Hop Aboard an Amtrak in NYC for the ‘Prettiest Fall Train Trip in U.S.'
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The ride offers spectacular views of the trees in fall. Courtesy: Amtrak
Amtrak is set to launch its popular window-covered Great Dome Car on the Adironack route in upstate New York in time for leaf-peeping season.
Dubbed the "the prettiest fall train trip in the U.S." by Country Living, the Adirondack train, which travels from New York City all the way up to Montreal, offers spectacular views of changing tree colors and Lake Champlain vistas.
People can board at New York Penn Station, but the Great Dome Car is only attached to the train at the Albany stop -- and then seats are first-come, first serve.
The historic train car is virtually all window, allowing travelers to soak in all the gorgeous autumnal views. The trip from New York City to Montreal takes about 11 hours, and one-way tickets start at $69.
The Great Dome Car will be available on the Adirondack route on select days from Thursday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 29. Find more information at amtrak.com.
The Great Dome Car is the only remaining dome car in Amtrak service. Built in 1955, it was previously used on the Chicago-Seattle Empire Builder route when the train was operated by the Great Northern Railway and the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad.
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Masker Orchards in Warwick touts itself as having "the best family apple picking" in the region. The 200-acre orchard is about 50 miles from Manhattan. More on Masker Orchards here.
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Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey, has been in business since 1982. The farm features a farm store and a number of apple varieties to pick yourself. The farm also offers parties and tours. Alstede Farms is about 61 miles from Manhattan. More on Alstede Farms here.
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If you're looking for a lively apple picking experience, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchards in North Salem is your place. The orchard has festivals every weekend from Sept. 9 through Oct. 29 and serves up hard cider and delicious food. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is about 49 miles from Manhattan.
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Silverman's Farm in Easton, Connecticut, offers pick your own apples as well as an animal farm and a farm store, which serves up fresh basked pies, honey, syrups and more. Silverman's is about 60 miles from Manhattan. More on Silverman's Farm here.
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Demarest Farms in Hillsdale is a great place to bring the family for a fun fall day. The offer several pick your own varieties and also serve up a selection of both hot and cold foods. Demarest Farms is about 22 miles from Manhattan. More on Demarest Farms here.
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It's not all apple picking at Outhouse Orchards in North Salem. The scenic orchard also offers a corn maze, a farm store and a pumpkin patch. Outhouse Orchards is about 48 miles from Manhattan. More on Outhouse Orchards here.
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The popular Penning's Orchard in Warwick offers apple picking, hayrides, food and a produce market. They also serve up craft beer and wines and have dancing on the weekends. Penning's is about 50 miles from Manhattan. More on Penning's Orchard here.
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Lyman Orchards in Middlefield is one of the more popular places to go apple picking in Connecticut. Lyman Orchards has been in business for 275 years and covers more than 1,000 acres of farm land. You can pick your own apples or just stop by the expansive farm store to buy them in a barrel. If you do head to the store, the apple cider donuts are a must. Lyman Orchards is about 100 miles from Manhattan. More on Lyman Orchards here.
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There's no entry fee at Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck, you just pay for what you pick. If you want to venture out and enjoy more than apple goods, there are also food trucks in the area. Eastmont Orchards is about 54 miles from Manhattan. More on Eastmont Orchards here.
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Applewood Orchards & Winery in Warwick is great for adults and children alike. You can pick your own apples, chow down on some hot food and snacks, grab a drink or take your kid to the puppet show. If you want apple cider donuts, however, expect a line. Applewood Orchards is about 60 miles from Manhattan. More on Applewood Orchards & Winery here.
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Terhune Orchards in Princeton offers a variety of pick your own options, wagon rides, farm animals and a winery. The orchard also has a farm store that has been described as "small but mighty" by a reviewer on Yelp. Terhune Orchards is about 60 miles from Manhattan. More on Terhune Orchards here.
