Lonely PlanetJul 31
3 Train Routes to See Virginia's Fall Foliage
These three train journeys capitalize on views of Virginia
Hotel on Main St in Charlottesville, short walk from station.
25 things in this story
- AmtrakPlaceLow-stress ride from DC to Charlottesville on Northeast Regional/Cardinal.
- GraduateHotelHotel on Main St in Charlottesville, short walk from station.
- Elsewhere
- American Shakespeare CenterSightStaunton, United StatesCozy theater recreating London's famed Blackfriars Theatre.
- Blue Ridge TunnelSightStaunton, United StatesSay yes to lights off for soul-rattling darkness inside.
- Blue Ridge FlyerPlaceStaunton, United States3-hour round-trip from Staunton past small towns and pastures.
- Virginia Scenic RailwayPlaceStaunton, United StatesBegan offering rides in 2022; runs murder mystery and wine excursions.
- Little Rock TunnelSightStaunton, United StatesHistoric rock-cuts squeeze the tracks; circus train wrecked here.
- Three Notch'd Mango WheatRestaurantStaunton, United StatesVirginia-made beer recommended on the train.
- Hotel 24 SouthHotelStaunton, United StatesStately hotel for quick access to the train station.
- Maude & the BearRestaurantStaunton, United StatesMulti-course dinner by James Beard nominee Ian Boden.
- Blue Ridge ParkwaySightStaunton, United StatesDrive for high elevation views of fall colors.
- Blue Ridge Tunnel TrailTrailStaunton, United StatesEerie walk inside the first of the area's two Blue Ridge Tunnels.
- Norfolk & Western Class J 611PlaceGoshen, United StatesStreamlined, bullet-nosed powerhouse; sole survivor of its class.
- George Washington & Jefferson National ForestsSightGoshen, United StatesRoute stretches through these forests to Staunton.
- Virginia Museum of TransportationMuseumRoanoke, United StatesThe 611 spent recent decades here before returning to tracks.
- Victoria StationSightGoshen, United StatesGoshen Volunteer Fire Department serves burgers and snacks here.
- Washington & Lee UniversitySightLexington, United StatesWashington and Lee University is a small liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah…
- Virginia Military InstituteSightLexington, United StatesIt was founded in 1839 as America's first state-sponsored and -supported military college and is the oldest public…
- SeasonsBakeryLexington, United StatesBakery drawing crowds for bread and breakfast.
- Hampton Inn Col AltoHotelLexington, United StatesHistoric lodging option in Lexington.
- The GeorgesHotelLexington, United StatesPosh digs in Lexington.
- Union StationTrain stationWashington, United StatesAdmire the enormous Main Hall and its five curved bays.
- Journey through Hallowed Ground National Heritage AreaSightManassas, United StatesTrains travel through this area near Founding Fathers' homes.
- PumpkinseedsPlaceLexington, United States
- Sugar Maple TradingPlaceLexington, United States