Joe got that pegged. No doubt that would be my choice for routing. Late trains would only allow you better scenery on both the Starlight & Empire Builder. Another stop I'd suggest would be Old Town Sacramento & the California State Railroad Museum located there. It's a must see. A nice Hotel there is the Vagabond Inn right across the street from Old Sacramento & the museum. For a little more money the Delta King, a paddle wheeler converted to a floating hotel would be a nice choice. You could also do a day trip from San Fran to Sacramento on the Capitols. The station is right next to the museum. Yours Reggie
------------------BTW, as a travel agent specializing in rail travel, I'd be happy to help with your arrangements. I live in southern california & am quite familiar with the San Francisco Bay area & the Pacific Northwest. Have a great trip & please let us know how it goes. Reggie
[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 11-21-2000).]