A dinner train in Batesville during the February 12-14 weekend could be the harbinger of more specialty rail opportunities when Grenada Railway offers a “Romance on the Rails” train featuring dinner on Friday and Saturday and a Sunday brunch.

“Following the incredible success of the Polar Express Train Ride out of Batesville, the Grenada Railway will be offering something for adults,” Premier Rail Collection Marketing Director Sarah Munley said.

“Those interested are encouraged to follow the railroad on Facebook or sign up for the monthly newsletter,” Munley continued.

“We are working on finalizing the schedules, menus and on-board offerings for further dining experiences on the Grenada Railway.

“Nothing like this would exist in Mississippi and we believe it would be a welcome addition to the tourism landscape in Batesville, and Mississippi as a whole.

“The city of Batesville has been so tremendously welcoming and helpful during our runaway hit event, The Polar Express Train Ride, and we’re excited to become more of a fixture in such a wonderful community,” Munley said.
Iowa Pacific Holdings officials in late June announced that they would bring the Polar Express Train Ride to Batesville during November and December.

Ridership was first projected to be 30,000 to 35,000 during its 27-day schedule that began November 20. When the schedule had been completed on December 27, almost 60,000 had made the trip from the Square to the North Pole.