Fillmore, California: Dining out can sometimes become routine or it can be an unusual experience or a unique adventure!

The Fillmore & Western Railway not only provides delicious meals aboard its dinner trains, but also offers fun, excitement and a change of pace for both couples and families. Anyplace else is simply a restaurant!

Three dinner trains are currently available aboard Fillmore & Western Railway with the popular Barbecue Train scheduled to return in June. The dinner trains include the popular Murder Mystery Dinner Trains, the Spaghetti Western and Golden State/Sunset Dinner Trains.

Offered year-round on Saturday evenings, the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater trains are a fun way to spend a night out. Once aboard, guests watch and participate in a tale of intrigue and mystery that is filled with laughs. As the story unfolds, passengers can utilize their best sleuthing skills to guess whodunit, or simply sit back and observe the mayhem!

While the actors from P. Maxwell Productions commit mirth and murder, the train rolls leisurely down the track as a first class three-course dinner is prepared on the 1949 diner. Guests have a choice of three entrees, which include Prim Rib au jus, Baked Salmon, Orange Chicken, or Vegetable Lasagna. Dinners are complete with all the trimmings and a tantalizing dessert.

To add variety and interest, each Murder Mystery Train carries a different theme. The 2002 lineup includes "When the West was Wild," "Night Train to Murder," "Mission Implausible," "The Love Train," and "Cirque De Foul Play."

The cost is $79 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. The train boards at 6:15 p.m., departs at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 9:45 p.m.

The Old West comes to life aboard the Spaghetti Western Dinner Trains held on selected Friday evenings. The Spaghetti Western Dinner Train is ideal for a family outing, reunion or celebration. While aboard the vintage train, guests are entertained by characters from the Old West on their 2 - hour excursion through the citrus groves of scenic Heritage Valley.

The evening includes a tasty spaghetti dinner, salad, garlic bread, beverage, and Chef's choice dessert, which is prepared on the 1949 restored diner car, "San Cayetano." The cost is $45 for adults, $24 for children 4 to 12 years of age, and $5 for infants, ride only. The Spaghetti Western Dinner Train boards at 6:30 p.m., departs at 7 p.m. and returns at approximately 9:30 p.m.

A golden sunset, an elegant dinner and a leisurely ride reliving the golden days of rail travel can be found on the Golden State/Sunset Dinner Trains. The trains are offered on the second Friday nights from January through March and May through November 2002. During daylight savings time, guests can enjoy a lovely sunset on their way through the Heritage Valley.

A first class three-course dinner is offered on the Golden State/Sunset Dinner Trains. Guests can choose from the Prime Rib, Orange Chicken, Fresh Salmon or Vegetable Lasagna. During the evening, passengers are encouraged to stroll through the train cars and enjoy the surroundings of their authentically restored dining car.

Cost of The fresh air observation car is the perfect way to enjoy the night's richness and see the bright stars as they light up the sky. Or perhaps an evening dance in the Cheyenne Social Club Dance Car is what's on the agenda. The fare is $65 per person including tax and gratuity. The Golden State/Sunset Trains boards at 7 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. departure and 10 p.m. return to Fillmore.

Besides the dinner trains, Fillmore & Western Railway offers a variety of rides throughout the year including Museum & Murals Tour Trains, scenic weekend excursions and themed-holiday trains including the popular Pumpkinliners and Christmas Tree Trains.

Known as "Hollywood's Movie Trains," Fillmore & Western Railways vintage cars have been seen in more than 250 feature films, television programs and commercials.

Guests aboard the Fillmore & Western Railway scenic excursions enjoy a 2 «« ride through the Heritage Valley into the historic City of Santa Paula. Reservations are required on all dinner trains, and are recommended for daytime excursions. Discounted rates are available for groups of 25 people or more.

For additional information on Fillmore & Western Railway Dinner Trains or to receive a 2002 Boarding Schedule, call Fillmore & Western Railway at 1-800-773-8724. Visit the website at www.fwry.com