Question 1

Menu

Accepted Answer

First Course:  At the table upon seating – An assortment of artisan breads accompanied by whipped herb butter and a trio of flavored hummus, served with crisp pita chips.  Second Course &#8211; Entrée Choices:  Short Rib Sliders – with Wisconsin cheddar and crispy onions served with kalamata olive potato salad. (Gluten-Free Option Available) Bacon-wrapped Chicken – Served with fried risotto cakes and balsamic pecan vinaigrette. Lump Crab Cakes – Served with sauteed spinach and a poached egg with hollandaise. Baked Pesto Gnocchi – with spinach, mushroom, and tomato. (Vegetarian)  *Menu is subject to change. Please select your trip date to view available entrée choices. Third Course &#8211; Dessert Choices:  Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries Hazelnut Creme Brulee Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding  BEVERAGES:  Water Coffee Lemonade Iced Tea (Sweet or Unsweet)  Onboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Dinner Train, you can enjoy a variety of drinks for purchase (price varies by item):  Wine  Rosé Red White   Champagne Bourbon Irish Coffee  *You may bring your own bottle of wine, but a corkage fee of $30 will apply. These selections are carefully crafted to complement your dining experience and create a delightful afternoon aboard the Lunch Train.

Question 2

Dress Code

Accepted Answer

We do not have a formal dress code for the dinner train, but most passengers seem to enjoy dressing up a bit.

Question 3

Seat Types

Accepted Answer

NOTE: The Dining and Pullman seating are in different cars. You will not be seated together if you select different seating types. Passengers may choose from true vintage dining in the Dining Car (four to a table) or the smaller tables for two in Pullman Car Clover Colony. Dining Car Table Ticket (Seats up to 4 passengers):  Grand Trunk Western 899/Silver Lake  Current Dining Cars in use:  Grand Trunk Western 899/Silver Lake   Pullman Section Table (Seats 2 passengers):  What is a Pullman car?  Pullman-Standard continued manufacturing sleeping cars and other passenger and freight railroad cars until 1980. For nearly a year at the end of World War II the United States government banned sleeping cars for runs of less than 450 miles (720 km).  What did a Pullman car look like?  A Pullman car was the epitome of elegance and comfort in rail travel, designed to combine practicality with luxury. During the day, the car featured plush seating, ornate lighting, and finely crafted woodwork, exuding the sophistication of a high-class passenger lounge. At night, it transformed into a “hotel on wheels.” Lower seats converted into cozy sleeping berths, while upper berths folded down from the ceiling. Privacy was ensured by heavy curtains for open berths or private compartments for more exclusive accommodations. Pullman cars often featured polished brass or nickel fixtures, intricate upholstery, and soft, ambient lighting. Some cars even included private drawing rooms with their own washstands and toilets, elevating the travel experience to new heights. These features made Pullman cars an icon of the golden age of railroad travel, blending functionality with timeless charm. Step Back in Time and Experience Pullman Elegance!  Interesting history of our Pullman car:  1920s Pullman Luxury: Built in 1920 by the renowned Pullman Company, the Clover Colony began its journey as a 12-1 sleeper car, epitomizing the elegance of early 20th-century railroad travel. Modernization Milestone: Rebuilt in 1940 into an 8-5 sleeper under the &#8220;CLOVER&#8221; series program, it featured upgraded bedrooms, streamlined nickel fixtures, and a sleek interior design. Hollywood Stardom: The Clover Colony gained fame in the 1959 classic Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, with its exterior showcasing Pullman’s iconic design. First-Class Restoration: Acquired by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in 1993, it was restored to operational condition in 1994, offering passengers a first-class journey steeped in nostalgia. Living History Experience: Now serving as a first-class seating car on extended excursions, the Clover Colony provides an authentic glimpse into the golden age of Pullman rail travel, complete with 1940s décor and immersive historical charm.      B&O Office Car #98     Edwardian Era Pullman Opulence: Built in 1917 by the legendary Pullman Company as a private car for the president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Daniel Willard, who requested stained glass and multiple types of wood paneling. Modern Amenities: After installing the first on-board rail-car air conditioning plant in 1928, the Baltimore & Ohio added climate control to many of its first class railcars, including the 98 in 1938, after which point it was re-assigned as the office car of several B&O general managers. Another modernization saw striking B&O &#8220;Royal Blue&#8221; replace the original green exterior, followed by new interior fittings, and a streamlined roof and windows in 1955. From Office Car to Museum Piece: Donated to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in 1977 after 15 years under various private ownership, the 98 was re-christened as the TVRM &#8216;Eden Isle&#8217; in 1980. The car would delight many visitors and guests, hosting proposals, weddings, and numerous excursions. First-Class Restoration: After celebrating its centenary in 2017, the 98 was removed from service in 2019, for a restoration to 1955-1965 condition, both inside and out, offering passengers the chance to ride like a railroad baron of days gone-past.

Question 4

Boarding Location

Accepted Answer

The trains board at our Grand Junction depot, located at 4119 Cromwell Road in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone. Please check the calendar for dates of operation and departure times.

Question 5

Hotel Recommendations

Accepted Answer

Located within 10 minutes of our location: Sonesta Select Experience Comfort at Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place

Question 6

FAQs

Accepted Answer

Can Children Ride the Lunch Train? Not recommended for children under 8 years old. Please note that our signature dining car menu and per-person pricing is the same for adults and children.   Dress Code and Etiquette Meals served in dining cars were often a highlight of train travel for travelers to socialize, relax, and enjoy first-class meals and service from stewards and wait staff. We do not have a formal dress code for the lunch train, but most passengers seem to enjoy and are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. Historically, hats will also be removed in the dining car as you board and are seated for the duration of your meal service. Your Dining Car staff will be dressed in early-mid 20th century attire as they attend to your needs, and your participation with period-correct passenger etiquette helps to create an authentic and memorable experience for everyone! Note: Due to the historic nature of this first-class dining setting, we ask that all passengers kindly exhibit noise etiquette as a courtesy to fellow passengers and our staff.   What sights will I see from Lunch Train? As a key route for passenger and industrial service in the early and mid-20th century, this historic excursion line begins on a pre-Civil War route crossing four bridges and through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel. As the train makes its way past East Chattanooga, additional sights that can be viewed from the train include the Chattanooga Zoo established in 1937 and the Warner Park fields, previously called “Olympia Park” near the turn of the 20th century, which served as a public recreation area for horse races, ballgames, and even mock Army maneuver demonstrations for soldiers training during WWI. The train then travels alongside the historic Chattanooga National Cemetery established in 1863 and the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, a 33-acre outdoor international sculpture museum, prior to the return trip back and arrival at the Grand Junction Depot. Note: The tracks are located along parts of urban East Chattanooga. This ride will not go along any scenic mountains or rivers.   Is gratuity or alcohol included in the ticket price? Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Question 7

About Us

Accepted Answer

About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.

Question 8

Next Season's Schedule

Accepted Answer

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2026 Christmas Lunch Train
Be the first to know when tickets are available for this festive holiday dining experience.

Email Address

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