Airport District, Modesto, CA

Wide-open space is what sets the Airport District apart in southeast Modesto. The Modesto City-County Airport anchors the map, and the Tuolumne River runs along the district's edge, so much of the horizon is simply sky. The city lists no scheduled airline service at the field at present, which means the noise overhead comes mostly from small private planes. Anyone who likes aircraft should plan a stop at the Hillier Air Museum, a collection of vintage planes on Tioga Drive. Its hours are limited, so look them up before you drive over. The river is the real outdoor draw. Tuolumne River Regional Park follows the water through the district, with a paved riverside path for walking and cycling, and a run of smaller neighborhood parks fills in around it, among them Oregon, Mancini, Legion, George Rogers, Mono and La Rio. Homes vary more than the label suggests. Older houses on ordinary lots sit near newer construction, and some properties are big enough for a workshop and room to spare. Eating options inside the boundary are few. Scotty's Doughnuts and Teriyaki Chicken on Yosemite Boulevard is the one locals point to, Viva Market works as the neighborhood butcher, and Santa Cruz Market and Nunes Market cover groceries. For a burger or a pastry, Sno-White Drive In and Holy Land Bakery lie just up the boulevard in La Loma, with Bottoms Up Espresso close by for coffee. Plan on driving for everything, and expect quiet evenings. What the Airport District offers in exchange is elbow room and a river path that much of Modesto has to drive to reach.