Okay, let start with prehistory. I used to travel by Amtrack every three months. It was hot June day when I first saw small street along the train route. Because of unexpected works or delay ahead, the train stopped for a few minutes, and I was able to catch sight of lovely old buildings, coffee, and antique shops. That day I recall the post in some of the San Francisco newspapers about Niles Canyon and its old railway. So I did a search. And I had a plan to return with Eugene here on December night to take a ride on the Train of Light. As a planning person, I figure out events long in advance. And what was my surprise when I saw that all ticket are sold out!
I moved a note to the next August and almost forgot about this charming town. Few weeks ago I did research on parks and mansions in Bay Area. And found out that two beautiful gardens near Niles! That’s how we got into Shinn Park and Arboretum.
A descendant of Charles H. Shinn, the well-known journalist on agricultural topics for San Francisco’s Overland Monthly magazine, donated family home, gardens, and farm buildings to the City of Fremont in 1962.
Big House is surrounded by majestic old trees, one of them is a fig tree that is also a one of the ten landmarks from Fremont’s Roadside Arboretum.
Small oriented-styled garden adjoins to the house. Fall brought red to the maples, and an almost ripe tangerines are hanged from the trees.
Then we drove to the Niles. So the Town of Niles is a small railroad district of Fremont. It’s famous with its The Niles Canyon Railway. It operates along the first transcontinental rail connection linking San Francisco Bay and other regions. Today railway makes round trips to Sunol.
Originally places had name Vallejo Mills (check nearby historical park). The name was based on Vallejo Flour Mill. Mill and railway helped the town to grow in the late 19 century.
The main street that charmed me is a Niles Road. It has dozens of antique stores. All are ready for the Christmas rush! 🙂
I love old autos parked along the street. I do not photo old truck with wine barrels in it parked near the interesting bar.
There are few options of lunch spots including coffee and pizza places. But we decided to celebrate warm day with cones of ice cream from Niles Ice Cream Sweets & Eats
