There is one experience offered by passenger rail travel which cannot be experienced utilizing any other mode of transportation -- that is communal dining. For those of you who might have never experienced it, let me see if I can paint a picture for your mind's eye. Most passenger trains (such as AMTRAK's Southern Crescent) are equipped with a dinning car that has tables that seat 4 to 6 people. Since space is somewhat limited, guests (be they related or not) are seated at the same table. This allows you to meet folks from all over the country that you might not meet under other circumstances and really get to know that over a fabulous meal served on fine china with real silver and crystal glass ware. If you haven't experienced it before, I strongly urge you to treat yourself and try it soon!