I know many people are busy this week, so I am keeping this newsletter short. There is a new post this week, and I have updated a few others.
For the folks in the USA, happy 4th of July. For those outside the USA, I hope you have a great weekend anyway.
New post out!
The North Charleston station is the only Amtrak stop where I’ve used two station buildings.
When I first started traveling between Wisconsin and South Carolina to visit my sister in Charleston, Amtrak still used the old Atlantic Coast Line depot. On my last few trips, I used the newer North Charleston station, built next to it.
That kind of detail — knowing which station, route, or connection actually makes sense — is exactly what trips people up when planning an Amtrak trip to South Carolina.
South Carolina is a great state to visit by train, but the details matter. Depending on your starting point and destination, you may take the Crescent, Floridian, Palmetto, or Silver Meteor. The best station for your trip isn’t always the one you might expect.
Route choice matters just as much as station choice. South Carolina’s Amtrak routes split into an interior and a coastal route, so the fastest or easiest option is not always a straight shot. For example, if you’re coming from New Orleans, it may save time to get off at a western South Carolina stop and rent a car or take another form of transportation rather than ride farther, transfer trains, and backtrack toward the coast.
If you’re coming from Chicago or the Midwest and heading to Columbia or the Midlands, the Floridian can be a great option because you can stay on the same train the whole way. But if you’re heading to Charleston, Florence, or the eastern side of the state, you’ll usually need to transfer in Washington, DC, to the Silver Meteor or the Palmetto.
In my new guide, I cover South Carolina’s Amtrak routes and stations, common trip ideas, and a few things beginner travelers should know before booking. That includes why Charleston’s Amtrak station is technically in North Charleston, why Myrtle Beach lacks an Amtrak station, and why Yemassee often comes up when planning trips to Beaufort or Hilton Head Island.
I also cover station codes, baggage rules, food options, coach versus sleeper options, and when it may be worth driving to Charlotte instead.
The Silver Meteor at the old North Charleston Station
What Is Kev Up To?
Last week I mentioned I was playing at a funeral — and it went well! It was more stressful than it needed to be, but everything came together in the end.
This week, summer arrived in the Midwest with full force. I don't always mind the heat, but my body sometimes has other ideas. I've been spending a lot of time in the basement, where it stays nice and cool. There's something oddly comforting about needing a blanket while wearing shorts — I know, I know.
Since Mackenzie arrived, she's been keeping busy. She's been spending time with the neighbor girl and a few other kids in the area, and my mom and sister got her signed up for summer classes, which she seems to be enjoying. We've talked about going on outings together, but between the heat and her schedule, we haven't gotten out much yet. Some of the things I had in mind turned out to cost more than I expected, so we're being a little more intentional about picking our spots — making sure we have fun while keeping things reasonable.
Thank You!
Thanks to Janet O. and others for joining Patreon!
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Until Next Week!
Safe travels & Happy Planning, Kev Monteith
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Travels with Kev is independent and not affiliated with Amtrak or VIA Rail. The tips and information here are based on my personal experience. Always verify Amtrak's and VIA Rail's current policies, deals, and schedules before booking.
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