How to Plan a Trip Along Amtrak's New Mardis Gras Route to New Orleans
The train line is restarting service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans via the Gulf Coast of Mississippi for the first time in 20 years. Passenger rail operations have been suspended in the region since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the coast in 2005. But that's changing on August 18, when Amtrak will relaunch its route along the Gulf.
Tickets are now on sale for the Mardi Gras Service, which will operate two trains per day through four coastal towns in Mississippi—including Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascalouga—before arriving in either Mobile or New Orleans. The relaunched route is sure to make for a scenic—and affordable—trip, as adult fares to ride the line from end to end start at just $15 one way, and can be even less for shorter hops.
Although many travelers will book the nearly four-hour train journey to visit New Orleans or Mobile, it's well worth stopping in some of the lesser-known destinations along the way. Each of the smaller towns on the route offer attractions like white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, historic hotels, and notable museums.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-amtrak-acela-interior-first-class-AMTRAKPERKS0323-2449ebcb9bc742028607cda8ca13e3d6.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
Amtrak Just Upgraded First Class on the Popular Acela Service
A first class train ride just got more luxurious. That's because Amtrak is rolling out a new, elevated dining menu for premium passengers on its popular Acela line, according to the company. From charred chicken to a unique take on crab, first class Acela passengers will now have the opportunity to feast on the new menu as they zip across one of the busiest train routes in the United States. 'These elevated touches will add to the experience on board and improve expectations for what to expect on Amtrak and Acela First Class,' Amtrak said in a statement, adding "they reflect a larger commitment to redefining hospitality and positioning Amtrak as the leader in premium service." The new menu, which is now available on all Acela routes, was developed by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr whose restaurants are located in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Florida, and Nashville, and include popular spots like Buddakan, Electric Lemon, Pastis, and The Clock Tower. Each main dish was inspired by one of Starr's famed restaurants, including the Charred Bobo Chicken with acorn squash and aji verde sauce from St. Anselm, the Washington D.C. outpost of the American tavern, as well as the ricotta ravioli with a plum tomato sauce from Philadelphia's Parc. Or feast on the crab enchiladas with coconut, poblano peppers, and corn from Washington D.C.'s El Presidente, served up with a guajillo chili glaze and topped with lime crema and queso fresco. Each meal service is also accompanied by a variety of premium wine and spirits as well as soft drinks. Some of the elevated onboard dining in the Acela First Class cabins. The rail company said it also recently upgraded its tableware and now serves meals with luxury amenities like linen table cloths and a hot towel service. Popular among business and leisure travelers throughout the Northeast Corridor, the Acela line stretches from Boston to Washington, D.C., with several stops along the way, including in New York City and Philadelphia. The train operates as an express service with fewer local stops and higher speeds, allowing passengers to get to their location faster. In addition to the elevated dining, first class passengers on Acela are also treated to other perks, like access to station lounges, including the Metropolitan Lounge at New York's Moynihan Train Hall, which features large glass windows, contemporary flooring, Wi-Fi, and snacks. On board, first class passengers also enjoy more legroom and comfortable seating (complete with adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and footrests).
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
How Google Lens Helps Me Explore My Latest Obsession Hobby
I'm always on the lookout for new ways to connect with nature and unwind. I moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida a few months ago and since then, I have been searching for new ways to explore the sandy shores and clear waters of the beautiful beaches near me. Enter my latest passion: shelling. CNET What started as a casual beach activity has blossomed into a full-fledged hobby involving collecting, diving for and identifying the incredible diversity of seashells the ocean offers. I've found and identified hundreds of shells at this point. And the tool that helps fuel this hobby is perhaps unexpected, but it's right in my pocket -- and yours. One of the most exciting tools I've integrated into my shelling adventures is Google Lens, which is Google's AI-powered visual search tool that uses your phone's camera to upload pictures to do additional research. (Apple also has Visual Search and Google offers Circle to Search for Android devices, which function similarly to Lens, but I prefer Lens' ease of use.) Gone are the days of poring over heavy field guides or books on a windy beach, trying to match a tiny shell to a grainy illustration. Now, when I find a shell that sparks my curiosity, I simply snap a picture with my phone and open it in Google Lens. Presto! Answers! Read also: Google Lens Became My Favorite Travel Tool. Here's Why It Changed the Game Google Lens is my digital shelling buddy Lens is quite magical. I simply upload a photo I've taken of a shell (or birds, fishes, clouds and just about anything else I'm curious about), and then it analyzes the image, looking at the shell's shape, color, texture and any distinguishing features. Within seconds, it provides me with a list of visually similar images and often links to websites and databases that identify the species. I love that Google Lens cites sources and links out to them, so I can fact-check the given answers and dive even deeper into my queries. With the links and additional resources, I can learn about the scientific name, common names, habitat and interesting facts about the mollusk that may have once called that shell home. This instant access to information has dramatically deepened my understanding and appreciation for each find. Google Lens analyzes the image, looking at the shell's shape, color, texture and any distinguishing features. Macy Meyer/CNET Why Google Lens is a shelling game-changer Macy Meyer/CNET There are several reasons why I've come to rely on Google Lens so heavily for my shelling hobby: Instant identification: The speed and efficiency means no more waiting until I get home to research my finds. This can help me decide what shells I keep and which I leave. (I leave most of what I find, but more on that later.) The speed and efficiency means no more waiting until I get home to research my finds. This can help me decide what shells I keep and which I leave. (I leave most of what I find, but more on that later.) Accessibility: All I need is my phone, which I usually have with me anyway. All I need is my phone, which I usually have with me anyway. Accuracy (with a caveat): While it's not always 100% perfect, Lens is surprisingly accurate for many common species. For rarer or highly variable shells, it provides a great starting point for further research. While it's not always 100% perfect, Lens is surprisingly accurate for many common species. For rarer or highly variable shells, it provides a great starting point for further research. Learning tool: Beyond just identification, it often links to valuable resources that teach me more about the marine ecosystem, which deepens my appreciation for my home. Beyond just identification, it often links to valuable resources that teach me more about the marine ecosystem, which deepens my appreciation for my home. Inspires further exploration: Sometimes, Lens will identify a shell that I've never seen before, leading me down a rabbit hole of research and inspiring my next shelling expedition to a new location. My responsible shelling practices While my enthusiasm for shelling runs deep, my respect for the ocean and its inhabitants runs even deeper. It's crucial to practice this hobby responsibly to ensure the health of our marine ecosystems. Macy Meyer/CNET Here's how I ensure my shelling is always respectful and eco-friendly, and how you can too if you decide to start shelling as a hobby: Empty shells only: This is the golden rule. Never take live shells. Before picking up a shell, I carefully check for any signs of a living creature inside, including hermit crabs. If there's any doubt, I leave it be. Live mollusks are vital parts of the ecosystem. This is the golden rule. Never take live shells. Before picking up a shell, I carefully check for any signs of a living creature inside, including hermit crabs. If there's any doubt, I leave it be. Live mollusks are vital parts of the ecosystem. Leave live creatures undisturbed: If I'm diving and come across a live mollusk, I admire it in its natural habitat but never disturb it or attempt to remove it. Their homes are their protection. If I'm diving and come across a live mollusk, I admire it in its natural habitat but never disturb it or attempt to remove it. Their homes are their protection. Check local regulations: Before I head out, I always research the local regulations regarding shell collecting. Some areas are protected or have limits on what can be collected. Before I head out, I always research the local regulations regarding shell collecting. Some areas are protected or have limits on what can be collected. Leave the majority: I'm not looking to amass a giant collection. I select a few unique or particularly beautiful shells that catch my eye, leaving plenty for others to enjoy and for the natural processes of the beach. I typically end up leaving 90% of the shells I find. Shelling has opened up a whole world of wonder for me as a new Floridian, allowing me to connect with the ocean in a truly unique way. With the help of technology like Google Lens and a strong commitment to responsible practices, it's a hobby that has quickly become my preferred special interest and way to spend my time. Read also: The 6 Google AI and Lens Features I'm Using to Plan My Summer Travel
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Amtrak's Borealis line, from Milwaukee to the Twin Cities, hits 250,000 rider milestone
Amtrak's Borealis line has reached another ridership milestone. Less than two months after reaching more than 200,000 riders, the line surpassed more than 250,000 passengers over the Fourth of July weekend, the rail service reported July 15. "The Borealis continues to be a success story in Wisconsin and our partner states,' said Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman in a July 15 statement. "This 250,000-rider milestone clearly demonstrates the need for safe, reliable and efficient passenger rail travel options." The daily route, which offers service from Milwaukee to Chicago and the Twin Cities , began in May 2024 — reaching more than 18,500 passengers in its first month of service. Within its first year, it reached more than 200,000 passengers. What is the Amtrak Borealis route? The Borealis line has 13 stops, making Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee and Hiawatha stops between Milwaukee and Chicago. St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minn. - Union Depot (MSP) Red Wing, Minn. (RDW) Winona, Minn. (WIN) La Crosse, Wis. - Amtrak Station (LSE) Tomah, Wis. (WDL) Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (WDL) Portage, Wis. (POG) Columbus, Wis. (CBS) Milwaukee, Wis. - Downtown (MKE) Milwaukee, Wis. - General Mitchell Airport Trains (MKA) Sturtevant, Wis. (SVT) Glenview, Ill. - (GLN) Chicago, Ill. - Union Station (CHI) For more information, you can visit Alex Groth contributed to this report. More: Amtrak's Borealis train, from Milwaukee to the Twin Cities, had more than 200,000 riders in its first year This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Over 250,000 riders have used Amtrak's Borealis line, agency says Solve the daily Crossword
