A Day Trip by Train from Raleigh to Selma: Small-Town Charm, Big Surprises

If you’re looking for a fun and easy local adventure that’s different from the usual weekend drive, hop on the train and spend the day in Selma. Just 30-minutes from Raleigh, this historic Johnston County town has quietly transformed into a cool, creative small town with vintage shops, tea-infused cocktails, and friendly locals. But what makes Selma truly special isn’t just what’s new; it’s the spirit of renewal itself.

Years ago, when I first arrived in the U.S. as a teacher, I spent four years in Johnston County (JoCo) and saw Selma in a very different light — a once-bustling railroad town that had lost its spark. On this return trip in partnership with Johnston County visitor’s bureau, stepping off the train felt like stepping into a story of revival. Because Selma is proof that places — just like people — can find their light again. All it takes is a few visionaries willing to believe in what can be, not just what is.

Erika, owner of Retrograde Vintage, summed it up perfectly as she shared her story of moving from hairstyling to running her nostalgic vintage shop: “In a place like this, you have to have the faith to buy into the community for what it will become, not what it currently is.”

That hit me deep. It’s what my friend Christina and I often call “stepping into your future self” — seeing beyond what exists and aligning with the potential waiting to unfold. And that’s exactly what’s happening here. Selma is in the midst of becoming and it’s inspiring to witness. All it takes is a few visionaries and risk takers to create a change. Selma is cool enough to visit from Raleigh as it is now, I can’t wait to see how it continues to emerge.

Riding the Rails: Raleigh to Selma

I’ve always loved train travel. Growing up, it was our main form of public transportation. I spent 10 years catching the train to school and university, then another four commuting to work. There’s something so comforting about the rhythm of the rails, watching life pass by the window, and giving yourself permission to switch off.

Raleigh to Selma in 30-minutes

We caught the 10:13 a.m. train from Raleigh Union Station and settled in for a relaxing, scenic thirty-minute journey south. We traveled in business class, $32 return per person, or coach is from $12 return per person. Our only regret? How fast it went by.

Arrival at Selma Historic Union Station

Selma’s Historic Union Station, built in 1924, is a lovely first impression. The restored station showcases exhibits on the town’s rail heritage, and outside you’ll find a vintage caboose car and the relocated Mitchner Station, now preserved across the street. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how intertwined trains and small-town life once were.

I enjoyed reading about Lady Bird Johnson stopping here on her Lady Bird Special campaign trip, especially since only days before I wondered what she looked like while reading The Residence: Inside the Private World of the Whie House.

It was also a thrill to learn that Selma is the birthplace of Vicks VapoRub, a favorite in mother’s favorite medicine cabinet!

Lunch at Hahvahd Yahd Café

After exploring the station, we made our way to Hahvahd Yahd Café, located inside The Southern Bostonian, a quirky Boston-themed boutique that feels equal parts retro and fun. Tired of there not being a place to eat in town, owners and Boston transplants,Kristina and Alex, seized the opportunity to open The Hahvad Yahd Café and help bring more people to downtown Selma. So, they stuck to what they know best – Boston-inspired comfort food.

The perfect New England start to a meal?  A creamy and hearty Chowdah in a bread bowl, We paired it with their seasonal shakes (pumpkin pie and s’mores — both outstanding).

Craig went for the North End Italian sandwich, a fan favorite that hit with a dose of happy nostalgia thanks to the memory of our real-life cappuccinos and cannoli strolls through Boston’s North End with my parents.

North End Italian sandwich

I opted for the Everything but the Kitchen Sink flatbread (gluten-free), topped with portobello mushrooms, red peppers, tomato, feta, and chicken. Christina and Alex both agreed that the gluten free flatbread (shipped in from Boston) tastes better than the flour kind! It was the best gluten free flatbread I’ve ever had. Hands down, I’d go back to Selma just for this.  

Everything but the Kitchen Sink flatbread

S’mores and pumpkin pie

Don’t miss their seasonal shakes. And of course, while here, take time to browse around the store, and pick up a few gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Exploring Downtown Selma

You’ve got time before and after lunch to wander the small downtown strip, browsing its stores and snapping a few mural photos. You’ll find them throughout downtown – my favorite being the ladder climbing up the brick wall and the bench swing at the intersection of Anderson Street and Raiford St.

Selma has always had a reputation for antiques, and there are several antique stores to peruse, but Selma is now seeing a range of other retail stores open.

Retrograde Vintage

Retrograde Vintage instantly caught our eye. Owners Erika and Chris have transformed their love of the 80s, 90s, and Y2K into a nostalgic treasure trove of vintage clothing, music, and pop-culture memories.

This side hustle of this husband-and-wife duo is only 9 weeks old and already drawing in people from Raleigh to grab their GEN X gear – the best kind! Neatly organized into music, tv/ film/ cartoon t-shirts, jeans for all sizes, cute dresses and “nightclub shirts.” Plus, you’ll find a cool vinyl collection and accessories of all kinds. Collectors’ items go fast so be ready to move.

It was great chatting with Erika and Chris, learning about their business leap of faith and chatting about life in the good old days!

Hidden Temple Toys

Hidden Temple Toys is a massive wonderland filled with toys for all ages and was a dream of founder Ed Valdez’s for over 20 years. In a beautiful building in Downtown Selma, he turned his passion for collecting action figures into a thriving business. Ed spent decades collecting and curating action figures, comics, and all things TMNT and Pokémon. Ed’s family and friends have continued to grow Hidden Temple Toys into a true community gathering place for collectors, enthusiasts, and newbies alike.

Goonies key / Harry Potter wand

Hidden Temple Toys draws in toy lovers from all over and all ages, with adults now being one of the top buyers of toys. The place was filed with kids running around, adults playing games up the back, and elderly folks wandering between the aisles.

And just a few doors down, a splash of color drew us into the Strickland Art Gallery — a burst of joy in every direction. “We sell happiness here,” the artist’s partner told us, and that’s exactly how it felt. From the floral-painted floors to bright beach and holiday scenes, it’s a visual love letter to joy. Artist William Strickland’s work can be found around downtown Selma as street art, and in nearby DeWayne’s store. (You should see their Christmas decorations!)

Hanky E Panky Soap shop

On a previous trip, we also loved the Hanky E Panky Soap Shop. Not only do they have a wide variety of handmade soaps and lotions made from goats’ milk and simple, natural ingredients, but soy and beeswax candles, raw honey made from their own beehives, and a few other products from local suppliers, like tea from Wendell and coffee from Clayton.

Treasury Antiques

One antique store you may not want to miss is Treasury Antiques. It was here in Dr. Joshua Vick’s drugstore in 1905 that pharmacist Lunsford Richardson invented the Vicks VapoRub recipe in an effort to treat his son’s croup. There’s nothing inside that marks that unique history, but inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of antiques with something for everyone

Afternoon Cocktails at Quantum Toad

We wrapped up our day trip at Quantum Toad, a sophisticated yet playful cocktail bar created by Raleigh locals Rob and Emeric — fellow travelers who share our love for great stories and good drinks.

Emeric and Robert had the vision years ago when they bought their building, determined to create their dream bar. Emeric’s family owns Harney & Sons, a NYC tea company, so they infused that legacy into their menu with signature tea-based cocktails and artisanal blends. And Robert used his “armchair” interior design skills to create the impressive interior. (If that is “Armchair” talent, then it looks like my skills come from the two-legged stool in the basement.)

The space oozes character: a reclaimed brick fireplace, exposed brick walls, sliding doors that open to catch the cool afternoon breeze, and fun, eclectic artwork. The signature giant toad coming out of the wall is a piece made by a local Raleigh artist they discovered one night at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre.

And the cocktails? Some of the best we’ve had anywhere in the Piedmont. I started with the Blueberry Bang, infused with blueberry green tea, Cointreau, blue curaçao, and vodka — refreshing and subtly floral. Craig ordered The Revolver, a bold mix of whiskey, Grind espresso liqueur, and embered orange.

I couldn’t resist trying their Dirty Old Fashioned, which officially ranks in my top five old fashioneds across the region (yes, I’m expanding that boundary beyond Raleigh now!).

Emeric recommended the Eiffel Toad (bourbon with Paris tea) and  also highlighting their “risky” Chai Boba White Russian — a creative twist with boba pearls that’s quickly become a local favorite.

We loved chatting with them about travel, cocktails, and Raleigh’s dining scene — and I already know what I’m ordering next time: an Aperol Spritz, Italian-style, because I trust these two to make it properly.

Chatting with owners, Emeric and Rob

Watch this space y’all. Expansion plans are exciting, and I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but it will make you kick yourself you weren’t putting your faith in Selma a few years back and investing in your own wild dreams. News Flash: It’s never too late.

Bonus Find: Tantra Indian Grill

On-site at Quantum Toad

One unexpected surprise? Tantra Indian Grill, a food truck parked out back of Quantum Toad. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s some of the best Indian food I’ve had in our region. The tandoori chicken wings fell off the bone — they’d easily take the number-one spot on our “Best Wings in Raleigh” list — and the butter chicken I took home for dinner (and lunch the next day) was rich, creamy perfection.

Returning Home

The 4:36 p.m. train back to Raleigh came too soon. We’d settled in so comfortably at Quantum Toad that leaving felt like tearing ourselves away from new friends. But that just means we’ll be back — next time with a group of friends in tow. And if we get too cozy again, well… there’s always Uber. This easy, affordable, and incredibly fun day trip reminded us why we love local travel so much. Sometimes the best adventures are just 30-minutes down the track. And because I never want to leave a travel experience without contemplating on what my soul learned from it:

💫 You don’t need perfect conditions to begin.
💫 You just need faith in your future self — and the willingness to step into it.
💫 You can transform communities just by following your sparks.

So next time you find yourself in a place (literal or metaphorical) that feels a little sparkless… pause before you walk away. Look again. Maybe it’s not dying, maybe it’s just waiting for you to believe in what it can become.