Family Adventures on the Rails: Our Spring Break Train Journey
When I'm not buried under fabric and quilting patterns, you can find me adventuring with my family. This Spring Break, we decided to switch things up and travel by train across the country—a first for us! Let me walk you through our journey with some snapshots along the way.
We kicked things off by flying to Chicago (from our home in NC) and taking in the brisk air by Lake Michigan.
I know lots of people go to warmer climates for Spring Break, but not this time!
From there, we boarded the California Zephyr for an overnight journey. Our accommodations? Two cozy 'roomettes'—each the size of a single seat that transforms into bunk beds at night. It's snug!
Aaron was especially thrilled with his little nook!
Since our roomettes were in separate cars, we spent lots of time in the observation car, playing games and indulging in an unhealthy amount of junk food!
The next morning, we arrived in Denver, ready to explore. We managed an early hotel check-in and dashed off to the Denver Zoo. When it snowed the next day, the kids were ecstatic. They sledded and lobbed snowballs in the Rockies, soaking up the rare (for them) snowfall!
Our journey continued with a day train to Grand Junction, trailing the Colorado River. We dined in the dining car—decent food, though a tad repetitive—and savored the changing views.
Our favorite on the menu? The Amtrak signature steak for me and Keith, and the burgers for the kids!
That evening, we drove to Moab, Utah, mesmerized by the starlit sky en route—so clear, so vivid! Moab's red rocks were a stark contrast to our usual forested landscapes and truly breathtaking
Of course, I brought a quilt! The 'With You' quilt, a piece I tested for my friend Mary Catherine @duepinoli, found its perfect backdrop in Moab's red rocks, lit by the morning sun on our way back to Grand Junction.
Stunning views in Canyonlands National Park.
Afterward, we were back on the train, kids glued to their tablets (for the first time on this trip!) as we enjoyed side-by-side roomettes this time—a small luxury!
Our next stop was Omaha, where my husband, Keith, revisited his Air Force days. Despite a rough night on the train (4 AM arrival and hardly any sleep), we loved discovering Omaha's vibrant parks and social spaces.
Here we are on the new pedestrian bridge connecting Omaha to Iowa!
When a rockslide delayed our next train, we opted to drive from Omaha to Chicago, enjoying the rural views of farms and wind turbines along the way—those turbines are massive up close!
We wrapped up our trip in Chicago with a delightful Easter brunch and the kids' first Broadway show, Peter Pan—what a treat!
Aaron and Keith took a little stroll around Millennium Park in Chicago while Michael and I stayed at brunch a little longer to watch some soccer!
Peter Pan on Broadway in Chicago!!
Traveling by train was a novel and memorable way for us to explore and bond. Who knew you could pack so many adventures into one Spring Break? Have you ever traveled by train? What was your experience like?
