This year the honey and I decided we would try out a couple different Christmas Tree Lanes instead…read moreof just driving around hoping to find different lit neighborhoods. This Christmas Tree Lane is perhaps the ultimate Christmas Tree Lane, considering it's an extremely dense block where every single home is lit up with different displays. On one end there was a table with kids selling cookies and hot chocolate and in the middle there was a frosty ice cream truck. We got a bit lucky as it was less busy when we drove in around 6pm or so, but it was a madhouse by the time we wrapped up our visit. We later drove over to the San Ramon Christmas Tree Lane on Woodland Drive and found it to be much less busy and a bit more enjoyable as their streets were wider. All in all, this Christmas Tree Lane is definitely something to experience once, but unless you're local to Alameda I'm not sure I'd make it a yearly trip.

This was our first time going to Christmas Tree Lane here! There are not much areas with Christmas…read moredecoration / lights in this area, so it was nice to be able to find an area with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. Not much parking that was close by and it was a bit cold / windy during our visit, so we just drove down the street and it was beautiful still.

We took a tour inside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple's Visitor's Center…read more The Visitor's center is open to the pubic and it's free. In addition you don't need to make reservations. We were warmly welcomed when we entered and were asked if we wanted a tour or would we just like to look around on our own. We opted for the tour. There was a short video presentation on families and them being together for ever. It was a sweet presentation. Unlike the Carousel of Progress at Disney World where the room moves for you, in this presentation you have to walk to each viewing area. It wasn't an issue. You just moved down the seats 5 feet or so to the next stage. It was a well done presentation. After that we wandered around. In the back part of the visitor's center there are floor to ceiling windows and today was a clear day and you could clearly see the Golden Gate Bridge. What a sight. They also had 3 examples of historic temples. One all the way back in the Old Testament to Moses's time. I thought that was really cool to see temples were built back in the biblical times and not something just made up for today. My parents enjoyed their theater and sat though many of the 8 stores of missionaries and there journeys of faith and service. I listened to 2 and really enjoy hearing about their stories and struggles. The Visitor's Center is Staffed with full time missionaries from the Church off Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unlike what you may have heard about missionaries, these are just sweet kids trying to make everyone feel welcome and if you're intreasted they will tell you about God and his plan of happiness. These are not used car salesmen they aren't trying to sell you something or pull wool over your eyes. If you are interested in knowing more about them or there church you are free to inquire, but they aren't going to push anything on you. The grounds are beautifully maintained and well manicured. There are always flowers in bloom and the trash is always lush. If you go to the top of the temple you can see a view of the city. There is a staircase to the right and left of the entrance that will take you to the roof. Parking is great. They have there own private lot and parking is free. The spaces are wide and I had no issue parking. Bathrooms, the visitors center has plenty of clean well stocked bathrooms. Concerts and Programs, all free of charge- Their are lots of different offerings depending on the season. I wanted to take a picture of the Easter Celebrations for the week, but my phone died on me. They have some Holy Week activities, if you are interested I'd give them a call and asked for the list of activities that are happening soon. During December there are lots of programs and organizations and other churches participated. I believe they have an interfaith concert which brings people of many faiths together. The last concert I went to was a bell concert. People with musical bells came to perform in the concert hall. It was something I've never heard of before, but enjoyed. Family history center- They have a family history also referred to as genealogy center in the basement and that is also free to the public. We didn't pop our heads in, but we heard it's there.

Really gorgeous building and sunset view but they didn't allow service animals past the gate onto…read morethe rooftop garden (I asked security). I was confused because temples and churches are meant to be inclusive to all people... some cannot go too long without their service animal for medical reasons. It felt like it goes against the message establishments like these pride themselves on... Hoping they will change this soon, for safety reasons.

This wolf sculpture gets a lot of attention, but really it goes hand-in-hand with Jack London's…read moreCabin just steps away (see my separate review for that). The wolf and cabin together create an engaging scene for visitors to appreciate, commemorating the great author and some of his most famous literary works, ie. Call of the Wild and White Fang. The art and history displayed here is beautiful, especially with its waterfront setting. There's plenty of seating in the area for public use, as well as a lovely fountain flowing with water. There wasn't much foot traffic on a Saturday evening, and hardly anyone on site except for those dining at Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon situated adjacent to the cabin, so it was easy to pay a visit with minimal distractions.

beautiful. clean and fun. Had a fantastic time here. Restaurants, shops, views & photo ops.read more

I was wondering where all the party extras from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" went to after the cops…read moreraided Holly Golightly's apartment. They come here to the funkiest part of Oakland the first Friday of every month. Boho types are alive and licking here in their various states of dress and degrees of piercing. All they need is Mickey Rooney in full Asian make-up shouting, "Mizz Go-rightry, I must protest!" Lots of cool gallery spaces. Johansson Projects is a particular must-stop with the grass growing on the ceiling. Lots of very skinny people in Shields-and-Yarnell haircuts. Art is meant to make the soul search, though some of the pieces I saw made the head scratch. The best part of the event has to be strolling through the Art Corridor on 23rd Street near Telegraph. Singing. Performance art. You name it...it's here. Find your inner bohemian, man.

The art murmur is definitely a great end to your friday nights…read more Location: Super convenient you can hop off 19th street bart and walk up telegraph. I would recommend public transportation as parking can be insane!! Although you can pay up to $15 for event parking or muscle you way through a residential areal nearly 10 blocks way and walk to the event. If you have children i would recommend attending this event earlier in the day bc as night falls most folks are pulling out liquor and recreational drugs. And this event is known to have crime and violence. However the event coordinators are aware so there is security in place maintaining safety. (whatever that means) THE ART: prices range from $1-$1,400 depending on the vendors/museums. You may have a young entrepreneur selling T-shirts that they screen printed themselves or local/ out of town street artist who create masterpieces out of legos or spray paint or charcoal or sharpie pens. The options are endless. I mean you can get some hand made body oils/ body butters or you can grab you some hand made jewelry. The sellers here are supper talented. I just saw a business man in a suite and tie beat boxing as i left the event. THE FOOD: At the end of the strip they have all types of food trucks. The cuisine ranges from sweet, oriental, bbq, mexican, sea food and so much more. An added bonus is that the local food joints are open for business so you can always dine in and vibe out to some live music.

This is a lovely sculpture located at the Center Walk across from Frank Ogawa Plaza. It's labeled…read more"fountain" on the Oakland City Center map/directory. The piece was inspired by Gertrude Stein's quote "There is no there there", referring to her childhood home, despite her words being interpreted in different ways. The artist, Roslyn Mazzilli, spent decades creating sculptures that reflect aspects of nature and add vibrant color to the various settings in which her public artworks are displayed. "There!" is seemingly ageless and certainly an attractive centerpiece among the surrounding shops and eateries at the City Center, and a prime representation of Mazzilli's work.

This colorful sculpture is in the middle of the city center plaza right outside the 12th street…read moreBart station. I'd been here many times before and even sat around the fountain but never paid attention to the name of the sculpture nor it's creator until my last visit. Thanks to yelp, I learned something new once again. Now I know that this sculpture is knows as There!, created by sculptor Roselyn Mazzilli. Upon closer look, I saw the nameplate for the first time including the date of installation which is 1988. The entire plaza is a nice place to hang around with lots of restaurants providing outside seating around the sculpture and the fountain. Due to severe drought in California, the fountain is currently off but the sculpture is still a beauty to behold.

I agree whole-heartedly with the first reviewer of this hidden gem (Ciana W.) and I just want to…read moreadd that there are tons of hidden paths like this in Berkeley. www.berkeleypaths.org would tell you all about them, with detailed maps and walking guides provided. This is one of the many things that make Berkeley so charming and loveable. There are so many stone stairways and narrow footpaths paved with fallen leaves hidden in all these quiet, unassuming neighborhoods! I live in the Elmwood area and, wow, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Oak Knoll, Pine Path, Garber St, Oak Path... just north of my neigborhood. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mosswood and Orchard path north of the International House. And now, I discovered this hidden treasure of Vine Lane and Rose Walk! Absolutely five stars. And thank you SO MUCH, berkeleypaths.org, for preserving them!

Are you ready to fall down the rabbit hole into a true-blue wonderland?…read more The delirium and dementia of Telegraph Avenue are equally and oppositely reflected in the glamour and mystery of Vine Lane, one of Berkeley's many secret hidden pathways. This is my gift to you: take a walk up through Vine Lane to the Berkeley Rose Garden. Start by putting on your comfy shoes and wandering up the hill that is Euclid Street, taking careful note of the gorgeous, dilapidated old houses, the swooping trees, and the almost eerie peacefulness of North Side. Hang a right at Cedar Street, and look westward out to the Bay. By the time you make a right on Hawthorne Terrace, you'll be in a completely different world, and to prove it, there is Vine Lane. Tucked away so delicately that you could almost miss it, there between the Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts homes, is a small pathway cutting up the hill. It is as simple as that -- a pathway, or miniature pedestrian route built sometime around the turn of the century. Walking silently, respectfully, and ever upwards, you can just feel the stillness of the hillside, and you can appreciate the idealistic thoughtfulness of the city planners who built these paths. Vine Lane is aptly named because the walls of the residences, most of which are set off the path by several yards, are covered in luscious vegetation. It's worth going to see the changing colors in both fall and spring. At the top of the mount hangs a small lantern and sign in wrought iron, proclaiming "VINE LANE" in an elegant script. This place is unexpected, charming, and a complete relic of Berkeley's mystical and lurid past. Continue on to Cordonices Park and the Berkeley Rose Garden if you want to keep falling further into that rabbit hole...

Nice neighborhood close to Lake Merritt, lots of Apartment Buildings which makes street parking…read morealmost extinct, lol!! There are restaurants within walking distance, as well as Grand Lake Theater, Whole Foods, Downtown, Uptown and Lake Merritt. I used to live here back in the day, now I'm sure it's pretty expensive, but it's a very cool area to live!!

Fun neighborhood, close to the lake and stores. However, theives will walk into garages and steal…read moreitems, like baby strollers and baby toys. Nothing is too low for them to steal.

Montclair Village is a neighborhood in the Oakland Hills area of the city!!…read more A small, yet, very walkable area with a good mix of restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, cleaners, banks, you name it!! Montclair Park and Recreation Area is right here also, which is very popular, especially on weekends as there are multiple tennis courts there along with a duck pond. Located right off Highway 13, this small, quiet neighborhood is one of the best areas in the city!!

From the owner: Montclair Village is a charming and vibrant community, nestled in the beautiful, tree-covered…read moreOakland Hills. The Village has a laid-back, small town feel, plenty of parking in the City-owned garage, and over 200 retailers, service providers, restaurants, and financial services.

This is a love story, really. On man's work to put what he can on the scale, to in a modest and…read moresimple and gentle way tip the balance in a better direction. This is a tale of affirmation. Of how even at the dark hours when for a moment it feels as if the sun will never come up it does. The gnomes stand where you're looking only if you're looking down. Standing waiting to greet you when the load gets heavy. Standing patiently. Rumor has it there are over 2,000 gnomes attached to over 2,000 utility poles around the City. The subject here is next to the tennis courts across the street from Portal on Second a little bit east of its intersection with Foothill. Thanks to the electric company for resisting the temptation to take them to jail. To me, this is the stuff of life.

They came out of the blue! What do they want?…read more Can we appease them? There's no hiding from them! The gnomes are a spontaneous artistic splurge that got its start around 2012 when gnome after gnome started popping up around Lake Merrit & Lakeview areas on... PG&E utility poles. That's right, the gnomes felt it was crucial to have solid back support and chose some of the tallest structures around. They came in all shapes & sizes and became beloved almost instantly. So much so, that when PG&E labeled them a hazard (big word for such tiny things) the locals rallied behind them and made the utility provider back off. The New York Times headline for this development? "California: A Win for the Little People". Damn, right. It's 2019, and gnomes are still holding on (to poles that is), and you might even see some non-original variations, like squirrel gnomes here & there. KQED did a nice little piece about the Oakland gnomes, and I highly recommend you give it a read/listen: https://www.kqed.org/news/11655269/how-oakland-became-a-gnome-mans-land

This is a very nice neighborhood in Oakland. There are many…read morerestaurants, cafes and shops to visit. The homes in this neighborhood are beautiful. If you are having dinner here or shopping, parking can be hard to find.

Rockridge is one of the early Oakland neighborhoods that drew unique upscale eateries, shops,…read morecafes, boutique retail. there's a built in customer base in the area to support them. one can live here and be content never to venture beyond these boundaries to pursue essential servies. it's possible but not realistic. the grass is always greener on the other side or so it seems. rockridge hasn't change much physically over the decades. the rockridge shopping center was a change awhile back. there's been more commercial developments in recently in nearby blocks. residential areas haven't experienced major changes.