PICK A TRAIN, ANY TRAIN - All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide - page 275

beyond Portland to Brunswick, Maine. That service should begin
toward the end of 2012. Here's an idea: If you're in Boston and
can manage a few extra days, take the Downeaster through some
quaint New England towns and up to Old Orchard Beach on the
Maine coast. Visit some historical sites and check out the shops,
then pick a nice restaurant and order a lobster dinner. You'll be
a happy camper when the Downeaster takes you back to Boston
the next day. (Note: This train departs and arrives from Boston's
North Station. All other Amtrak trains, whether heading south to
New York City or west toward Albany, use South Station.)

Ethan Allen Express (290, 291, 292, 293, 296)

Stops: New York City, Poughkeepsie,

Albany, Saratoga Springs, Rutland

Frequency: Daily

Distance: 241 miles

Duration: 5½ hours

Equipment: Amfleet coaches, business class, cafe car

Another very scenic ride, especially in the fall. If you're aboard
the northbound train, be sure to grab a window seat on the left
side of the train for the two-and-a-half-hour run up the Hudson
River to Albany. From there, you'll see farms and small towns in
what's known as upstate New York. There will also be a stop at
timeless Saratoga Springs. Get off and spend a few days there,
especially if it's horse-racing season. From here, the Ethan Allen
heads northeast for Rutland. It's Vermont's second largest city,
but the population is less than 25,000. My idea of a great way
to see New England in the fall? Take this train to Rutland, rent a
car, and leisurely drive around the area for a few days.