From the breathtaking views to white tablecloth dining, my trip on the historic 20th Century Limited train was far superior to modern rail travel.
Hannah Towey/Insider
The 20th Century Limited was once the preferred mode of transportation of the rich and famous.
I traveled from NYC to Albany in the restored train car and found it far superior to modern travel.
The $349 trip featured beautiful views, a four-course meal, and fascinating history.
If you thought the term "red carpet treatment" originated in Hollywood, you're wrong. The first-ever crimson runway rolled out for the stars actually led to this train: The 20th Century Limited.
Bettmann collection via Getty Images (left), Hannah Towey/Insider (right)
Between 1902 and 1962, the passenger train known as "the most famous train in the world" and "the favorite train of famous people" ran from New York City to Chicago in under 20 hours.
Photo by John McCloskey Jr. / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ (left) / Courtesy of Hudson River Rail (right)
From Hollywood actresses like Marilyn Monroe to media moguls like Walt Disney, the 20th Century Limited catered to society's elite business travelers.American film producer Harry Warner, President of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc, and his wife Rea arrive in New York on the 20th Century Limited train on January 20, 1938.
After the train shut down in 1967, circus performers paid $1 a night to live inside the train as Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey toured across the country.Passengers sit at a table in the Pullman dining car of New York Central System's 20th Century Limited, designed by Henry Dreyfuss circa 1938 .
In the early 1990's, the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey bought two of the historic train cars and restored them to their former glory.
Photo by John McCloskey Jr. / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
From June through November, the restored train cars can be found attached to the back of an Amtrak train traveling along the Hudson River from Penn Station to Albany, New York.
Photo by Anthony Carpentier / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
Along with a few other lucky travelers, I nabbed a seat on the sold-out excursion and was transported back in time to the golden age of travel — when it was a social occasion and not just a way to get from point A to point B.The view from Amtrak's new "Metropolitan Lounge" at Pennsylvania Station's Moynihan Train Hall.
Hannah Towey / Insider
The day kicked off at Amtrak's new Metropolitan Lounge inside Pennsylvania Station's Moynihan Train Hall, where I enjoyed a free breakfast and coffee.
Hannah Towey / Insider
As we boarded, staff rolled out a red carpet (though I was the only paparazzi present).
Hannah Towey / Insider
My fellow passengers ranged from train buffs and vintage enthusiasts to a few solo travelers looking for a local adventure.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Travelers were encouraged to dress up in period clothing for the most authentic experience.
Photo by Mark Forman / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
My $349 ticket got me a seat in the "Hickory Creek" observation car with panorama views of the Hudson River — the very same car where the stars once wined and dined.
Hannah Towey/Insider
From the furniture to the seating arrangements, everything looked exactly the same as the car's original interior, designed by the acclaimed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss.The "Hickory Creek" observation car of the 1948 edition of 20th Century Limited train.
Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images
The "first-class" ticket included a four-course meal cooked by the onboard chef, as well as unlimited beer and wine.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Our waiter Lou made sure everyone's glass was always full and was incredibly knowledgeable about the train's history. Serving champagne on a moving train is no easy task.
Hannah Towey/Insider
Since the original 20th Century Limited train also traveled along the Hudson River, the observation car's windows were designed specifically with these views in mind.
Hannah Towey/Insider
My seat was considerably spacious, especially compared to the cramped seating I've become accustomed to while traveling.
Hannah Towey / Insider
I mean, look at that legroom!
Hannah Towey / Insider
The rear of the train car had some of the best views of both sides of the tracks.
Hannah Towey / Insider
But thanks to the panoramic windows, there really were no bad seats.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Lunch was a highlight of the trip, giving everyone the opportunity to get to know the other passengers on board.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Our meal began with a hummus and pita appetizer, followed by a beet salad.
Hannah Towey / Insider
For the entree, passengers could choose chicken, cod, or a vegetarian gnocchi dish.
Hannah Towey / Insider
And for desert, a delicious chocolate cake.
Hannah Towey / Insider
The white tablecloth dining cars were a major attraction to the 1948 edition of the train.The 1948 edition of the 20th Century Limited had a dining area divided into four distinctive sections, seating 64 people.
Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images
Unlike most trains, the 20th Century Limited is equipped with a (small) fully-functioning kitchen.Hudson River Rail Excursion's onboard chef.
Hannah Towey/Insider
Passengers Kayla Goble and Izzy Elias said they "love everything vintage" and appreciated that the train's understated luxury had more to do with comfort than technology.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Watching the landscape's changing foliage was definitely a welcome break from the screen-time I typically rack up while traveling.
Hannah Towey / Insider
The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey president Kevin Phalon gave informative talks throughout the journey. He told me that he hopes showing people what rail travel used to be like might help the modern transportation industry improve.
Hannah Towey / Insider
In the sleeper car behind the kitchen, there were two small bedrooms with bunk beds where the four staff members sleep.
Hannah Towey / Insider
The no-frills bedroom were far from luxurious by today's standards, but roomy enough to get the job done.
Hannah Towey / Insider
More affordable $149 tickets get you a seat in "Tavern Lounge No. 43." Passengers in the BYOB car were served buffet-style sandwiches and sides.
Hannah Towey/Insider
Here, "passengers traveling long distances could head to the lounge to spend time away from their designated bedrooms or coach seats to relax, drink, and socialize with their fellow travelers," according to the Hudson River Rail website.The Tavern Lounge No. 43 dining car.
Once in Albany, we stopped for a two-hour "layover." Since the station wasn't within walking distance to downtown, I wished the stop was either shorter or slightly longer to give passengers more time to explore the city.
Hannah Towey/Insider
We got back to Manhattan around 7:30 p.m. At the end of the day, my favorite part was watching the friendships made onboard — something that rarely happens in today's hustle and bustle of travel.
Hannah Towey/Insider
Where else would a tech-lawyer turned novelist, a finance consultant with a passion for fine art, a couple from Sleepy Hollow, and a West Village chef all become friends?
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