The Bottom Comes Out on Top!

Wow!  Who could ask for more, especially for a little boy who adores both trains and all things fire engine?  Well, no one!  We arrived down at the Bottom on Saturday morning to see what we could see -- and hit the jackpot.  Right away we scored an awesome parking spot right by the Farmers Market and proceeded to check out the wares for a few minutes before wandering over to Toddler Mecca, aka the fabulously renovated Main Street Station. 

 Just as we headed up the ramp to enter the station, a train came rumbling by right in front of us.  It was amazing to see it up close even if the noise was like being at a firing range.  We couldn't have planned it better if we had hired an events planner to coordinate it all.  Needless to say, Sam loved the train station, and some friends joined us there with Kieran, their train-loving two-and-a-half year old daughter.  The kiddos had a blast running around the station, watching yet two more train rumble by, and trying out the beautifully renovated chairs in the waiting room -- for a split second or two. 

It just couldn't get much better until it did!  We sauntered over to the new Halligan Bar & Grill at 3 N. 17th Street right across from the Market.  Well, we adults sauntered, the kids did more of a gallop.  Once we got there, I wished I had galloped because it was just that amazing!!  Halligan's is a hometown pub dedicated to firefighter memorabilia, with a REAL vintage fire truck cut in half to make the bar.  Folks, it's true, there is a fire truck attached to the wall, complete with siren and lights.  (I heard and saw them both in action.)  Better yet, the draft beer pours out of the side of that real fire truck.  The lampshades over the bar are actual fire helmets of different colors, and the glass-covered bar is filled with fire hose.  Perhaps Sam's favorite thing of all was the wide-screen TV with a baseball game on.

Since the decor was so unique and creative, I didn't expect much from the food at all.  What a tasty surprise -- it was downright delicious!  The BBQ chicken was to die for, and the baked beans were the best I've ever had -- tangy and mixed with black beans.  Oh, and the corn bread was soooo good.  Sam's plate was literally overflowing with delectable chicken tenders of fresh white meat.  We've got leftovers to prove it.

I knew for sure that the trip was a big success when Sam asked first thing this morning, "Can we go downtown today?  Please?"

LibbY