The One Train Ride In Cincinnati That Will Transport You To The Past
By Catherine Armstrong|Published January 01, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Do you ever feel nostalgic for the past? Take the Cincinnati Dinner Train for a magical experience where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal in a vintage dining car, and step right back into 1949.
For a unique dining experience with some jaw-dropping scenery, hop aboard the Cincinnati Dining Train. While dining in one of its three restored dining cars, you'll take a step right back in time to the 1940s.
The train departs every Saturday at 6 PM from 2172 E. Seymour Avenue. It makes its way around the city along the riverfront, then circles back to its departure point. The entire trip lasts about 3.2 hours.
Each of the three dining cars offers a unique historic experience. The New York Central 447 dining car was restored to the exact specifications of its original 1947 condition. It seats up to 48 passengers.
The 201 Milwaukee Road Dining Car is the largest of the three dining cars, seating as many as 60 guests. This beautifully-restored car is a 1947 American Car and Foundry table car.
The Silver Sword dining car offers both dining tables and a small lounge. It's the smallest car on the train. All three dining cars offer each table its own window for viewing the scenery of Cincinnati.
Staff prepares your meal in the Kitchen Car. You'll choose from three menu options: prime rib, salmon or chicken. Each is served with an appetizer, salad, vegetable, baked potato and dessert.
The Kitchen Car is a converted 1960 Pullman baggage car!
You'll be joined by the Queen City Sisters, who will entertain you during your trip. You'll find them crooning outside the train as you board, then they'll pop into your dining car for a few songs.
After dinner, join them in the Queen City Tavern Car, where they'll entertain you with Andrews Sisters-style songs from the 1940s all the way back home.
Tickets are just $35, but don't include a meal. You're welcome to bring a picnic aboard with you, though outside beverages are not allowed.
The Cincinnati Dining Train runs every Saturday, except during the months of January and February, when it’s briefly closed. You’ll want to book tickets now for departures starting in March; they sell out early! To book your passage, or for more information, visit the Cincinnati Dining Train’s website.