Ice Cream & More at Don’s Ruston Market & Deli
July is National Ice Cream Month, but even were it not, I’ve been jonesing for a milkshake or malt, or even just a tasty scoop on a cone.
I’ve been known to frequent some of the major ice cream chain stores, but one of my favorite places to go for an ice cream fix in Don’s Ruston Market & Deli.
Ruston is a small town (population approximately 750) in Pierce County, surrounded on all sides by the city of Tacoma. Most people don’t realize when they enter or leave Ruston, but if you’ve ever been to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, you’ve been through Ruston.
Owned by Don and Beth Torbet, Don’s Ruston Market & Deli is the stereotypical small-town corner store, and is the hub of activity in Ruston. You’ll recognize the locals, stopping by for coffee, and the chance to catch up on the news and gossip around the town, while the visitors stop by on the way to or from the park.
Right inside the door at Don’s is an honest-to-goodness old-fashioned soda fountain. Sit yourself down on one of those stools and order up a chocolate malt, or fountain soda, or hot fudge sundae. Those are my favorites, but go ahead and experiment and discover yours.
My suggestion for a sunny afternoon is to stop by Don’s and pick up one of the great (freshly made to-order) deli sandwiches and head off for an afternoon at Point Defiance. Then, after a day in the sun, stop by for a refreshing ice cream for the trip home.
Location: 5102 N. Winnifred Street (Ruston). Phone: (253) 759-8151
Hours: This is a small town store, and hours can vary, but it is generally open during basic business hours.
Price: Inexpensive, good value.
Photo credit: SXC
_______________________________________
4 Comments
I have never heard the word… jonesing . I get the idea of what it means, but is there a story behind it?? A west coast thing??
Not a west coast thing at all — more of a 60’s pop culture reference — summer of love anniversary, after all.
It’s original definition dealt was an addiction, generally heroin.
It has now taken on the broader meaning of an intense craving or desire. A perfect description for how I’ve been feeling about ice cream lately.
Well, I just gave in to a chocolate caramel ice cream cone last night so I guess I was Jonesing the stuff last night. Not sure if I worked that into the sentence correctly, but the next time I see it, I will know it’s origin and definition.
You’ve got it, SP. The term can also be used most appropriately in sentences that also contain the following: shoes, clothes, perfume, jewelry, and make up.