An overnight from Greenville SC to NYC in a Roomette was an absolute pleasure compared to flying.
Porter is expecting you, knows your name before you arrive, warmly greets you and carries your bag from the platform to your room. Introduces you to the sleeping car attendant, who sees to every detail of setting you up in your room, including several bottles of ice cold water waiting for you in the cabin. That attendant is always just outside your roomette door, in case you need anything.
Your reminded when it is time to go to the Dining Car. The tables are set with tablecloths, china, silverware, and flowers. Everything on the menu is cooked to order and complimentary. The Cajun omelet was so good, a post-breakfast stop at the kitchen was in order to praise the chef.
The entire train experience was first class, though I'd suggest a room upgrade from Roomette to Bedroom is worthwhile to gain toileting privacy, as long as the slightly shorter beds are not an issue. My large framed six foot seven inch husband was very comfortable in the lower bunk of the Roomette. There were no odors in the room from the toilet, and the cabin had a ton of ventilation, in addition to climate control that you adjust to suit your comfort.
For a good feed, my brother's West Side Steakhouse, 597 10th Ave, New York, NY is dependably good food in a nice atmosphere. If it matters to you, Fox News personalities eat there regularly.
Karl Rove (Former Chief of Staff to George W Bush ), Dana Perino (former White House Press Secretary for George W Bush) and FOX News Host, Chris Stirewalt (Washington D.C. Editor / FOX News Contributor) with my brother at the restaurant.
See the 9/11 Memorial, and the new World Trade Center Subway Station.
Take a walk on the High Line elevated train right-of-way.
Look for King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building.
Visit Grand Central Station, go to the Oyster Bar there, and marvel at the georgeous vaulted Guastavino tiled ceiling.
Statue of liberty/Ellis Island visit.
Circle line boat trip around Manhattan.
Tour the Stock Exchange.
Find what is left of Little Italy in China Town. Eat at Umberto's Clam Bar, where Crazy Joe Gallo got "hit".
Have a Pastrami on Rye at Katz's Delicatessen, Est. 1888, 205 East Houston Street.
See Central Park/ ride Hansom Cab.
People watch in Washington Square Park/Greenwich Village.
Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Riverside Park/Grants Tomb.
Ft. Tryon and The Cloisters.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Museums and Plays.
Aircraft Carrier Intrepid.
See a Yankee game.
Toy Store FAO Schwarz used to be fabulous, have not been to the new version at 30 Rock.
Bring your high-limit credit cards and have a great trip.
