Route 1 is absolutely breathtaking, especially the area around Conowingo Dam. Fisherman's Park at the dam is the best spot to watch Bald Eagles.
Rail transportation and driving are my two preferred methods of transportation, though I probably a slight bias towards driving. I have a lot of rail mileage under my belt though. Off corridor is the best especially the double decker sightseer lounge cars on select long distance routes.
As for memorable travel, I still remember vividly my first Amtrak trip. It was a day trip on the Acela to DC. NJ Transit ripped down some C