I've lived in the United States for almost my entire life, and I've been transported to nearly…read moreevery corner of it, by plane, car, boat, and bus. But until very recently, I had never moved from one place to another by train (that is, in the Western Hemisphere.) I think Altoona's little rail station was a good gateway to travel via Amtrak. Talk about the least hassle ever. I booked my tickets online, and by simply checking a photo ID from me, the fellah behind the ticket desk was able to pull up my ticket. Okay, so this is not so impressive really, but airline check-in ALWAYS takes forever. It may be because I was traveling on the fourth, but the place was also delightfully un-crowded. There were probably a total of twenty to thirty of us getting on at Altoona, and when the train arrived, we were boarded and under way in a matter of moments. I'm typing this as I ride, and the legroom is fantastic. The train's also not full, so I'm feeling free to sprawl across two seats. This is so much simpler than flying. Everyone was friendly as well, and they definitely made it easy for my uninitiated self to figure it out. Oh, and if you get on at Altoona, you get to go around the Horseshoe Curve! It's not really that thrilling, but there's a degree of novelty to it anyway. If you're trying to get to or from Altoona, make sure you consider taking the train an option.

This review is for Amtrak's "Pennsylvanian" train, only, not for the system as a whole…read more O' Amtrak's "Pennsylvanian" train. So much potential! The good: --Spectacular scenery between Greensburg and Harrisburg. The highpoint is the stretch between Johnstown and Altoona, especially Horseshoe Curve. --Relaxing ride and not putting up with traffic. --Generally friendly crews. The bad: --Lousy westbound schedule that puts you into Pittsburgh at 8pm--well past dinnertime. If you need sustenance, you have to eat the 'meh" food from the lounge car--or bring your own. If you're connecting to the westbound "Capitol" train, you're stuck with a four hour layover in Amtrak's basement waiting room. --If you're heading eastbound, the "Pennsylvanian" receives connecting passengers from the "Capitol". Guess what? If that train's late, you're leaving late. Oddly enough, the schedule worked in our favor this time. Susan and three of her team members had to take a one-day business trip to Altoona. Our company car was already spoken for, however the train schedule allowed a full business day. The only question was, would the train depart on time? Hooray! It did! Believe me, we did not have a lot of time to make it to the jobsite in Altoona.

So here's the deal: I rode the Pumpkin Patch Express at East Broad Top Railroad, and while it was…read moreabsolutely adorable, festive, and full of fall charm... I'm docking a star for one very specific reason -- they advertised a Halloween costume contest with every train departure and then... just didn't do it. Like, poof. Gone. No announcement, no explanation, no spooky spirit. Just me in a full Halloween costume wondering what in the Great Pumpkin was going on. Let me back up. I had to cancel my original trip a few weeks before because of a family emergency. Their staff was super helpful, issued me a gift card, and made rebooking easy. Total gold stars for that. I ended up rebooking on the last day of the Pumpkin Patch Express, and even splurged for seats in the caboose (because who doesn't want to pretend they're in a vintage movie for a day?). It was $65.32 for two adults, and honestly worth it for the unique view alone. The Orbisonia Station was clean, festive, and well-run. Fall décor everywhere, the kind of stuff Pinterest dreams are made of. The train ride? Perfectly timed -- long enough to enjoy the scenery, short enough that I didn't start questioning my life choices or wishing for snacks. When we arrived at the pumpkin patch, it was like stepping into autumn heaven: games, bounce house, mini-golf, food trucks, firepits, and plenty of pumpkins. The whole setup was great -- even the port-a-johns were clean (which is the real fall miracle here, let's be honest). We hit the food trucks first (pro tip!) and scored seats in the sunshine next to a firepit. I devoured my lunch, soaked up the view, and might've gotten a little competitive playing mini-golf -- nailed the final hole in one and absolutely celebrated like I'd just won the Masters. Now... back to that nonexistent costume contest. Picture me: all decked out, fully committed, ready to strut my spooky self for glory. I walk up to the counter, big smile, ready to ask where the contest will be -- and a rather grumpy man behind the desk hits me with a "Yeah, we're not doing that anymore." No apology, no explanation, no nothing. Just crushed dreams and a ticket in hand. Sir. I have read your Facebook event posts. All. Of. Them. You promised me a costume contest. You got me excited. And you're telling me this now? On the platform? In my Halloween costume? I'll admit it -- I was bummed. Like, "eat extra candy corn later to cope" bummed. But I wore my costume proudly anyway (as did my adventure buddy and a few other brave souls), made my own fun, and still had a great time. Though I definitely whined about it the entire train ride back. My poor adventure companion earned a medal that day. So yeah, East Broad Top -- the train, the views, the pumpkin patch setup -- all awesome. But if you're going to advertise something, please follow through. Some of us plan our entire fall outfit strategy around these things, okay? Still, I can't stay too mad. I had a blast, the caboose ride was a dream, and it's a memory I'll be laughing about for a long time. Just...maybe next year, they can keep their event promises or update their marketing so folks know what to expect? Less ghosting on the costume contest and more ghost costumes, deal?

Very family friendly, love the staff and great to see during Christmas and Halloween . Very…read morebeautiful to see always.

My friends and I experienced the English High Tea Express and had a wonderful time! This event…read moresells out fast! We took a lovely train ride in a historic railcar from New Freedom to Glen Rock which is about a half hour. The conductor pointed out notable sites along the way. We then enjoyed a fabulous high tea at Table 1837 Glen Rock Mill Inn. There was so much to eat that we left with a doggie bag. There were only 3 choices of tea but the salted caramel was delicious. They had 4 finger sandwiches, 2 scones and fruit. We also received a grilled chicken salad as an entree accompanied by a glass of wine (there were 3 choices of wine. Originally we were offered mimosa but then they ran out of orange juice). For dessert, we had Pots du Crème. We boarded the train and headed back to New Freedom. I'd definitely recommend and intend on doing another event in the future.

We headed to Northern Central Railway for their special event The Great Northern Central Train Raid…read moreand had a blast! Plenty of free parking right outside the gift shop/museum (handicapped parking, too). We browsed the gift shop first--lots of train-lover trinkets, and of course, Adventure Buddy snagged a couple of those irresistible 3D wooden train models. I was over the moon when check-in handed us oversized souvenir tickets--complete with our traincar and seats punched out. Such a fun keepsake! The small museum next door took maybe 15 minutes but was nicely done and staffed by a friendly volunteer. After a quick pit stop, we boarded the D. Reed Anderson car. The open windows made for a breezy ride past pretty scenery--green trees, a creek, even small towns like Glen Rock where folks waved from porches. Actors in full Civil War character moved through the cars during the ride, building the story of Union vs. Confederate soldiers battling over rumored gold. At times it was hard to hear or follow the storyline depending on where you sat, but the big skirmish at the park--cannon blasts, musket fire, and all--was definitely the highlight. Tickets were $31.99 and worth it for a few hours of history-meets-theater-meets-train ride fun. This is a great daytrip for adults (grab lunch before and ice cream after nearby). Kids would love the trains, but younger ones may struggle with the length of this particular event. We'll definitely be back in the fall for one of their seasonal rides!

This Amtrak Station is located in a beautiful historic building that you almost overlook as you try…read moreto get in and out of the limited parking lot, dropping off and picking up people. I must say, too, that at times I prefer purchasing train tickets here instead of online because the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the train schedules. My only complaint is delays and having to stand when you get on the train closer to NYC

Passing through Harrisburg via Amtrak. Station is quaint, yet in need of an update. The area…read moresurrounding the train station is pretty desolate -- no real food | drink options available within walking distance or WITHIN the station itself. Travel options are few and far between at best. Last train on Saturdays are at 7:05 pm. No outlets to plug and charge your phone, yet they have a box with chargers for $8 to rent. This station is also connected to the Greyhound Bus Terminal (in the back), yet the seating area is closed at 10 pm leaving waiting passengers sitting outside in the wee hours of the morning awaiting the Flix|Fullington|Greyhound buses. Amtrak really needs to update this station.

The Everette Railroad / Train Station was overall a very nice experience. The staff and crew were…read moreall extremely helpful and pleasant. The train station and railroad passenger cars were both very clean. The only negative about our trip was children being allowed to run back and forth between passenger cars during the entire trip back to the station. Since some parents/guardians don't seem to have rules for their children, the railroad company should make rules concerning young children running through the aisle ways unattended. It is unsafe and quite annoying when the train ride should have been relaxing. I noticed other riders were also annoyed with the nonstop running. None of the train workers said anything to the children or their parents/guardians about this obnoxious behavior, which was a little disappointing.

After wanting to visit the Everett Railroad for quite a while, I made the trek out this summer. I…read morehad a blast! The Everett Railroad offers both steam and diesel engine powered excursions from March through December. I personally purchased tickets for the sunset steam train ride in August. The railroad let me purchase dinner to enjoy on the train as well, which I appreciated since it made it easier to plan my day trip (well, more like a half day trip). I made sure to arrive early for my ride so I could check in and explore the gift shop, because you always need to explore the gift shop! The Everett Railroad's isn't as large as the one at Strasburg or Cass, but it was still nice to browse and had a good mixture of items ranging from clothes to pins to books to toys. After checking in and picking up my general seating ticket (plus my branded lunchbox with my meal) I could choose where I wanted to sit during the one-hour train ride. That said, I opted not to sit at all! I stood in the railroad's combine car (i.e. a combination passenger and baggage car) and took in the sights there. The sights included a mixture of beautiful countryside as well as an industrial site. The staff operated a limited bar and sold snacks in the combine car as well, so there was a lot of foot traffic coming and going during the ride. Despite that the experience was relaxing and enjoyable (aside from some teenage boys being teenage boys at one point, but I did my best to ignore their loud and crass sense of humor in the interest of not encouraging them. Teenagers, right?). I'm glad I came out to support this railroad, and I'd definitely make plans to come back with friends sometime - Rails & Rosé looks like a fun ride to try next!

Not the friendliest customer service. Prices okay. Look for deals on their website.read more

Johnstown station is incredibly understaffed, we showed up a little bit late to the train and had…read moresome paperwork to do and the conductor didn't even put any effort into trying to get our paperwork and as a result of that we were not let on to the train. And yes this is partially our fault but all the conductor had to do was go and grab the paper work for us to do so we could be let on.

It's a grand little station building built by the Pennsylvania RR back in the day. Now however it…read moreis only served by two trains per day so it has very limited hours. A large portion of the building is now taken up by an exhibit hall/information center. Barely a tenth is still used for train travelers. You can get a view of the funicular that goes up the side of the incline a few blocks over from the front door. Other than that there isn't much around the station and it is separated a bit from the downtown. About a block over from the flood museum also.

Such a cute place with a nice small town vibe. Close to smoke hole taverns and very reasonably…read morepriced!

From the owner: The best place to stop for that special gift for that special person- WV made food products,…read morecrafts, home decor and soooo much more! The official Visitor's Information Center- stop here first and we'll get you on your way!