There’s something new to do in Santa Fe. Santa Fe resident George R.R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame (along with some other investors), purchased and restored a historic railroad. There are multiple themed trains to choose from each month, including, but not limited to, stargazing, cocktails, brunch, and the one I took last weekend — the 2.5-hour New Mexico Ale Trail train.

This month’s Ale Trail train was sponsored by Santa Fe Brewing. There were two train cars with seating separated by a flat bed car, where you could stand outside on a platform to watch the scenery go by. Each enclosed car had a live musician. While listening to the acoustic guitarist, we were treated to samples of the new NMX Lager, Mango Lime Squeezer, Social Hour, 7K IPA, Santa Fhazy, and Imperial Java Stout. Each passenger received a ticket for a full beer of their choice. Additional cans were available for purchase for $7. Next month’s Ale Trail train is happening June 18, and will be sponsored by La Cumbre.

The train leaves from Santa Fe Depot, making it possible to ride the RailRunner there and back for a complete day of train travel. We hitched a ride up with someone else who was staying overnight, because we would have had to take what is the currently-scheduled 8:19 a.m. train from the stop near our house, as the next train does not arrive in time to catch the Ale Trail. However, coming back at 8 p.m. was perfect, giving us time to hit a couple more places before returning to Albuquerque.

Check out the Sky Railway website for more information. Pro tip No. 1 — Try to get seats near the bar to avoid the odoriferous old restroom at the back of the car. Pro tip No. 2 — Stand on the outside platform to finish up your remaining beer as you roll back into town, and wave to people who aren’t as lucky as you are! People seemed to be really intrigued, and loved waving back or honking and cheering.

Cheers to cool old trains!

— AmyO