Excursion combines chocolate with scenery
The Verde Canyon Railroad Chocolate Lover's Festival will feature chocolate, a train and a scenic view.
The festival is an annual event scheduled to coincide with Valentine's Day. This year it runs Feb. 10-14.
Besides chocolate goodies, riders on these excursions will get flavored coffees and specialty cocktails. Passengers can ride in first-class rail cars or open-air gondolas. Expect a chance to see both bald and golden eagles, which frequent the canyon in mid-winter, along with other migratory birds and waterfowl. February is also the start of the spring blooming season in the canyon.
Trains depart at 1 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. to the depot in Clarkdale, Ariz., 25 minutes from Sedona and two hours north of Phoenix.
Tickets are $89.95 per person, and reservations are available by calling (800) 293-7245 or online at www.verdecanyonrr.com.
