Love on the Light Rail Trail

Natalie Bouchard
Communications Division

Love on the Rail Trail: Grayson and Sergio's Story

There’s something magical about places that bring people together, and for Grayson and Sergio, the CATS Blue Line Rail Trail in Charlotte became that place in their love story. From serendipitous encounters to long walks, dates and conversations, their story is proof of the unexpected paths that love can take.

Grayson and Sergio first crossed paths at a clinic in Charlotte, where Sergio worked in internal medicine and Grayson was a behavioral health intern. Though they were merely familiar faces at that time, in November 2019, the future love birds were both living in South End.

They had a chance encounter while they were both running along the Rail Trail. “I did a double take,” recalls Sergio. “I got chills.”

At the time, life had other plans. Grayson was in a relationship, and nothing further developed.

Then during 2020, a year of isolation and introspection, Grayson was newly single and her family teased her about her tendency to walk the Rail Trail in search of love, or even run into Sergio again.  As the world slowed down, Grayson had a dream about Sergio. “I hadn’t seen him in months,” she recalls, “but the dream felt significant.”

Inspired by a morning devotional that encouraged following dreams, she set out on a quest: to find Sergio along the Rail Trail.

She didn’t spot Sergio but, by chance, encountered an old coworker, who she later found out was Sergio’s roommate, along the Rail Trail. Days later, Grayson mustered the courage to message Sergio on Facebook, leading to their first date at Sycamore Brewing.

The Rail Trail became their special place. They often walked it for dates, or when heading to restaurants and breweries.

Their love continued to grow, and the Rail Trail remained a constant in their relationship. It was the backdrop for their engagement photos.

In September 2022, they tied the knot, and one of the cocktails served at their wedding was aptly named the "Light Rail Crush." It was the perfect homage to the place where their love story got its spark.

When asked for advice for others looking for love, Sergio emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

“Be persistent,” Sergio says. Grayson echoes a similar message. “As a therapist I see a lot of young clients that live in Charlotte,” says Grayson. “Everyone is so done with online dating... Get outside, talk to people and don’t be afraid to engage,” she advises.

Grayson and Sergio’s love story is not just about finding each other; it’s about the connections made along the way. They have used CATS not just as transit, but for making memories that extend beyond the bounds of their relationship.

So, next time you’re on the CATS Blue Line Rail Trail, look up from your phone. Grayson and Sergio found their spouses, and public transit and the Rail Trail offer that opportunity and more, everyday. Everyone using transit has a story to tell, we just have to be ready to hear it.

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