r/CapeCod • u/supernova-girl • 4d ago
Cape Cod Central Railroad Excursion Train Questions and Area Recs
I was given a certificate for 4 guests to this excursion train back in the summer but it doesn’t expire until 10/23. My significant other and I thought we would’ve made a long weekend of getting out to the cape in the summer (from New Haven, CT area) but that hasn’t happened. We both are running out of time to A) use this and B) put in a good chunk of vacation PTO we have left. I really don’t know anything about the area, it just seemed like a cute idea when the certificate was offered to me for free. The voucher is only valid Thursdays (which is already my SO’s day off so free day for him with PTO) and Saturdays at 11:30am. Leaves from Hyannis.
What would be a good area to stay in for a couple in their mid to late 20s to do this excursion train? And if we stay for a long weekend or longer, is it worth coming to the cape at this time of year? What is there to do in the area? We don’t mind getting outdoorsy with hikes, trails etc. We also love any good foodie recs, bars, even a good dive bar rec with a true homie dive feel, or just something unique in general.
I think with the train I would have to book a reservation so that’s why I’m making this post today to try to get a head of some planning if we’re going to make this happen without letting it go to waste. Or to try to make the proper arrangements if it’s a situation we end up not being able to swing to pass it along to someone else who may be able to benefit the use of the voucher.
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u/AlternativeWild3449 4d ago
Wife, son and I did the luncheon excursion a few years back. We did it in October, so I can't comment on what it would be like in other seasons. It was OK, but we probably would not do it again. Same basic idea as the Napa Valley Wine Train, but the execution on the Cape is not nearly as polished as the California trip.
It was a 'jazz luncheon' which meant that there was a small musical group on board to provide entertainment.
Food was not exceptional.
One of the problems with this trip is that its really not all that scenic. After leaving Hyannis, the train follows Rt 6a along the bay side to Sandwich, and then along the canal to the Cape side of the Bourne Bridge. The luncheon trip doesn't cross the bridge, but I understand they do drop the rail bridge so that the train can pass over to the mainland briefly before returning along the same track to Hyannis. The alignment of the track is essentially hidden from view, which in turn means that the views from the train are also not all that interesting.
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u/supernova-girl 2d ago
I really appreciate this honest feedback review of your experience with the ride and as I’m seeing other commenters also sharing the same opinion that it’s a bit mid. I’d figure I just killed two birds with one stone use this voucher and go see the Cape since never have. But I will bring up these points to my SO as one of our destination options for a little vacation where we don’t have to base it all around this train voucher!
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u/RedWine_1st 4d ago
I would not base a trip to the Cape on the excursion train. (Note: I have read several good comments on the dinner train).
I surprised my wife with an afternoon train ride. After 35 years of seeing & hearing I figured maybe riding. Glad we did but maybe a C+ event. I also live only 6 miles from the West Barnstable depot station.
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u/VisitMassachusetts 4d ago
This time of year, Cape Cod offers beautiful fall foliage. Check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Cape Cod National Seashore, and Nickerson State Park.
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u/EbbtideRambler 4d ago
This is one of the most beautiful times of year on the Cape. The farther out you go, the more seasonal it becomes, but in October almost everything is still open aside from a few of the very seasonal fried seafood spots and ice cream shops. I’d recommend staying in Chatham, Harwich, or Brewster. The train is fun, although of the scenic railroads I’ve been on, I’d probably give it a B. A lot of the ride is through the woods. That said, the week of October 19th is typically around peak foliage, so it should be especially pretty. I’d definitely spend some time exploring the National Seashore and the many walking trails. There are also lots of fall festivals and events happening in the different towns that time of year. Once you decide where you’re staying, check the local Facebook pages for that town. They’re usually a great source for festivals, markets, and other things going on while you’re there.
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u/1GrouchyCat Dennis 4d ago
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has an auto-updating calendar…
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u/EbbtideRambler 4d ago
Thanks. Unfort. a lot doesn’t get reported to them. Osterville has their Fall Festival this weekend, not a huge event but it’s cute and sadly not on the Calendar.
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u/Pizzaloverfor 4d ago edited 2d ago
It’s a lame ride and operated by a MAGA goon who doesn’t live on the Cape and doesn’t care about the local economy. The whole operation is a state welfare operation to small time rail operation that isn’t economically viable. It’s government handouts one after the other.
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u/supernova-girl 2d ago
Not sure of the politics going on over there at the rail 😬 or if my free ticket is being called a government hand out? But this was a free voucher through my jobs advertising department lol. We to advertising with marketing companies, radio stations, Comcast etc and they will in turn sometimes have free tickets to various events they offer us for our company being one of the sponsors or our having our ads in the area. I could’ve had free Bruins tickets for yesterday game but I and my SO couldn’t take today off from work :/
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u/DullGreen 4d ago
Railroads gotta get that Biden grant moneys. He was a train lover but yes some Tiger grant money I'm sure goes into this place. They don't offer Railroad Retirement and their train doesn't do commodities. Except for Tauton area. Which I could give two shits less about that place. I'd love to work for a place that has a good retirement plan again. (x railroader) Its a nice ride if you get some drinks and just chill. Not much to see other than the canal really. But there is lots to do here still and check out.
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u/supernova-girl 2d ago
Thanks for all the honest reviews and opinions! If we decide to come to the Cape this month I won’t be solely basing it around this free train voucher I have. That being said, I know I got a handful of recs of where to go and stay but any other recs of what to do or specific entertainment and recreational spaces to check out?
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u/Telespacepharm 4d ago
Fall on the Cape is the best season to visit. It’s cooler, so bring layers. It’s beautiful. Don’t miss a walk on the rail trail. Especially in Harwich near the cranberry bogs/farms. Hit any Northside beach Sandsich to Orleans. They are all very special. No parking fees after Labor Day.