One summer Saturday night a month, Clarkdale, Arizona is the gathering spot between Phoenix and Flagstaff just off I-17. In this sleepy town across the valley from Sedona, Verde Canyon Railroad's vintage FP7 engines beckon ticket holders with idle whispering, “Let us take you away tonight.”
Waiting for the train call, first-time guests walk the length from caboose to engine, thunderstruck by the train’s massive size. Experienced excursion train riders walk a bit slower, recalling past railroad trips and anticipating the Grape Train Escape's unique adventure.
All Aboard
Ticketed guests fan themselves in line, wondering if they have chosen the right clothes for this warm, sticky night in a train car. Stepping up into each car, ceiling fans and central air greet them with a fair breeze and cooling temperatures.
Laura is the Sycamore Car 1st class car attendant. She welcomes each guest settling into living room style seating. Placed in sets of four at the cocktail table of each pair of loveseats are cold water bottles, dinner napkins and appetizer plates. She promises this is a memorable night and presents travellers with a challenge: “We’ve been watching a bald eagle pair and their nest. The baby (eaglet) just fledged, so keep your eyes open for them in the canyon. We’re still seeing them individually in or near the nest roosting in a tree top.”
She then kicks the Grape Escape into high gear, serving the first wines of the excursion, inviting everyone to enjoy an array of cheeses, meats, seafood salad, Caesar salad, Italian bread and juicy grapes of green and red. Before the train deposits travellers back at the Clarkdale depot, they taste four wines from Chile and Argentina, appetizers, salads, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
A wine company representative teaches guests the nuances of the four wines on offer. She knows her wine and the families who grow the grapes and put their names on these delicious vintages. It is hard to choose a favorite, even for the not-so-connoisseur wine tasters in the car. Of course, bottles are available for purchase. Each guest receives a souvenir burgundy red bottle opener with the Verde Canyon Railroad imprint to take home, whether any additional purchase is made or not.
Wildlife On-Board
Laura has another surprise. For only the second time ever, an American bald eagle visits each car. Guests have a unique opportunity to view the United States icon, while learning about wildlife conservation in and around the Verde Canyon.
The Verde Canyon Railroad supports wildlife protection, and their charity of choice for that cause is Liberty Wildlife, less than two hours drive from Clarkdale to Scottsdale, Arizona. Liberty Wildlife representatives carefully share a three year old female bald eagle with us. She is beginning to grow adult plumage and her survival story is amazing. Liberty Wildlife rescued her under the Eagle Protection Act . As a young eaglet, her nest was attacked by Africanized bees, resulting in severe injuries from falling out of the nest. Because healing was not able to occur properly, she cannot be released to the wild.
The Real Old West vs. Hollywood
The train rolls on to Perkinsville, the only stop. Although there is a modern home in sight, ruins of what was once a little town with train depot start cameras clicking. As the Perkins’ family cattle graze nearby, Laura tells their family story of homesteading here in 1899 and still own it all, with two households remaining on the property.
Hollywood called in 1960-62, filming parts of the epic western film here, titled “How the West Was Won.” The movie stars included George Peppard, Debbie Reynolds, James Stewart, John Wayne and more notable actors.
The sun is long down, guests senses are fulfilled, and the rocking of the train car has lulled many to sleep in the last hour riding on the cozy love seats.
Verde Canyon Railroad offers year-round railroad adventures for the whole family. The summer Grape Train Escape is monthly, May through September, along with the Starlight Train and the Tequila Sunset Train. At 5:30pm the whistle blows “All aboard.” Prices vary according to which of the three train journeys are chosen.
See the whole schedule on the Verde Canyon Railroad website as well as prices, packages, and news.
The 3 R's: Rail's Review Rating
On a rating scale of travel destinations from lowest of #1: don’t bother, to the highest of #5: don’t miss it, Verde Canyon Railroad remains a solid 5.
Disclaimer: One complimentary passage ticket and 10%-off ticket for my personal guests were provided in exchange for an honest opinion and review. No other form of compensation was received.
Lynn Pritchett - Lynn lives in Arizona with her husband and is caretaker for a few pets left behind by their two grown daughters.
