Nostalgia Soda Fountain - Bowie, Texas
This ride is one of those adventures that allows me to combine two of my passions... nostalgia and motorcycling!
The Nostalgia Soda Fountain is located in the little town of Bowie, at the intersection of Hiway 81 and Mason Street. The building in which houses it has been there for over 100 years. During that time, it has hosted many different businesses including a drugstore and hardware store. Today, it is home to an eclectic little sandwich shop/soda fountain nestled inside of an antique store.
There isn't alot of seating, so if you go as a part of a large group you might have to eat in shifts. The offerings are American Staples like Turkey Sandwiches, Ham and Cheese, and Chicken Salad. For one price you get a sandwich, chips, and a desert (you choose from a selection offered that day). My total (including drink) was a little over $6, which I felt was reasonable. The food was good, and the service was very courteous and attentive.
The Soda Fountain itself seems to have most of the standard soda fountain fair... including malts, shakes, sundaes, and splits. The Fountain is housed near the front of the shop and has a really nice mirrored backdrop behind it.
Directions:
1. Custer Road north from Plano until you reach Hiway 380.
2. Go West on Hiway 380 toward Denton. Not alot of curves or character to the ride here, but you've got a long way to go. A few miles after you pass the intersection of Hiway 289, keep your eyes open for the Navo Grill on the south side of the road. This old place used to be a gas station when I was a kid, and someone did a nice job on the reproduction Dr. Pepper advertising murals on the side of the building. I don't think its open anymore. At least it hasn't been the last few times I've been out that way.
3. You'll stay on Westbound Hiway 380 through Denton, and continue on to Decatur. Decatur is a trip in and of itself.... so I HIGHLY recommend that you check out the Decatur Ride that I have listed as well. For the purposes of THIS trip, however.... we'll just tell you to go North on State Hiway 101 at Decatur.
4. You could have taken Hiway 81 north to Bowie from Decatur, but at this point I'm sure you'll be as bored with the big road as I would be... Hiway 101 swings north through Chico, Park Springs, and Sunset before finally reaching Bowie. Once in Bowie, you'll meet up with business Hiway 81, which will take you right to Mason Street and the Nostalgia Soda Fountain.
