Since Valentine's Day falls on a Monday this year, many couples will be looking to celebrate over the weekend. For something a little different this year, try a rail trip. A few train operations in the southeast offer Valentine's-themed excursions. These aren't overnight trains, just day or dinner trips into the country and back. But accommodations are nearby and there's enough to do in the area near each location to make a weekend of it.
Fort Myers, Fla.
"Sweetheart Express" on the Seminole Gulf Railway
The "Sweetheart Express" on the Seminole Gulf Railway will be offering three excursions throughout the weekend, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. The trip includes dinner served on board accompanied by a strolling violinist, a murder-mystery performance afterward and lasts four hours. Board the train at Colonial Station, which is tucked away from the main road adjacent to the parking lot of the Lee County Education Center, a large building resembling a shopping mall on Colonial Avenue. Historic Fort Myers was the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who were friends and lived next door to each other. Today their riverfront homes and lush gardens make up one of southwest Florida's best historic sites, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Tours are available, including a boat tour of the river. For a more natural romantic excursion head to Lover's Key State Park south of Ft. Myers Beach. The unspoiled, uncrowded beach is a prime shell-collecting spot. The bay and waterways around Lover's Key are great for a peaceful and scenic kayaking trip. Rentals are available at the park or from multiple area outfitters. Remember that February is the in-season for south Florida, so make reservations for accommodations, dining and the train sooner rather than later.
Stay
The Hibiscus House. Old town B&B in a 1905 homestead near the river and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Rates start at $119. 2135 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-332-2651, www.thehibiscushouse.net.
Eat
The Veranda. Southern cuisine in a historic house in the old town district. Dinner entrees start at $28, lunch $13. 2122 2nd St., Fort Myers. 239-332-2065, www.verandarestaurant.com.
Info
Seminole Gulf Railway. 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-275-8487, www.semgulf.com.
Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, Cordele, Ga.
"Be My Valentine" on the SAM Shortline Excursion Train
The closest Valentine's-themed rail excursion to the metro area is the "Be My Valentine" trip aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park near Cordele south of Atlanta. The train leaves the station at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 on a scenic journey across Lake Blackshear, through the rolling farmland and small towns of the Georgia countryside and makes a stop in Plains. After a short exploration of the streets of Jimmy Carter's hometown, dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in the Community Center. Lights will be dimmed in the rail cars for the evening ride back to the state park, where there will be live music and dancing until midnight in the ballroom at the resort. Seating options are regular coach ($65) and premium ($85) and your ticket includes the dinner. The dancing option is $10 extra. The Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club is inside the park and near the depot, making it an easy choice for a weekend getaway. The park and resort have nature trails, a marina for boating and fishing on 8,600-acre Lake Blackshear, golfing, a military museum, fine dining, a lakeside bar and, for the hobbyists, a model airplane flying field. A weekend package is available that includes the train, dinner, dancing and resort accommodations.
Stay & Eat
Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Modern and colorful lakeside accommodations in lodge rooms, villas and cabins. Upscale dining in Cordelia's Restaurant (entrees $14-$22); casual dining at 88's Lakeside Bar (finger food, salads and burgers, under $10). Rail trip package starts at $280 per couple. 2459-H US Hwy. 280 W., Cordele. 800-459-1230, www.lakeblackshearresort.com.
Info
SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Call 877-GA-RAILS (427-2457) for train reservations. www.samshortline.com
Nashville, Tenn.
"Valentines Day Murder Mystery" on the Tennessee Central Railroad
Across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville, the Tennessee Central Railroad Museum has its own train that makes trips through a pastoral setting to nearby towns. On Feb. 12 the 1950s-era passenger train departs at 9 a.m. on the "Valentines Day Murder Mystery" trip. Actors will go from car to car playing out the equivalent of a real-life Clue game in two acts. There's a two-hour layover in Watertown between the acts for shopping and lunch on the town square. You'll be back in Nashville by 3:15. Coach and first-class seats are $31-$41 and elevated glass dome seating with panoramic views of the countryside is available for $70. The domed seats are limited to one car, so make reservations early. After the excursion you'll be in Music City on a Saturday night, so your options for entertainment will seem limitless. Check out a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium (Irish singing sensation Daniel O'Donnell will be performing that night). You could take in the Grand Ole Opry at the Grand Ole Opry House (now back up to speed after last year's flooding) or a show at any number of nightclubs like the Bluebird Cafe, a legendary haunt of famous and up-and-coming singer-songwriters.
Stay
The Hermitage Hotel. Historic and beautiful luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville. The "Red Wine & Chocolate" package includes a deluxe room and a wine and chocolate tasting, with rates starting at $259. 231 Sixth Ave. North, Nashville. 615-244-3121, www.thehermitagehotel.com.
Eat
Capitol Grille. Elegant fine dining restaurant inside the Hermitage serving innovative Southern cuisine. Dinner entrees start at $22. 615-345-7116, www.capitolgrillenashville.com.
Info
Tennessee Central Railway Museum. 220 Willow St., Nashville. 615-244-9001, www.tcry.org.
