Joseph W. Smith III Archives
Bigger in Texas: Three Nights on Amtrak’s Texas Eagle
Amtrak's Texas Eagle is the system's only three-night ride. Travel with the author on this journey from LA, to San Antonio, and finally to Chicago!
Visiting the Virgins: St. Croix in the USVI
St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands offers lush island scenery, excellent snorkeling, serpentine roads, America's easternmost point, and a perfect getaway from harsh winter weather.
Feeling Presidential: Exploring the Roosevelt Railcar and Western Pennsylvania
How about an overnight stay in a classic 1901 Pullman sleeper? That's one of the treasures ready to be explored in rural western PA - plus underground caverns, wildlife tours, and much more!
In the Path of the Flood: A Visit to Johnstown, PA
More than 130 years after a devastating flood, Johnstown still recalls its horrific past - and for that same reason, this Pennsylvania city has a lot to offer visitors! Highlights: trails, creeks, trains, and much more.
Taking the Scenic Route: Chicago to Miami on Amtrak’s Floridian
Amtrak's Floridian runs daily in both directions between Chicago and Miami. Read this account of what it's like to take this newly revived line through America's Backyard!
One Town That Won’t Let You Down: Trains, Art and Baseball in Chicago
Join the author on a one-night, two-day jaunt through Chicago! Starting with a ride on Amtrak’s new Floridian and rolling right along to the CTA, Wrigley Field, Vincent Van Gogh and Edward Hopper.
Dashing Through the Snow: Sampling Amtrak’s Floridian
Can a winter storm slow down Amtrak's new long-distance Floridian? Here's what it was like for two passengers aboard the sleeper train while Kingston hammered the Mid-Atlantic!
Amtrak Revives the Floridian: A One-Seat Ride Between Chicago and Miami
Amtrak’s Floridian—a daily two-night trip between Chicago and Miami—is opening soon with a route that hasn't been done in 45 years. Here's a preview!
Riding Amtrak’s City of New Orleans: 3100 Miles Around DC, Chicago & the Big Easy
Three trains, 15 states and 3100 miles. This is the Amtrak triangle—DC to Chicago, then on to New Orleans, and finally from the Big Easy back to Washington!
Wild Blue Yonder: Visiting the Caribbean Waters of Turks and Caicos
Glowing seascapes and reefs, jouncing car journeys, terrific seafood, and snorkeling to a sunken plane—all in a visit to the beautiful Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean.
Riding Amtrak’s Silver Meteor: Overnight to Jacksonville and Back
From fresh-cooked steaks on the train, to one terrific bookshop, to a legendary rock guitarist—join the author on a three-day rail adventure to Jacksonville.
Postcards from the Edge: Collecting Postmarks for Every State
This Pennsylvania student collected postcards and postmarks for a school project—one each from all 50 US states—with help from travelers and friends!
Big Time: A Year of Travels with a Dozen Concerts and Shows
With the help of much long-distance driving (and one train ride), the author caught 12 worthy concerts in 2023. Take a brief tour of the setlists and venues from this musical panorama!
The Desert Fox: Riding Amtrak’s Sunset Limited
America’s oldest named train, the Sunset Limited runs through vast and varied desert vistas on its 46-hour trek between New Orleans and Los Angeles.
Riding Amtrak’s Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
Ride along with the author on the Amtrak Coast Starlight: 36 hours down the West Coast, with mountains, beaches, forests, and fascinating fellow travelers.
Locomotive Breath: Jethro Tull in Indianapolis
Our author embarked on a memorable train ride aboard the Amtrak Cardinal from Baltimore to Indianapolis to see Jethro Tull play a once-in-a-lifetime concert—read all about it!
Clouds with a Blue Lining: Destination Wedding on Turks and Caicos
The author visits a lesser-known Caribbean locale for a destination wedding with low-key island ambiance, great snorkeling, and a very exclusive resort.
Larger Than Little League:Â Williamsport and Central PA
Best known for Little League Baseball, Williamsport, PA offers rich history, scenic drives, microbreweries, and day trips like the Pine Creek Rail Trail.Â
Kauai: A Hawaiian Gem—More Than Just a Garden Isle
Known as the Garden Isle, the tropical Hawaiian gem of Kauai is home to gushing waterfalls, towering cliffs, dozens of beaches, and much more.
Biking Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Rail Trail: 62 Miles of Adventure
Ride with the author on Central PA’s Pine Creek Rail Trail! Bike along waterways, fields, and forests, plus the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
America’s Most Beautiful Train Ride: A Trip on the California Zephyr
Travel with the author from Chicago to California on the Zephyr—a gorgeous railway adventure through the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas.