RJ Corman Lexington Dinner Train

You know, I would really like to do more trips involving trains.  When I stop at visitor centers, I always grab the brochures about tourism relating to trains.... but often the details are vague.  Does anyone know of a good, clear web site about train related tourism?

Anyway, I was very pleased to find out about the very easy to understand RJ Corman Lexington Dinner Train web site!

Literally here in my back yard, you can take a very nice train ride past various horse farms in the area, while enjoying a GREAT meal!

You get on the train at their office pretty much right next to Rupp Arena (it would be maybe a 5 minute slow walk from there), behind the Mary Todd Lincoln House.

We got there a little before 11 for our 11:30 lunch departure and there was really no wait.  Once on the train, there were several pleasant and professional staff people around to help with making the trip fun.

The dining cars are cozy while maintaining an old feel.  A rose was on each table, and nice curtains framed the windows looking out.  Tables were clean with new looking linen.  These guys care about the details and comfort!

As a fan of history, I was VERY impressed to learn that one of the cars was used in President Eisenhower's funeral.  From the RJ Corman web site about the train- "The RJC-011 car is also historically significant, having served as the funeral train for President Dwight Eisenhower's journey to Abilene, Kansas for burial."

The atmosphere on the 2 hour trip was very casual.  You are free to walk around and check things out.  There is a nice open area you can walk to for a better view of the farms.  We asked if we could walk through the Eisenhower car, and also stick our head in the kitchen.  We were encouraged to do both!  The kitchen was small, but, like the rest of the train, very clean and professionally staffed.  I can honestly say that after seeing the kitchen, I felt very comfortable enjoying my meal.

Speaking of the meal......  The food was amazing.  RJ Corman is not trying to get away with serving average food.  Just like with the trains general appearance, they are going for perfection.  The food was flawless.

In our party, we had the beef vegetable soup, and the tomato bisque.  For our Entrees, we tried the Hot Brown and the Prime Rib sandwich.  The soups tasted homemade and fresh.  On their web site, they do mention that they use local tomatoes and vegetables.  Again, RJ Corman is not taking any shortcuts on their menu and you can taste the quality!

Check out the photos!  That Hot Brown is as good as it looks!  In fact, the photos don't do the food justice!

AND....  check out the chocolate choo-choo!  That is a dessert for two, but the two of us couldn't finish it at this point, as much as we tried.

We took the lunch train, which was cheaper than the evening trip (it was about $70 each for lunch) but it was definitely worth it.  I would go back again for the food alone.

Check out their site and let me know what you think!

http://www.lexingtondinnertrain.com/