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Condé Nast TravelerSep 17, 2026

11 Scenic Train Rides in the US Worth Booking for the Views Alone

From Amtrak routes along California’s coast to the wild beauty of the Alaska Railroad, the best way to see the vast natural beauty of the US is by train.

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Hudson RiverTrailfollowed by Amtrak Adirondack
Elsewhere
Rocky MountainsArts centreDenver, United Statessnaked through by Amtrak California Zephyr
Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon Village, United Statesdestination for Grand Canyon Railway
Amtrak Coast StarlightPlaceSeattle, United Statestravels from Seattle to Los Angeles over 35 hours
Amtrak Empire BuilderPlaceChicago, United Statestravels from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest
Mississippi RiverSightMinneapolis, United StatesIt is the second-longest river in the U.S.
Grand Canyon RailwayPlaceWilliams, United Statesdeparts from Williams, Arizona
Sonoran DesertSightWilliams, United StatesIt has an area of 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi).
Amtrak AdirondackPlaceNew York City, United Statesruns from New York City to Montreal
Moynihan Train HallAttractionNew York City, United Statesstarting point for Amtrak Adirondack
Lake ChamplainPlace of worshipPort Henry, United Statesseen on Amtrak Adirondack route
Bulwagga BeachSightPort Henry, United Statesnear Port Henry station stop
Amtrak California ZephyrPlaceChicago, United Stateswestern portion runs through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California
Colorado's Western SlopeSightGrand Junction, United Statesphotogenic canyons seen on Amtrak California Zephyr
Sierra NevadaSightReno, United Stateshalf-day trek on Amtrak California Zephyr
Donner LakeSightTruckee, United StatesA moraine serves as a natural dam for the lake.
Arches National ParkSightGreen River, United StatesThe park is adjacent to the Colorado River, 4 mi (6 km) north of Moab, Utah.
Ewa TrainPlaceHonolulu, United Statestwo-hour round-trip train ride west of Honolulu
Truckee RiverParkReno, United States
Mt. HoodSightPortland, United States
Ponderosa Pine forestsSightWilliams, United States
Crystal GeyserSightGreen River, United States
Labyrinth CanyonSightGreen River, United States

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National GeographicAug 18

The Oldest Farmers Markets in America You Can Still Visit Today

America’s oldest farmers markets are more than places to buy produce or catch up with neighbors. They offer a view into a city’s history while continuing to do what public mar ...

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Cafe du MondeCaféNew Orleans, United StatesHas served café au lait and beignets since 1862.
Central MarketMarketLancaster, United StatesBuilt in 1889, red-brick, twin-towered building still stands.
Long's HorseradishRestaurantLancaster, United StatesFive-generation tradition grating horseradish in small batches.
Groff’s VegetablesRestaurantLancaster, United StatesLongest family-owned business, brings produce from a 10-acre farm.
Old Town Farmers MarketMarketAlexandria, United StatesOperated for over 270 years on the same plot of land.
Gadsby’s TavernRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesNearby landmark that George Washington would still recognize.
Maribeth’s BakeryRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesBegan at the market over 38 years ago.
Lobster Maine-iaRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells seafood.
Hog HavenRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells breakfast sandwiches.
Blackhouse CoffeeRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells coffee.
Portland Farmers’ MarketMarketPortland, United StatesBegan in 1768, producer-only market under Maine law.
Emily’s OystersRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells oysters, a taste of the Maine sea.
Balfour FarmRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells cheese.
Snell’s Family FarmRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells apples.
Lexington MarketTrain stationBaltimore, United StatesBegan in 1782, present building opened in 2022.
Faidley’s SeafoodRestaurantBaltimore, United StatesPart of Lexington Market for over 138 years.
Garden ProduceRestaurantBaltimore, United StatesContinues the market's tradition of selling fresh produce.
Connie's Chicken & WafflesFast foodBaltimore, United StatesBaltimore's best hand-breaded fried chicken.
The French MarketRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesOriginated as an informal open-air trading site.
Aunt Sally’s Praline ShopRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesVisitors can watch Creole pralines being made.
Southern CandymakersRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesSells caramels and chocolates.
Carnival Candle CompanyPlaceNew Orleans, United StatesOldest operating candle company in the French Quarter.
Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-OpSightNew Orleans, United StatesShowcases work by regional artists and designers.
Platinum AmalaRestaurantBaltimore, United States
Lumbini Nepali FusionRestaurantBaltimore, United States

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