This Starlight Wine-Themed Train In Texas Is The Perfect Way To Kick Off Summer
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on August 29, 2022(Originally published August 24, 2022)
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Summer nights are pure magic: a cool breeze in the air, endless starry skies overhead, and not a care in the world. Texas State Railroad is adding to the enchantment with moonlight train rides on select nights this season. The train rides have all the trappings of their typical outings, including drinks and lavish meals in a retro train setting, but the events happen from 6-10pm, allowing riders to gaze at the Texas stars uninhibited. Featuring wine, beer, BBQ, and decadent chocolates, the experience is a perfect date night or chance for friends to bond. This stargazing train ride in Texas is an experience you’ll never forget.
If your date nights are getting stale, look no further than the Texas State Railroad this summer. On select Friday evenings, trains guided by moonlight will whiz through the countryside underneath a blanket of glittering stars.
Featuring wine, beer, BBQ, and chocolate, it's an experience guaranteed to bring you and your significant other closer than ever. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just showering your sweetie with love, this one's hard to beat.
Cleverly dubbed "Wine in the Pines," this magical evening journey features a variety of Texas vino, both red and white, plus complimentary snacks.
Upon returning back to the depot, you'll indulge in fine chocolates darker than the vast night sky above. This is a rare and beautiful way to appreciate the breadth of the Texas sky at night. You can see more stars than you've ever imagined.
Advertisement
For those whose alcoholic beverage of choice is beer, "Pints in the Pines," runs concurrently with the wine train. Both summery ales like Kolsch and more robust brews such as chocolate porters are offered to please the entire spectrum of taste preferences. There's a train ride for every taste!
The trip begins with a finger-licking BBQ dinner at the Rusk depot prior to departure. Passengers receive a souvenir tasting glass, one full serving of their favorite beer, and snacks to compliment the beverages.
Both "Romance on the Rails" events are 21+ only, so plan to bring the kiddos back some other time. Whether it's a girls' night or much-needed date, this is a time for adults to relax and unwind.
Seating is available in First Class, Presidential, the Upper Dome car, or private-charter caboose. The Upper Dome car is the ideal setting to stargaze in, with huge windows expanding along the train for the best possible view of the night sky.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as all Texas State Railroad rides tend to sell out quickly. The wine trip and beer trips are scheduled throughout the year so if you don't see any on the upcoming schedule, don't fear! Call Texas State Railroad and they can let you know when the next romantic train rides are scheduled for.
Embark on more than one excursion throughout the year to experience the route in both directions - you'll be surprised how different the very same scenery looks from the opposite perspective. You may find you recognize the train you're riding, the Texas State Railroad vehicles have been featured in Hollywood films many times including "Great Debaters" starring Denzel Washington and "O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?" with George Clooney.
Address: 535 Park Road 76, Rusk, TX 75785. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Train Ride in Texas
CC|August 29, 2022
Are there other train rides I can take at Texas State Railroad?
Absolutely! The organization offers a wide variety of different kinds of train rides, including a lunch train, a private concert train, a speakeasy-style train ride, and many others.
