Several years ago I took Rosie to Charlotte on the train, and this year is Mercy’s turn.
After a quick breakfast, and a few minutes at the train station, we were on our way on the 90 minute train ride (the same amount of time as driving).
It’s $20 a person for a round trip ticket, and the train drops you off right near downtown Charlotte- just under 2 miles away from Discovery Center Science.
The train was virtually empty, and it was really nice not to drive and just spend time with Mercy. We got a seat with a table, spent some time coloring, and just looking out the window.
Discovery Center is big, but 2-3 hours is more than enough time. There was a big exhibit about space- which Mercy just wasn’t interested in.
The hamster wheel, starfish, and birds were fun though (ewww! They smell bad! was her only complaint before running away).
The highlight for me was reconnecting with my really good friend from middle school, Tyler Bryson. He has been living in Charlotte, and I texted him earlier in the year, and we both said we should connect. His suggestions was The Tipsy Pickle, an indoor pickleball/bar concept, and it happened to be near the train station. Again, awesome to have a beer and take the train home.
Rosie had a friend to spend the night, and it is sometimes a challenge to figure out what to do: stay home and keep them entertained? Go out to one of the breweries where they can run around a bit?
“Why don’t we walk to dinner?” Taylor suggested. So we did. Harper’s is a great choice, and about a 20 minute walk. Just one big road to cross, and it was fine; it gets dark so early, I made sure everyone had a flashlight.
It was a little early, so we popped into the pet store next door before the long walk home. Also, the pet store was a sponsor for the school’s fundraiser this year, so delivering a “Thank you” note was part of the itinerary.
Also, just like every year, this is the time of the year to battle the leaves. The city changed course and no longer takes a big pile of leaves if they are put on the curb- instead, they expect all yard debris to go into the can they provide.
It doesnt work. At my house, I quietly put my rake down, and called one of the many newly formed small businesses that can come to my house and suck the leaves.
As a side benefit, the kids get a big pile once again. It was more fun than I expected:
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