By Lena Vasquez, Community Features & Culture Editor

If you are looking for a way to mix up the usual dinner-and-drinks routine, there is a vintage rail ride in West Sacramento that might be worth the ticket. The River Fox Train hosts an Afternoon Tea Train, rolling along the Sacramento River while you sip tea and take in the scenery.

Each ride runs about an hour and a half in climate-controlled cars, with open-air seating available for the best river views. A ticket includes a pot of tea, a tiered tower of small bites, and scones served with jam and clotted cream. Optional upgrades include sparkling wine or a gin cocktail onboard. Prices start at around $100 per person, depending on the date.

Boarding is simple with free parking at the station in West Sacramento, but passengers are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. These are historic rail cars, so the steps are not ADA-accessible.

The Afternoon Tea Train is just one of several themed rides River Fox offers throughout the year. The schedule also includes a Murder Mystery Dinner, the Old Vine Express wine ride, family-friendly outings, and seasonal events such as the Pumpkin Express in the fall and the holiday-themed Magical Christmas Train.

Whether you are planning a date, entertaining relatives from out of town, or simply looking for something different to do close to home, this train makes for a memorable afternoon on the rails. For more details, including the full calendar and tickets, visit riverfoxtrain.com.