Tyler Rockwell Do you think he's having fun? If Tyler Rockwell, above, age 5, isn't having fun, he surely is doing a great impersonation as he rides on the Maine Eastern across the midcoast. (Photo Barbara Martin)

Does the mystique of the era of classic train travel sound romantic and inviting? Do you ever fantasize about riding the rails to embark on new adventures in style? If not, try biking. If so, try a magical ride on Maine Eastern Railroad's passenger service between Brunswick and Rockland.

Maine Eastern has provided freight service to meet the needs of midcoast communities for many years. The freight operation is an important and efficient way to transport goods and supplies to the area, but freight is not necessarily fun.

In 2004, Maine Eastern took a new "track." Governor John Bal-dacci asked the railroad to operate a train, dubbed the "Lobster Train," to transport the many summer visitors traveling in search of our famous crustacean to the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, and the passenger service was off and running.

Maine Eastern now offers several round trips between Brunswick and Rockland daily with stops in Bath and Wiscasset. However, they are doing more than just people moving. As guests move forward to their destinations, they are also traveling back in time to experience the splendor of classic train travel, described best by Maine Eastern's suggestion that "the journey is the destination."

The company restored vintage railcars to the glory of their heyday in the 1940s, and added the necessary safety updates to give the public the best of both worlds. Passengers can choose to travel in the luxury coach and or reserve parlor class.

"There is no second class on our trains," Director of Passenger Operations Gordon V. Page, Sr. said. Luxury coach seats include oversized windows to enjoy the spectacular views and comfortable overstuffed chairs with full access to the dining car that serves food and beverages throughout the trip.

Parlor class riders are offered additional seating in an attached lounge car with oriental style rugs and plush seating.

"The train travels 57 miles one way with water views available for almost 20 miles of that trip," Page said. "Riders are able to view areas not accessible by car." The experience is the definition of the term "riding in style," from a room with a view.

However, organizers have not let the experience of the ride rest on the journey alone. Striving to be the hosts with the most, Maine Eastern has arranged a number of excursion packages.

Choices available to riders are limitless. The train arrives in Rockland with three and one-half hours for passengers to spend exploring. If wandering around the quaint shops and expansive harbor is enough excitement for one day, then travelers can enjoy the new renovations to this old harbor town.

Want more? Maybe one of the unique rail and sail packages has your name on it. Riders can plan to see Penobscot Bay up close and personal as they catch a ride on the "Morning in Maine," a 55-foot wooden ketch, captained by Bob Pratt, a marine biologist and seasoned ocean sailor.

Others may prefer to sign on to the "Captain Jack" a 30-foot downeast lobster boat for a one and one-quarter hour tour mixing breathtaking views of the coast and lighthouses with a little fishing if desired.

Would you prefer a larger vessel then choose the M/V Monhegan with deck seating for 110 passengers and a tiki bar on the upper deck for a tour that includes harbor seals, lighthouses and views of the many schooners that fill the harbor area.

If you really want to see the big picture, the railroad has a package plan titled "Trains, Planes & Lighthouses" that will give you a bird's eye view as you travel with Penobscot Island Air flying above the beautiful midcoast scenery.

Passengers can also plan a day of sightseeing that focuses on museums in the area, such as the Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Lighthouse Museum and Owls Head Transportation Museum.

Festival packages are a big draw giving travelers the chance to get to their favorite events in style. Still on the summer agenda this year are trips to the Maine Lobster Festival, running from August 1 to 5, the Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show on August 10 to 11, and the Blue Angels Air Show at Brunswick NAS on September 15 to 16.

Guests who would like to use the train as a luxury kick-off for an overnight adventure can choose between several packages such as "The Historic Inns of Rockland" that uniquely combine accommodations with fine dining.

For travelers boarding in Rockland, there are adventures to be had at the other end of the line as well. Brunswick packages include many enticing activities such as "18 Holes and a Train Ride" giving passengers a chance to enjoy the greens at the Brunswick Golf Club, and "Matinee by Rail," that brings theater buffs to view Maine State Music Theater's summer productions on the grounds of Bowdoin College.

Local readers will be pleased to learn that Wiscasset is not left out of the limelight. Wiscasset packages include a "Rail, River and Relaxation" tour that includes an overnight stay at the Sheepscot Harbour Village & Resort on Davis Island, and a special offering called "Sunday Sampler," that brings guests to Wiscasset, Bath and Brunswick for one rate on three separate Sundays.

Visitors stopping in Wiscasset are urged to enjoy the antique galleries, boutiques and many restaurants in the village area that stakes the town's claim to be "the prettiest village in Maine."

Soon to become another highlight of the trip is the re-opening of the Bath Train Station that is presently undergoing final refinements to its restoration. The station will also serve as the Visitor's Center for the city of Bath and will be re-dedicated on August 6.

The train runs between May 25 and November 11, with several special Christmas trains to enjoy the season. "Fall colors are spectacular along the route," Page said. "And the ride is just beautiful in the snow."

Staff aboard the train is friendly and anxious to share their enthusiasm for rail travel.

The highly visible conductors, who actually run the show directing the engineer at each stop, claim the best lines of the day with the anticipated "All aboard" call. They are decked out in 1940 style uniforms and willingly discuss their extensive knowledge about trains with interested passengers.

The Maine Eastern experience offers either local or out of state travelers an opportunity to ride in comfort and style, while getting a glimpse of a kinder, gentler time in the history of transportation.