Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Staying with short drives in mind so as to save gas (this one is much shorter than the last one), we traveled to Port Stanley to check out Moore Water Gardens and then other locations. It was easy to spend a day there.
At Moore Water Gardens, they have lots of things to start, and enhance, fishponds. From water plants to fish, rocks, pond liners and fish food, most everything is available to turn your backyard into an oasis. It’s located at 4683 Sunset Drive, just before entering the port.
Founded in the 1920’s by Monte B. Moore, the venue has been operating as a family run business for over 90 years. It began on the Moore property but moved in the 30’s to where it is now located. Plants are grown on site where varieties are tested for hardiness and vigour, before being offered for sale. New varieties are introduced annually.
Even if you don’t have a pond, look around. The friendly staff are helpful and allow customers to peruse at their leisure. They even let us take our dog as we looked around.
In Port Stanley, there is a lot to see and do. Besides the beach—who doesn’t love Mackie’s Fries—there are shops, eateries and the train rides for kids of all ages. The Port Stanley Terminal Rail is touted as “Elgin County’s longest running tourist attraction”, operating for over 40 years.
The trains travel over the tracks and roadbed of one of Ontario’s oldest railways, which was designed to alleviate congestion on a plank road that had been built to connect Port Stanley and London.
“Entirely constructed by hand labour, the railway project was begun in 1853 shortly after the Great Western Railway reached London. The first train to reach Port Stanley was a passenger train on July 5th, 1856,” reads their website.
The one-hour or 1 1/2-hour rides are open weekends and Wednesdays from now through the summer. Check their website for details.
Shaw’s Dairy Bar made for a pleasant stop for ice cream on the way home. Have more time? Stop in at Pinafore Park in St. Thomas. It’s a great place for a quiet walk.
A day of fun and entertainment is less than an hour’s drive away. Check it out sometime.
