tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37056091934740403162024-03-14T01:31:56.631-07:00Bay Area Miss-Me-NotsA blog that helps you find and enjoy the best events and places within the Bay Area.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-63646031411323402312017-09-17T20:58:00.000-07:002017-09-17T20:58:43.759-07:00Bay Area Pet Fair The Bay Area has a lot to offer pets and pet owners, from numerous beautiful dog parks to swimming beaches to outdoor dining at countless restaurants. And every year, there's even a fair for pet families...The Bay Area Pet Fair, California's largest adoption event. According to their website, the pet fair boasts over 70 visiting rescues and shelters, around 1,500 pet adoptions, and about 50,000 visitors.<br />
The pet fair takes place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission and parking are free. Although temperatures in Pleasanton are usually pretty high during September, the fair had a few Big Fogg stations for cool-down, buckets of water literally everywhere, and most booths and adoption areas were indoors or under a large canopy. Driving is really the only practical way to visit, especially if you hope to go home with a new family member, and plenty of volunteers are on-hand to get the many visitors parked quickly and hassle-free.<br />
For visitors not looking to adopt, there are numerous pet food and pet product booths, almost all of which hand out free samples. You can get a tote almost right away to hold it all, but taking a bag is also a good idea. In between collecting samples and learning about different pet products, you can watch dogs going for distance at Splash Dogs, meet a variety of rescue pups and K-9 officers, get a snow cone or some other goody from the food vendors, and meet all the pet guests. Those looking to adopt can additionally get a Wag Bag upon adoption.<br />
My sister and I were interested in grain-free products, and we weren't disappointed. Most booths had a grain-free line. We also found hemp treats, dental chews, coupons for all kinds of pet products, and a variety of soft and hard foods. We were especially impressed by the Weruva brand. Although the samples were free, there were also booths where one could buy pet-themed floor mats, coffee cups, pillows, bags, and more. We even talked to an animal rescue group about adopting rescued chickens and other animals.<br />
If you or your pooch get easily overwhelmed by crowds, this pet fair can be a challenge. Each building we entered was deafening with pet chatter, but there was a quiet grassy area with plenty of benches to get away from the chaos for a while. And the Splash Dogs area and Big Fogg stations provided nice open areas to re-ground.<br />
Overall, the pet fair is ideal for new pet parents looking for the best food options, experienced pet parents looking for more advanced food, training, and supplement options, and for prospective pet parents looking to expand their family. If you like a carnival atmosphere, love animals, enjoy meeting other pet owners, and/or want your pets to have some socializing time outside of the dog park, The Bay Area Pet Fair is definitely a Bay-Area-Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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Parking filling up quick before 10 am</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-188784686601109092017-08-12T22:03:00.000-07:002017-08-12T22:03:46.797-07:00Tilden Regional Park Running along the Berkeley Hills, <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm#features" target="_blank">Tilden Regional Park</a> is a Bay Area gem that spans parts of Berkeley, Oakland, and unincorporated Contra Costa County. The park offers visitors not only an escape from the city but any and every summer activity they could hope for. So many activities, in fact, that you can't do them all in a day or even two days.<div>
Our visit started at Little Farm, located on the west end of the park not far from Jewel Lake. Free parking is available a short walk from the farm, or you can take AC Transit #67 from Berkeley BART on the weekends. Little Farm is open every day of the year, 8:30 to 4, and is free. You can bring celery and lettuce to feed to the Shorthorn cows, French Alpine goats, Black Welsh mountain sheep, pig, and ducks and chickens (who prefer lettuce). You can also visit but not feed Dutch rabbits. Turkeys roam the farm as well, though we didn't see any this time. We took one bag of celery, which was soon gone, and the animals' attention quickly turned to new arrivals, hands full of fresh produce.</div>
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After Little Farm, we decided to take advantage of Tilden Nature Area's 10+ miles of hiking trails. We chose the Jewel Lake Nature Trail to Jewel Lake, traveling much of the way on a magical boardwalk. Trees and brush enclosed us, forming a green roof over our heads. When we arrived at the lake, a tree that had fallen into the water was covered with turtles sunning themselves. As we were walking away from the turtles, my sister noticed a crawfish in the brush at the side of the trail. This remains the coolest creature I've seen in the wild in California. If you enjoy hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, there are nearly 40 miles of trails in Tilden Park proper. Nimitz Way is wheelchair accessible and paved.</div>
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Our next stop was the Botanic Garden, open year round, 8:30 to 5:30 during the summer. The garden is 10 acres and is divided into 10 geographic regions, and the paths wind down into Wildcat Canyon. It felt like wandering into a secret world, and as the gate disappeared from site, my sister and I joked that we might possibly get lost, which didn't bother either of us much. According to the East Bay Park's website, the garden "contains the world's most complete collection of California native plants," including a large collection of manzanitas. We walked along a creek, and as my sister crossed a bridge, I noticed a tiny creature zip under her. It stopped on the side of one of the bridge's boards, and I noticed it was a lizard. We blinked at each other as I leaned close for a better look. As we made our way through the garden, we could hear other creatures zipping off among the plants, and I assume they were more gorgeous lizards.</div>
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We called it a day after the Botanic Garden, but there is so much more to explore. At Lake Anza, you can swim for a small fee, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer. There's also a carousel (small fee), steam trains (small fee), camping, horse camping, picnicking areas with barbecues, and even a golf course.</div>
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Tilden Regional Park is hands down one of the most enjoyable, affordable places in the Bay Area. Perfect for families, for individuals wanting to get away from the crowd, for birdwatchers, plant enthusiasts, animal lovers, photographers...there's something for everyone. This park is definitely at the top of my Bay Area Miss-Me-Nots.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-30000304396495277032017-07-04T16:15:00.002-07:002017-07-04T16:54:02.929-07:00Alameda 4th of July Parade For me, the 4th of July isn't complete without a parade, and one of the longest parades in the US takes place right here in the Bay Area on the island of Alameda. Starting at 10 am, <a href="http://www.alamedaparade.com/" target="_blank">the parade</a> moves down Park Street from Lincoln (Alameda's East End), turns right onto Otis Drive (where the judging stand is located), turns right onto Grand, left onto Encinal to Central, and from Central, turns right onto Webster (Alameda's West End) and continues down to Lincoln. The route is over three miles long, and this year, there were over 160 floats.<br />
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The parade itself includes all the classic elements you'd expect to see: marching bands, dance troupes, city leaders on classic cars, horses...and more horses, emergency response vehicles, military vehicles and personnel, and floats representing local clubs, schools, businesses, and organizations. But there's always something unique or new or exciting: a zebra this year, for example, or men riding steers. The Sikh Riders have an impressive array of motorcycles. There's always an Alameda Gay Pride float. This year, there was a float dedicated simply to donuts, with a lady yelling "Celebrate the sprinkle!" Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter or FAAS always has a contingent of sweet pups wagging their tales at the crowds. And if you're hoping for a Coast Guard helicopter flyover, you probably won't be disappointed.</div>
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Kenny the Clown, a local celebrity, can usually be found on Webster before the parade, making balloon creations for kids (donations welcome). His bubble machine is quite the sensation. There are also ice cream, fruit, and snack vendors making frequent circuits of the parade route. A little candy is dispersed by passing floats, and you may collect a strand of beads or two by the end. Most of the local shops are also open so you can stop in for a drink or even breakfast or lunch.</div>
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If you're looking for a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the 4th, Alameda's parade is definitely a Bay-Area-Miss-Me-Not. If you arrive early enough to avoid traffic and find a parking spot, the event is pretty low-stress. The parade route is so long that it's usually easy to find a seat, even if you arrive late. If you are planning to drive, keep in mind that traffic on and off the island is usually a headache during events, but driving may be easiest (all bus routes are diverted for the parade, and though you can take BART to downtown Oakland, you have to take a bus onto the island). There is more parking on the West End (near Webster), and the parade arrives on Webster around 11:15. Make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. Below are pictures from this year's parade (as you can see, I favor the horses). Enjoy!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles from Kenny the Clown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coast Guard flyover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini AC Transit Bus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowzer's Pizza (Pug Power)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sikh Riders</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi from FAAS</td></tr>
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Photos from previous parades:</div>
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Videos:</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-9307344419211049462017-03-05T20:29:00.000-08:002017-03-05T20:33:25.127-08:00White Elephant Sale Every year, for just two days, a mythical sale appears in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, a sale that offers mountains of clothes, kitchen equipment, furniture, books, shoes, sports equipment, holiday supplies, stationary and more on the cheap. No, this mythical sale isn't a unicorn. It's the White Elephant Sale, and for you bargain shoppers out there, it's most definitely a Bay Area Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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Sale items come from donations that are accepted year round, so each WES has new stuff. A preview sale takes place in January, with shoppers getting first access to the goods for $15 (ticket bought early) or $20 (at the door). Then in March, everyone else gets a chance to treasure hunt, admission free, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. All proceeds go to the Oakland Museum of California, and an army of volunteers helps rake in those proceeds, which surpassed $2 million last year.</div>
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Though the selection is better the earlier you go, my sister and I always go on Sunday because almost everything is half off. One year, we found a large skillet with lid for just $4. Another, a vintage dark-wood chair for just $15. My sister always finds a huge bag full of yarn and buttons (most of them, high-end or unique) for her small business for 1/3 of the cost she'd pay in store or online. This year, we found like-new jeans for $2 a pair.</div>
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But just the looking itself can be more fun than the buying. Where else can one find a large leather lounger with ottoman for just $150? I mean, that would complete the den, we apartment-dwellers joke. Or a high-end jacket for $4? Perfect for that meeting with the board. My sister and I like to peruse the antique furniture, the fine china, the old typewriters, and the oddball knick-knacks. We like to imitate the art, imagine using a pristine $10 kite surfing board on the Bay, take a trip back to childhood hunting through toys we had as kids, and look through shelves and shelves of books we don't have room for.</div>
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Watching people find treasures is almost as fun as defending those treasures from others, and as the crowds start to thicken as the day goes on, one may have a tense tussle or two. Mine came in the craft section when a woman reached over the basket of yarn I was entrusted with to grab a skein before my sister could scoop it up. I held my ground and put the section on lock down in no time, yarn be saved.</div>
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As with all things in the Bay Area, getting to the WES can be a headache, but with proper planning, that headache can be minimized. There's a free shuttle that goes to the WES from the Fruitvale BART. And free parking can be found in the area around 333 Lancaster Street provided one gets there early; people even park under the freeway by the Fruitvale Station shopping center. We usually get there around 9 am to find a spot, and the line to get into the sale is usually pretty long by 9:30 (the doors open at 10 am). Whichever way you choose to get there, just remember you may be hauling quite a bit home.</div>
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Below are photos from this year's event, but they don't do justice to the size and grandeur. If you want to adorn your home with unique, affordable things that have a history, mark your calendar and start putting together that shopping list because the next sale is only a year away.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Location</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White Elephant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Space</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTzQtajwUCY/WLzf8nbF80I/AAAAAAAABdY/QsfuCw0hoUQZp9YD7ZJB3sUK5vK4-MN_gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTzQtajwUCY/WLzf8nbF80I/AAAAAAAABdY/QsfuCw0hoUQZp9YD7ZJB3sUK5vK4-MN_gCLcB/s320/IMG_3701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More White Elephants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq4aN-PWYAI/WLzf8yEmquI/AAAAAAAABdc/PCAZLbmmLJEHO6_U0zX2GZWsdoKxdghDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq4aN-PWYAI/WLzf8yEmquI/AAAAAAAABdc/PCAZLbmmLJEHO6_U0zX2GZWsdoKxdghDQCLcB/s320/IMG_3702.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Yarn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5hMuniJlUI/WLzf-PryPQI/AAAAAAAABdg/fkxsP5F5o7IBLWvC7zGwwt1JlNZWOKZoACLcB/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5hMuniJlUI/WLzf-PryPQI/AAAAAAAABdg/fkxsP5F5o7IBLWvC7zGwwt1JlNZWOKZoACLcB/s320/IMG_3703.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The China</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Dv3TNGVRQ/WLzf-qQJ1_I/AAAAAAAABdk/f1Z9L0eSAA4EM0JO8YJN-xrIOTGBKSuGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Dv3TNGVRQ/WLzf-qQJ1_I/AAAAAAAABdk/f1Z9L0eSAA4EM0JO8YJN-xrIOTGBKSuGQCLcB/s320/IMG_3704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Gear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpZXDnGfDxQ/WLzf_PdUCII/AAAAAAAABdo/rVl1D3yskfkOBdI9sWNa9Z3xDBJlof5ygCLcB/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpZXDnGfDxQ/WLzf_PdUCII/AAAAAAAABdo/rVl1D3yskfkOBdI9sWNa9Z3xDBJlof5ygCLcB/s320/IMG_3705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furniture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s716M7dpXJo/WLzgATxQ-iI/AAAAAAAABds/r4y4cNUFMTcV-5xGxRhe66qhTl5IhYhLQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s716M7dpXJo/WLzgATxQ-iI/AAAAAAAABds/r4y4cNUFMTcV-5xGxRhe66qhTl5IhYhLQCLcB/s320/IMG_3706.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Much Furniture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfyvuuorzck/WLzgA9Vzf_I/AAAAAAAABdw/SQHsC680d5I6j0GLOnNl_07CkIVhRGk6wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfyvuuorzck/WLzgA9Vzf_I/AAAAAAAABdw/SQHsC680d5I6j0GLOnNl_07CkIVhRGk6wCLcB/s320/IMG_3707.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday Gear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44fA-OMi490/WLzgCocQkpI/AAAAAAAABd0/YcSKyVQqBaAmEtkGyEJNfoXYso9GLeoYgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44fA-OMi490/WLzgCocQkpI/AAAAAAAABd0/YcSKyVQqBaAmEtkGyEJNfoXYso9GLeoYgCLcB/s320/IMG_3708.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Turkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_egk8eLV-U/WLzgDatDbpI/AAAAAAAABd4/Y1OQTRLYNoolzpWU6MbVZ5_q_qRq6VC5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_egk8eLV-U/WLzgDatDbpI/AAAAAAAABd4/Y1OQTRLYNoolzpWU6MbVZ5_q_qRq6VC5gCLcB/s320/IMG_3710.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cash Register</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMGaV4Mm2A/WLzgD4lb1KI/AAAAAAAABd8/B80hzBTQjxc6FTg065YuC1TQ4rk11rOoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMGaV4Mm2A/WLzgD4lb1KI/AAAAAAAABd8/B80hzBTQjxc6FTg065YuC1TQ4rk11rOoQCLcB/s320/IMG_3711.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Another Cash Register</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZeX0mt5DrY/WLzgFiYqu2I/AAAAAAAABeE/ZiLNhZUqbDUyJS8hLI8sgZ_ZoRtrWYjIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZeX0mt5DrY/WLzgFiYqu2I/AAAAAAAABeE/ZiLNhZUqbDUyJS8hLI8sgZ_ZoRtrWYjIgCLcB/s320/IMG_3713.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stationary Lap Desk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsaZWjrcZIg/WLzgGG0Nx-I/AAAAAAAABeI/ZG3jyWPTdzYHUGaH84-CcnDLtNaMorLFACLcB/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsaZWjrcZIg/WLzgGG0Nx-I/AAAAAAAABeI/ZG3jyWPTdzYHUGaH84-CcnDLtNaMorLFACLcB/s320/IMG_3714.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typewriter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KkqyW2v6i0/WLzgG_XEJhI/AAAAAAAABeM/5370pSx9A1kLYMU7joi3LwVYc51myGwMQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KkqyW2v6i0/WLzgG_XEJhI/AAAAAAAABeM/5370pSx9A1kLYMU7joi3LwVYc51myGwMQCLcB/s320/IMG_3715.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Another Typewriter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpNA4ILePQI/WLzgHmI-FUI/AAAAAAAABeQ/31zVDIRNU-w9ni8u7HkE9EBSc9fSYbtEACLcB/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpNA4ILePQI/WLzgHmI-FUI/AAAAAAAABeQ/31zVDIRNU-w9ni8u7HkE9EBSc9fSYbtEACLcB/s320/IMG_3716.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collectible Stamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ahLgrJpqK8/WLzgIu8aPrI/AAAAAAAABeU/5kD1CjmZwgMkXCIn6OTyp_FzZkqEfd7YgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ahLgrJpqK8/WLzgIu8aPrI/AAAAAAAABeU/5kD1CjmZwgMkXCIn6OTyp_FzZkqEfd7YgCLcB/s320/IMG_3717.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl Collectible Stamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjCckJuX1mk/WLzgI1uhIAI/AAAAAAAABeY/XFjrQoZSmvgD0CKZ0yfbCKr4eFGAxUsiQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjCckJuX1mk/WLzgI1uhIAI/AAAAAAAABeY/XFjrQoZSmvgD0CKZ0yfbCKr4eFGAxUsiQCLcB/s320/IMG_3719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And This Crew...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-42606030525551211652017-01-08T19:56:00.005-08:002017-01-08T19:56:55.958-08:00Side Trips: Clear Lake It's the off season, and while others are dreaming of summer getaways to destination hot spots, budget travelers are living large, planning big, and going far on bank account fumes. Though every day may not be warm, golden, or even dry, the lack crowds and traffic (depending on where you go) keep the vacation buzz strong. So, if you're lucky enough to have paid vacation but aren't blessed with a large bank account, now's the time to indulge in a side trip. This time around, my side trip was a birthday gift from my sister: a trip to Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake in California.<div>
When the traffic is a little less congested, why not take the scenic route? My sister and I drove to Clear Lake via wine country instead of the more streamlined 101 route, which added a little time to the drive but also added lovely views and dining. After passing by several vineyards, we stopped for lunch at the absolutely charming and ever popular Gott's Roadside in St. Helena, which has plenty of outside seating for large groups and your furry friends. Yummy fish tacos and garlic fries! And you can watch the Napa Valley Wine Train from your table.</div>
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For accommodations, why do the usual? We opted for train cars turned tiny homes at the pet friendly <a href="http://www.featherbedrailroad.com/">Featherbed Railroad</a> in Nice (pronounced like niece), a caboose bed and breakfast that will just warm your soul. Each train car has a different theme, so whether you're on a trip with your girlfriends, a family adventure, or a romantic getaway, you're set here. Our car was the "tropicaboose": wood floors, stained glass window over the bathroom, two separate reading nooks with views of the lake in the cupola you climb up into (disturbance-free reading), and tropical decor throughout. A super delicious birthday cake (chocolate with raspberry filling) from a local bakery was waiting for me on the table. I experienced a charm overload when my sister pointed out a travelers' book where previous visitors wrote diary-like entries about their stay in the caboose and adventures at Clear Lake.</div>
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Soon after arrival, June and her enormous, adorable dog Jake came to say hi and asked what we'd like for breakfast. She suggested Eggs Benedict, my fave, and let us know that videos, games, and books were available to check out in the main house where breakfast would be served the next morning. We then walked down to the lake and took in the views from a private Featherbed Railroad dock. Sigh.</div>
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We arrived at the first of three delicious breakfasts the next morning around 9;30 and were greeted by owners June and Paul, and of course, Jake. The dining room? Charming. The Eggs Benedict? OMG! And then, with some advice from our hosts, we were off on adventures: bird watching at Clear Lake State Park, drives around the lake, visits to Clearlake, Lower Lake, and Lakeport, and lake walks to sunset watch. For wine drinkers, their are many boutique wineries in the area to visit, including the <a href="https://boatique.myshopify.com/">Boatique Winery</a> in Kelseyville, where you can ooh and aah over beautiful boats after the wine.</div>
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Bird watchers will especially enjoy this side trip. There was a group of vultures living in the trees above our caboose, and they're present throughout the area. Though they're not the most glamorous, they're still pretty awesome to behold. I got a close up on the dock, where a vulture was perched in the evening, and a close up of a Great Blue Heron on the shoreline beside the dock. We saw a Great Egret fishing in Lakeport and another at Clear Lake State Park, where we saw a variety of ducks and song birds. The whole experience left me contemplating the merits of city living and brought up fond memories of a small-town childhood.</div>
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The whole trip felt like paradise, and because of the deals we got by going off-season, our wallets were able to relax and let their pennies loose too. When the tourists go home, this side trip is a definite miss-me-not.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEj7NK5vfWU/WHMEqRRiSzI/AAAAAAAABaI/Lf0MnEyOjvwiHbWv1W7WW4kKkooZtcG5wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEj7NK5vfWU/WHMEqRRiSzI/AAAAAAAABaI/Lf0MnEyOjvwiHbWv1W7WW4kKkooZtcG5wCLcB/s320/IMG_2847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Napa Valley Wine Train</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m_eiE4RNk8/WHMEqcd142I/AAAAAAAABaA/2emd3xLrpMMWdo_K_araq6iWeScLwZOMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m_eiE4RNk8/WHMEqcd142I/AAAAAAAABaA/2emd3xLrpMMWdo_K_araq6iWeScLwZOMwCLcB/s320/IMG_2853.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food at Gott's Roadside was too good for a before picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train cars ahead!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two Reading Nooks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of one Reading Nook from the other.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eggs Benedict.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear Lake State Park with its ducks in a row.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-78208515214910160452016-10-08T16:08:00.000-07:002016-10-08T16:08:26.776-07:0023rd Annual Park Street Classic Car Show Another year, another great classic car show on Park Street in Alameda, and a whole lotta Mustangs--and a few Novas--to admire (including a couple for sale, dreamers-gonna-dream). Below are my biased photos of this year's event. That red leather though.<br />
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If you want to see last year's photos and write-up, <a href="http://bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2015/10/park-streets-22nd-annual-classic-car.html">click here</a>.<br />
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And if you want tips on how best to enjoy the event, <a href="http://bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/park-street-classic-car-show.html">click here</a>.<br />
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Otherwise, feast your eyes...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-9706842523206285642016-06-02T22:38:00.000-07:002016-06-02T22:38:33.260-07:00Dollar Day at Golden Gate Fields American Pharoah reignited public interest in horse racing last year when he became the first winner of the Triple Crown since 1978 and the first ever to win America's "Grand Slam." Right now excitement is high as the last leg (Nyquist won the Kentucky Derby, and Exaggerator won the Preakness) of the current Triple Crown draws near.<br />
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Located on the Albany/Berkeley border, Golden Gate Fields is a beautiful place for beginning and experienced
race enthusiasts to get into the action, and with GGF's Dollar Day
Sundays during the winter and spring, it's one of the most affordable
weekend activities in the Bay Area (depending on your bet). With its coveted spot next to the San Francisco Bay, GGF is truly golden with its excellent views, proximity to the Berkeley Marina, and somewhat easy access from I-80. There's also plenty of parking, and on Dollar Day, it only costs--you guessed it--$1. Admission and programs are only $1 as well, as are hot dogs, soda, and beer. I mean, really, can a Sunday get better?<br />
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The regular gate opens at 10 a.m., and you're instructed to use the Buchanan Street entrance for Dollar Day. Normal posting time is 1:45, but GGF's <a href="http://www.goldengatefields.com/visitors/admission-parking">website</a> will list special post times. If you're following the current Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes (the final leg) takes place on Saturday (in New York, so televised), June 11, and the post time is 11:45 a.m. Mind you, admission on Saturday is $6.<br />
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The last time I went to Dollar Day was with my dad and sister. We won $5 betting on Hunted Guy to win, and we pretty much swaggered out of the joint with our big winnings. Hey, on Dollar Day, $5 is BIG. The hot dogs and beer were delicious, the live and televised races were exciting, and the track was a beauty.<br />
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We arrived early to check out the program and horses and beat the crowd, but even closer to post time, the crowds weren't bad, and there was plenty of parking left. This is definitely a lower stress Bay Area event, though things can heat up around big races. If you want to test your luck, June 5th and 12th are the last two Dollar Days of the spring, so don't dawdle. Driving is the easiest way to get to the track, though you can also bike there from University in Berkeley on the Frontage Road bike path.<br />
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For the sports lover, the horse lover, and any Bay Area bucket-list checker, GGF's Dollar Day is an affordable Bay Area Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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Through the gates of Golden Gate Fields</div>
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Don't forget your tokens for $1 food and drinks...</div>
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Bring on those hot dogs!</div>
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And the bets!</div>
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View of the track...</div>
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View from inside...</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-18510046369051716172016-04-16T20:54:00.000-07:002016-06-02T22:39:30.040-07:00Muir Woods Life in the Bay Area is busy and often crowded, and any opportunity to escape from city life and enjoy the natural wonders of northern California is always welcome. Though Muir Woods is a popular tourist attraction that can overfill with crowds and traffic, it can be the ideal quiet getaway if done right. Even if you arrive to find it crowded, the chance to get up close and personal with coast redwoods is worth a little jostling.<br />
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Muir Woods, about 560 acres of old-growth redwoods and six miles of walking/hiking trails nestled within Mount Tamalpais State Park, was declared a National Monument in 1908 and was named after the naturalist and preservationist John Muir (although he only visited the park once). There are four bridges that cross Redwood Creek along the Redwood Creek Trail (the easiest trail and fully paved or boarded). Many of the trails cross into Mount Tamalpais State Park, and the Dipsea Trail provides views of the ocean. There is a visitor's center, gift shop, and café on site, and the park is open 8 a.m. to sunset all year long. Tickets are $10, and yearly passes are available, but there are also many opportunities to enjoy the park free of charge (National Park Week, for example, which runs until April 24th this year).<br />
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The proper planning can make Muir Woods a pleasure, but poor planning can make it feel like a tourist trap. There are signs all over the park to please keep as quiet as possible to not disturb the natural environment and its inhabitants, but crowds of people inevitably mean noise (not only talking but the sound of feet on the boarded sections of the path), and that noise can drown out the beautiful birdsong and gurgling of Redwood Creek. I've found the best time to go is right when the park opens (8 a.m.). For the first two hours, the paths remain relatively empty and quiet. By 11 a.m., the park starts to fill, the cars line up on the road into the parking lots, and the people form lines in the gift shop, café, and restroom. Quiet, unhindered photo ops turn into patient waiting for a chance at those same photo ops.<br />
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To get to the park this early, driving is really the only option, and there is free parking. However, parking is limited, and later starters will want to opt for the Muir Woods Shuttle (which is $5 round trip) to avoid waiting for parking: <a href="http://marintransit.org/routes/66.html">http://marintransit.org/routes/66.html</a>. But be warned that the drive in can be hair-raising. The road is full of sharp turns, high drops (but gorgeous views!), and has no shoulder in most places. Plus, the road is very popular for bikers, who must ride in the lane due to a lack of shoulder. The nervous driver might describe the drive as treacherous.<br />
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Hiking in the early morning means only the occasional passerby, but hiking from about 11 a.m. on can mean waits for access, passing, and photos. However, the variety of trails cater to many stamina levels and preferences. Redwood Creek Trail is perfect for a leisurely walk. The Hillside Trail is my favorite. It provides great views of the Redwood Creek trail, the creek itself, and the park, and it's challenging without being exhausting. At the point where the Ben Johnson Trail splits off, there is a small tree bridge you can cross and climb higher for a better view. For the adventurous, the Dipsea and Canopy View Trail are ideal with steep grades and longer distances.<br />
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After a couple hours of hiking, you can stop by the café for a sandwich, soup, or pastry. The honey-glazed cornbread is popular, and coffee and hot chocolate are also available. People rave about the cafe's Marin Melt, a grilled cheese sandwich made with Cowgirl Creamery cheese. My sister and I enjoyed the sandwich, but we both agree the sandwich doesn't live up to the hype, and the tomato soup that's a recommended companion is a little bland. I also have to warn that the café is a little chaotic. A person is supposed to take your order at one end of the counter, and then you pay at the other, but a person is not always there taking orders, and you might face a lecture at the cash register for trying to place your order there. After a strenuous hike, however, the café is a welcome sight.<br />
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The gift shop has a good selection of redwood souvenirs. There's even a chocolate banana slug you can frighten friends with. The visitor's center has a selection of books and maps about the park, California, and John Muir.<br />
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If you want to learn more about the park and its giants, you can take a self-guided or guided tour, and there are tree talks that occur throughout the day where you can learn such trivia like the clover-looking plant throughout the park is actually redwood sorrel. There is also an excellent history of the park you can download from the website: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/muwo/learn/historyculture/index.htm">https://www.nps.gov/muwo/learn/historyculture/index.htm</a>.<br />
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After Muir Woods, you can take a short drive to Muir Beach and Sausalito. Or you can take a little longer drive and visit Stinson Beach, all Bay Area miss-me-nots.<br />
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Whoa, a payphone! Warning: poor cell reception in Muir Woods.</div>
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My sister identifying our location.</div>
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Gift Shop Views</div>
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Café Views</div>
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The Famous Marin Melt</div>
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This tree's life span: 909 A.D.-1930.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-56099410762012065182016-02-28T21:12:00.000-08:002016-02-28T21:15:27.062-08:00Side Trips: Old Town Sacramento The great thing about living in or even planning a visit to the Bay Area is that there are so many attractions you can make a side trip to or visit along the way. One of my favorite side trips is to Old Town Sacramento. Granted, it's touristy, but in that awesome take-you-back-to-family-vacations nostalgic way. It's like visiting a carnival and running to the Ferris wheel, cotton candy in hand, no matter what your age. You just gotta.<br />
Old Town Sacramento, as its name implies, offers a trip into California history and the Gold Rush that created Sacramento. There are several museums where you can pick up California trivia, including a car and a train museum. You can even catch a ride on the Sacramento Southern Railroad and see an old diesel train in action. Or if the river calls your name, you can tour the Delta King riverboat that started making trips to San Francisco and back in the late 1920s. Eat at the restaurant on board or even choose to stay the night as the riverboat also functions as a floating hotel.<br />
Just walking through the 20+ acres of this national and state historic landmark is a walk back in time with the cobbled roads, the horse-drawn carriages (yes, you can ride them), the historic buildings, and glimpses of the original city level (Sacramento was built up due to flooding). There are trails along the river that allow great views of the Ziggurat (which turns out to be just an office building, sorry to say) and the historic Tower Bridge, which opened in 1935 and was painted gold in 2002. In one of the tunnels that connects Old Town to downtown Sacramento, there's a lovely historical timeline to consider as well.<br />
If you don't care about the history of Old Town, there's plenty of shopping and dining. I got an adorable Totoro wallet at one of the gift shops (attention Studio Ghibli fans), and a lawn ornament of a T-Rex eating garden gnomes for my mom. Many of the gift shops offer a great selection of collectibles from Star Trek to Doctor Who. And I always like to fill a couple bags with hand-selected salt water taffy from one of the many candy stores to share with folks back home. In terms of food, I like to keep it casual with fish tacos from Railroad Fish & Chips, a variety of international fries from the Spud Shack, or pizza from Annabelle's Pizza & Pasta, but there are restaurants and cafes and even bars of all shapes and sizes to suit your tastes.<br />
Old Town Sacramento also hosts a variety of cool events throughout the year, including Gold Rush Days, a Mardi Gras celebration, a music festival, Halloween festivities, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and more. Visit the town's website for more info: <a href="http://oldsacramento.com/">http://oldsacramento.com/</a>.<br />
Driving and parking at Old Town is surprisingly stress-free. In the town itself, you can park with change or credit card at one of the meters (and there are change machines everywhere where you can get quarters) but there's also a parking garage right next to the action. Bathrooms are not only plentiful but convenient. Most are separate from businesses so one doesn't need to ask permission to use them, which any Bay Area resident will appreciate as a rarity. Although tourist traffic gets heavier in the early afternoon, the crowds are not nearly as stifling or annoying as in San Francisco or other Bay Area tourist locales.<br />
If you want to feel like you're getting away from the city but still enjoy the comforts of city life, Old Town Sacramento is definitely a Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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The Ziggurat</div>
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Tower Bridge</div>
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View of a train car.</div>
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The Delta King</div>
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You can visit the original city level through that gate to "Pioneer Park."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-60010929325046208182016-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:002016-01-25T20:35:49.983-08:00Bay Area Fairy Doors A touch of magic has sprinkled the Bay Area with tiny fairy doors. In and on trees, on the sides of homes, on cement curbs--the locations of the fairy doors are as numerous and creative as the doors themselves, and more are popping up every day. People are even getting together to have fairy door creation parties. There's not just one group responsible for the doors; in many cases it's individuals driving the phenomenon. Stumbling upon a fairy door can awaken the kid inside, and seeing someone else discover one warms the soul. Of all the Bay Area activities I've enjoyed over the years, hunting for fairy doors has been my favorite and really, most rewarding, activity. And guess what? It's free!<br />
So how does one go about finding these precious portals? There are fairy doors tucked away in Berkeley and San Francisco, but so far I haven't found a comprehensive map of them. One must simply take long walks with sharp eyes, though news stories about famous doors can guide you to the most popular. But Alameda is probably the best place to start. Not only are there several fairy doors on an island that's easier to navigate, but there's a Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1513230002305286/">Alameda Island Fairy Doors</a>, devoted to the doors that provides a map (which is printable) of their locations. Every time a new fairy door is discovered, the map is updated to show its location. And really, Alameda is one of the loveliest places to take a stroll.<br />
My sister and I chose to hunt for doors in the Park Street area. There's a park one block over from Park Street that provides free parking, and here is where we began our journey. We walked down San Jose Avenue toward Park and turned left on Oak toward Alameda South Shore Center. The star on our map told us we should see a fairy door somewhere nearby, and my sister was the first to spot it, a door about four inches tall attached to the foundation of a fence. Upon closer inspection, we noticed a black cat was painted on the door, and from a nearby porch, a black cat watched us with curiosity. Finding the door gave me the same thrill I felt hunting Easter eggs as a child, and we hurried on to the next star on our map. Each new door was unique, each had wonderful little details to admire, and each one provided a tiny adrenaline rush. Trees and power poles were the most popular places for the fairy doors we found, but occasionally one was attached on a house or on a wall. All in all, we found ten fairy doors, leaving plenty for our next hunting trip, including two we couldn't locate but hope to find next time.<br />
If you want to see a lot of doors with not as much walking, the Park Street clusters are the best choice, and there are plenty of places to take a break. But if you want a more challenging hunt, the West End is a better choice. The fairy doors are spaced out, and the area is more bike friendly. One of the great things about fairy door hunting is that one is never done with it. New doors are being added all the time, so there will always be something to discover in the future. If you've resolved to be more active this year, but hate the tedium of a gym workout, fairy door hunting might just be your thing. It's play in disguise, and it's definitely the most magical Bay Area Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-50549974077126898162015-11-14T20:11:00.000-08:002015-11-14T20:17:02.818-08:00Mosley's Cafe The Bay Area is full of great cafes and gourmet roasts for the coffee enthusiast. There's literally something for everyone in terms of price, flavor, variety, and atmosphere, and Mosley's Café in Alameda has an atmosphere unlike any other.<br />
The tiny and new open-air café is located at the back of the Grand Marina Harbor Master's building, so it is literally over the water of the Oakland-Alameda estuary with unrestricted views of the water, downtown Oakland skyline and Coast Guard Island. You order at an outdoor counter and can sit at a two-seat table or at a bar facing the water.<br />
My sister and I enjoyed our morning coffee while watching rowing teams and sail boats pass. A few loons were fishing nearby, and two sea lions even poked their heads up to say hi. The cushioned stools at the bar were comfy, the staff was super friendly, and the coffee and pastries were delish. I had an almond croissant, and my sister had a cinnamon morning bun, but beyond a good variety of pastries, the menu includes a variety of crepes, gluten-free goodies, and sandwiches. The café doesn't serve espresso drinks, but the pour over coffee is rich and yummy. You can also choose from a large variety of teas, and they have hot coco, Italian soda, and juice.<br />
What also makes Mosley's special is that it's local, and it's small. According to their website, Cristin Barnes-Shea started the café because there was nowhere close for residents and visitors of Grand Marina to get coffee and breakfast. Barnes-Shea writes that it took two years of permit work to get the café on its feet, and I'm sure glad she didn't give up. Mosley's passes on the local love by serving Semifreddi's pastries and Oakland's Blue Bicycle coffee.<br />
If you want to visit the café, you can find free parking at Grand Marina. You can also boat there! The address is 2099 Grand Street. Mosley's is open from 7 am to 2 pm daily. If you need your morning cup but you're sick of the overcrowded, corporate sameness of chain stores, then Mosley's Café is your Bay Area Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-19337800566803169642015-10-17T17:54:00.000-07:002015-10-17T17:54:13.852-07:0045th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival Judging from the early crowds at Saturday's HMB Art & Pumpkin Festival, I think the word is out that Half Moon Bay has the best annual festival in the Bay Area. And no wonder. From the moment you see those first pumpkin patches peeking out from the trees on the drive to Half Moon Bay, the experience is like stepping into an enchanted story where all your autumn dreams come true. There are over 200 vendors, many of which sell pumpkin-themed items (don't forget to grab a famous blown-glass pumpkin!). And you can enjoy pumpkin-flavored everything (the ice cream is delish!), watch Farmer Mike carving elaborate pumpkin masterpieces, watch street performances, set your kids loose in the family and kids area, and pick out pumpkins afterwards at one of the many pumpkin patches.<br />
You can read my previous post on the pumpkin festival <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/half-moon-bay-art-pumpkin-festival.html">here</a>, which includes tips on how best to experience the festival, but here's a recap of this year's visit. In the five years I've enjoyed the pumpkin festival, I think this year was the busiest. In my previous post I advised festival goers to start out early to beat the traffic, but even early birds experienced traffic this year. I arrived in Half Moon Bay at 7:20 and had to wait in line to get a parking spot. Groups of people were already walking down main to the heart of the festival, which didn't start until 9 a.m. By 10:30 a.m., the walkways beside the vendors were so packed it was hard to move around. By the time I left at around noon, most parking lots were full. So getting there early, painful as it might be, is a must if you want a pumpkin hangover and not a traffic migraine.<br />
I also advised in my previous post to park on the lot on Highway 92 closest to Main Street for a quick getaway. However, this year I parked on Main street a longer walk away. This saved me about $10 in parking, and it was still an easy getaway. The highway is a parking lot later in the day with people trying to get into the festival, so keep this in mind when choosing parking. I wouldn't choose a lot that would require you to pass through incoming traffic to leave.<br />
I also provided photos of all the delicious pumpkin things you can drink and eat at the festival in my previous post, but this year I tried a couple new things. The pumpkin harvest ale I chose had a smooth finish, but I wasn't too fond of the flavor. The pumpkin chili, however, far exceeded my expectations. I definitely could have enjoyed another bowl.<br />
One exciting new feature of the festival that I didn't mention in my previous post is the activities a charming shop called Oddyssea offers in their Oddyssea Outside space. Last year, my sister made a mason jar terrarium in this carnival-type area that provides a nice break from the flow of the crowd. This year, people could make steam punkins, pearl necklaces, sand art, and mine for treasure. To participate you just buy doubloons from a stand and trade them to do your activity of choice.<br />
This year my sister and I also enjoyed a street performance by Orion Griffiths, who starred in <em>Pippin. </em>Griffiths' personality and humor drew us in, but his physical prowess and acrobatic performance amazed us. While balancing on multiple levels of boards, cups, and a tube, Griffiths juggled three pins and performed a handstand. You can follow Griffiths on Twitter (@Orion_Griffiths), and there's also a few videos on Youtube that show his amazing skill (like this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw_JEa9xDKk">one</a> of him performing at Pier 39 in SF).<br />
I've posted photos from this year's event so you can get a sense of the fun. If you love pumpkins, fall, Halloween, or festivals, Half Moon Bay combines all of them into my favorite Bay Area event. Treat yourself to this Bay Area Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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Start your day right with the Pancake Breakfast (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.). Great way to kill time after arriving early and make your tummy happy.</div>
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Pumpkin pancakes from the Pumpkin Breakfast. YUM.</div>
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Don't forget the freebies! This bag was handed out at the Safeway booth.</div>
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Oddyssea Outside</div>
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Should we make steam punkins or sand art?!</div>
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That sand art is lookin' mighty fine.</div>
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Mason jar terrarium from last year.</div>
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Official gear? Check!</div>
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Pumpkin Harvest Ale</div>
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Pumpkin Chili</div>
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Orion Griffiths drawing a crowd.</div>
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Baby chicks from one of the local feed stores. Don't forget the extra shopping the charming little businesses on Main offer!</div>
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Giant bubbles, small bubbles...Half Moon Bay's got 'em.</div>
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And now...the pumpkins.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-11714885565488491342015-10-10T12:38:00.002-07:002015-10-10T12:38:48.555-07:00Park Street's 22nd Annual Classic Car Show This year's classic car show in Alameda did not disappoint, and I actually enjoyed it more (if that's possible) because the early morning was overcast and wonderfully cool so I could actually see the cars and not just sun glare, and I didn't have to go running for shade every so often. As I said in my first post on this show, which you can check out <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/park-street-classic-car-show.html">here</a>, this is one of the best car shows I've seen (and I've been to a lot with a car-enthusiast father). Not only is the selection of cars great in terms of models and years, but the cozy atmosphere of the Park Street and downtown Alameda area can't be beat.<br />
Since I already gave tips on how best to enjoy this show in my first post, I'm just going to describe my experience at this year's celebration of real cars and real craftsmanship. The show tends to be heavy on the Mustang side, which is perfectly fine for me because Mustangs are my all time favorite. At this year's show, I saw my favorite 1965 Mustang as well as a variety of '66, '67, and '68 Mustangs. There were fastbacks and convertibles and beefed up racers. One had cream-colored leather seats with embossed mustangs galloping across. Green, red, black, blue, and even one with racing stripes. Sigh.<br />
I also hoped to find at least one Chevy Nova (my second favorite classic car), and I found two! For the Chevy lover, there was a large variety of Chevelles, Malibus, Camaros, and even a Corvair I took pictures of for my dad. There were a couple trucks, a couple ancients, a couple new, and even a VW van. I was also impressed by a Plymouth Roadrunner, which I believe was a 1968.<br />
Many of the owners are happy to chat with anyone interested in their cars, and a couple cars were for sale. I had my eye on a black Mustang with a cobra head gear shift. Dreamers will dream. I also enjoyed watching all the people wander up to a car in silent awe, glassy eyed. I've posted several photos below for your enjoyment. If you couldn't make it to this year's classic car show, worry not. It happens every October, it's always a good show, and it's FREE. Mark those calendars because this is definitely a Bay Area Miss-Me-Not.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-58350177105255713062015-10-06T21:25:00.000-07:002015-10-06T21:25:00.807-07:00SF Fleet Week and Alameda's Classic Car Show This weekend is a great time to be in the Bay Area. On Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th, San Francisco's Fleet Week culminates in its popular air shows featuring the Blue Angels. The shows take place over San Francisco Bay from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and you can get great views from anywhere along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. You can also get a bite to eat and tour ships at the Fleet Fest at Pier 80 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For pictures from last year's shows and tips on enjoying the event, check out my post <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2014/10/san-franciscos-fleet-week.html">here</a>. And for more information on this year's event, visit the Fleet Week website: <a href="http://fleetweeksf.org/">http://fleetweeksf.org/</a>.<br />
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If you don't want to fight your way into San Francisco, there's also a wonderful event happening in Alameda on Park Street, the 22nd Annual Classic Car Show. This is one of my favorite Bay Area events. There are more than 400 cars to check out, including a huge selection of Mustangs. The car show takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To see photos from previous shows and get tips, read my post on the event <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/park-street-classic-car-show.html">here</a>. And for more information on this year's event, visit the Downtown Alameda Business Association's website: <a href="http://www.shopparkstreet.com/carshow.html">http://www.shopparkstreet.com/carshow.html</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-7495717988357794862015-09-21T20:10:00.000-07:002015-09-21T20:10:56.441-07:00The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is Coming Soon!Followers of my blog know that the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is my all-time favorite Bay Area festival. It combines my favorite holiday, Halloween, with one of my favorite flavors. Check out my <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/half-moon-bay-art-pumpkin-festival.html">post</a> on the festival to learn more, get tips on making the most out of your trip to the festival, and see pictures from this annual favorite! I'll be posting more photos from this year's event later.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/half-moon-bay-art-pumpkin-festival.html">See more here!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-21327613452344280212015-09-06T21:53:00.000-07:002015-09-06T21:58:54.450-07:00Shows at the Orpheum and Golden Gate TheatresIf you live on or visit the East Coast, seeing a show on Broadway is a treat, but you can still enjoy a great show in a great place here on the West Coast. Just off Market Street in San Francisco, the Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatres host all the fan favorites. I've seen <em>How the Grinch Stole Christmas </em>at the Golden Gate and <em>Beauty and the Beast </em>and <em>Les Miserables </em>at the Orpheum. <em>Phantom of the Opera, </em>my favorite musical, runs at the Orpheum until October 4, and I just caught the 2 p.m. show this weekend.<br />
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Here are a few tips to make the most of your own San Francisco show experience. First, tickets can be pricey, and the cheap seats sell out quickly. If you want to save some money, I suggest trying for rush tickets. Rush tickets are a gamble, but if you get them, you usually pay a fraction of the price for very good seats. Most theaters offer a limited number of rush tickets first-come, first-serve or by lottery before a show. For example, the Orpheum is offering a limited number of rush tickets for $40 a piece (CASH) for the <em>Phantom</em>. The tickets go on sale two hours before the show starts. <br />
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My sister and I arrived at the theater at 11:24 a.m. to get tickets to the show at 2 p.m., and there was already a small line. The line grew pretty long by the time the box office opened at noon, but it seemed like everyone got a ticket. My sister had to talk me into the rush ticket gamble because I usually like the sure bet, but I definitely recommend this approach. You meet a lot of great people in line, and it's pretty exciting if you get the tickets. We got seats in the orchestra that were in the "limited view" section, but the view was actually great. We were thirteen rows away from the stage among people who spent $125 for a ticket.<br />
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If you try this approach, I recommend getting in line at least 30 minutes before the box office opens (two hours before each show). If you get there even earlier and need some places to kill time before the show, the San Francisco Public Library is close to both the Orpheum and Golden Gate (on Larkin), and it has clean, free bathrooms. There are also a couple Starbucks in the area, and you can do some shopping around Union Square.<br />
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Now, let's talk transportation. With the techie boom sweeping the Bay Area, traffic is a nightmare. I definitely recommend NOT driving. You'll be stuck on the bridges for hours, and getting parking in the Market Street area is expensive and beyond stressful. The BART is a good option, but I personally think the only way to visit the city for a fun day is the ferry. You get to enjoy great views, refreshments are available on board (you technically can't eat or drink on BART), and the ride is stress free. You can take the ferry from Oakland and Alameda, and it runs until 11:20 p.m. on the weekends. This probably won't be late enough for a night show, but it's perfect for the afternoon show.<br />
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If you don't live in San Francisco I recommend the day show. Market Street can be a rough place, especially at night, and I personally hate worrying about catching the last BART out of the city. Plus, if you see the matinee, you have time for dinner after if you want to splurge after saving so much on your tickets.<br />
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If dinner and a show is your thing, I highly recommend Straw on Octavia. This tiny, cozy restaurant serves gourmet carnival food that's oh-so yummy. Their most popular menu item is probably their donut burger. Yes, an organic beef patty between two glazed donuts. I don't eat beef, so I can't critique this savory delight, but I've seen it heartily consumed, and it's definitely mouth watering. <br />
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Straw offers brunch on the weekends, and my sister and I attempted to get a table after we got our rush tickets and before the show, but alas, it was too busy. However, you can make reservations for dinner, and that turned out to be better because the restaurant was quieter and more enjoyable. I had the blackberry pulled pork sandwich (oh my god), and my sister had the fried chicken-n-waffle Monte Cristo sandwich (again, oh my god). We had delicious fried pickles for a starter.<br />
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But the best experience of the meal was the cocktail we chose, the Cotton Candy. They pour the cocktail tableside for the wow factor. The cocktail arrives in two glasses. One is filled with cotton candy, and the other is filled with sake, vodka, and sparkling wine. The server pours the alcohol over the cotton candy, which quickly dissolves and flavors the drink. YUM. I have to say, out of all the excellent restaurants I've enjoyed in San Francisco, I think Straw has the most delicious food and the most unique experience. And the prices are very reasonable. Make sure to make a reservation online before you go.<br />
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Finally, nothing tops off a great day in San Francisco like a ferry ride home at sunset. Make sure your camera or phone is ready for those spectacular shots. Dinner and a show in San Francisco, especially when you get a great deal, is definitely a Bay Area miss-me-not.<br />
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Passing by the Oakland shipping cranes on the ferry ride to SF</div>
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Passing under the Bay Bridge</div>
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Don't forget to say hi to the Civic Center.</div>
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Orpheum Theater</div>
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Yay!</div>
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Our seats</div>
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Dinner time at the cutest little restaurant.</div>
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Cotton Candy Cocktail </div>
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Fried Chicken-N-Waffle Monte Cristo</div>
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Blackberry Pulled Pork</div>
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Fried pickles and seasoned popcorn</div>
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Views from the evening ferry. That's the Golden Gate behind the Bay Bridge.</div>
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Sunset on the ferry. Goodnight San Francisco!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-20490065627444586842015-08-01T21:39:00.000-07:002015-08-01T21:47:15.360-07:00The Fremont Festival of the Arts This festival was actually recommended by a neighboring vendor at the Park Street Art and Wine Festival, and it did not disappoint. The festival is one of the largest I've seen in the Bay Area (of art and wine festivals, not fairs) with more than 700 vendors, three stages for live music, a kid's area they call "Kid City," and lots of space to mill about in without feeling crowded.<br />
The first thing that struck me when we arrived at the festival was the layout. The vendors are arrayed along both sides of a street divided by a meridian. This gives shoppers plenty of room to walk, stop and chat, and generally move about without reducing the flow of foot traffic or making the festival feel overcrowded. The wide open spaces were also a refreshing break for someone used to the packed-in feel of the big city, though Fremont is plenty large. Another thing I appreciated was that the festival producers put most of the service vendors on one of the side stretches, so those looking for something like window replacements or health coverage could wander that stretch and those who don't require any services (No, for the love of breakfast cereal, I do not own a house!) can avoid it.<br />
I was also happy to see many vendors I haven't seen at other festivals. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarbirdhollow">Sugarbird Hollow</a> was selling adorable little houses and campers, seasonal and not. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/blacktiecaramel">Black Tie Caramel</a> was selling handmade caramels in unique flavors like Coconut Lemongrass as well as caramel sauce. And the Washington High School ceramics program was selling wonderfully unique cups, bowls, plates, and more for absurdly low prices, and proceeds went into the program. There was a good variety of art, although few of the vendors sold prints and many of the canvases were very large. And many vendors that I've seen at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival and other events had new work or different items on display. The Bubble Wands vendor was there filling the festival with a magical assortment of bubbles.<br />
In terms of food, I wasn't actually impressed with the variety and amount of vendors. Indeed, I didn't eat at the festival. But there was a lot of lemonade, well, everywhere. There were also a couple of Oasis booths selling slushies in kid's and adult's cups, which were refillable for a lower price. In terms of alcohol, this festival had margaritas in addition to various beer and wine choices, which I found unique.<br />
Another bonus of this festival is the amount of freebees handed out by businesses. Places like Blaze Pizza and a couple radio stations were letting people spin a wheel for prizes. Pacific Commons, a Fremont shopping center, was giving out free lip balm. And Lucky was giving out strawberries stuffed with goat cheese and topped with a lemon jam.<br />
Now, onto challenges and tips for enjoying the festival with the least amount of headache. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Free parking was sparse, and most spots required a fair walk to the festival. If you don't get to the festival early, as in shortly before the start, you might have a traffic meltdown. The BART isn't far from the festival, so if you can BART, I'd recommend it. Also, the early bird gets the best freebees without waiting in long lines.<br />
In terms of weather and what to wear, Fremont is HOT. I regretted wearing a t-shirt and jeans, wishing instead I'd chosen a tank top and capris. Sun screen is a must, but it won't be enough. I strongly recommend sun glasses and a hat. There is a lot of open space and very little shade so it feels like the sun is pummeling you the whole time. Fortunately, there were several hat vendors if you forget your own.<br />
If you drive, don't forget about the shopping opportunities around the Pacific Commons area. There's a lot of big box stores, but there's also great food joints like Blaze Pizza, Which Wich, and Buffalo Wild Wings to name a few. And the Century theater is not only large, but its food offerings are unique. They have an ice cream counter that also serves a variety of beer (beer in a theater?!). And the food section is a walk-through affair where you can pick out your own hot dogs, burgers, nachos, candy, kettle corn, drinks, ice cream desserts, and even hummus.<br />
I would definitely put the Fremont Festival of the Arts at the top of my Bay-Area-Miss-Me-Nots list.<br />
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Panorama of wide open spaces...</div>
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The Nathan village. Hot dog anyone?</div>
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Plenty of seating areas scattered throughout.</div>
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A map of the festival.</div>
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Fremont Fire Department</div>
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Homemade Caramel?!</div>
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You could sit in the mini-BART. Always wanted to do this.</div>
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Halloween house from Sugarbird Hollow (hey, it's never too early for Halloween).</div>
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Camper from Sugarbird Hollow</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-38422889190414166192015-07-20T21:23:00.000-07:002015-07-27T16:44:47.742-07:00Park Street Art & Wine Faire Alameda is a charming little island nestled between Oakland and the San Francisco Bay, and it has plenty of charming little festivals. Around Mother's Day, Park Street hosts the Spring Festival, complete with live music, a variety of vendors, delicious food booths, activities for kids, and beverages for adults. In June, Webster Street on Alameda's west end hosts a festival honoring the historic Neptune Beach area (see my post on the festival <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/09/neptune-beach-community-celebration.html">here</a>). In October, Park Street hosts one of the best classic car shows around (see my post on that one <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/10/park-street-classic-car-show.html">here</a>). But in July, Park Street hosts one of my favorite Bay Area festivals, the Park Street Art & Wine Faire.<br />
I've already written a post on this wonderful festival with tips on how to make the most of your visit. You can read that <a href="http://www.bayareamissmenots.blogspot.com/2013/07/alameda-art-and-wine-festival.html">here</a>. In that post, I highlighted a couple of vendors I enjoyed visiting. However, this year, I'm happy to announce that my sister will have a booth at the fair. She started her own business, <a href="http://www.handmadehill.com/">Handmade Hill</a>, in January. As her business name suggests, she makes a variety of handmade items--hats, quilts, scarves, jewelry, etc.--and many of these items will be on sale at the faire. She'll also have a variety of local prints and paintings for the art lover. And she'll be selling sticker bundles, including authentic Playland tickets she has turned into stickers. I'll be helping her with the booth, so I'll be able to give those of you who have considered doing booths at festivals feedback on the experience in a later post.<br />
Besides my sister's booth, the fair will have over 300 vendors and will stretch from Encinal to Buena Vista. For Island natives and those nearby, there will be free bike parking so you can avoid the traffic. For all others, there's a very affordable parking garage around the corner from the Alameda Theater. When that fills up there is plenty of parking in the area, but you'll have a bit of a walk.<br />
Stay tuned for photos and feedback from this year's event, and learn more<a href="http://www.shopparkstreet.com/artwine.html"> here</a>!<br />
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And here's your promised FEEDBACK:<br />
My sister and I had a lot of fun as vendors at this event, but it was definitely a lot of work. Vendors are allowed to start setting up a little after 6 a.m. on the day of the event, and because this was my sister's first craft fair as a vendor, we got there at 6 on the dot. We were able to pull up to our spot, unload, and find free parking very close to the event. However, I did hear other vendors who arrived much later complain about the lack of vendor parking. Our booth space was located across from one of our favorite Alameda cafes, the Blue Danube (they have tea, coffee, Italian sodas, breakfast and lunch items, and more!), which proved very convenient for quiet rest and meal breaks, and we were within sight (but not smell) of the portable toilets.<br />
In terms of setup, it took us four hours to get everything put together, signed and ready to go. Granted, we had a couple fixtures to build and a lot of signs and tags to make. We also had some struggles with the E-Z Up canopy, as did a neighboring vendor with the same type. However, a nearby vendor, Julie, gave us a hand and some valuable advice for the best shows in the Bay Area in terms of foot traffic and profit. <br />
We were surprised to learn that many vendors simply leave the booths at night with no take down or wrap them in tarps. Julie recommended lowering our canopy on top of our fixtures, which we did, but we did take our merchandise with us. After manning the booth for eight hours, we were very much ready to call it a day at 6 p.m., when the faire was officially over each day, but there were a number of late shoppers that made it difficult to close up. This was especially annoying on the last day because it made it very difficult to get vehicles next to booths for loading.<br />
We were also surprised, and we heard many others vendors echoing our concerns, by the amount of foot traffic. My sister and I go to this event every year as shoppers, and it always seemed like a very busy festival. However, this year, the foot traffic seemed light, and a lot of people passing our line of booths walked quickly and didn't even seem interested in looking at the booths. While walking around the faire on Sunday at the busiest hours, I discovered that most foot traffic was concentrated in the middle of the faire in between the rides and the kids' area. People seemed reluctant to push through the crowd gathered around the Water Ballerz in order to see the last line of booths. Indeed, it was hard for me to push through to get back to our booth. However, most of the people who ventured into our booth purchased something.<br />
On the plus side, the event page for the event featured our booth on Facebook and retweeted a lot of our tweets, which I thought was sweet. The weather was lovely, with the perfect breeze. The music was wonderful (at one point, I could hear the Mario Brothers theme song drifting on the breeze from the stage), and our neighbors were great. I loved our location, even if it meant a decrease in foot traffic. And we did great for our first festival.<br />
Here's some advice if you want to be a vendor at this faire in the future:<br />
1) Pack snacks and water<br />
2) Make sure you have the inventory to cover your booth fee and bring in a profit<br />
3) Introduce yourself to your neighbors (they have a lot of wisdom!)<br />
4) Get there early for setup, and have parking scoped out early<br />
5) Prepare mentally for the long days (around 13 hours a day with setup and takedown)<br />
6) If coverage allows, take breaks to walk around and have a little fun<br />
7) Utilize social media<br />
8) Take advantage of your canopy by hanging items from the front so they are more visible to the casual passerby<br />
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A big shout out and thank you to Alameda and everyone who visited our booth! We hope to see you next year! I've provided a link on my right side bar to upcoming festivals other vendors recommended.<br />
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Hill's hat and sticker table</div>
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Hill's painting and rug fixture, made out of a pallet</div>
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Hill' quilt wall and base</div>
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Hill's flower scarf display</div>
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Hill's jewelry, print, and keychain table</div>
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Hill next to her shop banner</div>
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The apron Etsy shop owner isewmuchtime made for us. Thanks JoAnn!</div>
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Hill, feeling a little overwhelmed during setup. Is it coffee time yet?!</div>
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Alameda's Park Street Bridge. Love ya, Alameda!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-74527934507935417182015-05-26T21:48:00.000-07:002015-05-26T21:48:23.154-07:00Angel Island There are many ways to enjoy (and even not enjoy) Angel Island. You can take a quick day trip (via the ferry or your own boat) and just hang out on the beach at Ayala Cove with a picnic lunch or a barbecue feast. You can take your bike via ferry or rent a bike or Segway on the island and hit the Perimeter Road loop. You can even camp overnight. However you choose to experience it, you can't skip Angel Island.<br />
And here's why. First, the island provides a valuable opportunity to learn about and interact with Bay Area and United States history. The island was home to the Coast Miwok people long before anyone else set foot there, and the island was used for military purposes for most of the United States' wars; Camp Reynolds was built during the Civil War, the East Garrison housed soldiers from the Spanish-American war and welcomed troops returning from World War I. During World War II, soldiers shipped out from the island, and German and Japanese prisoners of war were kept there. And during the Cold War, the island housed the Nike missile site.<br />
Besides holding the shadows of wars pasts, the island provides a glimpse into the darker side of United States history. One of Angel Island's nicknames is the "Ellis Island of the West" because it served as an immigration station from 1910 to 1940, and almost a million immigrants from all over the world suffered there while waiting for permission to pursue the American Dream. Many had to endure long and complicated tests meant to bar them from completing their journey, and the living conditions were miserable with living quarters stuffed beyond capacity. Some Chinese immigrants stalled on the island due to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act carved poems into the walls of the barracks to voice their misery. Those touring the Immigration Station today can still see one fully preserved poem and the ghostly outlines of others that have been lost to time and paint. The island's history encourages a greater respect for the struggles and suffering of immigrants and anyone who has been the victim of racist attitudes and unfair laws.<br />
On a more positive note, Angel Island offers sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and its various bridges, especially on a clear day. You can see the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge, Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate from various parts of the island. You can look across the Bay to Tiburon, San Francisco, and Alcatraz. You can watch every kind of ship imaginable sailing to and fro. And you can see a variety of wildlife from various birds and deer to sea lions and whales. Angel Island is one of the best places in the Bay Area for taking souvenir photos or even professional ones.<br />
Finally, Angel Island is a pretty cheap but pretty dramatic Bay Area experience. You get to cruise the Bay, enjoy the beach, picnic and camp, hike and sightsee, and get an historical brush-up all in one affordable trip. The ferry ride will cost you the most, but you can pack as much food as you can carry onto the island. Entry to the U.S. Immigration Station costs just $5 per person, and if you choose to walk Perimeter Road, you have no other costs. The beach at Ayala Cove is lovely, though the water can be a little murky. And, thank goodness, there are nice bathrooms.<br />
The last time I visited the island, I went with my sister and dad, and this is how we did it. To avoid the traffic snarl and parking drama of San Francisco, we made the lovely drive to Tiburon, one of the cutest and most charming little coastal towns you'll ever visit. We paid just $5 to park for the day near the ferry stop (don't make the mistake of parking in the pricier lot after the roundabout). We went on a weekend day because the ferry service is extended on those days with a final departure from Angel Island at 5:20 p.m. versus 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, depending on the season (visit <a href="http://www.angelislandferry.com/">www.angelislandferry.com</a> for a full schedule breakdown). As I said, the ferry ticket will probably be your priciest item. From Tiburon, the round-trip ticket will set you back $15, and it's CASH ONLY. Keep in mind that the ticket from San Francisco is $18. Arrive early if you want first pick at seats and locations because that line gets long in a hurry. We took the first ferry departing at 10 a.m. Easy peasy.<br />
Once on the island, you have to choose how to experience it; by bike, by tram, by Segway, or on foot. But first, if you brought a lot of things you don't want to haul around the island, there are lockers near the café you can rent. For the active and adventurous, biking or walking the Perimeter Road is best (be warned, the loop is about five miles long, and has a few inclines and declines that will make those muscles burn). For those who want a more leisurely experience, the Segway or tram are the best, though they'll cost you. A Segway is $68 per person, and the tram is $15.50 a person.<br />
We wanted to keep costs low and set our own pace, so we chose to walk Perimeter Road. We went left from Ayala Cove and climbed a long and fairly steep staircase to get to the path. If you go this way, you'll feel every stair, but this is the fastest way to get to the Immigration Station. We chose to tour the Immigration Station and the area around it. There are more stairs, but it's worth it. To get inside and see the living quarters, mess hall, and poems carved into the walls, the cost is $5 per person, again CASH ONLY. There's a large group of tables in front of the Immigration Station where you can enjoy your picnic lunch, which we did, imagining what immigrants must have thought and felt while eating in the same place.<br />
We then walked to Fort McDowell, where you can wander among deserted buildings, including a hospital, and feel the history sifting under your feet. If you take this route, make sure to stop for a bathroom break because it's the last restroom until Camp Reynolds, and that one isn't easily accessible for the exhausted. The views and photo ops were amazing on the five-mile trek around the island, but I have to admit, that tram looked lovely around mile three.<br />
Once we dragged ourselves back to Ayala Cove, we sat on the cement wall near the beach to enjoy some refreshments. Kids played in the sand, people moved about their boats anchored in the cove, and families chatted happily around picnic tables and blankets on the grassy expanse above the beach. If you didn't pack a picnic lunch, there's a tiny café near the ferry stop. Hanging out on the beach until a ferry arrives is a nice way to finish your Angel Island experience.<br />
We caught the 3:30 ferry back to Tiburon so we could make the short drive to Sausalito and do some shopping and dining. Sausalito is also a charming and bustling little place that has plenty of boutiques, restaurants, and lovely views, but it's also pricey. And it has a lot more tourists than Tiburon. This is the place where people who bike the Golden Gate stop to take the ferry back to San Francisco, so there are a lot of people and a lot of bikes. Pack extra food and picnic on the shore near the ferry stop if you want to save money.<br />
Everyone says to only do Angel Island on a clear day, but a clear day can be hard to come by on the Bay, and you can't always match your day off with the fine weather. We planned well, but the forecast was still wrong the day we went with cloudy skies for most of our trip. However, this turned out to be nice because the cooler weather made for a more pleasant walk, and the views were still amazing. If you visit or live in the Bay Area, Angel Island is most definitely a miss-me-not and a nice break from the crowds.<br />
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Foggy Views in Tiburon</div>
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Inside the Ferry</div>
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Shortcut to the Immigration Station</div>
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The Immigration Station</div>
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A Poem in the Wall</div>
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The Golden Gate on the Horizon</div>
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Perimeter Road</div>
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Ghostly Ruins</div>
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Back at Ayala Cove</div>
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Bye, Seagull</div>
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Bill Dan Balancing Rocks in Sausalito</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-64204037292043222402015-03-22T17:02:00.000-07:002015-03-22T17:24:36.916-07:00Berkeley Marina and Cesar Chavez Park There's no question the Bay Area is becoming a very expensive and crowded place. This makes free activities away from the hustle and bustle all the more important for people who want to relax and have fun while still making rent.<br />
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A little oases I enjoy that allows me to unwind and still feel like I'm not missing out on the wonders of the Bay Area is the Berkeley Marina and Cesar Chavez Park. The marina itself provides 1100 berths--a great place to do some boat watching--as well as a public pier that doesn't require a fishing license. <br />
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Cesar Chavez Park, which sits adjacent to the marina, provides large stretches of open grass and hilly terrain, wildlife and bird watching opportunities, and views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear day, one can see the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate at the same time from the parking turnabout (see photo below).<br />
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The Bay Trail is nearby so the park is accessible by bike as well as vehicle, and parking is free and plentiful. The Dorothy Stegmann Trail, which is 1.25 miles long, runs around the diameter of the park and is paved. The paved path is mostly flat and is wheelchair friendly. And, happily, the park is dog friendly; there's even off-leash--though unfenced!--dog areas.<br />
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My favorite part of visiting the park is doing a little bird and wildlife watching. There are so many birds, in fact, that birdsong is a throbbing, palpable force depending on the time of day. One side of the park belongs to the red-winged blackbird, and these daring individuals often zip over the path right in front of walkers and joggers and forage in the long grass at the path's edge. Another part of the park belongs to the burrowing owl, though I haven't seen one yet. It's also quite magical to watch the Forster Tern hunting for a meal; this bird hovers above the water like a helicopter before diving for its prey. One can also watch ground squirrels sunning themselves on rocks or munching on seed heads in the long grass. On the water, one can see grebes, a variety of ducks, pelicans, and more going about their birdy business.<br />
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The whole park has a wild feel I have found few other places in the Bay Area. It always feels like I'm deep in nature while wandering the park and yet I'm not too far from Berkeley and the freeway, and the park provides such comforts as bathrooms (or rather, port-a-potties), benches ideally placed for the views, and water fountains.<br />
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For those who don't mind spending money on a trip to the marina, there are three restaurants nearby including the Sea Breeze Market & Deli. There is also a Doubletree Hotel on site for Bay Area visitors, and Golden Gate Fields is just down the road for the horse racing enthusiast. In the summer the marina offers classes at its Shorebird Park Nature Center on water activities and marine biology for children up to 16 years old (more here: <a href="http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/summer_programs/">http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/summer_programs/</a>). Participants can learn about canoeing, sailing, dragon boats, and local wildlife.<br />
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So whether you're a visitor to the Bay Area and need a break from the tourist activities or you're a resident and need a break from the tourists, Berkeley Marina and Cesar Chavez Park are definitely Bay-Area-miss-me-nots.<br />
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Yep, that's the Golden Gate out there.</div>
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San Francisco</div>
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Notice the shipping cranes in the distance.</div>
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Behold, the red-winged blackbird.</div>
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On the horizon from left to right, the Bay Bridge (new span in front, old behind), San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-70494439373495184692014-10-12T17:26:00.000-07:002014-10-12T17:52:29.726-07:00San Francisco's Fleet Week Of all the Bay Area events that draw in crowds of tourists, I have heard the most complaints about San Francisco's Fleet Week. I've heard from some who live in or very near the city that they and their pets are annoyed by the sound of the Blue Angels flying over. Others complain that the amount of tourists in the city make getting around nearly impossible. And many others just seem to be annoyed by the increase in traffic throughout the Bay Area. I have therefore stayed well clear of San Francisco during Fleet Week and have never attempted to enjoy any of its events...until this year.<br />
I hate crowds, so I was fairly sure the experience would be more stress than fun, especially since my sister and I chose to go on Saturday. However, we went, we saw, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I'll tell you the choices we made in terms of transportation, viewing spots, and events to make the experience more enjoyable in case this is an event you want to try in the future.<br />
First, let's talk transportation. Driving, for me, was absolutely out of the question. After spending five hours stuck on the freeway trying and failing to make it to the McCartney Candlestick concert, I vowed to drive into San Francisco as little as possible. I also didn't want to take BART or AC Transit because I wanted a faster and less crowded trip in and out of the city. I also wanted to avoid the F line at all costs. During special events and tourist season, the F line cars are often packed so tightly that passengers are literally sealed to one another or hanging from doors. No, thank you. <br />
Instead, I took the San Francisco Bay Ferry. There is, really, no better way to get into the city. Even when the ferry is crowded, there are amazing views and nice breezes to make one forget the noise and bustle. There are also plenty of opportunities for pictures. The ferry passes right under the Bay Bridge and pulls in to the Ferry Building and Pier 41, allowing passengers to snap pictures of the cityscape, ships, and the occasional curious seagull. The ferry ride is a bit pricier than other public transportation at $12.50 for a round trip ticket, but when one considers the combined cost of BART, bus, F line, etc., it's a pretty good deal. Plus, if you have Clipper, it's only $9.50 for a round trip.<br />
We departed the ferry at Pier 41, which is only a short walk from the action. I wanted to do a couple tours of visiting ships docked at Piers 15/17, 19, 35, and 50. However, the lines for these tours were outrageously long, and I had seen the ships from the water on the ferry ride in. I decided to pass on the tours. Nothing can ruin an event faster than waiting in a long line in the heat.<br />
We then strolled Pier 39. We perused booths selling Fleet Week souvenirs, and we listened to The Destroyers rocking away on the stage near the Hard Rock Café. Despite all the complaints and warnings about the crowds, I found Pier 39 no more crowded than it is during the height of tourist season. <br />
Our next challenge was finding a place to watch the air show. Box seats were available for a hefty price, but my sister had read about numerous free locations that offered a great view. We originally intended to walk down to the beach near Crissy Field. However, the time got away from us, and the air show started while we were still at Pier 39. So we went out to the deck by The Candy Baron to check out the view, and it was perfect...especially since we no longer had to hike over to Crissy. There weren't too many people crammed into the area yet. We got a good spot behind the glass partitions that shielded us from the wind, and I had an excellent view of the Golden Gate.<br />
The air show was better than I expected it to be. The planes from Team Oracle, Super Dave Air Shows, Lucas Oil Air Shows, and The Horseman Flight Team did not disappoint. While the fog stayed clear of the Golden Gate, they often passed under and over it. They went as high as they could before dropping straight down and buzzing the ships on the Bay, many of which honked their horns (excitement or alarm?). Sometimes it seemed a plane would crash right into a ship as it skimmed over the water. The Coast Guard helicopter also hovered over the Bay to the delight of many, and I saw the Navy Leap Frogs zig zagging down to earth.<br />
The thrills really started with the jet teams, of course. The Patriots Jet Team was amazing. They flew in trailing red, white, and blue exhaust. Their sleek, black jets--the L-39C Albatros--were surprisingly quiet as they buzzed the ships, the bridge, each other, and occasionally the crowd. Many people mistook The Patriots for the Blue Angels and left after they were done. One woman near me said that we'd know the Angels when we heard them, and she was right.<br />
The deafening roar of the F/A-18 Hornets definitely caught everyone's attention as the Blue Angels shot overhead toward the Golden Gate, which was covered in fog by that time. The Blue Angels played chicken, flew in formation, flew upside down, scattered and came back together...everything one hopes to see jets do. They didn't fly as low to the water as the other aircraft, and they were often out of sight more than other aircraft, but they were, of course, awesome.<br />
The Blue Angels were followed by what appeared to be the C-130, a heavyweight that impressed me with its nimble maneuvering. Then a United 747 buzzed the Bay a few times. I was amazed by how close it got to the water and the ships and by how quiet it was.<br />
The air show alone was worth the trip into the congested city for Fleet Week. The crowds became an issue only after the show as people filled every area restaurant. There were one- to three-hour waits at most restaurants we visited. We debated on traveling into the city for a bite, but the F line was as packed as we had expected. However, as my sister and I read the menu outside Alioto's Waterside Café on Fisherman's Wharf (she does not eat seafood), a staff member actually came out and called us in to an open table. Alioto's staff and food are amazing, and I had a great view of the Wharf while we ate. I had the crab sandwich, and my sister chose the chicken parmesan. A girl at the table next to us ordered a whole crab, or I should say, a monster crab that drew passerby in.<br />
We wanted to stay for the fireworks, but we had been warned by people, news outlets, and even the ferry staff that it might be challenging to catch the ferry back. We were told to line up early. We decided to watch the fireworks while in line for the 9:15 ferry. The fireworks started at 8:30, and we got in line a little past 8. The line wasn't long at this time, but it quickly passed from sight as 8:30 arrived. However, as long as it was, we all got on the ferry just fine and with plenty of room to spare. And we were able to enjoy the Bay Bridge lights, Coit Tower decked in orange for the Giants, and views of the city at night on the ride back.<br />
If done right, the event is actually pretty cheap. The air show is free, and you can pack snacks and meals to save money. Keep in mind that if you want to eat at a restaurant in the area after the show, there will be long waits at most of them. This is definitely an event you have to be flexible for. Be willing to change your plans. Also keep in mind that your experience can differ greatly depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Make sure to pack a sweater and a hat, and I recommend taking your phone charger or extra batteries for cameras. After the right preparation and with the right attitude, I would definitely count Fleet Week on my list of Bay Area Miss-Me-Nots.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-91946035966551695222014-07-28T21:28:00.001-07:002014-07-28T21:28:11.760-07:00March of the Penguins at the San Francisco Zoo Every year, Bay Area residents and visitors get the opportunity to see Magellanic penguins up close at the San Francisco Zoo's March of the Penguins. The zoo calls the event a "graduation" march for their penguin chicks that have grown old enough to live with the penguin adults at the zoo's Penguin Island enclosure (<a href="http://www.sfzoo.org/">www.sfzoo.org</a>). Said graduates waddle adorably and sometimes warily to their new home through a tunnel of delighted visitors.<br />
This year's March took place on Saturday, July 26th. I had many reservations about attending. For one, the Giants were playing the Dodgers at AT&T Park all weekend, and I was afraid of the traffic jam in and out of San Francisco. Second, July is tourist season, and the perpetual crowd can make traveling in the city frustrating and can dim some of the enjoyment of popular tourist attractions. Finally, the price of zoo tickets is steep, and I didn't know what to expect or if the investment would be worth it.<br />
My reservations were not resolved when my sister and I arrived at the zoo. We discovered that zoo members were allowed to go in at 9:30am. The gates of the zoo didn't open until 10am, and the penguin march was slated to take place at 10:15. As the line of members grew longer and longer, and we waited in the line for regular tickets, we wondered if we would be able to get our tickets and get to the penguin enclosure before the event started. As the end of the line of members disappeared around the corner and continued to grow, we wondered if we would even be able to see the penguins through the crowds of people. When the gates opened for zoo members, they poured in, and we never did see the end of the line. There seemed to be just as many people with regular tickets trying to get in.<br />
Despite my reservations and doubts, we did get to the event in plenty of time and got an excellent spot. After seeing the three male chicks and one female chick waddling around the corner of the enclosure and right past our feet, I can tell you the wait, the crowds, and the price of the ticket (for an adult, $17) were worth it. The chicks paused when they were directly in front of us. We watched as their keeper reassured them and rubbed one chick's tummy to build his confidence. The chicks then waddled past, delighting the children seated in front. Once they were inside their enclosure, they zipped happily through the water with the adults, putting on another show for visitors. We left happy and grateful we'd braved the crowds to see the graduates.<br />
If you're a penguin fan, this is definitely a miss-me-not event, and here are my tips to make it a more pleasant experience. First, arrive early. The zoo offers parking, but if you're not a member, you have to pay $10 to park. I suggest parking for free at one of the many Ocean Beach lots within easy walking distance of the zoo. This allows you to enjoy the beach after the zoo and escape the crowds leaving the event. If you live outside the city, public transportation to the zoo can take a long, long time, so be prepared.<br />
Second, plan your ticket choice. Zoo memberships aren't cheap, but they do allow you to get in early to events and have many other perks that are valuable for Bay Area residents (especially those with kids). If you want to have one less thing to worry about, I recommend the zoo membership so you can get in line and get in early. However, I bought tickets when I arrived and still made it to the event with plenty of time to spare. I even got a front-row spot. Don't let the crowds intimidate you. I had never seen so many people at the zoo for an event, and I was still able to see and enjoy the March.<br />
Third, get in the right mindset. Expect a lot of tourists and people at this kind of event. If you don't like crowds, take that into consideration before attending. I personally don't like crowds, but I have to say, the people at the event were very friendly and polite. I had a wonderful conversation with the family in front of us in line as well as visitors throughout the zoo. People-watching can be just as enjoyable as animal-watching. <br />
Don't forget to get the most out of your zoo ticket by visiting the special exhibits the zoo hosts. When we went, the zoo was hosting the Washed Ashore exhibit, an art show of marine sculptures made from plastic and other human refuse dumped in the sea. Learn more about this awesome exhibit, its creators, and the non-profit organization Washed Ashore at <a href="http://www.washedashore.org/">www.washedashore.org</a>.<br />
Finally, if you want to save money, take a lunch to the zoo. The prices of the zoo's café aren't actually that bad, but when you can take your own lunch and snacks, why not take advantage of it? If you're not so concerned about a budget, there are plenty of souvenirs to buy, and you can pay with cash or credit (even at the small booths right next to the event).<br />
Below are pictures from the event as well as an adorable penguin shirt my sister just couldn't resist. Waddle on, my friends.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-78746623171182260832014-04-12T23:54:00.000-07:002014-04-14T21:48:33.012-07:00Richmond Art Center's Upcycle You really can't say you've fully enjoyed the Bay Area until you've taken advantage of its unique creative opportunities. This is an area filled with artists, crafters, and visionaries. It's also an area where people look at the everyday and see the fantastic, and their materials matter just as much to them as the things those materials make. When you see all the wonderful creations that give the Bay Area a lot of its character, it's hard to resist the urge to participate in that creation. So why try? The Richmond Art Center's Upcycle fair is one opportunity to get your hands crafty in an earth friendly and conscientious way. The whole focus of Upcycle, as the name implies, is to reuse materials for art and practical items that are considered trash or leftovers.<br />
Upcycle is still new (this year was its second go), and already it's run like a years-hardened event. The organization, atmosphere, and layout create a low-stress, high-fun environment. There are many great things about this art and crafting extravaganza, but two of my favorite are that it's free, and it's not just intended for kids. The event is held at the Richmond Art Center, mostly in the inner courtyard, and this year it took place on Saturday, April 12, from 1-4 p.m. Driving is probably best for this event, and parking is available (and also free) on the road and in the Center's parking lot.<br />
The variety of things to do at Upcycle pretty much guarantees that no one will be bored. Even grownups seemed unable to resist the gleeful cries of their inner child when presented with the opportunity to make something like a drawing robot. I went to the event with a seasoned crafter, and while she put me to shame at many of the booths, I still walked away with something I was proud of. We tried most activities, and though some booths were busy and required people to wait to participate, the wait was worth it. Besides, it was entertaining just watching what everyone chose to make.<br />
The first activity we did was make screen-printed patches with Joyce Shon and Monica Gyulai. They explained how screen printing works and what to do and then let us apply the ink to our patches. My sister, the crafter, then made a robot that draws by itself at the California 4-H Foundation. The gentleman at the booth taught everyone how to attach markers to a paper cup and to attach the battery pack and rotor to the top of the cup. The table and the nearby ground was covered with paper, so when a robot was finished, it could be set loose on a blank canvas. This was my favorite station. I loved seeing all the robots humming away and imagining the chaos they would happily cause in each creator's home.<br />
We then made bracelets out of bike inner tubes with Holly Carter. There were numerous examples available to guide one's design, and Carter was generous with advice and instructions. All of the equipment and supplies one could want were available, and we were impressed with everyone's results. There was a young girl next to us who created two bracelets like a pro.<br />
The final activity we did was make a metal leaf with Ed Lay. He taught us how to fold the metal, cut it, pound the side to elongate it to the shape we wanted, and then fired the metal to make it pliable enough to open and finish. He was able to tailor his instructions to any skill level and age, and everyone seemed to be happy with the result of their work.<br />
Other activities that were a joy to observe was the creation of a garbage can by Daud Abdullah and visitors using glass shards, glass beads, and other items, the blending of smoothies by stationary bike with Urban Tilth, the weaving of small rugs with Susan Sterling, and the creation of hats with Kiki Rostad. There were many more booths and activities to choose from. While enjoying the activities, we were treated to the otherworldly yet delightful sounds of the Crank Ensemble. They had a variety of what appeared to be hand-crafted instruments that made a music to resonate with one's inner funk and quirk.<br />
We walked away from this event with a wonderful variety of creations, and everything was free! However, many booths had donation jars to help make up for the materials used. All of the activities were quick and easy to complete, and visitors of all ages seemed to enjoy them. If you want to participate in a family-friendly event that has a good purpose and teaches valuable lessons, then this is a definite miss-me-not. Check out the Richmond Art Center website to learn more about the booths and performances: <a href="http://www.therac.org/html/calendar.html#upcycle">http://www.therac.org/html/calendar.html#upcycle</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-46545443347723530882014-01-25T20:58:00.000-08:002014-01-25T20:58:20.953-08:00Treasure Island Flea Market The best thing about flea markets is the unique items one can find: historical relics that contain the traces of a thousand owners and their stories, odd-shaped furniture that would look perfect in the upstairs hall, a statue of a plump and quirky quail to amuse visitors, and even lawn creatures made out of odd bits of old metal. Flea markets are as much for the looking as the shopping. They are literally a treasure hunt, so it's fitting that the largest flea market I've been to occurs monthly on Treasure Island.<br />
Despite renewed concerns about radiation contamination on TI, I love visiting because it's a beautiful place with panoramic views of both spans of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco. The large palms that circle the island and the time-worn and abandoned buildings scattered here and there give TI a mystique that can be found nowhere else in the Bay Area.<br />
Treasure Island Flea is held in and around the World Fair building, and with over 300 vendors, the space still doesn't feel large enough. I was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of merchandise and the size of the crowd. The vendors outside the front of the building form a large market by themselves, but the bottom floor of the building is filled with more vendors. Vendors even fill most of the second floor. I was alarmed to make it through all these vendors and find even more gathered outside the back of the building.<br />
Vendors include craftspeople as well as antique and collectible sellers. We saw old war uniforms, cameras, typewriters, furniture, art, frames of every shape and size, fine and antique jewelry, new and vintage clothing, scarves, shelves made from skateboards, picture hangers made from crates and shutters, and much more.<br />
There were also quite a few of the famous Bay Area food trucks in attendance. We ate pork and chicken sliders and had a scoop of gourmet, preservative-free ice cream. There were also bartenders circulating through the market with carts where one could pick up mimosas, Bloody Mary's, and beer. In the back of the building an excellent DJ kept feet tapping and hips swaying, and trampolines entertained the kids. <br />
This event, like the Jack of All Trades Market that Treasure Island Flea hosts, is dog friendly. We passed many happy pooches enjoying the sunshine, crowd, and each other. The market organizers even had a jar of dog bones at the front entrance that were free for four-legged guests. Another bonus is the free parking, and we had no problem finding a spot.<br />
Even though the views, weather, and atmosphere of the market were beautiful, the crowds were the biggest I've seen at a Bay Area market or festival. It was nearly impossible to look in any depth at vendors inside the building because of the people trying to file past. Trying to make our way through the building felt like being stuck in rush hour traffic before a three-day weekend. The vendors outside the building were easier to shop, but the crowds were still large. If you don't like crowds, this event will probably not be enjoyable for you.<br />
There's also the cost to consider. There is a fee to get into the market (a modest $3). And the prices at the market were higher than I expected, even on the items that were not antique.<br />
Even with the crowds and higher prices, this market is a must. The variety and amount of vendors is unparalleled, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the location is beautiful. You can like Treasure Island Flea on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. The next market dates are February 22nd and 23rd, March 29th and 30th, and April 26th and 27th. Visit <a href="http://www.treasureislandflea.com/">www.TreasureIslandFlea.com</a> for more information.<br />
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The views:<br />
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The vendors in front of the building:<br />
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The biscuit bowl and a couple dog visitors:<br />
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The crowds:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06379426914584910997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705609193474040316.post-6216162917146549632014-01-11T18:47:00.000-08:002014-01-11T18:47:13.136-08:00Jack of All Trades Market at Jack London Square Jack London Square is a beautiful area that resembles a ghost town many days of the week, but great fairs and markets are starting to bring the foot traffic it deserves. Besides Patchwork and the Sunday farmer's market, Jack London also hosts the Jack of All Trades Market on the second Saturday of every month. This market is from the same folks who do Treasure Island Flea. My sister and I visited January's market, and we were impressed by the variety of vendors and pleased to see some of our favorites like OodleBaDoodle and hrvst/3D.<br />
Jack of All Trades is really one of the best markets in the Bay Area to find craftspeople from, you guessed it, all trades, and judging by foot traffic and shopper enthusiasm, I think this market will only keep expanding. There are vendors who work with metal, wood, fabric, plastic, and repurposed items. They sell antiques, art, vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, food, craft beer, pet toys, olive oil, perfumes, soaps, and more.<br />
January's market was held indoors, but craftswoman Lisa Inez DeFehr told us that the market is sometimes held outside and stretches all the way down the waterfront. Lisa's shop was one of our favorites. She handcrafts unique pieces of jewelry: necklaces with bottle charms containing tiny bird feathers, dandelion seeds, paper roses, or flash mobs. She also had a necklace with three little pig charms and a wolf. She said many of her pieces have an element of fairytale in them, and one walks away from her booth feeling a bit of the enchantment.<br />
One of the best parts of Bay Area art and craft festivals is that you get to meet the designer, creator, or artist and talk with them about their creative process. Artist Sean Murphy ushered me to his booth with the Force. Actually, it was his Star Wars-themed art, specifically a picture of the Millenium Falcon flying over the Golden Gate with the Death Star posing as the moon in the background. He also had a picture of storm troopers sitting in a vintage Batmobile and a Darth Vader Buddha. Besides Star Wars, Murphy had pictures of Smurfs engaged in a little illegal gardening, if you know what I mean, and alien ships flying over the Golden Gate. <br />
All of Murphy's art is funky, surprising, and humorous. He signed the print I purchased and told me about how each is made, what the materials he uses are, and the effort it takes to produce just one. I plan to make my living room wall a tad cooler with the Millenium Falcon print I couldn't pass up.<br />
I was pleased to see hrvst/3D at the market and to check out the new Bay Bridge charm I hadn't seen before. Hrvst/3D makes earrings, necklace charms, and tiny figurines of beloved Bay Area landmarks and features like shipping cranes, the Transamerica Building, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Sutro Tower, and the oak tree (for Oakland). Most of their charms are made of 3D printed nylon, but they also have sterling silver and gold charms. Their pieces are so local and so unique!<br />
We were able to find items that friends and family will love, such as Giants wine glass bottle cap charms and finger puppets/pen toppers. There were multiple vendors selling a large variety of scarves in beautiful and unexpected shapes and sizes. There was a vendor selling rubber ducky soaps, another selling recycled steel drum sculptures, and still another selling repurposed wood tables of all shapes and sizes. And many of the Bay Area food trucks that have become a favorite at Off the Grid were gathered outside the market to satisfy hungry shoppers.<br />
One of the best things about this market is that it's dog friendly. Many people usually ignore the posted "No Pets" signs that are common at Bay Area festivals, but the atmosphere is not welcoming. At Jack of All Trades, pets were warmly acknowledged. I was happy to see the many dogs at the market and to do my shopping beside them.<br />
Overall, this market has one of the friendliest atmospheres of the Bay Area fairs, markets, and festivals. The latest Patchwork Show at Jack London required visitors to sign in at a table and walk down a sort of chute into the show, which made the atmosphere a little less inviting and a tad more chaotic. At Jack of All Trades, there were security guards but the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. If you're in the Bay Area, you can't miss this market. Not only will you find items that will surprise and delight you, but you'll be supporting many local and independent craftspeople. And that just feels good.<br />
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Giants Wine Glass Bottle Cap Charms</div>
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Hand Knit Finger Puppets and Pen Toppers</div>
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Bottle Charm Necklace with Dandelion Seed by Lisa Inez DeFehr</div>
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Visit her on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thelisainez">www.facebook.com/thelisainez</a></div>
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Shipping Crane Earrings by hrvst/3D</div>
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Visit their website: hrvst3d.com</div>
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Dog Friendly!</div>
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Trendy Furniture Pieces</div>
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Handcrafted Tables</div>
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Food Trucks!</div>
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Golden Gate Bridge Pillow by OodleBaDoodle</div>
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Visit her shop on Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OodleBaDoodle">http://www.etsy.com/shop/OodleBaDoodle</a></div>
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