Verde Canyon Railroad “sweetens” the Valentine season aboard the popular Chocolate Lovers’ Special. Lovebirds are whisked away on a journey of the senses aboard updated vintage rail cars. First-class service to each comfortable, living room-style seat features an abundance of decadent treats. An adjacent open-air viewing car is the perfect place to cuddle closely and catch a breath of crisp, late winter breezes while marveling at Mother Nature’s timeless artistry. The Chocolate Lovers’ Special is available on February 10th, 11th and 14th.
Known as “The Valentine State,” Arizona became the 48th star on the American flag on February 14th, 1912. Celebrating Valentine’s Day in “The Valentine State” is a win-win for all who are lucky enough to become immersed deep into the wild heart of Arizona, traveling through an awe-inspiring riparian area with romantic red-rock canyon views.
Passengers aboard the Chocolate Lovers’ Special will savor sumptuous chocolate treats served to each table with a choice of one specialty romance-themed cocktail or mocktail. Sweethearts can share nibbles of delectable desserts while enjoying the tastiest treat of all: the decadent, wild winter scenery of the Verde Canyon.
The scent of sweet confections wafts through the train cars as stunning scenery of the private and protected backcountry fills the panoramic windows at each seat. There isn’t a dreamier setting to indulge the craving for chocolate than a gently rocking train, rolling through the wall-to-wall wonderland of the Verde Canyon.
February provides a peak into the beginnings of spring in bloom, and a fine time to witness the commitment of our resident raptors, as well as the migratory bald eagle and raptor population along the Verde River. The majestic birds’ eggs are generally laid in late January and hatched in late February. Male and female eagles then share the responsibility of nurturing their offspring until the eaglets fledge the nest in late spring.
Verde Canyon Railroad is located at 300 N. Broadway in Clarkdale, Arizona. The train depot is 25 minutes from Sedona, two hours from Phoenix, four hours north of Tucson, and one hour south of Flagstaff. Since passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately 1.5 hours prior to train departure, the option of a freshly made lunch from the Copper Spike Café is a tempting pleasure to enjoy on the patio after perusing the museum and Boxcar Gift Store.
It’s not the Destination; It’s the Chocolate Lovers’ Journey,
