HALLIE EPHRON: Few things give me more pleasure than hearing that a writer with whom I've worked is getting published. REALLY published... because it's so hard and you have to be so good and so patient.
Top of the list would be Kate Hohl. Her short story ("The Body in Cell Two) will be coming out in the May/June issue of ELLERY QUEEN Mystery Magazine. AND she has a literary agent who is shopping her two completed novels. And she's working on a new novel!
She writes historical fiction and she's simply terrific.
I invited her today to talk about the story behind her story... welcome, Kate!KATE HOHL: Hi Reds! Many, many thanks to Hallie for offering me this guest spot on the blog. I had the good fortune to meet Hallie a few years ago when I took her amazing class at the Yale Writer’s Workshop.
When I was thinking about what to write about today, it occurred to me that my short story, “The Body in Cell Two,” is bookended by two train trips.
My main character, Evie, is a young, single woman who travels by train to a small Maine town in the early 1950’s. A few months later, the railroad provides her only means of escape.
One of my favorite things about writing historical fiction is immersing myself in the time period by doing research. There have been so many times when I’m writing a story that I wished I could travel back in time to make sure I’m getting all the details right. So, when I had the opportunity to book a trip on a vintage railway car, I jumped at the chance.
I’d read about how the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey had restored the Hickory Creek and Tavern-Lounge No. 43, two train cars from the legendary 20th Century Limited route. Built in 1948, the two cars would be hitched to the back of Amtrak’s Empire Service on a round trip to Albany out of New York’s Penn Station.
The excursions tend to sell out quickly, but I was lucky enough to secure two tickets for my mother and me, our Mother’s Day gift to each other. We started our day on the balcony of the Metropolitan Lounge overlooking the sparkling new Moynihan Hall, sipping coffee and people watching.
When it was time to board, we made our way down to the platform, where we walked an actual red carpet. The red carpet, a symbol of exclusivity and fame, was created in the 1930’s for the 20th Century Limited and its’ first class passengers. Hollywood later adopted it for movie premieres.
On board, a docent shared some of the rich history of “the greatest train of all time.” Founded in 1906 by the New York Central Railroad, the 20th Century Limited train route originated from Grand Central station and traveled to Chicago. It catered to some of the most famous and influential people of the time: Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra. Lucille Ball took the 20th Century Limited when she left New York for Hollywood in 1926. Presidents and high-profile businessmen like Diamond Jim Brady were also regular passengers.
Like those celebrities, my mother and I were treated to a first-class eating experience in the dining car.
After lunch, with big band music playing softly in the background, we settled into the comfortable couches of the world-famous Lookout Lounge and were immediately immersed in a bygone time. Its oversized picture windows provided us with incredible views of the Hudson River and surrounding landscape.
The most enjoyable part of the day? No Wi-Fi! We spent the entire trip talking with the other passengers. Before we arrived back at Penn Station, the docent shared one last historical fact. On December 2, 1967, a victim of the country’s increasing preference for car and airplane travel, the 20th Century Limited pulled out of Track 34 in Grand Central for its final journey.
On the platform, we hugged our fellow passengers goodbye.
I had learned so much about the 20th Century Limited, but the best part of the trip was spending time with my beautiful mom and meeting the other people on the train. Because we couldn’t rely on our cell phones, we all took the opportunity to learn a little bit more about each other.
Meaningful conversations with strangers who, for a brief time, became friends.
What a wonderful way to go back in time.
HALLIE: Train travel sounds so divine. And of course, what mystery writer hasn't daydreamed about booking a trip on the Orient Express. I regularly take Amtrak from Boston to NY (another shoutout for the spectacular Moynihan train hall) but it's more *the lesser of evils* than a sinful treat. (The gourmet treat is a microwaved hamburger.)
Any train travelers out there?
And for a special treat, read an excerpt of Kate's story THE BODY IN CELL TWO on the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine's "Department of First Stories" site.
One of my favorite things about writing historical fiction is immersing myself in the time period by doing research. There have been so many times when I’m writing a story that I wished I could travel back in time to make sure I’m getting all the details right. So, when I had the opportunity to book a trip on a vintage railway car, I jumped at the chance.
I’d read about how the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey had restored the Hickory Creek and Tavern-Lounge No. 43, two train cars from the legendary 20th Century Limited route. Built in 1948, the two cars would be hitched to the back of Amtrak’s Empire Service on a round trip to Albany out of New York’s Penn Station.
The excursions tend to sell out quickly, but I was lucky enough to secure two tickets for my mother and me, our Mother’s Day gift to each other. We started our day on the balcony of the Metropolitan Lounge overlooking the sparkling new Moynihan Hall, sipping coffee and people watching.
When it was time to board, we made our way down to the platform, where we walked an actual red carpet. The red carpet, a symbol of exclusivity and fame, was created in the 1930’s for the 20th Century Limited and its’ first class passengers. Hollywood later adopted it for movie premieres.
On board, a docent shared some of the rich history of “the greatest train of all time.” Founded in 1906 by the New York Central Railroad, the 20th Century Limited train route originated from Grand Central station and traveled to Chicago. It catered to some of the most famous and influential people of the time: Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra. Lucille Ball took the 20th Century Limited when she left New York for Hollywood in 1926. Presidents and high-profile businessmen like Diamond Jim Brady were also regular passengers.
Like those celebrities, my mother and I were treated to a first-class eating experience in the dining car.
After lunch, with big band music playing softly in the background, we settled into the comfortable couches of the world-famous Lookout Lounge and were immediately immersed in a bygone time. Its oversized picture windows provided us with incredible views of the Hudson River and surrounding landscape.
The most enjoyable part of the day? No Wi-Fi! We spent the entire trip talking with the other passengers. Before we arrived back at Penn Station, the docent shared one last historical fact. On December 2, 1967, a victim of the country’s increasing preference for car and airplane travel, the 20th Century Limited pulled out of Track 34 in Grand Central for its final journey.
On the platform, we hugged our fellow passengers goodbye.
I had learned so much about the 20th Century Limited, but the best part of the trip was spending time with my beautiful mom and meeting the other people on the train. Because we couldn’t rely on our cell phones, we all took the opportunity to learn a little bit more about each other.
Meaningful conversations with strangers who, for a brief time, became friends.
What a wonderful way to go back in time.
HALLIE: Train travel sounds so divine. And of course, what mystery writer hasn't daydreamed about booking a trip on the Orient Express. I regularly take Amtrak from Boston to NY (another shoutout for the spectacular Moynihan train hall) but it's more *the lesser of evils* than a sinful treat. (The gourmet treat is a microwaved hamburger.)
Any train travelers out there?
And for a special treat, read an excerpt of Kate's story THE BODY IN CELL TWO on the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine's "Department of First Stories" site.
Congratulations, Kate, on your debut publication . . . . now that I've read the excerpt of your story, I can't wait to read the rest!
ReplyDeleteTrain travel? I remember Jean and I riding on the train with our mother when we were very small. Then it wasn't until I was in college that I became a regular train rider, traveling between Long Island and New York City to see Broadway shows or visit museums.
But John and I recently went to New York with our oldest daughter and her family for a few days of touristy sightseeing . . . and we rode the train from New Jersey into the city and back again. Nostalgia, indeed . . . .
There's something so magical about taking a child on their first train ride. For little ones in NYC it's old hat since they've been riding around on subway probably since they were babes. But for those of us from the burbs or farms, such a treat. And going by train into NYC such a pleasure not to have to think about what you're going do with your car.
DeleteThank you, Joan! I was a commuter for many years, too. Love to hear about your family time, it's the best.
DeleteCongrats on getting your story published!
ReplyDeleteI've been on trains, but only a tourist train for a few hours, never to truly get from one place to another.
Wait, I guess there is one exception. When I was moving to Southern California permanently after college, I left my car down here and took the train back home. Then loaded up a U-Haul and drove back town again. That was just a day trip, however.
Yup there are train trips to get places, and then there are train trips to BE on the train.
DeleteThanks, Mark! I just moved my youngest out of her college dorm. The car was so packed, we probably should have considered renting a U-Haul.
DeleteThat was a great excerpt, Kate! It certainly makes me want to read the rest of it. Congratulations! And I loved your description of the the trip with your mother in the restored train cars.
ReplyDeleteAs for trains, I love them. I've been hooked on wanting to travel on trains ever since I saw the movie North by Northwest. They do not disappoint - although I'm glad my husband doesn't hang out train windows trying to catch bad guys, lol.
Hoping some commenters will mention their favorite train routes...
DeleteLOL Elizabeth! On the train ride, I was secretly hoping for a mystery to pop up. I also love North by Northwest and I never get tired of watching Cary Grant.
DeleteWhat a wonderful research trip, Kate, and congratulations on your EQMM story! Waving hi as another historical fiction author. And as someone who grew up in the fifties, all these new historical stories set in that era are taking a little getting used to. ;^) On the other hand, the research material is so much more available than the 1880s or even the 1920s.
ReplyDeleteI take the train from Boston to DC once a year or so, and sometimes to NY, and love gazing out the window at all the places you don't see from a car. It's a much better experience than flying.
I'm delighted your name is now on my radar, Kate, and I'll keep an eye out for your visit back here when your first novel comes out.
Weirdly, it doesn't even TAKE longer to go by train Boston to DC than it does by air... what with getting TO the airport, getting through security (I get there ridiculously early) waiting at the gate, waiting when the plane is delayed, boarding, getting there, getting off, waiting for luggage... and then you have to get FROM the airport into town.
DeleteThank you, Edith! I'm such a fan of your books. I definitely plan to take more trains in the future. Like Hallie says, the hassle of airport travel is just no fun.
DeleteAww, thank you! I have dreamed of taking the train to Chicago or even the west coast and write an entire first draft. Maybe one day I will.
DeleteEdith, I had the same feeling about the fifties and « historical stories « :)
DeleteDanielle
Edith, did the round trip from New York to Seattle in 2011… wonderful. Of course then there were dining cars with full kitchens on the trains. Think this switched to all “snack bars” food a year of so ago. Not sure I’d be able to write the whole…too much to see out the window for concentration. Elisabeth
DeleteThese days, we occasionally take the train from New Haven into NY. Parking is usually pretty easy in New Haven and the train is very reliable. I used to have several meetings in NYC every year in the early 2000's, so I rode the train every time I had to go. I have also taken Amtrak from Harford to Washington, which is a fine way to travel and gets you right into the heart of the city.
ReplyDeleteIrwin and I also traveled by train from Anchorage to Denali in one of the cars with windows especially made for the spectacular scenery. We traveled from Anchorage to Seward by train as well. Breathtaking!
Going back to my single days, a girlfriend and I bought Eurail passes and traveled on trains through Europe one summer for 6 weeks. That was quite an interesting experience! I remember having sea legs after every trip. We used to laugh about it and just walk it off.
Kate, congratulations and best wishes for your writing career. There are many fans of historical fiction who visit JRW every day, so let us know when we can see yours in print.
We had a Aural pass and used it extensively in the Interlaken (lakes) region of Switzerland where, as I recall, it worked on ferries too. Training in Alaska? Writing it down...
DeleteThank you, Judy! Ah yes, the Eurail pass! My cousin and I traveled for a month in Europe during my college days. And thank you for the tip about Alaska. You have my wheels turning.
DeleteKATE: Congratulations on your story being published in EQMM! That 20th Century Limited train experience sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThese days, I take the VIA train (Canada's national rail line) to Montreal, Quebec 3 times a year. It's only a 2-hour trip (when it's on time).
EQMM gets bragging rights on Kate...
DeleteThank you, Grace! My family and I are recently converted Formula One fans, so we're thinking about traveling to Montreal for a race next summer.
DeleteIn 1896 my nine-year-old grandmother and her little sister rode the train from South Dakota to Cleveland, leaving a dysfunctional mother to go live with their grandfather. A hundred years later I took the train from Seattle to Boston and back - with a child accompanying me each way - for our annual pilgrimage to Maine. We had a couchette with convertible beds (a friendly porter would make it up at our convenience and leave a mint), and ate in the dining car with white tablecloths and strangers that always became friends by the end of the meal. I loved watching America roll by - prairies and farmlands, the cities’ backyards - all of it. I took a solo trip home just a few years ago, and was newly delighted. Plus the three-day journey beats a week of driving, which I’ve also done with and without kids!
ReplyDeleteCan you still do that? I'd read somewhere that white tablecloths and actual chefs cooking had been discontinued.
DeleteThank you for sharing your grandmother's story. It's fun to imagine what the landscape would have looked like back then. I would love to take a train trip cross the country. Someday.
DeleteCongratulations, Kate, on having your story published! Your train ride sounds wonderful -- what did they serve you for lunch?
ReplyDeleteI haven't traveled by train for decades, but took many during my gap year in Europe. One notable trip was from Grenoble to Florence: the train left on time but arrived late with NO stops along the way. No idea why or how that could happen...
"What did they serve for lunch?" That's what want to know, too.
DeleteThanks, Amanda! The food was delish. A cheese and fruit plate followed by a green salad with French dressing. I learned that French dressing was actually created for the 20th Century Limited! For the main course, I had braised short ribs and my mother had the sole. Dessert was cherry pie with fresh whipped cream. I ate every crumb.
DeleteKate, I want your mom's hat! She knows how to travel in style.
ReplyDeleteAgree! Both ladies looked quite spiffy.
DeleteMy mom is my inspiration! For fashion and all things.
DeleteWhat a fabulous trip! I'd love to travel by luxury train someday, even if only a day trip.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, it was definitely an adventure.
DeleteCongratulations, Kate!! How exciting to have your story published, to have snagged an agent(!), and to have two finished novels to shop around! Are your novels the beginning of a series? Or standalones?
ReplyDeleteI love train travel. My favorite story of train travel is about a friend--slightly timid about traveling on her own, would never have dreamed of driving solo, but who regularly hopped the Lake Shore Limited to go from Sandusky, Ohio, into Chicago in order to spend time with her grandbabies. We hear there's money to be invested into train travel in Ohio (fingers crossed this finally becomes a reality!) and you'll no longer have to board at midnight to catch the Lake Shore line! Advocates of train travel have fought with the legislature for years, trying to get a Three-C train route (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati) established with high-speed trains.
A train across Ohio feels like a non-brainer! It's relatively flat and it's one of those states that, when you drive across it, seems to be never-ending...
DeleteThank you, Flora! I would say both books are standalones with series potential.Thank you for sharing the story about your friend. Love is really the biggest motivator, isn't it? I wish the United States followed the European model when it comes to trains. How great it would be to make train travel as convenient as driving a car.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the story, Kate! Your hard work is paying off!
ReplyDeleteI love train travel and have several stories of connecting with strangers. The first time I was on a solo train trip from Edinburgh (where I was studying) to Leeds (where my aunt lived) when a woman sat down across from me and we started chatting. We ended up having a very intense, personal conversation and sharing many details. It felt very safe to share with someone I would never see again. The second experience was later the same year, when I was traveling with friends on a train in Belgium. An older, well-dressed woman joined us in our compartment. We started chatting and she explained that she had been visiting family in Iran and was now returning to her home in Luxembourg. We told her we were Lewis & Clark College students who were traveling after studying in the UK and her face just lit up. It turned out she was the sister of Dr. Rassekh, one of our history professors. We had a lovely chat for the duration of the journey. More recently, a friend and I took the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago. Since we had a sleeping compartment, meals were included. We would sign up for a time, then arrive in the dining car where we would be seated at a table with other travelers. It was delightful to hear the different stories.
If you put that kind of coincidence in a book, no one would believe it! I'm going to look up the Empire Builder...
DeleteCongratulations Kate on your story published in the magazine!
ReplyDeleteThe trip in train with your mother seems to have been very enjoyable.
As I never know what the state of the road will be, I like to take the train to visit Quebec City during the wintertime .
I once took the touristy train of Charlevoix from Quebec to La Malbaie with fabulous views of St.Lawrence River.
And of course, in Europe, train passes are the must and some stations are beautiful and full of history.
Danielle
Thank you, Danielle! I love Quebec and would definitely consider traveling there via the train next time.
DeleteHi, Kate. I'm a huge fan of your writing, as you know, and I loved your story in Ellery Queen. Your story of train travel with your mother made me want to jump on a train. And as always, your historical research is impeccable and lavishly detailed. Congratulations. All good things coming your way.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon! I'm such a fan of your In Deep series featuring Fin Fleming! One of the best characters out there.
DeleteHi, Sharon (waving!) - yes, the research is so thorough and it makes the places come to life.
DeleteWhat a fabulous experience. I had no idea about the 20th Century rides. Definitely going on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteHi Kait, I highly recommend it if you get the chance. A great experience from beginning to end.
DeleteKATE: Congratulations on getting published! I will look for your story! A friend wrote a memoir about teaching in the public schools and looked for a publisher for a long time. Finally got published in April this year. I wanted to write a review because I loved the book and it was not included with other books, so I asked them to include the book and they did!
ReplyDeleteHALLIE: When I lived in Washington, DC, I used to take the Amtrak train to visit friends in Boston. That was wonderful! I noticed that it is relatively easier to travel by train on the East Coast than on the West Coast.
When my family travelled to Los Angeles about fifty years ago, I was very little and I remember we could take the train straight from Berkeley to Los Angeles. Alas, when we travelled to Gilroy to visit a relative in the 1990s, the train's last stop was in San Jose and we had to take the bus the rest of the way. The bus driver drove really fast! If it was possible to take the train, then that would be great!
When I went to Stanford for my appointments for Cochlear Implant mappings (several times a year), there was the Cal Train from San Francisco to Stanford. Really wonderful!
In the UK and Europe, train travel is wonderful! I took the Eurostar from London to Paris. I could travel to Edinburgh, Scotland from London by train.
Diana
Yikes - there's nothing scarier than a too-fat bus ride. I'd love to take the train from San Diego to Los Angeles. Wondering if it will ever connect all the way up the coast.
DeleteThere are daily trains from at least from LA to Seattle. I think the California Starlight runs from San Diego to San Jose. I have ridden from San Jose to San Diego. Great views of the coast. Several years ago though.
DeleteThank you, Diana! I'm usually game for any kind of travel, but I'm not a huge bus fan.
DeleteOh, this is fantastic! And a train is the perfect way to “time travel. “” what a wonderful experience! And yes, have you ever seen that TV show called… Oh gosh, I forget. It’s pretty new, about time travel. And my favorite part of it was when the historian got out of the time machine :-) and realized she was in 1942. Or wherever. The the look on the actors face – – of all, and wonder and realization that she was in another time – – was really touching.
ReplyDeleteTotal immersion research, exactly as you say— it would be so much fun to be able to do it. As long as we could get back. Congratulations on your success! And you are so lucky to have Hallie as a teacher.
QUANTUM LEAP? Hank, I used to watch the tv series. Diana
DeleteThank you, Hank! Are you thinking about the show Timeless? I loved that show!
DeleteWhat a treat this was to read. thanks Kate and and Hallie. I will certainly be looking for your story,Kate, and congratulations. I LOVE traveling by train and have taken the NY/Boston (very scenic) and NY/DC trips many times, and once NY/ VA for a solo trip (definitely bucket list) to Williamsburg. Also a few trips in Europe- trains there are great. We've actually tried to take the nostalgia trip to Albany you described but never got our reservations in soon enough. You have inspired me to try again.
ReplyDeleteHi Triss, thank you! And yes, you should definitely think about tickets for next year. The docent recommended booking in late September, early October when the leaves start turning. I'm sure it's spectacular.
DeleteWe took Amtrak from Orlando to Boston in 2014. Wow, can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years. We had 2 adjoining sleeping compartments and meals were included. It was a fantastic experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, a friend just told me they drove to Virginia, then put the car on the train to Orlando. Definitely something to think about the next time I travel to Florida.
DeleteCongratulations Kate! Getting published is major! I've not lived places where train travel is a given. The last time I was on a train was with a tour group in India. Not luxurious but definitely interesting!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Kate! Here's to your continued success in publishing. What a wonderful adventure you and your mom shared. My grandmother took the train from NY to CA and back in the 20's. She always described it as the trip of a lifetime. I am so looking forward to reading The Body in Cell Two.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jenn! My mother and I love your books. Wow, what an excursion that cross country train ride must have been for your grandmother.
Deletecongratulations on your short story publication! A train ride with dining car and Mom sounds like the perfect way to spend Mother's Day. My favorite train ride? The Chunnel train from London to Paris. We carried our own sandwiches and drinks on board.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret! A good snack situation while traveling is a must.
DeleteWondering if anyone has taken the train Boston to Portland (ME)... or Boston to Hyannis on Cape Cod? Seems like they run only seasonally.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Kate, on publishing your story and on getting a agent! Those are such big steps in the publishing journey! And thanks for sharing your train adventure with us. I've done quite a bit of rail travel in the US as well as in Europe and the UK, and now I'm adding the restored 20th Century Limited to my wish list--along with the Orient Express!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deborah! I love your books! A trip on the Orient Express is definitely on my travel bucket list.
DeleteEQMM? How exciting, Kate!
ReplyDeleteLong been fascinated by train travel. We took a short trip from Windsor to Toronto and back for our 10th anniversary, but this year - #45! - we're taking the legendary City of New Orleans from Chicago to NOLA for a visit. Can't wait!
Thank you! Chicago to NOLA sounds like the perfect trip. Reminds me of the old Arlo Guthrie song.
DeleteOh, I've got to get hold of EQMM so I can read your story, Kate! This is such a fun topic, but I'm with Edith on being startled by the 50s being considered historical fiction territory. =:0 My first train ride was in August 1960 across the country from LA through Albuquerque, accompanying my grandfather's body for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. My Gram, Mom, brother, and I had two rooms, and I was hooked. All the built-ins to conserve space, the sink, shower, and fold down beds fascinated me. And the dining car with white tablecloths, silver and china enchanted me. My favorite were the silver bud vases attached to the window sills. We started the trip with tiny yellow rosebuds, and by the end they'd opened gorgeously.
ReplyDeleteFast forward to the 80s and 90s, my husband and I took the train from California to Chicago (and back) several times, traveling all three routes - Southern, middle (through the Rockies), Northern. We also booked rooms, and while it was different from the glory days, it was still super fun. I loved falling asleep to the sound and movement of the train rocking along the tracks, our room lit by the tiny blue nightlight. Our porters would bring us the local paper and fresh coffee every morning.
Now our train rides are from San Jose to San Francisco to watch the Giants play baseball at Oracle Park, a short two block walk from the terminal. I have to say, the trips home are way more fun when our team wins, but it's still a treat. ~Lynda
Lynda - love your descriptions of those train rides!
ReplyDeleteHALLIE: Thank you. It was good to remember those trips and share the memories here. ~Lynda
DeleteThank you, Lynda! And thank you for sharing the incredible story of traveling on the train for your grandfather's burial. I'm a die hard Yankee fan, but my mom rooted for the Giants when they were still in New York.
DeleteJust ordered this issue of EQMM so I can finish your story! This was a wonderful article and I couldn’t stop reading your story. I’m looking forward to your novels. I wish you great success. And I didn’t know the red carpet came from the 20th century limited! I wrote an article about the 20th century limited a couple of years ago. The engine that I wrote about graces the side of the Spectrum building in Syracuse NY. The Spectrum building used to be the NYC RR train station. I love RR history.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Pamela! I didn't know that about the red carpet either. I feel like it would make a good trivia question!
DeleteI am so envious of your wonderful train trip with your mom! I look forward to reading all you have written!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judi!
DeleteAcross Canada, across Norway and to the fjords, almost anyplace in Switzerland.
ReplyDeleteJust the name of some of the US routes evokes the romanticism of rail travel. Lakeshore Limited Boston to Chicago, Southwest Chief Chicago through the southwest. crossing Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana on a single trestle is like floating across the lake with nothing on either side but water. Empire Builder from Portland OR across the roof of the US to Chicago , through the Scottish Highlands, the previous mentioned Alaska route from Fairbanks to Denali and Denali to Anchorage,
the English countryside
The Lake Pontchartrain trip sounds amazing.
DeleteAmtrak Downeaster goes from Boston up to Brunswick, with stops in Portland, Freeport and some of the coastal towns in NH and Maine. They have several routes a day and if you take an early train you could do a round trip as far as Freeport.
ReplyDeleteThe route up the coast must have incredible views.
DeleteCongratulations, Kate and thank you for sharing this anecdote about your trip with your mom. I love train travel! My family and I took a Gold Rush train tour while in Alaska a few years ago. I can’t imagine anything more spectacular than the combination of scenery and the priceless interactions with fascinating strangers that you mentioned.
ReplyDelete