Fall Fun Getaways at 7 Craft Breweries & Distilleries

The Catskills Beverage Trail. from Connections: Two-Day Rail Drive Itineraries More than the home of a historic village and picturesque views, the Catskills have their very own beverage trail. Visit Honey Hollow, the only farm brewery in Greene County, Crossroads voted "Best Restaurant in Greene County" or enjoy tastings at Hudson-Chatham winery. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Catskill Creek and stay a night at Caleb Street's Inn, or enjoy some more craft beverages at Hammo's Brewpub & Lodge-paired with comfort food and a warm bed. Enjoy the next day continuing down the beverage trail or exploring the historic village of Catskill.

Photo from Hillock Estate Distillery

Hillrock Estate Distillery
(22.0 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)
Turning grain into gold since 2011," Hillock Estate Distillery is one of the world's few distilleries that floor malts its own naturally grown grain and hand-crafts fine spirits traditionally in small batches on the estate. On Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 12 to 5 p.m. the estate will be celebrating their annual Fall Open House with farm and distillery tours, tastings, sales and bottle signings from Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell.

Photo from Adirondack Distilling Co.

Adirondack Distilling Co.
(1.1 Miles from Utica Amtrak Station)
A doctor, lawyer and a political consultant walk into a bar... Sure, it sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it was actually the start of something special. With a shared loved of spirits—vodka in particular, the owners and distillers at Adirondack Distilling Co. began in 2011 using a state-of-the-art custom-crafted copper still from Germany, and a proven distilling process, quickly becoming Central new York's latest gem.

Photo from Ausable Brewing Co.

Ausable Brewing Co.

(3.4 Miles from Port Kent Amtrak Station)

The first true farm brewery in the Adirondack Park, Ausable Brewing Co. offers seasonal and limited edition beers and sodas. Sample beers like Plowman's Lunch, North Country Common, Face Cord and Full Cord IPAs, using locally-sourced ingredients from across the region and their 140-acre farm. Their tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday in the afternoon.

Photo from Flying Bison Brewing Co.

Flying Bison Brewing Co.

(1.5 Miles from Buffalo-Exchange Amtrak Station)

From award-winning brewer, Tim Herzog, comes Flying Bison Brewing—the first standalone brewery in the City of Buffalo since 1972. Returning to the brewery on September 10, 2016, is the annual Bisonfest: Oktoberfest at Flying Bison Brewery. Enjoy the smell of sauerkraut, bratwurst, pretzels and malty beers as their aromas fill the air. The sound of the alpenhorn heralds the coming of autumn and invites you to eat, drink and be merry. $25 gets you a plate full of German food, three hours of music, a new Bisonfest souvenir mug and three drink tickets to fill it with.

Photo from Cirka Distilleries

Cirka Distilleries

(4.6 Miles from Montreal Amtrak Station)

The first grain to bottle artisanal micro-distillery open to the public in Montreal, Cirka uses local grains and sustainable practices to create their quality non-GMO craft Vodka and Gin Wild. Visit for a tour, private group bookings and tastings at their location in the heart of Montreal, or at close to four dozen bars across the city!

Photo from Hop'n Moose Brewing Co.

Hop'n Moose Brewing Co. 

(0.3 Miles from Rutland Amtrak Station)

A little over two years old, Hop'n Moose Brewing is the first and only brewery in Rutland, VT. With unique hand crafted ales and lagers, amazing wood fired pizzas and a family friendly menu—complete with a Kid's menu, wine list and full bar. Beginning on September 12, 2016 visitors will be able try Hop'n Moose's unique brews  any day of the week when the brewpub's doors open 7 days a week and begin weekly Monday specials!

Tour New York with Connections Suggested Itineraries!

New York By Rail presents Connections, suggested two-day rail/drive itineraries, perfect for group and individual travel! Here are a few summer getaway ideas including tours of wineries, small historic towns, famous destinations, craft breweries and distilleries, Hudson River Valley attractions and much more!

All of these locations are accessible via Amtrak and Enterprise*!

Visit New York By Rail for more information and discounts.

*Reserve an Enterprise car at 1-800-Rent-a-Car or Enterprise.com

Reference account # NYTRAIN for a special discount!

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Photo from Hilltop Hanover

Visit Westchester (7.7 Miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak Stop)—Westchester, a site of natural beauty and famous architecture. Begin your visit at Kykuit for a remarkable gardens, history and more. Eat at the Stone Barn farm, restaurant and educational center, then head to Union Church of Pocantico Hills. Enjoy a night at the Sheraton—complete with indoor pool, spa and full-service restaurant, or stay at the Doubletree—complete with a sauna, fitness center and more. Spend the next day hiking the 187-acre farm trails at Hilltop Hanover, exploring Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, or Lyndhurst, one of America's Finest Gothic Revival mansions.

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Catskills Beverage Trail (1.1 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)—More than the home of a historic village and picturesque views, the Catskills have their very own beverage trail. Visit Honey Hollow—the only farm-brewery in Greene County, Crossroads, voted "Best Restaurant in Green County," or enjoy tastings at Hudson-Chatham winery. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Catskill Creek and stay a night at Caleb Street's Inn, or enjoy some more craft beverages at Hammo's Brewpub & Lodge—pairs with comfort food and a warm bed. Enjoy the next day continuing down the beverage trail or exploring the historic village of Catskill.

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Photo from Stoutridge

Hudson Valley Craft Spirits and Wine (16.3 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station)—Enjoy a two-day stay in the Hudson Valley, home to a handful of wineries and craft distilleries, and the vast Minnewaska State Park. Start with a tasting at Tuthilltown, explore the 20,000+acres of Minnewaska or continue your tasting tour at Stoutridge for locally-produced wines and spirits. Stay the night at the luxurious boutique country hotel, The Rhinecliff, and experience another day of tastings at vineyards, or catch the region's annual food festival.

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City of Hudson and Beyond (2.2 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)—The City of Hudson is filled with an array of fine restaurants, pubs, galleries, and more to keep you busy for quite some time. On Day One we suggest starting in Downtown Hudson, then heading over to Wm. Farmer & Sons for some "proper drinking" and simple supper, or Helsinki Hudson for homespun seasonally-selected foods. Enjoy a night of eclectic boarding in one of Wm. Farmer & Sons' comfortable suites, and rest up for a fun day of art and history at the Martin Van Buren Historic Site, or Mac-Haydn Theater. Treat yourself to amazing BBQ, comfort food and prohibition-style cocktails at American Glory.

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Albany Craft Beverages and History (2.3 Miles from Albany Amtrak Station)—The Albany area is abundant with art, history and a beverage trail promoting local farm-based craft beverage producers. Start you first day at the Albany Institute of History and Art, visit the MiSci museum and planetarium, and grab a bite at Jack's Oyster House. Spend the night at the "Ultimate Urban Inn," the Morgan State House. On Day Two, tour C.H. Evans Brewery and the Albany Beverage Trail's three other craft breweries and ciders, grab a bite at Crossgates Mall—featuring over 250 stores and restaurants.

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Photo from Gideon Putnam

Saratoga Spas and Culture (2.8 Miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station)—With rich history, cultural hotspots and spas, what's not to enjoy about Saratoga Springs? Have a relaxing day at the Roosevelt Baths, then tale a tour of the Automobile Museum or the Museum of Dance. Rest for the night at the elegant and historical Gideon Putnam, or the state-of-the-art Pavilion Grand. Spend the next day exploring downtown Saratoga, grab a cup of coffee at the oldest coffeehouse in the U.S., Caffe Lena, or visit the "Revolutionary" landmark, Saratoga Battlefield.

12 Gardens to Visit this Spring and Summer

Spring has sprung, and the season has brought along some of the most beautiful flower gardens in New York State. We’ve gathered a list of seasonal gardens you can visit on Amtrak this spring and summer, as well as one-two day premiere garden events.

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Seasonal Spring & Summer Gardens

New York Botanical Garden (8.8 Miles from New Rochelle Amtrak Station) -- Visit the New York Botanical Garden. In late spring  you’ll see tulips, roses, peonies and azaleas. Early summer brings along violets, lilies, even more roses, hydrangeas and more!

Photo by Vanderbilt Garden

Vanderbilt Mansion NHS Gardens (6.9 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station) -- The beautiful gardens consist yearly of over 4000 annual blooms, 2000 perennials and hundreds of roses. Fountains, a reflecting pool, statues and shady arbors are also a part of the garden.

Locust Grove (2.6 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station) -- Overlooking the Hudson River, this estate contains trees, rolling hills, and vistas. Influenced by the Romantic period, the half-acre ornamental garden contains peonies, collections of heirloom dahlias, and annual and perennial flowers.

Photo by Schenectady Rose

Schenectady Central Park Rose Garden (2.3 miles from Schenectady Amtrak Station) -- Central Park Rose Garden sits right in the center of Schenectady, and has been a favorite place for strolling, photography, and hosting events for 50+ years. Features include 4,000 rose bushes, a tiered center fountain, babbling brook and spring pond.

Photo by Fort Ticonderoga

Landis Arboretum (19.1 Miles from Amsterdam Amtrak Station) -- Landis is an arboretum and public garden incorporating hundreds of acres. In the summer and early fall you can expect to see ornamental trees, perennial gardens, old growth forests, and more.

King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga (1.0 Mile from Ticonderoga Amtrak Station) -- Explore one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in America. After taking in all the color of the 20th century garden, be sure to get rooted in the history of this land by seeing their other five gardens of horticulture at Ticonderoga.

Photo by Monroe County

Highland Park (3.1 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) -- Rochester’s Highland Park contains 150 acres of nature to explore. Gardens include 1,200 lilac shrubs, a Japanese Maple collection, sweet-smelling magnolias, azaleas, mountain laurel and andromeda and more.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens (5.8 Miles from BFX Amtrak Station) -- Experience beautiful gardens year round at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. For outdoor exhibits, such as the Rose Garden, the Peach Garden, the Children’s Garden, and the Healing Garden, May through October is the best time to visit.

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One-Two Day Events

Photo by Garden Conservancy

Garden of Vivian & Ed Merrin (8.5 Miles from Croton-on-Hudson Amtrak Station) -- As a part of Garden Conservancy’s Open Days event, Garden of Vivian & Ed Merrin will be open to the public for two days this summer. On June 26 and July 24 stop and see peonies, orchids, hibiscus and more.

Hudson Hood (0.7 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station) -- As a part of Garden Conservancy’s Open Days event, Hudson Hood will be open to the public on June 4, 2016. Features include a century-old tulip tree; topiaries of holly, boxwood, spruce and more.

Photo by © D. Zinteck, Photographics 2.

Yaddo Garden (3.3 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak) -- A rose and a rock garden make up Yaddo. Docent-led tours begin at 11:00 a.m. starting Saturday and Sunday the weekend of June 18, 2016; Tuesdays during the season starting July 26 (no tour on 8/28); ending Sunday, September 4.

Garden Walk Buffalo (1.1 Miles from BFX Station) -- Go for a stroll on America’s largest garden tour, with self-guided walks through 300+ gardens on July 30-31. This free tour has been a summer staple of Buffalo for many years.

Take Amtrak to Celebrate Maple Weekend!

Photo by NYS Maple

On Maple Weekend, which actually takes place on two weekends, almost 160 maple producers, farms, and sites across New York State host this event to show people how maple syrup is made from the tree and brought to the table. Whether it’s pancake breakfasts, horse and wagon rides, tours of the facilities or sap collecting, there is an event for everyone. And let’s not forget the chance to sample sweet maple syrup! While this event is celebrated across the state, these are just a few sites (which are also open outside of this event) that we recommend taking an Amtrak train to.  

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Photo by White Oak Farm

White Oak Farm

(9 Miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak Station) -- Visit White Oak Farm’s Maple Weekend on March 19-20 and April 2-3 if you love maple syrup! This Maple Weekend event will include a tour, where you learn how maple syrup is made from the tree and put on the table. White Oak Farm also has a sugar-house to explore, a sawmill to tour and on the weekends, a farmers market.

Photo by Tibbitts Maple

Tibbitts Maple 

(8.1 Miles from Utica Amtrak Station) -- On March 19-20 and April 2-3, see how pure maple syrup is made. Tibbitts Maple will show you not only how to make syrup, but also how to can it! Let their family tradition become yours. Tibbitts Maple will also be offering maple syrup, maple cream and maple shapes to snack on.

Maple Brook Farm 

(10.8 Miles from Westport Amtrak Station) -- Maple Brook Farm will be participating in New York State’s Maple Weekend this year! On March 19-20 and April 2-3, in cooperation with two neighboring farms, Maple Brook will have samples of maple cream, syrup, candy and yogurt! They will also be hosting pancake breakfasts each of the four days. In addition, there will also be horse-drawn wagon rides, tours of the farm and shows telling the history of maple production.

Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. 

(10.1 miles from Syracuse Amtrak Station) -- If you have a sweet tooth, Maple Weekend is an event for you. On March 19-20 and April 2-3, Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. will be participating with a free tour and free samples-- this is not an event to miss. They will be making maple cotton candy and other maple recipes as well. You can take a nice spring walk in their sugar bush, and visit the sugar-house as well!

Photo by Helmer Nature Center

Helmer Nature Center 

(5.2 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) -- Helmer Nature Center will be celebrating the maple sugaring season with a pancake breakfast on March 20! Helmer Nature Center is participating in Maple Weekend, which is happening all across New York State. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help collect sap, and stop by the evaporator to watch it cook into maple syrup! There will be crafts, treats and refreshments.

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village 

(18 Miles from Niagara Falls Station) -- Go back in time to the 19th century, and see how trees are tapped for sap! Then watch it cook, and see how it turns into sweet maple syrup. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is participating in New York State’s Maple Weekend this year on April 2-3! Learn how to identify Sugar Maple trees, how to use the tools necessary to tap the trees and get a chance to meet the blacksmith of the tools! Hot cocoa and maple cookies will be served. A pancake breakfast is also included if you make reservations.

Get Ready for March Madness!

“March Madness” is right around the corner, but we’re talking about more than just basketball. We’re already planning late winter getaways on Amtrak to fun events, shows and yes, sports games. New York State is lucky to be the home of many diverse events, which are all easily accessible through Amtrak, so enjoy this variety of history, hot rods, hoops, hops, Hollywood, and more!

Image courtesy of Queens World Film Festival

Queens World Film Festival -- March 15-20, 2016

(5.6 MILES FROM PENNSYLVANIA STATION)

This film festival will screen between 80 to 100 films-- including narratives, documentaries, LGBTQ, animated and family films! The festival will be taking place at the Museum of Moving Image, as well as other theatre locations all around Queens. In its 6^th year, Queens World Film Festival prides itself on providing a worthwhile experience for filmmakers and film-goers, so along with screening events there will be talk-backs, networking opportunities and access to the press. For additional information, visit queensworldfilmfestival.com

MAAC Basketball Championships -- March 3-7, 2016

(1.4 MILES FROM ALBANY-RENSSELAER STATION)

Get ready for some basketball, because that's what March has in store! New York and surrounding area colleges are competing in men and women’s basketball championships for the MAAC this year in Albany, at the Times Union Center. For more information on ticket pricing and game times, visit timesunioncenter-albany.com

1775 British Garrison Weekend: Living History Event -- March 19, 2016

(1.0 MILE FROM TICONDEROGA AMTRAK STATION)

Image Courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga

Experience Fort Ticonderoga on the eve of the American Revolution as British soldiers and their families live in this peacetime fort on the frontier! What was it like to live during this time? Discover how the British Army was both prepared and unprepared to fight for control of this Key to the Continent! For additional information, visit fortticonderoga.org

Glens Falls Brewfest -- March 19, 2016

(6.0 MILES FROM FORT EDWARDS AMTRAK STATION)

Tastings from over 50 craft beer and ale brewers including local and regional favorites, food and entertainment. Have some fun while supporting the Adirondack Theatre Festival and the Feeder Canal Alliance, as proceeds help benefit these local charities. Perhaps you’ll even discover your new favorite beer! For additional information, visit glensfallsbrewfest.org .

March Meatball Madness -- March 6, 2016

(0.6 MILE FROM UTICA AMTRAK STATION)

Come taste and vote for your favorite meatballs from the Utica area’s finest restaurants! Also enjoy musical entertainment, raffles and tons of food. Coffee, desserts, meat and cheese taste samplings, gourmet flavored popcorn will be available. Be sure to catch the exciting Meatball Eating Contest as well! If you are at least 18 years of age and you think you have a shot at becoming Utica’s Meatball Eating Champion, visit theabrahamhouse.org for more information.

Image courtesy of Cavalcade of Cars

Greater Syracuse Antiques Expo -- March 12-13, 2016

(0.0 MILES FROM SYRACUSE AMTRAK)

Love antiques? Check out this great antiques show featuring over 200 vendors with everything from primitives to vintage to jewelry. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it at the Greater Syracuse Antiques Expo, which is now entering its 26^th year! For additional details, visit allmanpromotions.com

23rd Annual Cavalcade of Cars -- March 4-6, 2016

(11.5 MILES FROM BUFFALO AMTRAK STATION)

Come see hundreds of hot rods, customs, classics, race-prepared vehicles and motorcycles! This year at the Fairgounds Events Center, Cavalcade of Cars will have live music, a tribute to George Barris’s Batmobile, the car from the movie Christine, auto-related vendors, and an “Old S’cool Review”room. For more information regarding this event, visit cavalcadeofcars.com .

Full Speed Ahead to a Winter Weekend in Saratoga Springs!

While New York State is known for its extravagant holiday blowouts, there is one place in particular which has built its reputation on creating our annual favorites --  Winterfest, Chowderfest, Frozen Springs Classic and the Dance Flurry. If you're looking for a memorable weekend escape, let Amtrak take you to Saratoga Springs for these events and activities.

Winterfest

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Winterfest

(1.5 miles from the Saratoga
 Springs Amtrak station)

Providing you with this years best winter "Thing-to-do" in Saratoga Springs, the Spa City presents its highly-anticipated annual Winterfest. Revel in the spirit of winter with live music, wine tastings, special events, entertainment and of course, Chowderfest. Each year the event draws crowds of people from all across New York State eager to explore local crafts, dabble in beer samplings, and taste a variety of Chowders. Running the week of February 5th through the 14th, the Spa City invites you for a week of endless entertainment.

Chowderfest

(1.5 miles from the Saratoga

 Springs Amtrak station)

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Chowderfest

There is no better way to start off your stay in Spa City than with a cup of chowder at just $1 a cup. Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Featuring more than 90 vendors, including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers, who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers. The event takes place on February 6th, at 11:00 am, where you may pick up a ballot form, taste different soups and chowders (3 oz serving) and vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced at 6:30 pm that day. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs, as some establishments offer doggy chowder -- sorry cats.

The Dance Flurry

Image Courtesy of the Dance Flurry

(1.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a great weekend of dancing, dipping and whirling with thousands of other spirited dancers! In its 28th year, the Flurry Festival in Spa City has engaged thousands in dance and music from all over the world. The weekend long festival draws dancers of all ages, all abilities and all styles of dance. Dancers may participate in a variety of workshops and programs designed for all levels of experience. From waltzes to tango and swing to contra, the Flurry Festival features many styles of dance and draws a yearly attendance of over 5,000 participants. The festival also includes an array of performances, singing, workshops, concerts, jamming, crafts and more.

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Beer Week

Saratoga Beer Week

(1.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

Join fellow beer enthusiasts for a five-day city-wide beer celebration. From February 16-20th locals and visitors alike will enjoy quality tastings of local, regional and national brews. Experience the dozens of beer-centered events scheduled and venture around town to the local restaurants, shops, and hotels. Attend the fifth anniversary and see the best of what Saratoga has to offer.

Image Courtesy of the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic

Frozen Springs Classic

(2.6 miles from the Saratoga 

Springs Amtrak Station)

Take the ice from February 12-14th at the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Join other hockey lovers in a weekend of friendly competition and good old-fashioned pond hockey. Come as a team, or be a free agent. The schedule of events and full list of band performances and tournament rules will be posted closer to the date.

All Aboard These Holiday-Themed Train Rides to Winter!

As we anticipate the rush of the chilly winter weather, we naturally tend to embrace the comforts of holiday traditions - hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy pajamas. Holiday classics like the iconic Polar Express make any holiday lover wish they could relive the magic of the story in real life! Railroads throughout New York State have dedicated the last month of each year to helping you capture your favorite memories of the season with holiday-themed train rides. These holiday excursions are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with friends and family.

Image Courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Railroad
(13.0 miles from the Rhinecliff Amtrak station)
Kingston welcomes back the fan favorite Polar Express Train Ride. Enjoy the motion picture soundtrack as you relax comfortably in your pajamas and are whisked away to the North Pole. Be sure to have your ticket in hand because the conductor will be coming around to check it as you are kept full and entertained by your dancing chefs. Enjoy a special sing along as Santa makes his way to greet you with a special gift…only if you “believe.”

Image Courtesy of Saratoga and
North Creek Railway

Saratoga and North Creek Railway
(0.0 miles from Saratoga Springs station)

Enjoy a magical train ride departing from the Saratoga Springs station bound for the "North Pole!" As a live narration of "The Polar Express" is being read, dancing chefs will deliver cookies and hot cocoa which you may enjoy from a limited edition souvenir mug. This festively decorated vintage train car will keep you fully entertained before arriving to meet Santa just outside of the North Pole Village. During the return trip, Santa will make his way to greet each child and present them with a special gift.




Adirondack Scenic Railroad
(66ft from the Utica Amtrak station)

Traveling northbound from the Utica Union Station, you will be accompanied by Santa’s elves while en route to the North Pole. While listening to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg, you will be left in a magical trance just before arriving to meet Santa. Both children and parents are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Image Courtesy of Cooperstown and
Charlotte Valley Railroad

Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
(46.5 miles from the Utica Amtrak station)
For three special weekends only you can experience the ever so popular Santa Express Trains. The trains are beautifully decorated from the inside out with lights, garland, and ornaments making for a truly magical experience. Parents are requested to provide a small personalized gift for Santa to present to their child. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be entertaining all of the passengers as you bond over holiday music, goodies, and refreshments.  

Medina Railroad Museum
(35.2 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

This one hour long train ride is filled with hot cocoa with whipped cream, warm cookies, and laughs with Santa. Plan to arrive early to pick up your tickets at Will Call…or you’ll be late to pick up Santa at the North Pole! All ticket purchases include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum.

Image Courtesy of Arcade and Attica Railroad

Arcade and Attica Railroad
(35.7 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

Presenting their last Santa Train on December 22^nd, this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Receive a free Elf hat as you board the train and spend the next magical hour and a half with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers. Enjoy holiday treats and bring your camera to snap the perfect holiday picture with Santa and his live reindeer. Be sure to grab your Santa goody bag as you exit the train.