![]() The 2,600-acre property also houses von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall, though it’s worth heading into town to try Plate, a California-inspired farmhouse-chic eatery, or browse contemporary art at the Current. In the fall, enjoy hiking, biking and pickleball. In a somehow even more twee vein, fans of The Sound of Music should book a room at the Trapp Family Lodge (rates from $249), a resort established by the real-life von Trapp family that inspired the 1965 film. Perfect for bed-and-breakfasters, the family-owned getaway serves homemade meals each morning and has a private hot tub from which you can take in mountain scenery. Luckily, the depot is only about 15 minutes by car to the downtown district as well as the Brass Lantern Inn (rates from $135). ![]() THE DESTINATION: Renting a car or arranging for a local ride service may be your first order of business when planning a few days in the more northerly destinations on the route, such as Stowe - the third-to-last stop and an undeniably rural yet vacationer-focused hamlet at the base of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state. It’s an absolute mouthful, but there’s a lovely waterfall underneath. Stops of interest include Greenfield, an eclectic city in Western Massachusetts with Portlandia vibes sites visible from your seat include the Riverfront Park in Springfield, Connecticut, and the Green Mountain Boston & Maine Train Bridge. Golden rays crest over the ridges of the Green Mountains in the morning, sunset reflects off the water of the Connecticut River in the late afternoon, and you’ll drink in lush tree coverage and wildflower fields in between. But most of your 11-hour trip from Philly will be spent gawking at the scenery just outside your window anyway. Though the daily passenger train has no sleeper cars (business and coach classes only) the cafe and quiet cars offer some creature comforts, such as tables for spreading out a bit and peace from folks talking too loudly. Albans, Vermont, your trip includes stops at 30th Street Station and in NYC, New Haven, Connecticut and Montpelier. The route extends more than 600 miles across nine states and features awe-inspiring vistas of mountain terrain. THE JOURNEY: If you’re heading north for a quick trip before winter settles in, trade all the traffic you’ll hit on the road for a ride on the Vermonter. The Trapp Family Lodge / Photograph by Chadwick Estey (It’s one of Marc Vetri’s favorite destination restaurants.) You should splurge on its Quebecois fare, though you should not post on social media that you tried le cheval (translation: horse) unless you want to become public enemy number one - as one Philly Mag staffer discovered - before your trip even really gets going. You can ask a friendly local for recs.) For dinner, Joe Beef regularly lands on lists of the best dining establishments in the world. (These shops are everywhere, like cheesesteaks in Philly. When it comes to food, Montreal specialties like poutine and smoked meats are in abundance. You’ll be steps away from the historic port as well as the massive Notre-Dame Basilica - a must-visit. It’s a thoroughly modern property in an area that otherwise tends to be stodgy when it comes to hotels. ![]() THE DESTINATION: Old Montreal is the quaint riverfront neighborhood where you’ll wind up spending most of your time, and Hôtel Gault (rates from $315) is where you should stay there. and considering that like major European cities, this is a town that starts the evening on the later side, it’s perfect timing to begin your adventure, whether for a long weekend or a midweek getaway. Once you clear the border (bring your passport!), it’s only a bit further to Montreal’s Central Train Station. Wherever you sit, take in the dramatic vistas of changing leaves in the Hudson Valley, the picturesque Hudson River, and the ridges and peaks of the mountain range that gives the line its name. You can walk around as much as you want and spend most of your day in the cafe car with a good book or, if you have a companion, a Scrabble board. That may seem like a long ride, especially considering that only coach class is offered between NYC and Montreal. train in Philly, and transfer to the route at New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall, with a total trip time to Montreal of just over 13 hours. ![]() This is precisely the service the Adirondack line offers: Hop a 6:37 a.m. THE JOURNEY: Imagine leaving Philadelphia in the morning and having dinner in one of the largest Francophone cities in the world without the hassles of flying - and for half the cost. The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal / Photograph by Felipe Mule via Getty Images ![]()
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