East Coast USA - 4 cities by rail

We arrived in what is the symbolic and pretty much geographically, the centre of the western world, New York; it`s like nowhere else. This was my eighth visit to the real-life Gotham City but for my 21-year-old nephew, this was the first time he had stepped onto what was “The New World”, never mind the ultimate metropolis!

Nothing can quite prepare you for your first visit to NYC, those first few moments as you stare upwards at the glass and concrete giants, the yellow taxis horns blaring, the locals pushing past you, but it also somehow seems so familiar, after all we have all walked these streets a thousand times from the comfort of our homes in the countless TV and movies filmed here.

Three manic days were to follow, to the top of the Empire State and its neighbour Top of the Rockefeller, which has a far better view of all Manhattan, a trip aboard the Circle Line cruise around the island to munching burgers in burger Joint, walking the High Line, having pizza in Lombardi`s and downing craft brews in Hell’s Kitchen. There never seems to be enough time in NYC and we were already planning our next trip back here as we made our way past the boxing mecca of Madison Square Garden and down in the bowels of New York to Penn station to board the Acela Express to our next stop, the city of “Brotherly Love”, Philadelphia.

The Acela Express train is the flagship service from Amtrak and runs between Boston in the North all the way down the east coast of the US to Washington DC. With fewer stops than the normal train, free WIFI and large seats, we were pulling into Philadelphia`s stunning 30th St station in no time.

Philadelphia is known for 3 things; first its history as this is where the Declaration of Independence and the US constitution was signed and is the home of the Liberty Bell. Second, the city is sport crazy! The Philadelphia Eagles, the 76ers, the Flyers and the Phillies, all dominate the major sports and the fans are known to be the most knowledgeable and passionate in the US. The city`s list of fighting men is legendary too from the very real Smokin’ Joe Frazier to the fictional Rocky! Third, the Philly cheesesteak, chopped steak and cheese in a hoagie roll is delicious. Where the best one is served is up for debate but we sampled the fare in Sonny`s and in Campo`s Deli and I`d recommend both wholeheartedly.

After 2 days we were back on the Acela Express and 90 minutes later, arrive in Washington DC Union station. DC is the complete opposite of New York. Open spaces, jaw dropping neo-classical buildings, half empty wide sidewalks and everywhere is so spotlessly clean. We took a hop on hop off city tour, which I`d definitely recommend as the lack of traffic means you fly around the city, giving much need time to visit the countless museums (most of which are free admission) and iconic buildings plus the incredible dining options. DC is a foodie heaven, from food trucks to the famous Ben`s Chili Bowl to fine dining. Once out and about, Capitol Hill and the White House are obvious attractions but Arlington Cemetery and beautiful Georgetown were highlights too.

3 days later we were back at Union Station to continue our journey south this time aboard the Silver Star, but not before sampling the mouth-watering delights available at the insane food hall at the station. With over 35 different stalls, bars and restaurants within the building there is something for everyone.

The Silver Star was straight away an altogether different experience than the Acela Express. Once on the platform we passed endless carriages, finally a Porter in very smart attire asked our names and escorted us to our sleeper cabin or Superliner Roomette as Amtrak have called it. The comfortable cabin would be our base for the next 27 hours, all travellers with cabins enjoy complimentary meals served in the dining carriage, which was a great way to meet other travellers over a few drinks after dinner. During the day, the cabin features 2 large recliner chairs set opposite each other, but while you`re at dinner, our porter magically transforms our living space into 2 bunk beds. Next morning, we awoke to fantastic views of Virginia, The Carolinas and the Georgian countryside through our huge picture window. We passed stilted shacks on Bayous and historic plantation houses straight out of "Gone with the Wind. Before moving inland into Florida, first to Orlando before heading back out to the Atlantic coast, we finally arrived at our final destination, Miami.

Miami has it all, endless beaches, beautiful people, stunning art deco architecture and a wonderful climate, all aligned with a real party atmosphere. A truly great way to spend our last few days in the US before heading home.