Traveling by train offers a unique and stress-free way to experience the charm of Southern cities and towns. Imagine the luxury of bypassing the headaches of air travel or long drives, settling into a comfortable seat with a good book, or simply soaking in the scenery as rolling hills and sparkling lakes glide past your window. The dining car offers a relaxing meal, and the ability to stretch your legs makes the journey feel more like an adventure than a chore. When you arrive, you step directly into the heart of a walkable downtown, ready to explore quaint streets, sample local cuisine, and enjoy an easygoing pace.
Amtrak’s extensive routes across the South make this kind of leisurely travel more accessible than ever. One standout destination is Winter Park, Florida, a picturesque city just northeast of Orlando. Known for its vibrant downtown and stately oak-lined neighborhoods, Winter Park greets rail travelers at its Central Park Station, nestled in the city’s bustling Park Avenue shopping and dining district. Visitors can enjoy a cozy stay at nearby hotels like the Park Plaza or The Alfond Inn, and brunch enthusiasts will love the raspberry and brie French toast at Briarpatch Restaurant. Art lovers should head to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art to admire the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, while nature enthusiasts can pedal through quiet streets to the tranquil Kraft Azalea Garden along Lake Maitland.
For a more mountainous retreat, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers an idyllic getaway. This tiny town, less than two hours by train from Washington, D.C., boasts stunning views of Maryland, Virginia, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can stay in charming bed-and-breakfasts near the station and explore quirky shops, breweries, and cafes that overlook the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Highlights include a hearty breakfast at Battle Grounds Bakery and Coffee and a scenic hike to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, which survived the Civil War unscathed. History buffs can delve into the story of abolitionist John Brown’s 1859 raid at the town’s museum.
Savannah, Georgia, another beloved stop, enchants visitors with its historic charm. Built on a bluff overlooking the Savannah River, the city’s cobblestone streets and moss-draped oak trees create a picture-perfect Southern experience. Once rail travelers arrive, the highly walkable downtown eliminates the need for a car. Visitors can dine at The Grey, a celebrated restaurant in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, or indulge in classic Southern-style pralines along River Street. The city also offers a lively bar scene, rooftop views, and a variety of lodging options in the historic district, all set against the backdrop of the city’s vibrant cultural and festival scene.
Each of these destinations showcases the unique character and beauty of the South, all made more accessible by the convenience and charm of train travel. Whether exploring lush gardens, delving into Civil War history, or savoring regional flavors, a train journey offers a memorable way to immerse oneself in the best of Southern hospitality and scenery.
