Quick Details
Step into an evening of elegance at TVRM’s Dinner in the Depot, where fine dining meets vintage railroading. Enjoy a five-course gourmet meal in the historic Grand Junction Depot and a relaxing evening train ride — a perfect blend of flavor and nostalgia.
✔ Dinner served in the Depot
✔ Train ride follows dinner
✘ Dinner is not served onboard the train
Guest
Priced per person
$ 120
Dinner in the Depot
Savor an evening unlike any other at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Dinner in the Depot. Enjoy a chef-crafted five-course meal inside the historic Grand Junction Depot. Following dinner, guests will board a vintage train for a relaxing one-hour evening ride — the perfect conclusion to a truly memorable night.
Additional Information:
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Dietary Accommodations: Available upon request; please contact [email protected] before booking.
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Beverages: Lemonade, tea, sweet tea, and coffee are included; alcohol is available for purchase.
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Dress Code: No formal dress code, but guests often choose to dress up for the occasion.
Guests enjoy a chef-crafted, multi-course dinner inside the historic Grand Junction Depot, followed by a one-hour evening train ride aboard a vintage railcar. This experience combines fine dining and classic rail travel — with each part thoughtfully designed as its own highlight.
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🍽️ Enjoy a Romantic Evening at Dinner in the Depot – Friday, February 13 or Saturday February 14!
Join us for a luxurious five-course dining experience at TVRM’s historic Grand Junction Depot. After dinner, unwind with a relaxing train ride — the perfect way to end an evening.
📅 Dates: Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14
💵 Price: $120 per guest
🍴 Menu Highlights
On the table: Artisan Breads with Garlic Butter (Allergens: Gluten (wheat) Dairy (butter) and Assorted House-Made Humus with Pita Chips (Allergens: Sesame (tahini in hummus), Gluten (pita chips)
First Course: Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Tomatoes (Allergens: Dairy (goat cheese), Gluten (crostini)
Second Course: Lobster Bisque with Sherry Cream (Allergens: Shellfish (lobster), Dairy (cream), Alcohol (sherry) — relevant for dietary restrictions, not an allergen)
Third Course: House Salad with Candied Pecans, Feta, and Strawberries (Allergens: Tree nuts (pecans), Dairy (feta cheese)
Fourth Course: Choose one
Grilled Baseball Filet with Smoked Gouda Au Gratin Potatoes (Allergens: dairy (Gouda, cream/butter in au gratin)
Salmon Oscar with Mushroom & Bacon Grit Cake (Allergens: Fish (salmon), Dairy (likely in grit cake depending on preparation), Pork (bacon — not an allergen but a dietary restriction)
Herb-Seared Chicken with Lemon Jus & Roasted Potatoes (No major allergens, unless prepared with butter)
Egg Plant and Tomato Pasta (vegetarian) (Allergens: Wheat/Gluten and Dairy)
Fifth Course – Choose One Dessert:
- Strawberry Creme Brûlée (Allergens: Dairy, Eggs)
- Chocolate Decadence Cake (Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Dairy, Eggs)
- Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl (Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten (crust))
Beverages Include: Lemonade, Tea, Sweet Tea, and Coffee
Alcohol available for purchase
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Ideal for: couples, anniversaries, milestone celebrations
Not recommended for: guests expecting onboard dining or a casual train ride-
✔ Five-course dinner served inside the historic Grand Junction Depot
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✔ One-hour evening train ride following dinner
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✔ Non-alcoholic beverages included
- ✔ Elevator access to dining area
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✘ Dinner is not served on the train
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✘ Train seating is not reserved
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- What is the dress code for Dinner in the Depot?
There is no formal dress code, but many guests choose to dress up for the occasion. Business casual or cocktail-style attire is common and fits the elegant atmosphere of the evening. - Is parking available at the Grand Junction Depot?
Yes. Complimentary parking is available on-site at the Grand Junction Depot. - Is there an age requirement for this experience?
Dinner in the Depot is recommended for guests ages 10 and up due to the length and style of the dining experience. A train-ride-only option may be available for select dates; please contact us for details.
- What is the dress code for Dinner in the Depot?
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- How long is the train ride?
- Approximately One hour: 15 minute ride to East Chattanooga Campus, dis-embark for turntable demonstration, re-board for return 15 minute trip
- Are seats assigned on the train, or is seating first-come, first-served?
- first-come, first served
- In case of inclement weather, will the train ride still take place?
- In the event of inclement weather, the train ride is still scheduled to proceed. However, we will promptly contact ticket holders for any necessary updates or changes due to severe weather conditions.
- How long is the train ride?
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- How do I book tickets for the “Dinner in the Depot” event?
- Please book your ticket online or by calling our office during normal business hours.
- Are tickets refundable or transferable?
- If trip protection is purchased, refunds are available. Without trip protection: All sales are final. We can transfer to another event if you let us know beforehand.
- Is there a discount for group bookings?
- Please contact the office by phone or email at [email protected] if you party has more than 20 people for more information.
- How do I book tickets for the “Dinner in the Depot” event?
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- Can menu change be made to fit food allergies?
- We are happy to discuss with you options that will fit your requirements. Please contact us at [email protected] for information and a consultation with our Food and Beverage Director.
- Can special requests be made for anniversaries or proposals?
- Please let us know if you have anniversaries or proposals at [email protected]
- Is photography allowed during the event?
- Of course
- Can menu change be made to fit food allergies?
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- Is the dining area and train accessible for guests with disabilities?
- The Grand Junction Depot is accessible by elevator, including access to the dining area.Please note that our historic railcars were built long before modern accessibility standards. As a result, they are not wheelchair accessible, and we are unable to safely accommodate wheelchairs onboard the train.
Guests who are able to board the train independently and sit in a standard passenger seat are welcome to participate in the train ride portion of the experience. We encourage anyone with specific accessibility questions to contact us in advance so we can help determine whether this experience will be a good fit.
- The Grand Junction Depot is accessible by elevator, including access to the dining area.Please note that our historic railcars were built long before modern accessibility standards. As a result, they are not wheelchair accessible, and we are unable to safely accommodate wheelchairs onboard the train.
Our team is always happy to help explore options or answer questions before booking.
- Is the dining area and train accessible for guests with disabilities?
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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.
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