Our first "choo choo" ride

was a success!

My little traveler is now a train traveler as well.

Here she is in front of her first "choo choo" train. She was pretty excited.

I was less excited in the beginning because this (below) is what we left out of- way to stay classy Charleston. Notice the police car parked out front. I'm sure there is reason for this.

Thankfully, my girlfriend Leslie was nice enough to drive us and let us hang out in the car until the train arrived so we wouldn't have to wait around in the depot. Ick.

Once we got to our seats and settled, we made ourselves comfortable.

Keys to a successful train ride with a toddler:

1. Snacks. Lots of snacks so you don't have to spend money on the overpriced train food (which actually smelled delish as people walked back to their seats from the food car)

2. Electronics. The great thing about Amtrak is that there are outlets at your seat for electronics. So, pack your DVDs and laptop and get comfy with movie time. Although, beware of that one conductor that will walk by and say "She needs headphones to watch that movie." Just nod your head and act like you are scrummaging for her headphones (that you didn't bring because she won't let you get near her head with them) until he's gone then go on with your low volume movie because no one around you cares as long as you don't have a screaming toddler. You're all in for the long haul.

3. Bring comforts from home. Blankie and the nemo pillow are a must.

That's all. With those key things, you should have a pretty easy choo choo experience. It was fantastic. So much easier than driving and having to plan activity stops along the way. 

Chey loved her first choo choo ride, although we were more than happy to arrive at Nana and Skipper's house at the end of the day. For the low price and huge ease, I would definitely travel Amtrak again- fyi.