Richmond’s Main Street Station not only hosts train passengers, but also community events + parties. | Photo by @aerowingva
Train travel is booming. In 2024, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) served a record-breaking 32.8 million riders, and Virginia accounted for 2.34 million of that count. We’re curious to see how 2025 stats will compare.
The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Stations near us
There are two major stations in the Richmond area. Both offer same-day and overnight parking with accessible services.
Two service lines operate directly out of Richmond. Both offer free wifi, coach and business class options, as well as cafe car services.
Northeast Regional Services
This main line operates out of both Main Street + Staples Mill stations, connecting Central Virginia (Richmond + Roanoke) with numerous East Coast destinations. Major cities include:
Construction on Brown’s Island is officially underway, and Venture Richmond’s campaign to raise $15 million in private and philanthropic funding continues.
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond, Inc.
Announced
Yesterday, Dec. 2, Venture Richmond broke ground on the Brown’s Island Improvement Project, beginning an 11-month stretch of construction. The ceremony also recognized local real estate giant CoStar Group for its $5 million project contribution.
Transit
Prepare for holiday road closures this weekend. On Dec. 5, RVA Illuminates will result in three Friday street closures near Kanawha Plaza from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade will march along West Broad the following morning, Dec. 6, resulting in 10+ Saturday street closures from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Development
Data center developers have their sights set on Central Virginia. More specifically, Google is poised to invest $9 billion in regional expansions, including a new 856,000 sq-ft facility in Chesterfield. Want to share feedback? Keep up with upcoming community meetings.
Number
650+ hours. That’s about how long it takes the owners of 9716 Wendhurst Dr. to set up their extravagant holiday lights display, an annual dazzler on Richmond’s Tacky Lights Tour. After 27 news-worthy years, the Glen Allen couple plans to pack up the lights for good. First, one final hurrah. (RVA Hub + Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Coming Soon
Following Conex RVA’s Winter Wonderland launch, there’s another shipping-container venue in the works. Vitco is setting up between Broad and Leigh with plans to operate as a food and entertainment space. The anchoring design? A decommissioned streetcar. (CBS 6 + Richmond BizSense)
Plan Ahead
Any Blippi fans in the crowd? Popular for his educational YouTube adventures, the children’s entertainment star will visit the Dominion Energy stage in March 2026. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, Dec. 5.
Have you tuned into the City of Richmond’s eye-opening three-part radio series breaking down Vision Zero? Learn more about what it takes to eliminate traffic deaths, hear perspectives from law enforcement, pedestrians, bikers, and drivers, and imagine a future where everyone gets home safely. Plus, discover more stats.*
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that a leading audiologist calls “nothing short of a miracle.” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no risk for 45 days and experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Stat
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Health
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
The Buy
Three viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
☕ A JavaSok — aka an insulated neoprene sleeve for your favorite iced drinks. The widely popular product is an Amazon bestseller + one of the top gifts of the season. Bonus: Discover Soks for cans, water bottles, ice cream pints, and more.
🥘 The StoveShelf — as seen in Business Insider and Food & Wine. It’s a high-quality magnetic attachment for your stovetop that stores frequently used items like spices, condiments, and cooking oils.
🐻 Something that’s on every teenager’s holiday wishlist: the viral Starbucks Bearista bear cup. If you couldn’t get your hands on the original (they sold out within minutes), we found the perfect look-alike on Amazon.
When my parents lived in Rhode Island, I was taking Amtrak (Northeast Regional) a few times a year to visit them. It was about a nine-hour trip, but it felt much more relaxed than flying, allowed additional space, and I tend to prefer the landlocked scenery. Plus, look how perfectly New England this station sign is.
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