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If one wished to take a short (2 overnights with economy sleeper) trip on Amtrak with the only available departure from DeLand, Fla., what would be best (round trip). Thanks.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Under these conditions I'd be tempted to take the Silver Meteor up to Washington and then return on the Silver Star.......
But I'd also consider a morning flight from Orlando (or Sanford) to Chicago Midway and then take either the Capitol or Cardinal east to a connection with the Silver Meteor back to DeLand.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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dixiebreeze, you're practically my neighbor. Without a connection at Jacksonville to the Sunset Limited, there are not too many options out of Deland. Here are a couple of possibilities:
NEWPORT NEWS, VA -
Lv. Deland on #92 5:38pm Ar. Richmond 9:18am
Lv. Richmond on #67 9:45am Ar. Newport News 11:50am
Lv. Newport News on #66 4:20pm Ar. Richmond 5:55pm
Lv. Richmond on #97 9:50pm Ar. Deland 11:44am
CHARLOTTE, NC -
Lv. Deland on #92 5:38pm Ar. Raleigh 5:40am
Lv. Raleigh on #73 7:05am Ar. Charlotte 10:14am
Lv. Charlotte on #74 5:30pm Ar. Raleigh 8:40pm
Lv. Raleigh on #91 9:13pm Ar. Deland 9:07am
sojourner Member # 3134
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Two days isn't much time for such a long trip; I think you will be exhausted. Why not take an extra day or two? You only live once. . . .
For example, you could do the same as Ocala Mike recommends but visit Williamsburg. They have an inexpensive on-premises motel that is esp inexpensive off season.
Or you might visit Baltimore or Philly. We enjoyed staying there last fall, and found a good inexpensive hotel centrally located, that I can recommend.
notelvis Member # 3071
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On Mike's second option, if you enjoy looking at vintage trains as much as you enjoy riding Amtrak, you might consider spending the day at the North Carolina Transportation Museum located a short distance from the Amtrak station in Salisbury, NC.....that's about 45 minutes north of Charlotte.
Some ideas of possible daytrips using North Carolina's trains 73 and 74 can be found at this website - NC DOT passenger train information
dixiebreeze Member # 3224
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Ocala Mike, we are neighbors. I live just 40 minutes from you. I like the Charlotte recommendation for a short trip. I actually don't want to leave the train, just relax and sightsee from aboard.
George Harris Member # 2077
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I'm with sojourner on this. Visit Williamsburg if you want a peaceful and interesting interlude between trains. IIRC the station is fairly close.
dmwnc1959 Member # 2803
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quote:Originally posted by dixiebreeze: I like the Charlotte recommendation for a short trip.
If you do go to Charlotte, it is WELL worth your while to visit downtown. I lived just north of there in SALISBURY for 17 years and worked in Charlotte for 10 years.
For Charlotte, after you get off the train take a taxi (readily available, 5-7$) or cross very busy Tryon Street (safely) and catch the bus (#11) towards downtown for $1.10. The bus takes 7 minutes. Ask the bus driver to let you off in front of DISCOVERY PLACE, a WONDERFUL place to spend some time.
Go into the 70-story Bank of America world headquarters building and see the giant murals in the lobby. Just a block or two away is the MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT AND DESIGN, also a very wonderful place to visit.
At the corners of Trade and Tryon (the center of downtown Charlotte) are 4 wonderful statues, one on each corner.
Walk down to 'The Green' (a wimsical outdoor park with fountains and benches, poetry and signs) about 4-5 blocks from Discovery Place and eat wonderful Chicago-style hot dogs at MATTS CHICAGO DOGS or fantastic pizza at FUEL PIZZA. RI-RA (downtown) is a great and friendly Irish Pub.
Get back to the train station at least 35-45 minutes before your departure, not a problem by catching another bus from the very large Charlotrte Transportation Center near the Charlotte Arena or a taxi from in front of one of the many downtown luxury hotels.
The NB PIEDMONT out of Charlotte is a very comfortable and nice train, offering a FREE snack and soft drink/juice for your journey back to Raleigh. It boards about 20 minutes before departure and never leaves late.
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