Hudson Valley Explorer

deluxe weekend dining car train journeys

 Choose your overnight destination:

Lake George, Saratoga Springs or Southern Vermont

October 1-2, 8-9, 15-16

For one-day dining journeys from New York City see our Wine 'n Dine Train!

Its a fantastic weekend escape through the Hudson River Valley and into the Catskills.  Join us for a delightful outing complete with majestic sightseeing, fine dining and fun entertainment.  Choose one great destination option where you will relax overnight on Saturday evening and wake-up to explore on Sunday:

Option A:  Lake George

Option B:  Saratoga Springs

Option C:  Vermont

Travel in comfort free from crowds and traffic hassles aboard our exclusive 1950's streamlined-era Pullman Dining Car "Epicurus".  Relax as you wind along the mighty Hudson River for over 300 miles roundtrip.  Enjoy awesome views of the Hudson River Valley you'll never see from any highway.  Sights include West Point, Bannerman's Castle, Storm King Mountain, Bear Mountain, Hudson Highlands, stately mansions, massive bridges, and a myriad of picturesque sailboats, barges, tugboats and lighthouses.  Never lose your sense of place as our large GPS monitors continuously pinpoint location of the beautiful surroundings.  Experience first-hand the greatness of the Hudson that has inspired so many artists, poets and writers.

Dining aboard the Epicurus is always a special event as our chef prepares savory meals for your dining pleasure.  Each day a traditional five-course "dinner in the diner" is served restaurant-style complimented by fine china and snow white linens.  Choose onboard from a Meat, Seafood or Pasta entree.  Soothing music enhances the experience. 

The return trip to New York City is a special treat as you experience a majestic Hudson River sunset, after which we'll dim the dining room lights to enhance your twilight riverside views.   Following dessert tap your feet as the train comes alive with song, dance and video.  

Destination Option A: Lake George

Disembark the train at Fort Edward station, located in the foothills of the Adirondacks and immerse yourself in the many pleasures of sparkling Lake George....a wonderful family destination.  Within walking distance of the village you can visit Fort William Henry where a crucial French & Indian War battle occurred.....Splash away the heat at the Million Dollar Beach or in your hotel pool....Wander the haunted halls of the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum....Taste award winning wines at the Adirondack Winery....Browse the boutiques and arcades....take a candle lit Ghost Tour....thrill to great nightlife....discover your inner monkey at the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course....or catch a breeze aboard an open-air horse-drawn carriage.  Of course no trip to Lake George is complete without a scenic cruise on an authentic Paddlewheel Steamboat. 

Lake George region Special Events Dates:

June 24-26: Summerfest

September 24-25:  American Music Festival & Fireworks

September 22-25:  Adirondack Balloon Festival  (Queensbury)

September 24-25:  Oktoberfest @ Great Escape (Queensbury)

October 2, 9, 16: Fright Fest @ Great Escape (Queensbury)

LAKE GEORGE WEBCAM

Destination option B: Saratoga Springs

"Perfect from Start to Finish" Saratoga Springs boasts dozens of famous mineral springs, spouting geysers, soothing mineral baths, The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, art galleries [incl. The Tang], great golf courses, a classic automobile museum, boutiques, fine dining, nightlife, the National museum of Dance, gaming, thoroughbred racing, an antique carousel as well as peaceful places to stroll, bike and swim.  History comes to life at Saratoga National Park...site of the turning point of the American Revolution. 

Saratoga Springs region Special Events Dates:

June 25-26:  Saratoga Jazz festival

Destination option C: Vermont

Our final destination is Vermont...a complete escape from city life that will immerse you in the rural charms of the Green Mountain state.  Reserve a guided backroads tour (discounted $25 fee; advance reservations required) and explore the lush valley between the Green Mountains and the Taconics.  Its a land of Maple Sugar Houses,  Covered Bridges,  Dairy Farms, Waterfalls and Scenic Hilltops/Gorges.  Alternatively guests may visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, Wilson Castle or take a walking tour of Downtown Rutland and explore over one-hundred buildings that are listed in the National Historic Register including the Chaffee Art Center.  During summer and early fall guests may choose to leave the fast pace of everyday life behind with a relaxing mile and a quarter ride up to the top of 4,241-foot Killington Peak aboard the enclosed K-1 Gondola for thrilling views of five surrounding states and Canada.  The new Killington Adventure Center offers excitement and challenges for guests of all ages. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy swimming, hiking, kayaking, caving, mountain biking, golf, disc golf and rock climbing.  Appalachian Trail Adventures offers custom hiking, kayaking, caving and yoga vacations.

Overnight in a cozy hotel or a traditional Vermont Bed 'n Breakfast Inn.

Rutland region Special Events Dates:

September 25; October 2, 9,16: Killington Hay Festival

October 9:  Art in the Park Fall Festival

Charming Vermont Bed & Breakfasts we feature:

  Antique Mansion   Applewood Manor

NY Times Weekend Explorer: "The Hudson's New Wave"