Ruston Soda Shop

Don's Ruston Market and Deli is home to an adorable 1940s-style soda shop and although we weren't alive in the 40s, we can safely say you step back in time when you sit down at that counter and order a root beer float or a milkshake. It doesn't matter your age, you spin on the stool and when you look over the menu and decide between a float, milkshake, or banana split all stress melts away and you are suddenly a kid again. We decided on a good ol' fashioned coke float, and it did not disappoint. 

This shop has been here since 1917 when it was a simple general store. If you are bad at math, let us point out that means this little shop is turning 100 next year. Ruston is close to Tacoma and this little shop sits close to Commencement Bay and Point Defiance Park, which means it's the perfect place to stop for an afternoon treat after a day exploring outside. So get your butt over there, it's not only fun, it's a little slice of history!

The soda shop boasts an impressive display of Coke bottles from years past.

Take twirl on the counter

This pretty mural is painted on the side of the soda shop

5 Places to Instagram in the Northwest

The Pacific Northwest has a lot of quirks. As we explore we keep our eyes peeled for unique places that can serve as good photo opps. Check out some of the awesome things we have found in the past months.

The Umbrella Mural in Tacoma, WA, is great for many reasons. 1. Look at it, it's adorable. 2. If you haven't heard, it rains a lot here, so there is nothing more appropriate to paint on a wall than umbrellas. And 3. It leaves room for so many photo opps and ideas. Go get creative with it! 

Find it here: 216 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421

This EAT sign can be found at Shake Shake Shake, a charming diner in Tacoma, WA, which has delicious milkshakes that can put you in a sugar coma. Expert tip: the tables by this sign fill up fast, so go during off hours to snag a winning seat!  

Find it here: 124 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403

This marquee is located in Downtown Vancouver on the Public Library. The library itself is an impressive building, but this adds a fun flare for photos. 

Find it here: 350 Georgia Street W,  Vancouver, BC, V6B 6B1

Ok, we know, this is a brick wall painted blue. Well you know what, that makes it a (bright) blank canvas for creativity. Go visit and get inspired! 

Find it here: 9127 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115

This one is popular, but it doesn't take away from its photo charm. It is a wall of gum! Nasty, but super cool for photos. 

Find it here: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101