The Secret Sidewalk of Charlotte

Sidewalk between houses and Lake Ontario

Several years ago my husband surprised me with an invitation to go for a walk. Usually it is me that is begging to get outside, but he had a received some inside information on a secret sidewalk in Charlotte.

Lakeside view from the sidewalk.

We parked our car on a side street off Beach Avenue and walked west from the public beach. Maybe a half mile down the road of lovely lake houses we noticed that there was a paved sidewalk, connecting to the main street sidewalk at a 90 degree angle, with a painted marker on it, passing between two of the houses. It initially looks like you might be trespassing on someone’s property, and in any other neighborhood you would be, but (80 years ago) there used to be a street running between these houses and the beach. Today it is only a right-of-way, but what a tremendous glimpse you get!

Markers on the sidewalk indicate and entrance

One of the entrances is very near the intersection Clematis St. and Beach Ave.

For more information on the history and zoning of this lovely stretch of land.

A Beautiful Picnic Spot on Lake Ontario: B Forman Park

B Forman Park, shoreline looking east

I love the shoreline of Lake Ontario — big sky view, water as far as you can see, and beautiful rocks. It’s not always easy to get access to a beautiful stretch of lake Ontario. B Forman Park has 25 acres of beautiful trees and grass, with a fabulous beach.

The park is part of the Lake Ontario Seaway Trail, which stretches from Niagara Falls to The Thousand Islands.

There is a great shipwreck, The St Peter, that went down near here. There are stories of it being haunted. This 135-foot, three-masted schooner sunk in 1898 and remains intact in 117 feet of water.

B Forman Park

4507 Lake Road, Pultneyville, NY 14538 (Lakeside-NO swimming)

Ball field, shuffleboard court , volleyball net, and swings.

The House – seats 80 people, kitchen with an electric stove and refrigerator, outdoor grill. Cost is $80.00 and $25.00 more if kitchen is requested.

Pavilion #1 – seats 150 people, can be fully enclosed, no kitchen, limited electricity, outdoor grill. Cost is $65.00.

Pavilion #2 – open pavilion, seats approximately 60 people, no electricity, outdoor grill. Cost is $30.00

Pavilion #3 – open pavilion, seats approximately 60 people, no electricity, outdoor grill. Cost is $30.00

Pavilion #4 – seats 50 people, open on 2 sides, limited electricity, outdoor grill. Cost is $45.00.

To reserve, contact Wayne County Parks: 315-946-5836