🌅🚆My Brightline Review: Worth It?

Good Afternoon Sunland,

It’s Tuesday, and word has it in Fort Pierce is that Kinfolk is making moves with a grand opening this week.

For the uninitiated, Kinfolk has been holding it down in the area for a couple of years now. First on 25th Street, then over on Kings Highway. But now? They’re setting up shop on Gatlin Boulevard.

The location looks promising—lots of new shops and stores popping up right around them. It’s the kind of spot that feels like it’s about to be a local go-to.

Curious? 👉 Check it out here.

A Look Ahead:
🚆 Testing Brightline: Miami trip review
🎵 18 live music shows this week

Will you check out Kinfolk's new location?

My Brightline Experience

🕒 Time

First thing I noticed? Brightline is all about saving time. The West Palm to Miami trip clocks in at about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including stops. Compare that to driving the same 71 miles during Art Basel weekend—easily 1 hour and 45 minutes, assuming you’re not stuck in a Miami traffic vortex.

Plus, once I got to Miami, everything I planned was within walking distance, so I didn’t have to hunt for parking (or pay for it). Another time-saver. 🚗✨ Score one for Brightline.

💸 Price

Here’s where things get interesting. At first, I wasn’t sure how the train stacked up. So, I crunched some numbers:

• Driving: About $17.04 in fuel, assuming current gas prices.

• Federal mileage reimbursement rate: A hefty $95.14 (because why not).

Now, my round-trip Brightline ticket? $58 flat. Not cheap, but honestly lower than I expected.

But here’s the kicker: staying in West Palm and using Brightline to pop into Miami saved me serious cash. Hotels in Miami last weekend were going for $300–$500 a night. Meanwhile, West Palm? $200–$300 a night. The train made it easy to have a Miami experience without paying Miami prices. Suddenly, that $58 ticket feels like a bargain. 🤑

🚆 The Experience

Let’s be real: it’s a train. It wasn’t life-changing, but it was comfortable. Think “plane vibes” without the TSA line.

• Overpriced snacks? Check. 🍿

• USB chargers and WiFi? Check. 🔌💻

• A pull-down desk for your laptop? Nice touch.

It’s better than driving, but it’s no Delta Comfort+. Let’s call this one a tie.

💭 Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a quick trip to Miami, Brightline is worth considering—especially if you’re staying overnight in West Palm. You’ll save on time, money, and the hassle of parking.

For now, though, I’m not sure it’s worth the price for a one-off day trip from St. Lucie. But when Brightline hits Stuart? That might be a game-changer.

All in all, I had a great time. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot—you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Live Music Events Ahead 🎉

🎶 Blues Jam at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Tuesday, December 10 🕛 7:00 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
Join a lively Blues Jam session at Harmony Music Lounge! Enjoy the laid-back vibe and great tunes for just $4. 👉 More about Harmony Music Lounge!

🎶 Music Bingo @ The Vine & Barley
📅 Tuesday, December 10 🕛 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 The Vine & Barley
Sing along to your favorite tunes and compete for fun prizes at Music Bingo! This free event is a great way to kick back and have a good time. 👉 Reserve Your Spot!

🎻 Bluegrass Jam at Pierced Cider
📅 Tuesday, December 10 🕛 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Pierced Ciderworks
Join the Sunrise City Bluegrass Jam hosted by Trevor Klutz, featuring South Florida's best Bluegrass artists. A perfect evening for music lovers! 👉 Check It Out!

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🎹 Joe Gee at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Wednesday, December 11 🕛 8:00 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
Experience Joe Gee’s piano, blues, and jazz performance in an intimate setting. Tickets are only $4. 👉 Check it out!

🎷 Jazz & Blues Night w/ Muffy Charlesopen
📅 Wednesday, December 11 🕛 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
Experience the soulful sounds of Muffy Charles live on stage at this midweek jazz and blues escape. Free admission! 👉 Reserve Your Spot!

🎤 Justin Shapiro at the Island Beach Bar and Restaurant
📅 Thursday, December 12 🕛 4:00 PM
📍 Island Beach Bar and Restaurant
Catch Justin Shapiro’s unique blend of alternative rock, classic rock, and folk at this beachside venue. No cover charge! 👉 More about Justin Shapiro!

🎤 Open Mic at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Thursday, December 12 🕛 7:00 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
Show off your talent or enjoy the variety of acoustic, rock, and more at this free Open Mic night. 👉 More about Harmony Music Lounge!

🎶 Music Bingo @ Crabby’s Dockside Ft. Pierce
📅 Thursday, December 12 🕛 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMt
📍 Crabby’s Dockside
Enjoy waterfront views, delicious food, and a lively night of Music Bingo! Free admission and plenty of fun. 👉 Reserve Your Spot!

🍷 Ladies' Night: Sweet Vibes & 1/2 Off Wine Thursdays
📅 Thursday, December 12 🕛 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
📍 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
Gather your friends for a night of live music, desserts, savory bites, and half-off wine bottles. Perfect for a girls' night out! 👉 Reserve Your Spot!

🎸 Kevin McLoughlin at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Friday, December 13 🕛 7:00 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
Catch Kevin McLoughlin performing rock, blues, and Southern rock favorites. Tickets are $4. 👉 More about Harmony Music Lounge!

🎶 B.J. Parks at Crawdaddy’s
📅 Friday, December 13 🕛 7:00 PM
📍 Crawdaddy’s Grill and Raw Bar
Enjoy an evening of rock, classic rock, country, and island vibes with B.J. Parks. No cover charge! 👉 More about B.J. Parks!

🎸 Sweet Release at Three Tides Restaurant & Bar
📅 Friday, December 13 🕛 7:30 PM
📍 Three Tides Caribbean Restaurant
Enjoy Sweet Release as they redefine rock with dance favorites from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. No cover charge! 👉 More about Sweet Release!

🎶 The Band Freya at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Friday, December 13 🕛 8:00 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
The Band Freya brings blues and rock to Harmony Music Lounge. Tickets are $4. 👉 More about Harmony Music Lounge!

🎷 Saxy Fridays at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
📅 Friday, December 13 🕛 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
Unwind with smooth saxophone performances and an evening of soulful tunes, desserts, and relaxing vibes. Free admission! 👉 Reserve Your Spot!

🎷 Alegna Fire Band at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Saturday, December 14 🕛 8:00 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
Groove to the smooth jazz, R&B, Motown, and blues of Alegna Fire Band. Tickets are $8. 👉 More about Harmony Music Lounge!

🎶 Charlie at Harmony Music Lounge
📅 Sunday, December 15 🕛 5:30 PM
📍 Harmony Music Lounge
Unwind to Charlie’s unique performance. Tickets are $5. 👉 More about Harmony Music Lounge!

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🎸 T-Bone Live at Tipsy Tiki
📅 Sunday, December 15 🕛 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Tipsy Tiki
Enjoy an evening of soulful acoustic rock with T-Bone as he brings his powerful vocals and guitar skills to the stage. Great music, drinks, and vibes await! 👉 Check It Out!

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Thank you all for being here! Be sure to let me know what you think of today’s newsletter down below as well. Alright… see you next tomorrow!

With love,
Ja’Min

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