1

Grand Canyon Railway

Image: Kurt Hänel

Can you imagine looking at the Grand Canyon National Park from aboard a train? You can do this, by taking the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs from Williams, Arizona, 30 miles west of Flagstaff.

This train travels past forests of ponderosa pines and parts of the Sonoran Desert into the heart of Canyon country, where you’ll spend the day exploring and hiking before boarding your return trip—just in time for sunset.

2

The Rocky Mountaineer

Image: Taylor Brandon

The spectacular views of Western Canada, along with the red rock wonders of Colorado and Southern Utah can be fully appreciated through the nearly all-glass cabins of the Rocky Mountaineer.

This luxurious train takes passengers from Denver to Moab, Utah, where they are treated to fine dining and cocktails while enjoying the majestic views.

3

Amtrak California Zephyr

Image: Levi Meir Clancy

Travelers aboard the California Zephyr can enjoy a 51-hour journey from Chicago to San Francisco that traverses through the magnificent landscapes of Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and northern California .

The ride passes through the Rocky Mountains, travels by the canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, and spends an entire half-day on a trek through the Sierra Nevada, complete with views of Donner Lake and the Truckee River.

4

Cass Scenic Railroad

Image: Josh Nezon

The Cass Scenic Railroad was originally built in 1901 to transport lumber through the mountains of West Virginia . Today, it helps preserve the legacy of America’s locomotive history. The railroad offers two routes, including a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip journey to Bald Knob —the highest summit of Back Allegheny Mountain at 4,842 feet.

5

Amtrak Empire Builder

Image: Max Bender

The Empire Builder earns its name by traveling along major portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail. This 46-hour train departs daily from Chicago and traverses through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana , before concluding in either Seattle or Portland .

Passengers on this less-crowded route can enjoy views of the Mississippi River and the North Dakota plains, as well as the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park in Montana.

6

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Image: Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau

The long road from Chicago to Los Angeles can be traveled in great style and comfort aboard the Southwest Chief. The train traverses more than 2,000 miles, passing through Illinois farmlands, the Mississippi River, the red mesas of New Mexico, and the Mojave Desert .

This 40-hour ride can be taken in its entirety or partially, but no serious view collector should miss the most scenic stretch, which spans Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California, including Raton Pass—a National Historic Landmark along the Santa Fe Trail.

7

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Image: Melanie Hughes

This short, two-hour round trip is available only from May through October , immersing travelers in distinctive New England landscapes , including cranberry bogs, salt marshes, dunes, and woodlands.

The Cape Cod Excursion train offers an amazing sightseeing tour of the Cape’s natural attractions, including the charming Cape Cod Canal.

8

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Image: Lukas Robertson

This 35-hour journey between Los Angeles and Seattle departs daily and stops in some of the West Coast ’s greatest cities, including Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland .

The southern half of the route features long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline before moving inland to the valleys of the state’s agricultural heart, eventually reaching the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains. The observation lounge on the train offers the best views in the house.

9

Amtrak Adirondack

Image: Robert Macleod

The final Amtrak train on this list is the Adirondack. This route runs from New York City to Montreal, departing from the new Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. The 10-hour ride takes its passengers along the Hudson River up to Albany then passes through Saratoga Springs and Lake Champlain before arriving in Canada .

It is highly recommended to take this route in the fall during peak foliage season to watch New England’s changing autumn colors pass by your window.

10

Napa Valley Wine Train

Image: Daniel Salgado

Imagine being able to drink wine from the beautiful wineries in Napa Valley without worrying about who is going to drive. That is exactly what passengers of the Napa Valley Wine Train can do.

Originally built in 1865 by a local millionaire to transport visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga, the train now offers travelers the chance to sip local vintages from a luxurious railcar while passing vaunted vineyards on a three-hour round-trip journey .

1

Bacon Cheeseburger

Image: Erik Odiin

Let us begin with the most obvious and ubiquitous diner staple of all time: the bacon cheeseburger . This decadent concoction of ground beef, buns, melted cheddar, bacon, and a few more ingredients has graced the menus of diners forever.

While most are meant to be eaten as a sandwich, more than a few places offer monstrous creations that have to be opened and eaten in pieces or with a knife and fork, as the sheer size of the hamburger cannot fit in an open mouth.

2

Club Sandwich

Image: Suea Sivilaisith

Another menu classic, the club sandwich consists of three superimposed slices of toast with two fillings, cut into triangular quarters that point upward like they're reaching for the heavens. Fresh turkey breast and bacon are the standard ingredients, but some diners have come to specialize in clubs and their variations.

Supposedly, the sandwich was invented in Saratoga Springs, New York, at the racetrack clubhouse in 1894, hence its name.

3

Hash browns

Image: Uwe Conrad

An iconic breakfast side, hash browns are an omnipresent add-on to scrambled eggs, bacon strips, and many more classic dishes. They consist of finely julienned potatoes that have been fried until golden browned.

No matter which diner you visit to get breakfast, you’ll more than likely find these crispy potato strings on the menu, as they are appreciated for their simplicity, versatility, and satisfying crunch.

4

Eggs Benedict

Image: bady abbas

A breakfast or brunch dish with a funny name, Eggs Benedict consists of two halves of an English muffin, each topped with Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.

While it was popularized in New York City, it is generally believed to have been created in New York City in the late 19th century, this dish can be found all over the country and is a menu staple in diners everywhere.

5

Biscuits and gravy

Image: John Cameron

A hearty breakfast ideal for chilly Midwest mornings and a cowboy diet staple, biscuits and gravy are made with warm, soft dough biscuits, covered in white gravy made from the drippings of cooked pork sausage, flour, milk, and often bits of sausage, bacon, ground beef, or other meat.

Most classic diners worth their salt will offer some variation of this delicious dish.

6

Tuna Melt

Image: Youjeen Cho

Even though the title of this diner favorite suggests it, nobody has ever melted a fish yet. The "melt" part of a tuna melt is achieved by a substance that is much more capable of reaching that state: cheese.

Supposedly, this delicious sandwich was invented when a lunch counter cook accidentally tipped a bowl of tuna salad onto a piece of toasted cheese already frying on the flat top. The result proved quite tasty, and thus, the dish was born. Whether one decides to believe it or not, tuna melt makes for a great diner menu item.

7

Meatloaf

Image: Verena Böttcher

A close cousin to the traditional diner hamburger, the meatloaf also has German origins. However, instead of the pork and veal meat that must be used in its homeland, the American meatloaf is done with ground beef. Its distinctive flavor comes from masses of onions that meld with the beef fat, and the flavor mellows as the meatloaf bakes.

The resulting dish is smothered in gravy, and presented with lots of mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, and extra gravy on the side.

8

Pancakes

Image: nikldn

Passing on now to the desserts, we encounter a champion of American breakfasts and a menu item that no respectable diner should be without: the almighty pancake .

Whether it comes with fruit, chocolate chips, or more, this comfort food is covered with a generous amount of syrup to help lubricate and ease the journey from mouth to stomach with every bite.

9

Pie a La Mode

Image: Element5 Digital

French speakers might ask: "To Which Mode?" to which the answer would be: ice cream! Pie à la Mode is, simply put, a slice of -usually- apple pie with ice cream on top.

This sweet treat can be found in refrigerated glass display cases showcased in diners since refrigeration was invented. And there is a great reason for that, as the resulting mix of the crunchy base, the sweet apple, and the ice cream make for an amazing dessert.

10

Waffles

Image: Mae Mu

Sure, waffles can be thrown into a toaster right out of the box, in the comfort of your own home. But that is no match for a diner-style freshly made waffle (that is, if the diner is any good).

Waffles are a breakfast staple, readily available at your local eateries. There are few things better than biting into a waffle and being met with a pocket of melted butter and warm syrup.

1

Museum tickets

Image: Moralis Tsai

Many libraries in the U.S. and worldwide offer free passes to museums, zoos, and cultural centers . It's a great way to explore local attractions without spending any money.

Check with your local library to see what’s available. Some even let you reserve passes online.

2

Language classes

Image: Ling App

Many libraries offer free language classes, either in person or through online platforms .

It's a great way to start learning a new language or improve your existing skills. Be sure to check what your local library offers.

3

Wi-Fi

Image: Franck

Many public libraries have partnered with companies like Verizon to offer Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout, helping those without internet access at home or travelers stay connected.

This service helps bridge the digital divide and ensures patrons can access important online resources and services.

4

State Park passes

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Several libraries across the U.S. offer free passes to local and state parks . This is a great way to explore nature without the added cost.

5

Telescopes

Image: Patrick Hendry

Local astronomical societies and clubs have teamed up with libraries to offer telescopes , just like books.

This gives visitors the chance to explore the night sky in remarkable detail—perfect for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

6

Video and board games

Image: Karthik Balakrishnan

Many libraries offer game collections to their visitors, including both classic board games and popular video games .

This provides a fun, free way for patrons to enjoy games without needing to buy them.

7

Early literacy programs

Image: Michał Parzuchowski

Librarians are passionate about promoting early literacy and getting kids excited about reading. Many libraries offer age-specific programs at different times, often featuring fun themes and activities to keep young readers engaged.

8

Concerts

Image: BRUNO CERVERA

Many libraries host free concerts throughout the year, featuring a variety of musical genres.

These performances cater to different audiences, providing a great way to enjoy live music without spending a dime .

9

Genealogy

Image: June Hansen

Some libraries offer free access to the library edition of Ancestry.com, allowing users to explore their family history .

Available on-site, it provides the same features as a personal subscription, including access to global records and historical documents.

10

Movies

Image: Marius GIRE

Many libraries not only lend movies but also host free movie screenings. These events often include kids' films during school breaks, holiday specials, and midday showings for all ages .

11

Printers

Image: Mahrous Houses

No printer at home? Some libraries let you email documents for printing at a small fee . They may also offer faxing and copying services. Additionally, many libraries provide access to a range of tools, such as 3D printers, scanners, and more.

12

Computers

Image: Keith Kasaija

Many libraries offer desktop computers with internet access for their patrons to use, free of charge. These stations give visitors a quiet space to complete online tasks, work, or study.