Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!

There’s something about a train journey that just feels romantic, isn’t there?

This week’s adventure took us to Greensboro for the NC Ale Trail by Rail (try saying that three times fast on camera 😆). Before moving to America, train travel was just… life. School, work, day trips to the Big Smoke. So, any chance I get to sink into a seat, watch the world roll by outside the window, and arrive somewhere without traffic stress? I’m in my happy place.

And Greensboro delivered.

Our first stop was the most heavenly Parisian bakery (Breakfast at Paris) owned by a Frenchman baking the old-school way – European flour, European butter, no shortcuts. The smell alone could make you weep. I felt brave (maybe reckless?) and ordered a pain Suisse – buttery, flaky layers wrapped around custard and chocolate. As someone who’s gluten-free, I hesitated… and then trusted the European flour magic. (some gluten intolerant people can handle European flour - not celiac though)

Worth. Every. Bite.

I’m not exaggerating when I say it may have been the best pastry I’ve ever had. I’d hop back on that train just for another one.

But the most powerful stop of the day was the International Civil Rights Museum & Center. Our guide, Angela, was exceptional. We’ve visited many sites along the Civil Rights Trail over the years, and this one ranks among the very best. It’s confronting. It’s heartbreaking. It’s truth-telling in a way that lingers long after you leave.

It reminded me, again, why history matters. Why learning matters. Why using our voices – and soon-to-be voting power – for good matters. It deepened my commitment to let light, love, and integrity sit at the core of our storytelling here at This is Raleigh.

If you haven’t been, truly – jump on that train and make it an easy, meaningful day trip.

Of course, we also did our “research” into Greensboro’s thriving craft brewing scene. 😉 It was cider and seltzer for me until our last stop – Hidden Gate Brewery – surprised me with a gluten-reduced light lager that leaned hoppy like an IPA. I cannot tell you how grateful I was to hold a proper beer that my body could actually tolerate. Small wins, big joy.

I’m officially hooked on train explorations again. I just wish we had more lines and more frequent service.

So, tell me… where should we ride the rails to next?

Caroline

P.S. We will have video content coming soon to share the fun day in Greensboro!

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