Time is almost here leaving Sat fm Sea on the Empire Builder to Chi, Capital to DC, Capital to Chi, SWC to LA and CS home. I have taken some notes (why is ABQ Ice Cream on top of the list) and will report back mid month.
Lar
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Apparently Coldstone Creamery Ice Cream is exceptional and reportedly there is a retail outlet within walking distance of the station.
Mr. Norman, I continue to be astounded by your knowledge of things within walking distance of the railroad as well as the railroad itself. Now you have me lusting for a quart of Coldstone.
Posted by MdmMim (Member # 2355) on :
Coldstone Creamery is very easy to find, maybe too easy. ;-) There is a large clock over the store--you can't miss it.
Enjoy your trip. I am envious!
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
The SWC stops so long in ABQ, and the station is so ugly, that you don't even need to be an ice cream fan to take the walk to Coldstone. For us northerners, it is also a treat to experience the warm midday sun.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by TwinStarRocket: The SWC stops so long in ABQ, and the station is so ugly, that you don't even need to be an ice cream fan to take the walk to Coldstone. For us northerners, it is also a treat to experience the warm midday sun.
Now if someone would set up a 24-hour burrito joint next to the MSP station, we southerners could have the same experience but in reverse!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
The guy who sells the HUGE burritos still sells them, but they're a bit harder to find (at ABQ). He used to have a table set up on the platform and it was easy to spot the burritos for sale. But now, he's gotten all fancy on us. He now has a portable white trailer, but he is still located on the platform. It looks like all they're selling is jewelry, but if you step up to the open door of the trailer, you'll see a sign with a price list of what's for sale. Awesome burritos!
Posted by aircrest7 (Member # 5548) on :
I actually picked up my tickets on a visit to MSP. My son lives there. It was easier than going to Seattle to get them which is 2-1/2 hours from where I live. He is a pilot for NWA.
Now I have to decide between Burritos and Ice Cream. Decisions Decisions.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
Originally posted by NotElvis: "Now if someone would set up a 24-hour burrito joint next to the MSP station, we southerners could have the same experience but in reverse!"
For the eastbound folks on the Builder, Bonnie's Cafe (2 blocks south of Amtrak) opens at 5:30am and sells way better food than Amtrak for way cheaper. For the price of a cup of coffee they bring you the whole pot. An invigorating January morning walk when the wind chill is 40 below.
For the westbound folks, Subway is open til midnight, -across University Ave from Bonnie's. Next to Bonnie's is a watering hole called the Dubliner Pub, for courage in facing the winter chill. ATM inside.
And if you need an early morning 2x4, Menard's Lumber and Building Supply is just across the tracks from the depot and provides live piano music for the holidays. Open at 6am, but closes at 9pm.
Who says us zip fivers aren't cosmopolitan.
Posted by Bob from MA (Member # 4686) on :
I don't know how you folks can eat burritos or even ice cream at stops like Albuquerque unless you travel coach. I'm always too filled up with the three meals per day and a minimum of exercise!
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I can see my next home improvement project already -
"And this stud is made from the 2x4 I picked up at Menards in Minneapolis-St. Paul on our way home from Glacier......!"
I'll be the talk of the neighborhood, that's for certain.
Posted by railrev (Member # 2640) on :
"Now I have to decide between Burritos and Ice Cream."
Why? Plenty of time to get both and you can take what you don't eat on board with you.
Enjoy.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
If you have a sleeper, you may have already had so much food (inc cheesecake) you may not have room for both!
Have a wonderful trip.
Posted by aircrest7 (Member # 5548) on :
Sleepers in the front on the EB, Capital Ltd both ways, SWC and Coast Starlight
Posted by Judy McFarland (Member # 4435) on :
Actually on the EB there is also a sleeper on the back for those Portland-bound folks. Be sure you're in the right car before the train splits in Spokane!
Posted by aircrest7 (Member # 5548) on :
You are correct and the reason for that is us people from Washington do not play well with those from the south of us.
Posted by Judy McFarland (Member # 4435) on :
I heard that when I-5 was built, the people in Oregon didn't want any off ramps to keep out the riffraff from the north and south. (I heard that when I lived in Eugene, OR 1968-1970)
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by Judy McFarland: I heard that when I-5 was built, the people in Oregon didn't want any off ramps to keep out the riffraff from the north and south. (I heard that when I lived in Eugene, OR 1968-1970)
I had a friend from Racine tell me once that's what mosquitos were for!
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
quote:Originally posted by aircrest7: Now I have to decide between Burritos and Ice Cream. Decisions Decisions.
No decision necessary.
When you get off the train, get your burrito and eat it on the way to Coldstone ice cream. You get your burrito and desert!
Posted by aircrest7 (Member # 5548) on :
It was raining so hard I could not leave the platform. We had plenty of time, but the rain did not let up
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Aircrest, did you post a report which I missed? How was/is your trip, not sure if you have returned home yet.
Posted by aircrest7 (Member # 5548) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
He now has a portable white trailer, but he is still located on the platform. It looks like all they're selling is jewelry, but if you step up to the open door of the trailer, you'll see a sign with a price list of what's for sale. Awesome burritos!