“ALL ABOARD THAT’S GOING ABOARD!” is a famous cry that rang out in the Southern Pacific Depot building more than eight years ago. Then, the waiting room was filled with people taking trains to and from different destinations all over the valley. As we enter through those massive doors of what is now known simply as The Depot, let me ring out that cry one more time as I say to each of you, “ALL ABOARD THAT’S GOING ABOARD!” For I, the conductor will take you on ahistorical tour through age-old elegance into modern day charm.

The beautiful stained glass works of art that can be seen from the outside of the building and upon entering are imported Italian Church ruins that have been beautifully restored and customized for The Depot. Turning to the right from the entry way will take you below the working light of the old Southern Pacific Locomotive Engine #612 that traveled the valley in the heyday of the steamers. Under the guidance of this light, you arrive at the aptly named 612 Lounge that comfortably accommodates sixty. The bar itself is inset with Spanish gold-leaf tile and is bordered by a 125 year old hand-carved altar rail. The cocktail tables have been topped with stocks and bonds of the early railroad days. The clanging of the bell above the bar that once signified the passing of trains now rings in celebration of the passing of time.
As we continue on the tracks from the 612 Lounge, we may choose to visit the Spanish dining alcove. Surrounded by heavy iron gates and beautiful beveled crystal glass windows from a 100-year-old New Orleans hotel, the area that once served as a waiting room now serves as the main dining room. Looking upward, you gaze at huge chandeliers imported from Spain. For full lighting capacity, each three-tiered chandelier requires thirty-eight bulbs.

Or, we may choose to continue on to the baggage room, which now serves as a banquet room with its own small, but very adequate, private bar.
Once again, we notice the stained glass from Italian church ruins over the booths as our travels take us into the Dome Room. The dome, from which the room was named, was custom made from hundreds of pieces of stained glass from European church ruins. To the left is a large-scale depiction of this city’s main street, Circa 1900. Off to right you’ll see a room divider made of beveled crystal also from the 100-year-old New Orleans hotel.
Our tour ends as we pass through the kitchen that is lined with boxcars that now store liquor, wine, and food.
Some of our passengers today, were passengers then. Only the scenery has changed. We are proud to share it with you. We hope you enjoy your dinner and the atmosphere, and we hope you will return to travel the tracks of time again.