Taking the train in June . . .

My wife and I have done the Amtrak roomette thing a couple times - once from Seattle to Whitefish (Glacier Park) and back on the Empire Builder, and once one-way from Denver to Oakland on the California Zephyr. Had a great experience both times. I'd strongly recommend reserving a roomette on the upper level (if there is one - not sure the East Coast runs have two levels), and well away from the toilets to avoid the potential objectionable aromas.
 
Just curious, after reading this, what about a cross country bus? Is one prohibited from carrying on a bus?
 
Sounds like a really fun trip, I'm jealous. I've been all over the U.S. but never taken a train trip in a sleeper car and also never been to NYC, they're both on my bucket list.
 
Just curious, after reading this, what about a cross country bus? Is one prohibited from carrying on a bus?
Interesting question. I did a quick google search. Looks like Greyhound prohibits firearms and firearms parts in both carry on and checked luggage. Larger stations have metal detectors, or at least wands, and they check for weapons.
 
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We did the same trip a couple years ago, just didn't spring for the roomettes. Decided this time it was a must. Somebody else pointed out that the East Coast trains might not have the double decker roomettes, and I'm pretty sure they're right. Also pretty sure these don't have the toilet, much to my wife's relief . . .

Muss, my wife and I took Amtrak's Empire Builder from Chicago to Whitefish, MT for a trip to Glacier National Park last summer and then back again. It was a mostly marvelous travel experience. Bigwheelzip's description was spot-on, and I will just add:

The larger sleeper compartment with the toilet inside was way more money and, though a bit roomier, has the downside of the toilet being in there where you're sleeping. We had the smaller sleeper, with the pull-down bunk atop the facing seats that fold down into a bunk. It's cozy, and whoever gets to crawl into the top bunk had better be agile and, preferably, of smaller stature to make the move.

Mealtime was by reservation, three seatings if I recall, and surprisingly fun, as tables are for four, so you share with another couple for each meal. Folks who travel by train are in interesting breed, and we met some great people. Food was really good, and included in the price of our ticket, except for any alcohol.

There are toilets on both levels of each double-decker train car, plus showers on the lower. Again, cozy but comfortable.

Our return trip was, I think by default, in the same sleeper compartment, so we got to see what we had missed on the way out. A nice touch, I thought.

Only downside, and it was bearable but annoying, was a large family group traveling together in several compartments and including several teenage cousins, who seemed at every opportunity to ditch the grown-ups and gather in the sleepers next to ours to cut up and cuss. We could've ratted them out, but chose to just live and let live.

Have fun!
 
Lots of interesting stuff to see in the big cities. Like Gramma Muggins used to say, there's a lid for every pot . . .

Chicago? Jersey? NYC? Those would be at the bottom of my list of places to take a vacation. Right below the gulags in Siberia. Sorry, but you wanted to discuss. I hope you enjoy the company of your family and have fun, stay safe.
 
Just curious, after reading this, what about a cross country bus? Is one prohibited from carrying on a bus?

Former KS Sheriff and Attorney General Vern Miller was honored at a Kansas Bar Assn event yesterday. There is a locally famous story about Vern putting agents on board a train in KC. It was illegal to sell liquor in Kansas at the time. When they got off the train at the first stop, they were liquored up. So Vern busted the train. He supposedly tried to stop the airlines from selling drinks when flying in Kansas airspace. Vern is a hoot to visit with. He has a million stories. People in Kansas either hated him or loved him at the time. I'm close to him and his family.
 
Why make a public post that you are going to break the law? Something fishy here....
 
A BIL convinced me to train ride from Indianapolis to Chicago then on to Albuquerque.
Just a regular seat.
Long, real long! 30 plus hours.
If I ever do it again I will have one of those compartment -roomette things.
 
Chicago? Jersey? NYC? Those would be at the bottom of my list of places to take a vacation. Right below the gulags in Siberia. Sorry, but you wanted to discuss. I hope you enjoy the company of your family and have fun, stay safe.

Well you seem fun ...

NYC and Chicago are great places and I am sure you will enjoy yourself! Even Northern NJ has some beautiful spots.

Stay aware of your surroundings and everything will be just fine.
 
What law?

There are options available bring a gun on a train, and LEOSA covers carrying in all 50 states.

I'll bet you can't carry at Shedd Aquarium.
Seriously, it would be very helpful to me, and I would be very interested in the legal aspects and methods of carrying a gun on a trip like this.
I love Amtrak. I like to take a bicycle on the train from here to St Louis then ride back home. I wish I could bring a gun on that trip. Part of my ride back home is through some VERY dicey places.
 
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Make sure there is a place you can stick your head out the window.
Every train ride needs to joy of "dogging it"!!

Also, you probably know LEO=Retired LEO with the LEOSA credentials, can carry hollow-point ammo in NJ.
 
And While You're There

If you have the time check out the beaches. NJ has about 100miles of famous Jersey Shore. Likewise Long Island NY. Both within about 1 1/2hr from your hotel.
 
I would love to, but it'll have to be the next trip. This one is already well scheduled. Gonna see my Cardinals beat the Mets at Citi Field. I've been to Citi and Yankee Stadium before, but not to see the Birds on the Bat. Some sort of Broadway show is in everybody's future but mine, gonna walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, pizza at John's on Times Square, revisit some favorites and try a few new things. . . .

If you have the time check out the beaches. NJ has about 100miles of famous Jersey Shore. Likewise Long Island NY. Both within about 1 1/2hr from your hotel.
 
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