2 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

From what I am hearing lately, most if not all involved in going from Charlotte to Norfolk will simply lay over at Richmond-Staples Mill and not venture northward. If you still are, that's fine and it's up to you to make your connection(s) whatever they may be.

With that in mind, I realize it's sort of an oddball time for a meal. With the 7 AM Charlotte departure of the Carolinian, more than likely people will have breakfast or brunch aboard this train, which if on time gets to Richmond at 2:05 PM. Since we're taking Regional #125, which departs at 6:26 PM, that's 4-1/3 hours of dwell time. During the period, perhaps some will consider an off-train early dinner. But to have a sitdown type meal starting at a more conventional 5 PM may be cutting it close in risking missing the 6:26 departure. There's always the cafe car on #125, but by then maybe we've grown tired of that limited menu? And don't forget we have luggage along, which might need to be dragged into wherever we end up going.

Tough call. There are restaurants within walking distance of the Richmond-Staples Mill station. The list comprised during my visit 7 months ago is here. There is a relatively affordable steakhouse next door to the station driveway, but again time could be the enemy here. And on the other end of the range, there's always McDonald's, Wendy's, Subway, and an aforementioned eating area in a local supermarket.

[pennyk]

I am pretty sure that I will layover in Richmond. From past experience, time flies when you are surrounded by rail fans, so I do not think the layover will be too long. As far as eating, I can pretty much eat any time. The steakhouse looks ok to me, but I think starting a meal at 5pm may be cutting it too close, as Kevin mentioned. Does the restaurant open at 5pm for dinner, or is it open all day? If open all day, we could pretend we are Florida senior citizens and eat at 4pm. I am also ok with walking to another restaurant or to the grocery store, weather permitting.

[saxman]

I don't mind eating early as that will probably be more like lunch for me, assuming many of us eat breakfast on the train. I could probably last until the afternoon.