ALL ABOARD!

BY ALISON BAILIN

barstools, and velvet lounge chairs, all in pink or white.

Each completely private tour can accommodate up to 20 guests, and there are several packages from which to choose.

The OG package starts at $695 and is a 2 1/2-hour adventure, either fully on board or with stops at train partners including Wine Girl Scottsdale, The Beverly, and 50 Shades of Rosé. In addition to the driver and bartender, this standard package comes with trendy cups and decor, cocktail mixers, ice and coolers for drinks. Guests may bring their own spirits, beer, and wine, and the train concierge can work with the group to develop a custom menu themed to the occasion. For an added fee, everything from charcuterie and cake pops to a train stocked with requested spirits, beer, and wine may be added to the reservation as well. The train concierge can also work with groups to add on additional time aboard as well as book bottle and VIP experiences with its partner bars to make the evening extra special.

Party busses are so 2022. After enjoying a ride on one with friends in Nashville in early 2022, Samantha DelBrocco and her partners felt like that tried-and-true mode of group transportation needed an upgrade.

Enter the Champagne Train, which debuted in Scottsdale in December last year.

The “train” is a 40-foot retired school bus completely reimagined as the ultimate VIP lounge on wheels. It features a licensed driver and professional bartender on board. Visually, the interior is modern and chic with pink and white accents throughout as well as a neon sign that says, “But First, Champagne…,” multiple art installations and an interactive photo station complete with a ring light and cell phone mount. There is also a customizable Bluetooth stereo system on board so guests may choose from a variety of themed playlists or opt to link their own accounts and act as their own DJs all night long. The lighting dims by design, and select windows roll down to allow for a more open-air experience.

As for seating, gone are the two-person vinyl benches most commonly found in a school bus. The Champagne Train offers a plush couch with seating for at least four in the back and then a combination of benches, sleek

In addition to the standard tour, every Friday (except during the holiday season), the Champagne Train offers its Buffalo Chip package. This 3 1/2-hour experience takes guests on a Western-themed romp from Scottsdale to Cave Creek, with a stop at Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse to see live bull riding, dance, and indulge in the Arizona entertainment icon. This package starts at $750, and the same enhancements are available.

There is also a Bottomless Mimosa package, which is available on the weekend during the day and includes optional stops at brunch spots and/or day clubs; a Wedding Transportation package; a Holiday Light tour package; and an hourly transport rate. Additional culinary and beverage packages will also be added in coming months.

Learn more and book the train at www. thechampagnetrain.com.

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