Tom, Lisa and the girls headed for the Boathouse after a paddle around the lake.
Pedaling and Paddling before Dinner
I had dinner with Tom, Lisa and the girls at the Boathouse recently. They had ridden on the bike trails to Forest Park and rented a paddle boat to float around the lake. Robin and I were there to welcome them “ashore” and grab a bite to eat. As we sat down, I noticed that all around us families were enjoying the wondrous old park and the leisure of eating out while their kids played with the ducks.
The dock at the Boathouse rents paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards by the hour.
The Boathouse Gets a Facelift
Boathouse view after dark. Photo Forest Park Forever
If you’ve not been to the Boathouse recently, you’ll be glad to know that it’s had a facelift, both in the dining room and kitchen. Since Sugarfire barbecue took over the management a few months ago, they’ve added their signature pulled pork and ribs to the menu.
But it was ninety-ish that evening, so I put those items on hold and went with their lighter Hill Salad and a Grapefruit Spritzer. As to the kids, the menu had them covered as well with the usual, pizza, burger and fries.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll spare you the extra chit-chat and let these photos speak for themselves.
Robin and I were on deck to meet the paddleboat arrivees.
Sugarfire, the new managers of the Boathouse, offers a well-rounded family menu.
A fun place for a family outing.
Time for a flying leap into the cool lake. I had the same feeling, but settled for a chilled Grapefruit Spritzer instead.
Perfect for a warm evening.
Addie plays games on her Dad’s cell phone as she awaits dinner. (The fellow on the dock was wearing what looked like a YALE tee-shirt, but a closer look showed it read KALE. Hmm. . . I wonder if he’s a food blogger?)
Pretending it’s 1904 and our family is enjoying a meal at the Fair overlooking the lake.
What a difference a century makes in Forest Park attire, especially the hats. Photo Missouri Historical Society
The original Boathouse built in the late 19th century had much the same setting, overlooking Post Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. But you don’t see anyone in a suit and vest anymore. Photo from Boathouse website.
Coco feeds the ducks
Relaxed
Duck gets a handout
Springtime in the park, a photo I took when I was at the Boathouse last month.
Tom, Lisa and girls mount up for the ride home.
Boathouse at Forest Park: 6101 Government Drive. Open: Year-round, Mon-Thu 11a-10p; Fri-Sat 11a-12a; Sun 10a-10p.
Boathouse Paddle Company: Paddle Boat or Canoe: $20 per hour; Kayak, $15 per hour; Stand Up Paddle Board $15-$20. Second hour $15 for all items. Available 11a-sunset.
