Where the sidewalks end …

 

You will never find the “River District” identified on a map, but once discovered, it will speak to your heart.  When my husband and I first moved back to the area with our young girls in tow, we drove through the neighborhood and with a tear in my eye, I knew I wanted to raise my children here.  It took us a while, but we did get here and have loved it ever since.  I previously blogged about my fond memories of Lewis Park, a short walk or bike from here, but this special area between 26^th Street W and 19^th Street W is a treasure all its own.  I have never been a big fan of the huge subdivisions, where all the homes look alike and that’s on purpose.

  I can’t imagine that there are any deed restrictions that would allow our local artist in the neighborhood who manages to sneak her treasures into any newly poured section of sidewalk or driveway.  I love to happen upon one of Nancy’s eyeballs, fish, etc. staring up at me from the walk, and this is just the beginning.  Her mosaic wall is a definite stop and get out of your car to appreciate.  To those with a keen eye, you may notice that the sidewalks don’t go all the way to the ends of the street???  That is because when they did the original dredging for Wares Creek, the dredged material was placed at the end of this neighborhood and added quite a bit of real estate.  There are so many wonderful stories and tidbits that surround the area and many of the homes found here in the River District.   There is a home in the neighborhood that the deed shows President William H. Harrison, owned the land at one time.  The streets are lined with the antique street lamps and when the weather is nice, you will always see your neighbors walking, riding their bikes or just sitting on the porch enjoying the always present River breeze through the grand daddy oaks.  All of this is set by river’s edge which makes for the most brilliant sunsets and sunrises.  When I walk at just the right time and the sky is brilliant red with the palm trees just a silhouette … I can’t help but appreciate that we really do live in paradise!!! Aren’t we lucky!!!