We had the luxury of touring this wonderful winery complete with golf court tour of the grounds, bottomless, generous pours of their most popular family of wines, food, and of course, immaculatly kept grounds, with rows and rows of vines. 
If you ever find yourself in the D.C. area and looking to explore outside the city, consider taking the 45 minute drive to Stone Tower Winery.  
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I think it was Casablanca, the 1942 Film staring Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman inconic train station scenes that flamed by desire for train travel. Or perhaps it was the romanticisim surrounging train travel in several movies of my youth. Rather it was the "all aboard" call of the attendant, the passionate "goodbye" hugs and kisses on the platform, or the eyes filled with wonder and excitement of new adventure as leading woman glared out th window as the train departed the station, I wanted all parts. Already bitten by the travel bug as a child by traveling by car with my family for the most memorable summer vacations, when Covid-19 restrictions lessoned and the world was was more open to the idea of travel again, I jumped at the chance to take an adventure of my own. So I booked a regional train from Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington, DC. Before I get into the review, there are a few things you need to know if you are considering taking a train adventure of your own:

• Amtrak travels inside the contenental United States with various stations throughout. Accomodation type depend on routes, with a variety of routes, schedules, ranging from cross country to regional (like the one I took)
• All travelers are required to fill out a short pre-trip check within 24 hours prior to departure. Standard of the travel industry since COVID-19. This is to ensure  that you are free of Covid symptoms or have been in close contact in the previous 14 days with anyone who was positive for Covid-19.
• MOST IMPORTANT: Per Federal law and Amtrak strick policy, ALL cusomers and employees must wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose while onboard and in stations, REGARDLESS of vacination status. Amtrak takes safety seriously as this policy was heavily enforced via several announcements & attendants walking the train throughout the day and night on our journey. If traveling in sleeper or private room, you are required to abide by this policy outside of your quaters. 

Now back to the adventure. I departed from the historic and beautiful Union Terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio. Worthy of it's own spotlight, this station sits on the outskirts of downtown cincinnati and stood glorious even in the twinkle of the early morning hours. Upon entering the facility, which now houses  the Cincinnati Museum Center as well as the historic station, you are greeted by incredible cathedral ceilings, ornate columns, and iron details. The station inside breathed nostalgia, down to the classic phone booths, now empty shells of what once was. Boarding was simple and just as I had seen in the movies. The attendant lead us down to the outdoor platform where we were instructed to leave any checked luggage  in its designated area for loading at train arrival. We were then moved and told to line up in a different area, separated by ticket type, those traveling in sleeping cars, business class, and of course coach class.


I took the Cardional 50, one of Amtrak's regional trains. Equipped with dining car, sleeping cars, business class (offers more legroom & quiet hours), & course coach class for the roughley 15 hour train ride to Washington DC's  Union Station. I opted for the coach class. Why? Well, everyone must have had the same idea I had as sleeping rooms were not available for my trip. I could have booked business class, however, I decided to really embrace adventure and go by Coach! You will see later why next time, I will opt for the upgrade for any future adventures :)

​I can't describe the excitement and hope that filled me upon the trains arrival into the station. Having been practically locked up since lockdown, I was overwhelmed with eagerness, a little nervous.​

For most of my journey, I was lucky enough to have a empty seat next to me. I knew that would be short lived, as there were many stops along the way in which passengers boarded and exited. I just prayed that I would get a seat mate who understood personal boundaries, abide by the mask policy, and realized that headphones are an indicator that I was an introvert who didn't want to chat (I know, I know, you booked coach, what are you expecting...the world, like the rest of you lol. Needless to say, the photos and video above gives  you a brief glimps into my seat mate experience. LOL! 

Overall, I thouroghly enjoyed my trip to Washington, DC via amtrak. I took advantage of the dining car just once during the journey and found the selections to be decent considering. I liken it to just above cafeteria food. As this was a regional train, dining options were limited, however, Amtrak is known for it's cross country accomodations including viewing cars and more selections for dining. Wifi is included at no additional charge, however, don't rely on high speed internet the entirely of your adventure, as I found it to be quite spotty at best. I suggest you download your movies, tv shows, favorite music or podcast or bring a book to read. Restrooms, located at varios points throughout the train were similar to airplane bathrooms and for the most part clean. There is plenty of overhead space for your carryon items and Amtrak has a generous luggage and pet policy. I suggest bringing things like a pillow, blanket (even coach had generous recline with footrest). My seat had plenty of outlets for charging devices. I look forward to my next train adventure, opting next time for sleeper car and maybe a cross country adventure!