For serious pampering, book the caboose to see the sights from your own private car (for six or fewer), cozy and richly adorned  in wood and leather, along with a personal attendant, private viewing platforms and champagne to sip as you live the good life.

The first class cars hold 24 to 40 passengers and boast comfortable love-seats or gracious high-backed chairs where guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments as well as access to a full-service bar. Coach class has more than its share of comfort and fun, with vintage Pullman-style bench seats, enormous viewing windows and snack bars with basic beverage service. Everyone has access to open-air viewing cars, which allow for fantastic picture taking.  



The Grape Train Escape series takes the romantic appeal of the train to a whole new level. For five years now, wine enthusiasts have hopped on board each summer to sample wines from around the world, talk to winemakers, enjoy gourmet snacks and escape the real world for a few hours. There are six rides scheduled between June and September, each featuring wine from a different region.

Highlights include the ride on August 15, that features wines from the Verde Valley, a surprising hidden hotbed of winemaking in Arizona, and a personal favorite, the “World Class Cheeses” ride on July 18.

The Railroad is one of the cornerstone activities of the Jerome/Clarkdale/Cottonwood area, which is still holding on to its best-kept-secret status among central Arizona attractions. Just 30 minutes away from Sedona and about 45 minutes from Prescott, this triad of towns offers an off-the-beaten path experience full of art, great food, quirky communities, stunning scenery and opportunities to delve into little-known corners of Arizona’s past and present.

Imagine a morning spent poking around art galleries and a 10,000 year-old ruin, an afternoon on the train and an evening chowing on all-you-can-eat barbeque at the Blazin’ M Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner Show and then sipping cocktails atop Mingus Mountain with sunset views across the entire Verde Valley. It’s well worth carving out at least a day, if not more, in your travel schedule.

To book rides on the Verde Valley Railroad, visit www.verdecanyonrr.com or call 1-800-320-0718.

Article contributed by Sarah Horton, Staff Writer, Gateway To Sedona.

Posted May 6, 2008.