I hate driving however love Portland, Maine, so when the Amtrak Downeaster requested us to work with them on a weekend getaway, I used to be undoubtedly thrilled to take part.
My daughter had some weekend commitments for the subsequent few weekends, so I used to be capable of get some much-needed one-on-one time with my son. I grew up with Amtrak (my dad and uncle labored for them), so I all the time take pleasure in sharing my love of trains with my children.
Due to the Amtrak Downeaster for partnering with us on this journey to Portland, Maine. Our journey was for free of charge to us. All opinions are my very own.
Touring To Portland on the Amtrak Downeaster
Concerning the Amtrak Downeaster
The Amtrak Downeaster operates every day from Boston’s North Station to Brunswick Maine, with a . Different Amtrak Downeaster stops embody Freeport, Portland, Saco, and Wells in Maine, and Dover, Durham, and Exeter in New Hampshire. It additionally stops at Haverhill and Woburn in MA. Late departures are provided from Boston on the times when the TD Backyard is internet hosting night occasions.
The Downeaster affords coach and enterprise class seating. You’ll want a legitimate reservation for the practice.
There are various kinds of fares once you buy your tickets on-line. A price fare has some change choices, and you should use reductions, whereas a versatile fare is totally refundable however doesn’t settle for reductions.
Enterprise fares are additionally provided. These fares are for the enterprise class space and have additional legroom and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage. We discovered coach to be snug, nevertheless, and the journey actually isn’t that lengthy.
There’s additionally loads of room for baggage within the overhead area (verify the baggage maximums earlier than leaving). You’ll even have a lot of legroom (way more than I often have on a airplane or in a automobile), a tray desk, and retailers at every seat.
In the event you get hungry on board the Amtrak Downeaster, there’s a Cafe Automotive on board. It affords mild meals (together with fashionable Maine treats like Maine Crimson Snapper scorching canines, whoopie pies, and gummy lobsters), snacks, refreshments, and alcoholic drinks. You possibly can take your cafe purchases again to your seat, or select to sit down within the few tables within the cafe.
Our Expertise on the Amtrak Downeaster
We wished to spend the utmost period of time in Portland, Maine, so we selected to take the primary Downeaster practice out of North Station. We arrived somewhat early after which waited for the practice’s platform quantity to be referred to as.
About ten minutes earlier than departure, it was referred to as. We headed to the practice and shortly sat down.
As a result of we have been on the practice throughout lunch time, my son and I visited the Cafe Automotive to seize a fast lunch. He had a type of well-known scorching canines, whereas I grabbed some snack meals and water. There have been seats out there within the Cafe Automotive, however we went again to our seats.
The surroundings on the practice to Maine is totally stunning. I had plans to work on the best way as much as Portland, however ended up listening to music, studying my ebook, and searching the window.
That’s among the finest components about touring with a tween – I as soon as once more have the chance to learn whereas he entertains himself. The time glided by so quick, and we even arrived on the Portland station about quarter-hour early. The station is good. It’s a combo bus station and practice station, and it affords merchandising machines and complimentary WiFi.
The Portland Harbor Resort
Our weekend getaway included an evening on the Portland Harbor Resort. The resort affords a complimentary automobile service, and I had a automobile reserved to convey us to the resort.
After we arrived, I referred to as the resort, and the automobile got here a couple of minutes later. The practice station is a couple of ten-minute trip to the Outdated Port part of Portland, the place the resort and a lot of the points of interest are situated.
In case you are planning a household trip to Portland, the Portland Harbor Resort is unquestionably a incredible choice. We have been capable of stroll to each place that we went throughout our keep, though the automobile can be out there if vital.
Simply steps from the resort are dozens of outlets, cafes, and eating places. Our government suite room was so snug and was excellent for our keep. It included free WiFi, a toilet with a bathe and large soaking tub, a King mattress with a pullout couch, a desk, a desk with 4 chairs, a hearth, and two televisions.
As a result of the resort has a complimentary automobile service, it’s excellent for households taking the Amtrak Downeaster. We didn’t have to pay for a cab in any respect.
Returning on the Amtrak Downeaster
After a fantastic day and night time in Portland, it was time to go dwelling. We headed again to the Portland practice station.
My son and I waited within the station till our practice was referred to as – about ten minutes previous to departure. This practice originated in Portland, so it was empty after we obtained on. We shortly discovered our seats and settled in.
When the Cafe Automotive opened (about twenty minutes after we departed Portland) my son was wanting to go seize a snack. He selected popcorn this time, partly as a result of the scent was within the air (a number of individuals behind us had the identical thought).
This time, our trip appeared to go by so shortly. Earlier than we knew it, we have been again at Boston’s North Station, proper the place we began.
The Amtrak Downeaster is a superb choice for households seeking to go to Portland or Freeport, particularly for those who don’t need the trouble of driving. It’s such a soothing journey, and also you’ll really feel like you might be beginning your trip the minute you get on board.
The entire trip is a part of the expertise, and it’s a fantastic alternative to get away for a day or weekend. The practice can be so handy for many who wish to attend particular occasions in each Maine and Boston.
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