This is Part II of my Ruston Way mini series. Part I started at Jack Hyde Park and ended with a little pit stop at the Ram.
Next up is a look at one of only a handful of fireboats in the nation with landmark status. You’re not supposed to climb it, but I don’t see any reason your kiddos can’t check it out. This is Fireboat #1, and it actually spent many decades serving the city.
After the fireboat, you’ll see the popular Les Davis fishing pier. We always like to check and see if anyone has caught any big ones.
The Pier is followed by several grassy areas with beach access to the right. This area is popular with scuba divers (see if your kids can find the fins), and if you really want to look like a native-in-the-know, you’ll want to point out the sea life tiles on the side of the staircase to the beach.
It’s a good way to identify creatures you might see if the tide is low. None of the beach here is super sandy, but if your kids are like mine, they won’t need much. Shortly after I took this picture, Henry told me he was, “Too much happy.” I know…….
Paved sidewalk continues the whole way to the Lobster Shop. Just before it is another broad grassy area with picnic tables and more beach access, though it’s trickier to get to. The old posts in the water are from another former mill turned marina. There is also another pier here and plenty of, “Oh, Wow!” views for your out of town friends. This whole area is technically called Marine Park.
After the Lobster Shop, you’ll probably want to get back in your car, because there is a hot mess of construction. My kids love going through the tunnel and getting dad to honk the horn, “Shave and a six pence style.” I’m not sure how to tell them that the tunnel is being filled and closed July 13th. If you feel kind of sentimental about it too, be sure to make a couple of trips.
Just up the hill from the tunnel you’ll find Don’s Market. It’s a worthy destination all by itself, and with the new road not opening until 2012, I hope you’ll all make a point of swinging by after your zoo trips to help it say afloat.
Stepping into Don’s is like stepping into the 50’s, complete with a soda fountain with stools and menu items like real ice cream shakes and egg creams. Sadly, the prices aren’t retro, but the treats are worth every penny. It’s the kind of place where everyone says, “Hello,” and chats like they’ve known you forever.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to read Part I. Got another area spot you’d like me to cover? Let me know!
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