Since long before Covid, I’d been dreaming about traveling to Denali via a dome topped train. That dream, like many others, has been delayed indefinitely, but to my surprise, I found an alternative close to my childhood home.
Although I spent the first 25 years of my life in Massachusetts, and have since visited there more times than I can count, I never was aware that Cape Cod had one of those magnificent dome topped trains. I have no idea how long it has been in existence, and I never knew you could choose to enjoy a fabulous dinner on it during your three hour ride.
It seemed like the perfect option for a belated Father’s Day present for my 93 year old dad. Yes, this year, I celebrated Father’s Day in July. It’s the rebel in me. Who cares what the calendar says? I’ll celebrate whatever I want, whenever it pleases me, damn it.
The 5 course meal included crudités, chowder, this lovely salad,
your choice among four entrees (vegetarian, seafood, chicken and beef) and dessert.
My dad had the beef tenderloin. I chose the chicken cordon bleu. Both were delicious, and beautifully presented.
The price of the meal is included in the cost of your ticket. You choose among three classes of dinner service: First Class, Premium (the dome top) and Platinum (a club car). We went with Platinum so that we could experience the dome top. Even though it rained briefly during our trip, it still was a beautiful ride. If anything, the rain made the scenery look like an impressionistic painting.
Wine and cocktails can be purchased, so why not? How could I pass up an opportunity to get my dad a little tipsy? We bought a bottle, and I was driving, so you can guess who slurped up most of that bottle.
You can choose to depart from Falmouth, Hyannis or Buzzards Bay. The choice of day will determine which will be your departure station (or vice versa–your departure station determines the day of the week you’ll be riding.)
We were seated far enough apart, and the air conditioning was blasting away, so we felt comfortable and safe sharing this indoor space during COVID. (Plus we were both vaccinated).
More information is available on their website: Capetrain.com
See the canal from a different vantage point. You’ll be glad you did!
Destination NOW 
What a lovely idea!
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Hi Barbara, it’s so good to hear from you. Do you have any future travel plans? These variants are scary, but I’m hoping things will settle down.
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Looks amazing ! What a great idea for a dinner ,,,ever changing landscape , great food and even better company . Thanks for sharing .
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Aw, thanks, Anthony. If you and your girlfriend get to the cape, it would be a fun thing to do. It is probably even more beautiful during your slow time.
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That looks like so much fun. What a terrific way to celebrate your dad. I hope that, one of these days, you get to go to Denali and ride the train.
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What a great idea, Shelley! Thanks for sharing.
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I hope the fairy godmothers out there will sprinkle a little wish-list dust onto unsuspecting spouses tee tee.
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