With the addition of two historic, elegant passenger cars, Virginia Scenic Railway accommodates groups of up to 78 passengers.
By Dave Bodle
On the legendary Virginia Scenic Railway, groups can enjoy the modernized ambiance of beautifully renovated passenger cars and enjoy a delicious meal as they glide through some of Virginia’s amazing scenery, including the legendary Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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During our first full year of operation, we experienced tremendous interest in these Shenandoah Valley sightseeing excursions. We responded by growing our operations, and have now doubled our capacity for 2024. With our larger trains, we’re excited to partner with group tour operators for the first time and to share our love of Virginia’s railroad heritage.” – Steve Powell, President Virginia Scenic Railway
Leaving Staunton, heading west out of station
The Arvonia
This original 1950s Budd stainless-steel passenger car features custom-built tables made of cherry wood paneling. Ample windows line the sides of the car, ensuring that no matter where you choose to sit, the scenic landscape unfolds before your eyes. This passenger car offers a total of 34 seats, in a mix of two top and four top configurations. The Arvonia includes a unisex restroom and is climate controlled. This car once served as the pub lounge on the Montrealer, an overnight passenger train between Washington, D.C. and Montreal.
The Augusta
This carriage was built by the Budd Company in 1948 and welcomes passengers with an inviting atmosphere and a nostalgic ambiance including vintage luggage racks. Large windows line the walls, allowing panoramic views of the picturesque landscapes outside. The Augusta offers a seating capacity of 44 seats in a mix of two top and four top configurations. The Augusta includes two private restrooms and is climate-controlled. This car was once in service on the California Zephyr, which connects Chicago to San Francisco.
Coffee and a view on a Virginia train
Fabulous Journeys on Virginia Trains
Departing from Staunton, Virginia, the Alleghany Special is a three-hour round-trip excursion that takes you through the Shenandoah Valley. Once known as the “Breadbasket of the Confederacy” you’ll pass beautiful working farms and rural landscapes that are perfect photo opportunities. Departs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Running east from Staunton, the Blue Ridge Flyer features stunning mountain views and the nearly one-mile long Blue Ridge Tunnel. You’ll be awed by the turns that were created around rock cut-outs. Great photo opportunities are there at every turn. The three-hour excursion departs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Dining Onboard is a special experience. Sit back and enjoy the ride on either the Alleghany Special or Blue Ridge Flyer while dining on a memorable meal. Your excursion ticket includes an entrée, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage served in a complimentary souvenir glass. Main course for the lunch train and dinner train are available online. You’ll need to place your order when making your reservation. For an additional cost, guests can now enjoy Staunton’s Ox-Eye Vineyard 2021 Lemberger dry red, or 2021 Chardonnay dry white. For the craft beer enthusiast Charlottesville’s Starr Hill Brewery offer Ramble on Juicy IPA.
The Virginia Scenic Railway has significantly enhanced tourism to Staunton by providing a unique and picturesque journey by rail through the scenic landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley. Sightseeing by train attracts visitors seeking new experiences and also adds a bit of nostalgic adventure. The Railway’s blend of history, natural beauty, and leisure has quickly become a notable draw for Staunton tourism, and we look forward to opening up this experience to the group tour market in 2024 and beyond. – Jessica Williams, sales & marketing manager, Visit Staunton
Begin planning online at virginiascenicrailway.com, email virginiascenicrailway@buckinghambranch.com, or call 434-391-9772. For all there is to see and do in charming Staunton checkout visitstaunton.com, call Jessica Williams at 540-332-3865, or email williamsjb@ci.staunton.va.us
For more group rail options and ideas, be sure to Read the Scenic Rail Guide and Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for FREE for more travel tips and information
