Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 8 52 walkers, or riding with a large service animal), and, lastly, an Acces- sible Bedroom (a sleeping area with "a private commode and sink, and a mobility device, like a wheel chair") that is available to the public if not booked a week before departure. First-time train traveler Merrill Bradshaw and his wife, Sunni, both in their 60s, also board the train at Whitefish. ey've spent about $800 on a round-trip from and to Seattle. Cheaper than a plane, they thought. A long train ride could be interest- ing. "We had an overnight berth," says Sunni. "We really enjoyed the privacy. We also enjoyed the slow pace and not having to drive to Seattle, which we've done numer- ous times." "Merrill went to the Observa- tion Car and sat there, under the stars, enjoying the night sky. en we came down to the Dining Car and found it full of nice linens and full meals. When we went back to our room, the porter had pulled down the bed in our berth, and left cold water. It was like being pampered." Like others, she praises the crew: "Abso- lutely wonderful and caring and pleasant to be around." SLEEPY TIME Because Coach Class Seating gets the same personal service (it's all reserved seating), one rider sug- gests Coach is the way to go: Save money without a lot of sacrifice. You get a fold-down tray, a reading light, electric outlets, extra leg room, foot rests, and even curtains. In 2014, USA Today confirmed that train seats are inches more spacious and adjust- able than those on a plane. Small dogs and cats are allowed for a fee. e least expensive, called a "Roomette," sleeps two adults with day seating that transforms into a bed, and another wall unit. All rooms come with linen, towels and water bottles, but there is often a line for community bathrooms. One re- viewer suggests packing moist towelettes. e "Bedroom" includes an in-room toilet and shower. If you want to travel in James Hill style, you can double these amenities (four adults, two toilets and two showers) with the "Bedroom Suite." e Family Bedroom sleeps two adults and two children. As with the roomettes, toilet and shower are down the hallway. "Bring a robe and slippers," says Amtrak's Marc Magliari. In the sleepers, coffee is available each morning (7 -11 am), and meals are included, which can be quite a savings. And you're bound to meet new friends. The scenery alone is why one reviewer calls the Empire Builder "a national treasure." • Poker nightly at 6pm • 1880's Back Bar 20 Gaming Machines to Challenge your Luck Play Keno, Line & Scatter Games, Poker State Lottery Tickets for Sale Fully Stocked Liquor Store Locally Owned Since 1997 • Bob Gilbert, Barkeep & Proprietor www.nickelsgaming.com 2100 N Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT (406) 443-5554 (406) 449-7013 (poker room) WHERE FUN IS STILL LEGAL LIVE PARIMUTUEL BETTING Each office is Independently Owned and Operated 434 N Higgins Ave. Missoula,MT 406.541.7020 www.GlacierSIR.com 204 Central Ave. Whitefish, MT 406.863.3060 3889 Big Mtn. Rd., Suite 137 Whitefish, MT 406.862.1750 480 Electric Ave. Bigfork, MT 406.837.6100 7191 Hwy 93 S. Lakeside, MT 406.709.2111

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