This Saturday is the third annual National Train Day, and celebrations are being held across the country. Raleigh’s event will be from 9AM until 1PM at the Amtrak Station.

Although I’ve ridden several trains short distance, I only recently took my first long-distance trip, and let me tell you: I don’t ever want to fly again. It’s a stress free ride, you aren’t roughed up and strip searched by security, and the best part–you get to sight-see on the way to your destination. I really can’t say enough good things about my experience.

Raleigh’s event is at the Amtrak Station on Cabarrus Street. They will be giving away posters and providing information on the new midday Piedmont service.

More info about Amtrak:

Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations.

Further Reading:

• Find Amtrak on Facebook
• National Train Day across NC
• Bytrain.org
• Previous posts on trains