Things to do near Lake Merritt Hotel

Lake Merritt in Oakland is the largest fresh and salt water lake located in the heart of an urban area. Numerous parks, walking paths, a golf course, and cultural attractions surround the 3.4 mile lake. Visitors can also kayak on Lake Merritt.



Lakeshore Avenue & Grand Avenue
The Grand-Lakeshore district is the crossroads of Oakland. Seemingly everyone in town spends time here, whether they walk in from the surrounding neighborhoods, ride in on one of the major bus lines that pass through or drive in for a couple of hours of shopping and noshing. The well-known diversity of the city can be seen here from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. most days of the week. The district is also just a short walk from Lake Merritt, Oakland's crown jewel, making it a great place to stop before or after a leisurely stroll along water. The Lakeshore Avenue shopping and dining strip is a shorter stretch than Grand, but the street is narrower and more businesses are packed in, so it's constantly alive with diners, shoppers and people watchers. The tree-lined street is a great place to stroll, eat, window shop, and catch up with friends.

Marco and I love Arizmendi they have fresh-baked goods, like bread and pizza, straight out of the oven and into your hands (ouch!) and good coffee too!
3265 Lakeshore Ave., (510) 268-8849

Michael Mischer Chocolates: Michael Mischer doesn't make candy -- he makes delicious variations of truffles and bon-bons. Yes, there are the mocha and caramel crowd pleasers, but those are mere opening acts to main events such as champagne, pear, tequila and green tea.
3352 Grand Ave., (510) 986-1822.


Downtown Oakland
Oakland Museum of California. The three–tiered Oakland Museum of California opened in 1969 with the mission of providing unique collections, exhibitions and academic programs to provide a deeper understanding of California’s history, its people, environment, and future. The museum’s permanent gallery collections include the Gallery of California Art that houses original art; California: A Place, A People, A Dream, which explores the social complexities of California; and Walk Across California, which explores California’s natural history. Visit http://www.oaklandmuseum.org/.





Chinatown
The hub of Chinatown is the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, a multi-story residential and commercial complex, which houses a large underground parking garage and features two levels of shops and restaurants. The plaza is also home to the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the Asian branch of the Oakland Public Library.



Mignonne: Located in Oakland's Historic District, Mignonne is a French inspired boutique that carries home décor, personal care, and unique gift items for women and men. They also carry my pillows there. Have fun!
1000 Jefferson Street, 510.444.5288

www.mignonnedecor.com

G.B. Ratto & Co. International Grocers: They sell the wares found at most Italian delis (pasta, sauces, cold cuts, cheeses, olives, breads, sweets and excellent deli sandwiches), plus more exotic items from around the world such as North African harissa, Indian spice pastes and forbidden black rice from China. Pasta, grains, beans, spices and flour are all available in bulk, and their house label wine vinegars and olive oil are some of the best around. Tantalizing and mysterious kitchen gadgets abound.
821 Washington St., (510) 832-6503.

Caffe 817: Their fine breakfasts and lunches feature treats such as Italian eggwiches, polenta, sandwiches, salads, pizza and daily specials. The ingredients are mainly organic and locally produced, and the coffee is excellent.
817 Washington, (510) 271-7965.

Things to do near Newman Hall Parish

Telegraph Avenue (2 blocks down from church)
Almost as if we haven't lost a moment of time... Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley is still so reminiscent of the 60's that you will feel as if you have traveled back in time when you visit Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. The shops and eateries are a mix of quintessential hippie-dom mixed with the current U.C. Berkeley modern day student. Both seem to blend together in a medley that makes shopping and eating here almost a cultural or historical trek as well as a great shopping one.

Some of our favorites are Bear Basics they got great T-shirts in the basement and go to Amoeba Music for some Bosa Nova. If you feel the urge to get some boba drinks then go to International Alley.
Caffe Strada-We love this college coffee shop. It's a great place to people watch and it's located at the end of College Ave. towards the campus. It also has a pleasant outdoor seating area right on the corner. Try the Bianca (white chocolate) Mocha.
2300 College Avenue (Bancroft Way & College Avenues), (510) 843-5282.

College Avenue (on your way out to 580)
Elmwood Shopping District is located on College Avenue in Berkeley just a few blocks South of the university. Here at the corner of College and Ashby you will find a special shopping experience featuring fine gourmet food, outdoor cafes, and shops that feature unique clothing, jewelry, gift items and quality personal services from local merchants.
Some of our (Tammy's) favorites are Nabolom bakery and Far Leaves. Then there's Dish and Jeremy's for that last minute couture change.

Then further down the street pass Claremont going south is Rockridge, a wonderful shopping district stretching along almost 14 blocks of College Avenue. You will find 5 great bakeries, gourmet food shops, 5 art and photo galleries, a number of shops catering to children and one for just sleepwear. Along with so many unique shops and services, Rockridge can boast of 40+ eateries and a number of great coffee places.

Some of our favorites are Royal Coffee they make each individual press & drip coffee cups!, then walk 2 doors down to La Farine Bakery (pass the flower shop and wine shop)-for some yummy pastry, and we love Zachary's Pizza anytime!

Things to do in San Francisco

The Heartbeat of San Francisco...

Experience the unique character of San Francicso's Union Square District, where the best names in fashion, dining and theater have resided for over a hundred years.

After the great earthquake of 1906, Union Square became San Francisco's premier shopping district, and, by the 1930's the site of the world's first underground parking structure.

It's a great place to meet, enjoy coffee, or just let the world go by. Featured is a large central plaza with a terraced performance stage.

Take a ride on the cable car and go to Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and back again for some more shopping! Stop while you are there and sample the infamous Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista.

Embarcadero Shopping District:
Ferry Building

North Beach:
Steps of Rome Cafe