Goin’ Places
A personal travel-by-train experience
There are many ways to travel to sunny Florida, but one of the most interesting and little known is the Amtrak Auto Train. Founded in 1983, the Auto Train offers a daily 855-mile trip with no stops between Lorton, Va., near Washington, D.C., and Sanford, Fla., just north of Orlando. Although there are similar experiences elsewhere in the world, the Auto Train is the only one of its kind in the United States.
Upon your arrival at the station, you’re greeted by an Amtrak representative who explains the check-in process and loads your vehicle on the train. “It really can’t get much easier,” I thought. I really appreciated not having to take my shoes and belt off for an x-ray.
Depending on your purchase of accommodations, coach or sleeper, you’ll board the appropriate car at approximately 3 p.m. There are several different rooming selections for sleeper cars; they even have a family size for two adults with two children (although this seems a little cramped for my style). Coach accommodations are a bit more modest but still have large seats and very generous leg room. I’ve always been lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me so space is usually not an issue. Once on
AS YOU SIT BACK AND RELAX ALONG THE ROUTE, THE VIEW IS AT TIMES SPECTACULAR WITH RIVER CROSSINGS, SMALL ANDY GRIFFITH–LIKE TOWNS, AND PLACES THAT IMPACTED THE MAKINGS OF OUR COUNTRY.
board, let the relaxation begin. The lounge car is open soon thereafter with free snacks and beverages for purchase. A movie is shown nightly, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available. The train usually pulls out of the station at 4 p.m. sharp.
Depending on the number of passengers, dinner is served at two or three different times; upon check-in, you decide which one you prefer. The dining car will bring back memories of time gone by, as you are escorted to your table, complete with a white tablecloth and fresh flowers. Menu items include braised beef, lemon baked cod, ravioli and several other dishes. All of these delicious meals are served at your table by a friendly and accommodating staff. Complimentary wine and iced tea are served with your meal as well as a tasty dessert. As an added bonus you may just make a new friend or two at dinner, since you are usually seated with at least one person you have never met.
ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SIMILAR EXPERIENCES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, THE AUTO TRAIN IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE UNITED STATES.
As you sit back and relax along the route, the view is at times spectacular with river crossings, small Andy Griffith–like towns, and places that impacted the makings of our country. Along the route, you’ll pass through the heart of Richmond, Va., the Confederate capital during the Civil War; Savannah, Ga., which has the second largest St. Patty’s Day celebration in the U.S., as well as little known Dillon, S.C., where Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke grew up—another little Auto Train trivia nugget. On the lighter side, do you know what town is the fern capital of America? If not, keep on the lookout for the hothouses and ferns dotting the countryside in Pierson, Fla.
If you are interested in traveling at a little slower speed and enjoy meeting new people and seeing the country from a new perspective, I encourage you to give the Amtrak Auto Train a try. New experiences and challenges not only stimulate the mind, but the soul as well. Enjoy the ride.
Larry Glidewell is a battalion chief with the Richmond, Va., fire department and owns a home in the McGregor area of Fort Myers.