Samuel Adams Utopias returns

Road trips are awesome, but for beer travel I'm a big fan of the train. Nearly unlimited luggage too. And you can build in as many stops as you want on amtrak.

 

But then you have to ride Amtrak.

 

Have you ever taken the train in the states? The worst thing about it is that the freight lines own the tracks so long distance trips at often delayed when they have to wait in freight trains. It's superior to every other form of commercial travel otherwise

 

Only traveled by rail outside the U.S. In general, I haven’t lived in a location where I had access here in the U.S., but I’ve not yet met someone who praised Amtrak. Everyone I have ever met otherwise has derided the experience in nearly every way. But, it is essential. It wouldn’t be my (or their) first choice.

 

The East Coast corridor (NY-DC) is great. About the same time as driving (sometimes faster), and depending on when you buy tickets, about the same price (sometimes cheaper). Unlike while driving, you can legally drink beer when on Amtrak. You can buy it on the train or bring your own.

 

It is by far the most pleasant way to travel that I've experienced in the US. My biggest complaint about it is that it isn't significantly cheaper than flying and it obviously takes much longer than flying, but if you're looking at an extended trip it's quite pleasant. I enjoy driving, but the scenery off the tracks is much nicer than off the highways by and large and the ability to sit back and drink a beer of your choice while you read a book or watch the scenery go by or play cards or whatever is quite luxurious in the realm of long distance travel. And the food they prepare is actually pretty good and 3 meals a day are included with any cabin.

Unless you're in a hurry, or you traveled with a family of small children in coach, I can't imagine what the big complaint would be.

 

Taking the California Zephyr all the way to Chicago would be great. I have never taken a long distance train trip before but have only heard positive things about Amtrak.

 

I have a friend who has ridden Amtrak numerous times from Reno to the Bay and said that each trip was a great experience.

 

It's an absolutely beautiful trip. One of my favorite all time traveling memories was sipping a Rye Hipster Brunch stout from Oddside Ales (a nostalgic favorite from living in Michigan) while watching the Utah canyon lands roll by soaked in sunset colors on our way back home after taking the Zephyr out to visit family in Chicago and Michigan

 

Great friend for sure (it was two friends)!