Scenic Train Bargain

One of the most scenic rail journeys in North America is also quite inexpensive. The Adirondack, a train that operates every day between New York's Penn Station and Montreal, goes right along the western shore of Lake Champlain, through the Adirondack Park and past Lake George. South of Albany it follows the course of the Hudson River to the city.
You get all this scenery for only $62 one way, or possibly less if you qualify for discounts for students, children, seniors or various other groups. This is far lower than the least expensive air fare, and comparable to bus fare.
The drawback, if you are in a hurry, is that the trip takes just over 11 hours, with a very long stop at the U.S.-Canadian border. But for those with leisure and a hankering for lovely views, it is a very relaxing trip. The part I like best is where the train seems about to fall into the enormous inland sea that is Lake Champlain.
Others prefer the views along the Hudson--lighthouses, sailboats and barges, the beautiful Tappan Zee bridge.
The Adirondack is one of the little known great railway journeys. For more information, consult www.amtrak.com.