West Virginia invites tourists to a romantic train journey on Valentine’s Day

Here’s a special way to celebrate your Valentine’s Day. Those madly in love and could do anything for their lovers must take a trip to West Virginia to spend their day in the 2014 Valentine Express Dinner Train, a 1950s refurbished Amtrak train. The train will roll off thorough Petersburg, W. Va., on Feb. 15

Giving you a classic taste of West Virginia infused with the best wine and cuisine and breathtaking views of Potomac Highlands of Grant County, it would be romance personified.

The Executive Director of the Grant County and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hanna Weaver said that the Valentine train will help showcase the beauty of West Virginia, the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as it trails around the most beautiful spots of the state.

The historic South Side Depot will hold the festivities where guests will get a chance to mingle with each other. The guests will dine over West Virginia food and classic wine from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wines that come from Lamberts Vintage Wines of Weston and West-Whitehill Wines of Moorefield will be offered. Other popular West Virginia food products, such as Blue Smoke Salsa and Chips, hot pepper jelly and blue cheese and bacon dip will be available for sampling.

Passengers will then board the 1950s refurbished Amtrak train at 4 p.m., with a departure time of 4:30 p.m. The train will explore nationally-recognized Grant County along the South Branch of the Potomac River, traveling from Petersburg to Moorefield and back, revealing breathtaking views the West Virginia countryside. If you are unfamiliar with Grant County, the area sports several scenic attractions, including Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Smoke Hole Caverns, and the North Fork Mountain Trail. On top of that, there are a variety of historical sites and structures in the county.

A three course Italian dinner featuring local food and products will be served to the passengers. With an elaborate menu of salad with the famous Wilted Lettuce Dressing (from Appalachian Mountain Specialty Foods in Sandyville); specialty spaghetti with a choice of marinara or alfredo sauce; and a dessert choice of homemade fudge chocolate turtle cake, cannoli with fudge sauce, or cheesecake, all served with a West Virginia-made chocolate. The tickets are for $60 per person which includes three-course Italian meal, train ticket and a complimentary West Virginia wine and food tasting.