September 12th was our 41st anniversary. Priscilla and I were married on September 12, 1981 on a hot and humid Friday night that featured a thunderstorm while we were in the church. The old Smith Mills Church on Rte 6 in Dartmouth.
As our anniversary approached I had no idea what to get for a gift. A Google search for “What is the traditional gift for the 41st anniversary?” said —- “land.” Ummmm, okay? Real estate? A plot on the moon?
This was when my daughter, Sarah, came up with a good idea.(She’s good for that.) She wondered how many gifts we’ve given considering all the gift-giving days in a year and the fact that we’ve been married 41 years.(It’s almost 200 by the way) That’s when she suggested that maybe I should focus on “experiences” instead of “things.”
One of the things we knew Priscilla had been exploring was a dinner train in New Hampshire. She had picked up a brochure while we were up there this summer. Knowing they had one on the Cape, I decided to look at that.
There were a few different options as they have trains that depart from Hyannis, Falmouth and Buzzards Bay. They also have a lunch train that I considered since the sun now sets at 6:30-something but that train is only offered on Wednesday which is a work day for my wife. I settled on a Friday night leaving out of Buzzards Bay. This past Friday night.
They offer a 5-course meal and you have five different choices for dinner. You do have to make your choice before you go so that they can stock the right ingredients. I went with the Boneless Beef Short ribs with a mushroom demi glacé and ordered the Hen of the woods Stuffed Chicken that was stuffed with a mushroom duxelle and topped with a red wine demi for Priscilla. No, I have no idea what most of those words mean. I copied it from the menu.
It was Fab. U. Lous!!!! (That’s a word right?)
In case you’re wondering what the five courses were (we did), it was 1.) Cheese and cracker platter; 2.) Soup; 3.) Salad; 4.) Main dish and 5.) Dessert!
The train left at 6 p.m. We were instructed to arrive 45 minutes before departure. That gave us time to check in, take some pictures and make it Facebook official.
We departed just after 6 and headed over the rail road bridge. I don’t think I’ve actually seen a train go over that bridge.
Fun fact: Priscilla said her grandfather used to tell her that the train had to go straight up, then across, then straight down. (That’s not true?)
We had our own private table in the Sandy Neck Car. There were about 24 other people in that car. We started with drinks: Priscilla had wine and I tried a “Sagamore Ginger.” Jamison’s Whiskey with Ginger ale and a splash of Cranberry juice.
We continued under the Bourne Bridge and the Sagamore Bridge and had a Butternut Squash Bisque, then a summer salad. We continued past the Saltmarshes in Sandwich and then came to a stop about an hour into the trip. We had daylight up to this point and enjoyed the scenery. While they prepared to change directions and head back, our main course was served and it was fantastic! The beef was so tender!
Even though it was now dark outside we did enjoy seeing the lights of the bridges as we enjoyed a warm brownie with some berries, covered with a chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Needless to say I had Happy Tummy Syndrome.
I would definitely recommend the Cape Cod Dinner Train. The service was wonderful and the experience of being on an old-fashioned train was fun. It was nice to slow down and enjoy some delicious food and great company.
We were back at the train station by 9 p.m. then the short drive home. A very enjoyable evening.
Now…. What experience should be next?
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