THE SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON DINNER TRAIN: ALL ABOARD!

No, there is NO way to do this frugally :-). It's a splurge trip. One that you make for a special occasion. We've done it three times, and it's been well worth it... as a splurge. Tickets run $75/pp for dinner in the dome, less for other seating, more for special events.

The Spirit of Washington is an old fashioned train, outfitted for fine dining and special events. It starts out in Renton and winds its way past lakes, the Sound, and an occasional freeway. During the trip up, dinner is served. On the way back, it's dessert and coffee. Inbetween, there's a stopover at Columbia Winery.

Make your reservations as early as possible. If you have your children with you, you might prefer Parlor Seating. That's on the bottom level, less expensive, and we found it to be less formal. It's still going to run you $60/pp for dinner or $50/pp for brunch. From November through April, two children 12 and under per paying adult ride free. They have a special children's menu for this promotion. Extra children are $20 apiece. This is a really nice way to experience the train without breaking your bank. $50 for a nice brunch and two hour train ride is very reasonable. No, I didn't say it was "inexpensive"!

If you're riding the train for romance, book a 2 person table! Do not, under any circumstances, book a 4 person table and think that it will be romantic. A 2 seater is the same price as a 4 seater; it just gets booked sooner. It can be pretty difficult to have a romantic anniversary dinner for two when the couple across from you is celebrating a birthday and wanting everyone to share in the experience. On the other hand, if you're going for the experience, you might prefer a 4 seater. Last time we rode, there was a Mariner on the train. I'm sure the folks at his table were happy to have shared.

Pay the extra money and get the dome seating if it's just the two of you. It's beautiful and the scenery is better. Skip it with the children unless you're doing brunch. Most of the couples in the dome are getting cozy enough that you'd probably be uncomfortable with your children.

You'll be pre-ordering your dinner. Everything we've eaten on the train has been superb. The salmon and crab were worthy of any 5 star restaurant. The beef was excellent. The chicken was good, but less so than the other entrees. Portions are ample, but won't leave you stuffed. Dessert is spectacular and rich.

You tip on the dinner portion of the ticket only. I can't remember exactly how the dinner vs. train breaks down, but for two, the tip was about $15 for excellent service. We've always had excellent service.

Don't use the directions on the website; we got lost with them. Mapquest was right on target.

Arrive at the Depot a little early for best choice of parking. It's also a neat place to look around, and to take snapshots. Pay the $10 and get your photo taken in front of the train by the station photographer. Don't be in too big a rush to get on since there's a wait to leave the station, unless the train is full and you're sharing a table -- the sides are uneven and one has more room than the other.

The stop at the winery is for a tour or tasting. The wine tasting is free, but remember that someone has to drive home. There are some lovely photo opportunities in front of the main building. The tour is pretty typical of a winery tour, and the oak caskets smell heavenly.

If you can afford it, this is a fun trip. The scenery is beautiful, and the ride was an interesting experience.

They also host murder mysteries, magic shows, and fireworks displays. See their website for further details.