At its peak in the 1930s, the Pullman Company operated a fleet of the nation’s finest passenger rail cars. Today, a few of these cars have been artfully restored and Homefront was invited to ride the rails on an overnighter from Chicago to New Orleans.

It’s a magical journey that brings back some of the elegance of the Great Gatsby era, when ladies wore hats and gloves and men dressed for dinner.

Everything from the upper and lower sleeping car berths to textiles, plates, utensils and company uniforms on these Pullman cars has been authentically re-created.

Thankfully, fine bed linens and simple showers—plus upgraded undercarriages and suspension—make for a more comfortable ride; as does the retrofitted air-conditioning, power outlets and Wi-Fi.  Still, brace yourself for spending time in close quarters in bunk beds! (Book early for slightly more generous master suite.)

The charming club car, faithfully returned to its original splendour, is home to posh dining quarters and a Gatsby-style lounge, where mingling with fellow guests is the order of the evening. Breakfast and lunch the next day are served in the same style as rural America flies by.

For some guests, the overnight package will seem a bit basic by today’s luxury hotel standards. Our take: It’s well worth enjoying an original Pullman experience…genuine fun for train lovers of all ages.

travelpullman.com
premierrails.com