I've taken Amtrak a number of times. They're really good. Yeah, food on the Carolinian is going to be expensive.
There's a regional train here called The Piedmont. Unfortunately, that one only has vending machines. Cheap? Yes. Nutritional, healthy, and filling? No. But it's a pleasant 3 and a half hour train ride between Raleigh and Charlotte.
Nice! Thank you for sharing. Train rides aren’t bad at all. Spencer and I were thinking traveling cross country but... eh not too sure if we like it THAT much lol