Travel west this summer -- OK, not that far west because we'd miss you -- to West Virginia and experience the thrill of mountain valleys and never-ending countrysides on a Potomac Eagle railroad trip.
The three-hour, narrated train excursion runs along the south branch of the Potomac River and features a open-top gondola car and other open-air cars so you literally feel the wind in your hair.
Every train ride includes a snack bar, and first-class seating includes a climate-controlled lounge and gourmet desserts. You can also bring your own bag lunch (or maybe picnic would be fancier word).
For those of you more on the adventurous side, all-day trips are available on select dates (the next is May 12) along with murder mystery trains and fall foliage tours when the summer heat wears off.
Worth the Trip
Try the Smoke Hole for a woodsy lodge stay-cation if you make a weekend out of it.
The train leaves from Wappacomo Station (Route 28 North) in Romney, W.V., about 120 miles from downtown D.C. Three-hour trips are $48 per person. All-day trips are $80. Call 304-424-0736 for reservations.
