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I'm planning another capitols visit, not sure when but I love to plan! The itinerary I've come up with so far is Amtrak Empire Service to NYC, changing for Amtrak REgional to Boston, where I'd catch a shuttle bus to Concord, spend 2 nights there, seeing capitol and some elderly relatives I want to see there on second day, then bus back to Boston, changing for a (Vermont Transit I think) bus to Augusta, spend one night there, see capitol and state museum next morning, then bus to Portland Maine (where I've been before, but that was by car and I don't remember the layout too well) so that I can take the Downeaster (I never have) back to Boston. Then I'd spend a few days there, seeing that capitol and other sights. Since the capitols of these cities are only open weekdays, I'd have to leave on a Monday.
Anyway, I wondered if anyone has any input on Concord or Augusta hotels or restaurants or just what in general you think of these cities.
And also, since I'm just overnighting in Portland to take the Downeaster, my Triple A book makes it look like the Doubletree would be the best place to stay; does anyone know that hotel or have any advice on that score?
Also, any tips on taking the Downeaster? Do you recommend a particular seat, for instace, or business class if there is one?
Thanks!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Sojourner - you live up to your screen name well!!!! My, you take a lot of train trips! But I know you enjoy each and every one to their fullest! I know ZERO about the Downeaster, but hope you have a great trip anyway!!!
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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I've just driven through both Augusta and Concord; they're smaller cities, so I doubt that you'll have a lot of options regarding places to stay or eat. But if it's just for one night...how bad can it be? We have a Doubletree near my office that I use all the time for lunch; that's a fine chain; you won't go wrong. I don't believe there's a business class on the Downeaster; it's only a 2.5 hour trip anyway.
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Sad to say I have driven through and taken the Vermont Transit bus through Augusta, ME but can not tell you much about it. When I used to drive through there (I have a daughter who lives near Bangor) I drove by the Capitol building. Large and Impressive as I recall. Be advised that the current bus stop for Augusta is at the Augusta airport and I am not sure how far from downtown that is. I have seen taxis there but believe you may have to call for one. A call to the bus company location before going would be advisable.
I can offer no advice on where to stay in Augusta nor what to see while there. Maine does rely on tourist $$$ so an email to the Chamber of Commerce or the State Tourism Dept should reap at least some brochures.
Here is web site for Augusta tourism (and from it you can jump to other areas of state including Portland).
We just took the Downeaster from Dover, NH to Boston for the day on 6/22 with our 3 grandchildren while visiting from Wisconsin. It does have a Cafe Car that is also part Business Class but I don't know if it is worth it. The Amfleet coaches were more comfortable than the Horizon's on the Hiawatha's. Sitting on either side seems fine for looking out the window.
You might want to check Concord Trailways website also for getting to Concord vs Vermont Trailways. Concord Trailways also shares the station in Portland with the Downeaster, I think Vermont has their own 3/4 mile away.
Art
Posts: 15 | From: Mke, WI, USA | Registered: Jun 2003
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Thank you all for the info! I checked with Concord Trailways too. It seems in all cases one must go to Boston by bus to get to Augusta. Augusta is not a very busy destination either--not that many buses!
I may wind up splitting this trip into 2, just go via Boston to Concord (where I have to see relatives as well as capitol) this time and not stay elsewhere. Depends on how much time I can find for it, and money.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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It always amazes me how many of our nation's state capitals have ZERO rail passenger service, as Ms. Sojourner is finding out! You mentioned Concord NH -- other capital cities with no (either direct or convenient nearby) rail passernger service are:
Boise ID Helena MT Augusta ME Columbus OH Pierre SD Bismarck ND Phoenix AZ Nashville TN Frankfort KY
and there are many others.......
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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I am sure RRRich meant intercity service, but having just returned from a trip on the Music City Star I can attest that Nashville now has rail passenger service. Unfortunately it's only 32 mile trip for commuters but certainly a good ride to the booming suburbs.
Sort of a poor man's service with second hand equipment and spartan stations but well done with good service. It was certainly a pleasure to ride along the old Tennessee Central mainline at 60mph.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Well, Mr. RRRICH, please don't leave out Tallahassee from your "short list" of state capitals without rail service (unless you count the "phantom" Sunset Limited that rolls through three times a week in each direction.
-------------------- Ocala Mike Posts: 1530 | From: Ocala, FL | Registered: Dec 2006
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The Doubletree Hotel in Portland is literally across the parking lot from the train station, but they also have a hotel van that will transport you if you have luggage. It's a perfectly acceptable place; I've stayed there twice.
The Portland rail station is also a bus station, and there are buses to many Maine points from there. So you should easily be able to get from Augusta to Portland.
On the Downeaster, sit on the left side, facing forward, and you'll have some views of the ocean around Old Orchard Beach.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: It always amazes me how many of our nation's state capitals have ZERO rail passenger service,
Boise ID Helena MT Augusta ME Columbus OH Pierre SD Bismarck ND Phoenix AZ Nashville TN Frankfort KY
and there are many others.......
There's a Blackjack (edit) without any "heavy rail' passenger service.
* denoted above by Mr. Rich
Montgomery AL Juneau AK Phoenix AZ* Dover DE (addenda) Talahassee FL Honolulu HI Boise ID* Des Moines IA Frankfort KY* Baton Rouge LA Agusta ME* Anapolis MD Helena MT* Carson City NV Santa Fe NM Bismarck ND* Columbus OH* Pierre SD Montpellier VT Madison WI Cheyenne WY
Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Ms. Dee, I probably should concede that point, but the Central Vermont named the station Montpelier Junction. Montpelier-Barre is some kind of latter day creation likely of the Vermonter's local-level sponsors.
Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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First my compilation has been updated with the addendum duly noted; Somehow when I was mentally compiling that listing I focused in on guess where - Wilmington.
Double shame as my 18 month tour at Dover AFB was "good duty' - especially good since it was within reach of home (Riverside CT) and a part time job in my Father's business (a "little something' to augument E-3 pay always helped - especially to pay for things like a trip to Fla; down on the Meteor return on the Special)
Posts: 9977 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I did not list Montpelier, since the "Montpelier" station (actually Montpelier Junction, as GBN stated) on the Vermonter route is fairly close to town -- only a couple miles out, and Montpelier has probably got to be the smallest state capital in the country!!!
I also didn't list Carson City, since nearby (within reasonable driving distance) Reno has AMTRAK service -- same with Santa Fe, NM, since Lamy isn't TOO terribly far away, and they have service.
Then there is my former home town of Lansing, MI -- no service to Lansing, but East Lansing, 5 miles from downtown Lansing, does have daily AMTRAK service.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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You also left off Annapolis, MD, and Honolulu, HI.
In planning to visit all the capitals, I don't consider problematic the ones that have good, short bus service from the train. There are frequent trains between Concord NH and Boston, for example.
For me, the real problems are the places that require lengthy bus trips. Nashville, Columbus (both quite big cities, too), Frankfurt, Helena, Pierre, Bismarck, Carson City, and probably Montgomery seem like they will pose the biggest problems for me to access. Also Tallahassee if the Sunset Ltd doesn't resume. Plus returning to Juneau to see the capitol, if I ever do, will be expensive; and of course Honolulu, if I'm not going to fly, means a cruise, and I'm not entirely sure if I want to tour the capitol as my excursion!
But I'll keep plugging away when I can!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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sojourner you are correct that Nashville requires a bus trip, but might be doable as Greyhound lists 5 trips Memphis to Nashville with two of them mid day. The schedule shows a 4 hour trip.
The City of New Orleans is a nice, mostly on time train and Memphis is accessable via pleasant daytime trip from New Orleans or overnight from Chicago (usually with reasonable roomette fares).
Both cities are unique and well worth some time. If you travel after November, the second renovation of the Union Station hotel (now a Wyndam property) will be complete. We stayed there this month and so far they are doing a wonderful job with the lobby. Restaurants to reopen later this fall. Rooms very deluxe, although maybe a bit modern for my taste and the period of the hotel.
A couple blocks from the hotel is the free connecting city bus to the commuter train station on the river if you are so inclined. That station is also on Broadway where most of the music stores are located. Aside from the capitol, there is the Parthenon and the Grand Old Opry - or better - schedule a visit when the Ryman Auditorium is having a show - original home of the Opry.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Thanks, Palmland. I am actually going to Nashville this fall--via Atlanta, though, not Memphis. I am meeting friends in Nashville, so the dates are fixed, and I couldn't get a downtown hotel in Memphis either before or after the Nashville days, plus I didn't really have the time for a longer trip after so many others this year, so I decided to go to Memphis another time. I have friends in Atlanta to visit overnight and will see the capitol there too, never having done so on my past visit.
I still foresee a not-great bus trip. 4 hrs is a lot on a Greyhound bus! And the bus service, from either Memphis or Atlanta, is not really so convenient--I mean, it's nothing like the Concord-Boston buses, which run every hour or so all day long and so are very convenient (and of course that's only a 1-1/2 hour bus ride, more my kind of thing).
But you're right, the trip isn't TOO terrible. And at least at the end of it will be Nashville, a city I've always wanted to visit. Of the capitols to which I haven't been, it's probably in the top 8 interest-wise for me (the others would be Austin, Salt Lake City, Richmond, Springfield, St Paul/Minneapolis, Little Rock, and of course Honolulu, if only it were easier for me to get there; plus I need to return to Denver, Annapolis, and Boston because I never was inside those capitols; plus Phoenix itself doesn't interest me so much but I really want to go to Tucson and can use an airport shuttle to get from there to Phoenix and hopefully will see something of Scottsdale too). The rest of the capitols to which I haven't yet been so far are less interesting to me, though Madison, Concord, Raleigh, Frankfort, Charleston WVa, and Lincoln look pretty enough. And some of them I haven't investigated at all.
Frankfort is really bad to get to. There isn't a bus at all; I have to find a taxi or something from Lexington! And getting to Lexington isn't so easy if you don't fly, either. I guess I'll combine that trip with Charleston and Columbus, but we'll see. I mean, I'm thinking I'd rather go on a Panama Canal cruise hahaha
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I found this thread interesting regarding the large number of state capitals without passenger railway service. Here in Canada the following provincial capitals have no passenger service: Regina Saskatchewan, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island, Fredericton New Brunswick, St. John's Newfoundland. Since there are only ten provinces in Canada almost one half of Canadian provincial capitals have no passenger rail service. As well the capitals of the three territories (Whitehorse Yukon, Yellowknife Northwest Territories and Iqaluit Nunavut are devoid of passenger (or any) rail service.
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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I have made the trek to Columbus, OH many times. With current timetables of Amtrak and the Hound here is what you are up against.
Westward from CT to Columbus --- 1.- Lakeshore Limited which arrives in Cleveland at 3:30 AM. 2.- Taxi from Amtrak station to Hound station. (You are not walking in this area at that hour!! 3.- Bus to Columbus at either 4:30 Am or 9:15 AM (depends on the actual time of arrival) Arrive in Columbus abour 2 hr 25 min - 2 hr 45 min from time of departure.
Eastward from Columbus to CT -- 1.- Bus from Columbus at 11:15 PM arrives in Cleveland at 1:25 AM.(Latest possible bus that will make connection). 2.- Taxi from bus station to train station. 3.- LakeShore Limited scheduled to leave at 7:00 AM. (It has never been on time and I have taken it from this station dozens of times.)
This is not a trip for the faint of heart. Those unable to doze for a few minutes while sitting up on a bus and those for whom sleep deprivation is a problem I advise to fly.
The alternate route through Cincinatti is even worse the last time I checked and required a nightime layover in Washington, DC. I confess I was never even tempted to try it.
Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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Dee: When I go to Columbus, my plan is to go to Charleston W Va on the Cardinal, stay overnight, see that capitol and then take the bus from there to Columbus. Then I will see the capitol there, stay 2 nights (I have a free place to stay), then either (a) go to Cincinnati (a city I always wanted to see), spend a couple of days, take the Cardinal home, with an overnight in Charlottesville (not Washington DC) because I cannot arrive so late into NYC and the Red Roof I stayed in Charlottesville last time was inexpensive and fine); then either bus to DC and REgional to NYP or Crescent all the way to NYP; or (b) bus via Cincinnati to Lexington (if I can find a way to get to Frankfort), stay overnight in Frankfort, then go back to Cincinnati and continue as in (a). It's doable but tricky, what with the Cardinal running just 3 times a week; but I hope to do it in March or April maybe, when the Cardinal eastbound is so pretty. But it does seem like a lot of time to spend when I could be taking that Panama Canal cruise! Still, if I don't do this soon (a) the people I know in Columbus may not be there, they have talked about moving on retirement; and (b) who can trust the Cardinal to keep running? (esp after Sen Byrd dies, which has to happen one of these years, he's no youngster).
I'm told the bus terminal in Columbus is a bad place, but that's by people who are completely not used to public transportation. What do you think about it, Dee?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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My visits to Columbus were to visit grandchildren - so needless to say my goal was straight to and from there in order to maximize family time. Columbus bus station is the only bus station that I was ever wand searched and had my suitcases (and pocketbook) rummaged through, as did everyone else. Not pleasant employees. While the neighborhood seems fine - the station attracts it share of undesirables. Thankfully daughter and family have recently moved to the Albany, NY area --- a short and pleasant ride on the LSL stub train. Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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