The very first Amtrak “test train” arrived at Charlotte’s new Gateway Station in December 2022. | Photo via WCNC
Train travel is full steam ahead. In the last year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has served 24+ million riders. Charlotte’s Amtrak station served 261,510 people in 2023 alone.
The sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could be part of your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Meet the Carolinian
If you’re leaving from Charlotte’s train station, you’ll most likely be riding the Carolinian:
Wi-Fi | There’s free Wi-Fi + you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
Food + Drink | This train offers café service (snacks and drinks for purchase).
Accommodations | The Texas Eagle features upper and lower level coach seats.
Where it takes you
Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out where you can get from Charlotte via the Carolinian. Prices may vary.
New York | ~13.5-hour trip | Coach: $139 | Business: $189
First stop: The ticket counter
Purchase one-way tickets online, or buy a pass — the $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.
Next — getting to the station. Charlotte’s includes daily and overnight parking.
Just down the track…
The Federal Railroad Administration, NCDOT, and the City of Charlotte partnered to fund the new Charlotte Gateway Station in Uptown. According to Amtrak, the platform and track work are complete with service expected by 2028.
Asked
Asked
Which of the following is a real perk of riding Amtrak?
A. You can BYOB in Sleeping Car accommodations B. There are no middle seats C. You can bring dogs/cats on trips under 7 hours for a small fee D. 1 personal, 2 carry-on, and 2 checked bags are include in ticket price for most trains E. All of the above
Fundraiser for WNC Relief | Monday, Oct. 28 | 6 p.m. | Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | $40 | Savor cocktails and a full meal from Restaurant Constance or Mac’s Speed Shop + proceeds go to Helene relief.
Blind Flight Night at Dilworth Tasting Room | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 4-10 p.m. | Dilworth Tasting Room | $20 | Savor a complimentary charcuterie plate + three staff-chosen wines.
The Exorcist | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | 9110 Kings Parade Blvd., Charlotte | $0.50 | Get your ticket to see the classic horror film on the big screen + free snacks.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Book Trivia: Monster Mash | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Room Service | Dress to impress during this spooktacularly-themed trivia night.
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $25+ | You’ll be singing “Mamma Mia” at this high-energy show.
🏡 Score luxury living for less with this limited-time offer
Presented by Empire Communities
Brixton residents enjoy a blend of outdoor adventure and urban convenience. | Photos by Joe Purvis
Tucked away in the University area is Brixton, a new townhome community by Empire. It’s close to the Toby Creek Greenway, the light rail station, and UNC Charlotte — talk about convenience.
Each of the three-story, move-in-ready townhomes offers:
Two, three, or four bedrooms
A first-floor guest suite or flex space
Expansive kitchens
Luxurious details (think: high ceilings, hardwood floors, and quartz counters)
Winter is coming. Charlotte could soon see its first freeze. WCNC Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy breaks down the data to explain when we’ll get a taste of winter. (WCNC)
Trending
More than 82,000 people attended Concert for Carolina — raising more than $24 million for western North Carolina in wake of Hurricane Helene. Artists like Luke Combs, James Taylor, Eric Church, and many others put on quite a show. Get the full concert recap.
State
NC lawmakers approved $600 million for Helene recovery efforts. Gov. Cooper previously requested $3.9 billion. At $53 billion in damages, the governor estimates Helene is the costliest natural disaster in state history. (WCNC)
Closed
The iconic Red Bridges BBQ Lodge in Shelby is closed after a fire. The restaurant has served customers since 1953 + won 2019 USA Today readers choice for best barbecue. No word on if it will reopen. (WCNC)
Development
NEWSTAR and Red Cedar Homes will develop two single-family rental communities in NoDa. They’ll feature 72 three-story townhomes with attached garages, walk-in showers, and fenced-in yards. Homes are expected to become available in late 2025. (PR Newswire)
Coming soon
Hawaii-based Bad Ass Coffee is bringing three stores to the Charlotte area. The coffee shop will open first in Rock Hill, serving fresh coffee, lattes, blended drinks, and breakfast food. A location is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Try This
Imagine watching Monday Night Football on a massive TV wall. Platform Sports Bar is now open at 3216 South Blvd., Ste. 301. The bar boasts a retractable roof for skyline views, a full menu + four media walls to show up to 20 games at once. (The Charlotte Observer)
Sports
This is cool. USA Curling will host the 2026 Men’s & Women’s National Championships in the Queen City. The event features the country’s top eight men and women’s teams. Mark your calendars for February 23-March 2, 2026 at Bojangles Coliseum. (WCNC)
Listen
With Bryce Young at the helm, the Panthers fell against the Broncos 14-28. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Fact or fiction
If you have a heart arrhythmia, you shouldn’t exercise — fact or fiction? According to a Novant Health heart expert, that’s one of several fictional claims about atrial fibrillation — and it’s just one of five myths about AFib that he’s busting. Bonus: Take this quiz to see your heart risk.*
Shop
These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships. Want to lead sales efforts for new products, identify and secure partnerships, and grow existing client relationships, all with a lucrative compensation plan? Apply to join.
Category
Coming Soon
🕹️ It’s slime time
Beat the Bomb boasts several games where groups can get sprayed, slimed, or foamed (while wearing protective gear, of course). | Photo via Beat the Bomb
Charlotte, prepare to get slimed.Beat the Bomb will open a new entertainment venue in South End, boasting immersive games, craft cocktails, fresh bites, and private event space.
“Beat The Bomb is about having an absolute blast with your team — win or lose,” said CEO and Founder Alex Patterson. “We are using cutting-edge technology and incredible special effects to bring friends, family, and coworkers together in real life.”
Teams of four to six players suit up for one of three 60-minute “Bomb Mission” experiences: Paint, Foam, or Slime. In that hour, teams go through five rooms with lasers, projections, motion sensors, and touch screens with the hopes of disarming a giant bomb. Losing = getting sprayed. Check it out.
This will be Beat the Bomb’s first location in the Carolinas. Other locations are in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
It opens Friday, Nov. 22, at 3638 Tryclan Dr. Tickets start at $29.95.
The Buy
The Buy
The cowboy hat you’ve been looking for to complete this year’s costume, just in time for Halloween (it should ship fast for Prime members).
Over the weekend, City Editor Jack and I were so excited for Concert for Carolina. It was heartwarming to see so many people and performers come together to lift up our neighbors in western NC. I’m proud to call NC home.
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†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
