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Thanks to all of you for your advice. My Midwest Sojourn was fine, with all trains running smoothly. After a pleasant stopover in Washington DC, I caught the Cap Ltd, a lovely ride; train has real "china" again, too, and arrived just 1/2 hour late to Chicago, where among other things I enjoyed an architecture walk and dining out. I then went coach to St Louis on the TX Eagle, no problems, and stayed in the Drury Lane Union Station in StL, recommended here; worked out great, though I had no time to see the Marriott at Union Station. I caught the morning Missouri River Runner to Jeff City, a very very nice ride, new to me, past Washington and Herman Missouri to Jeff City itself, an attractively situated small capital with a great river view and some fine old buildings (inc the one used as the train station). Leaving next day, the train was late into JC but was still OT to Kansas City, with its magnificent restored station, though the station seemed underused; this part of the ride was less scenic but still nice. The Missouri trains, too, seem newly refurbished, very comfortable. I had dinner with a friend in Jack Stacks and continued on to Topeka with her (not by train). I have to confess, Topeka is a city not worth visiting from a tourist point of view, but the folks there are very nice and made me quite comfortable. I eventually took the SW Chief back to KC--no problems with early departure, and train was early to KC. About KC I have mixed feelings--loved the train station and City Market but did not care for the recommended Country Club Plaza area, which was all the usual chain stores and restaurants, yech; also, though the Hampton Inn there was very nice, the hill up to it was really daunting! I wonder if I could stay downtown if I ever went to KC again? At any rate, the highlight of my short KC stop was the SS Arabia, down by the City Market, absolutely fascinating; also had some terrific mideastern food down there, very inexpensive. The SW Chief from KC back to Chicago was again fine, and once again my train was early. Had a nice layover before catching the Lakeshore Ltd, on which I enjoyed the wine and cheese, slept well, and was AGAIN early to Albany.
Really, I could not have asked for smoother, easier train trips throughout. Great job, Amtrak! And thanks again for everyone's advice here!
yukon11 Member # 2997
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Sounds like a great trip, Sojourner. I have never been to Kansas City, Mo, but I hear Kansas City, Kansas, is quite a nice city. Thanks for the post.
Richard
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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quote:Originally posted by sojourner: I had dinner with a friend in Jack Stacks...
Trust you went to the one offering "tables with a view".
This is certainly not where I would have expected a lady, who from her postings here, would suggest she has a penchant for ethnic foods.
That's the kind of place Mr. PullmanCo and I like, and along with The OX is what Kansas City is all about.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Calvin Trillin of New Yorker fame once declared (in Playboy, I think) that Arthur Bryant's BBQ joint in Kansas City was "the best restaurant in the world."
On the other hand, Mr. Trillin comes from K.C. and might be a tad biased.
sojourner Member # 3134
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I wish I had gotten to Arthur Bryant's; I do love Trillin and first got interested in visiting KC because of his American Fried.
Actually, I consider "southern" food and "ribs" another kind of ethnic food. It's burgers and hot dogs that bore me (though I like a good steak place too, if I can afford one).
After I had the very tasty mideastern food at the City Market, I saw another very fine offering of homemade bierokes at a bakery. I've never had those; too bad I'd already eaten!
BTW, I was not impressed with KC as far as public transportation goes--more like a giant suburb than a "real" city. I would have liked to visit Vine Street but found no way other than more taxis. Also, there were no taxis at Union Station when the eastbound SW Chief got in; what kind of city is THAT! I don't think I'd want to stay in those hotels near there--too pricey, and rather deserted walking those walkways--and I would not stay again at Country Club Plaza (too many same-old-same-old chain shops, not to mention hills). Is there a more convenient area downtown that is safe and affordable to stay in? Otherwise, I doubt I'll be back, except perhaps to go to Independence; would love to see the Truman place some time.
palmland Member # 4344
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Sounds like you did have a good trip, Sojourner. No surprises on an Amtrak trip is something I wish they could do consistently.
I'm sorry to hear the magnificent KC station seemed underused. Last time I was there it was bustling with the main hall full of exhibits, a nice fine dining restaurant as well as the retro Harvey House restaurant. Hope it doesn't go downhill.
How was the diner on the LSL? Too bad the new Viewliner diner that's now assigned to the LSL wasn't on your trip. But, it's nice to know there is new (well, rebuilt) equipment on Amtrak these days.
Come on back to our part of the country for some more of that fine southern cooking. Regional culinary differences are one of the joys of travel, by train or otherwise.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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I am forbidden by law to say anything bad about Kansas City, MO. Stationed near there in 1965-1966, met by bride of nearly 46 years there, and married in "Northtown" (North Kansas City) on 1/7/66.
Nothing but great memories of shopping at Country Club Plaza, shows at Starlite Theatre in Swope Park, and a pro football game between the Jets (featuring Joe Namath) vs. the Chiefs played at the old Municipal Stadium (long before Arrowhead). Also baseball games featuring Charlie Finley's A's (long before their move to Oakland).
sojourner Member # 3134
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Palmland, I am afraid I don't know if I had a new or old Viewliner diner on my LSL but it seemed nice and clean and more spacious than I remember. (I'm not very good with equipment detail, in case you haven't noticed.) I really enjoyed the wine and cheese, too; it's a fun way to start a trip, and I don't mind having actual dinner in Chicago, so many great places to eat!
My breakfast and lunch were both fine; and lunch was treated a bit like dinner, in that reservations were taken, and it was a full menu that included a special, a salad, both burgers, a sandwich, and a soup and something (salad? sandwich, I forget). Very efficient staff too, and one I've had before.
I also like traveling the LSL after the trees lose leaves; you actually get some glimpses of the lake for which the train is named!
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Ms. Sojourner, the one and only Viewliner Diner rostered by Amtrak, 8400, has two levels of windows through the Dining area. The twenty five Diners now being built with delivery during 2013 reportedly will also have the same window configuration. Therefore, if your Diner "had two sets of windows" then your train had the Viewliner; otherwise it was one of the Heritage 85XX fleet that is most definitely on its last legs.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Definitely Heritage then, but it seemed rather spruced up . . . and was quite comfortable.
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