Chocolate Lovers Train on the Verde Canyon

CHOCOLATE, LOVE AND ROMANCE . . . ON
THE VERDE CANYON RAILS

Clarkdale, Ariz. For centuries, man has been infatuated with the romance of the rails, but man’s love affair with chocolate dates back as far as 600 BC. The Verde Canyon Railroad is hosting a Chocolate Lovers’ Festival to celebrate Valentine's week from February 14 through 18, 2007. What a perfect combination for celebrating an extended Valentine’s Day weekend.

It is hard to imagine another food that evokes a craving equal to the one man has for sweet, creamy chocolate. Through the ages, ‘chocolate,’ as it is called today, also has been known as xocoatl, jocolatte, and chockelet. From ancient civilization to our ‘dot com’ global society, chocolate is a heavenly treat that is in a category all by itself. When words are inadequate to express one’s feelings for another, chocolate will say it all.

Considering a romantic setting to indulge one’s craving for chocolate? Try a gently rocking train rolling through the wall-to-wall wonderland of the Verde Canyon. Consider snuggling with a sweetie in a Pullman-style coach or love seat in a deluxe, first-class car, complete with appetizers and complimentary beverages upon boarding. Step outside to the open-air viewing car to catch one’s breath and marvel at Mother Nature’s timeless artistry. An absolute enhancement to romance is the rhythm of the rails. When specialty coffees, desserts, hot cocoa and Arizona’s own Cerreta Candy Company’s sumptuous chocolates are served, there is sure to be a sweet, romantic ambience aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad.

“February is a beautiful month to ride,” says Teresa Propeck, marketing director. “The bald and golden eagle populations are at their peak, and the clear waters of the Verde River are a perfect respite for a variety of migrating waterfowl. “Many sweethearts who ride in February return to the Verde Canyon Railroad to consecrate their relationship,” added Propeck. “Getting married on board the train is the epitome of romance and the perfect setting for matrimony.”

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers an ideal, unequalled situation for an intimate wedding ceremony—in the sacred wilderness of the Verde Canyon. The train’s first-class cars are set up for privacy, buffets and refreshment, entertainment, and first-class service while viewing one of Arizona’s most impressive inner canyons.

Capitalize on this romantic weekend getaway by staying at one of the nearby hotels, bed & breakfasts or inns in the Verde Valley. Call 1-800-293-7245, or visit the Railroad’s website at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

The Verde Canyon Railroad is located at 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, Ariz. Ideally situated below the cold of the mountains, and above the heat of the desert, the train depot is 25 minutes from Sedona, two hours north of Phoenix, and one and one-half hours south of Flagstaff. Passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately one and one-half hours prior to departure.