 |
dancing lessons from god |
Home
|
unusual travel arrangements for independent travellers
|
|
Walnut CreekWalnut CreekWalnut Creek is a typical, medium-sized suburban city located about 17 miles east of Oakland. Long, long ago, the first settlers in this area planted walnut trees. Some of these trees grew close to a small creek; thus, over time the locals came to call the creek "Walnut Creek," but the town was known as "The Corners." With development, the town realized that the name "The Corners" made them sound square and thus adopted the name of the creek as its own, marking the beginning of its mission to "pave over paradise with a parking lot," which resulted in the creek's current route through a subterranean viaduct deep beneath the concrete floors of the malls above. Little known to most, the tunnels formed part of a secret highway formerly used by the U.S. Navy to transport highly dangerous nuclear weapons from the Lawrence Livermore Laboratories to the Naval weapons depot in Concord. Today, Walnut Creek is mostly known for its retail and restaurant offerings. ==Understand== Walnut Creek is the business hub of Central Contra Costa County. Located on the western edge of Mount Diablo, from which one can view the smoldering plume of yellow smoke that emanates from the Central Valley and the smoldering plume of orange smoke that emanates from Oakland/SF. Walnut Creek is also the traffic hub of Contra Costa County, with the intersection of Highway 24 and I-680. Although many urban visitors to Walnut Creek may be surprised how few minorities appear on its streets, compared to other towns in the area (such as Danville or Alamo) Walnut Creek is practically a bastion of mutliculturalism and tolerance. ==Get in== Walnut Creek is well served by Interstate 680 and Highway 24, but the easiest way of getting to Walnut Creek for most who don't want to drive through a suburban wonderland is by [http://www.bart.gov BART]. For those who figuratively speaking prefer to put the pedal to the metal the old fashioned way (on bicycle), the Iron Horse Trail runs North/South, neatly bisecting Walnut Creek into the west side where most of the stores lie and the east side where most of the suburban homes and strip malls are located. For the nautically inclined, drop anchor at the nearest marina, either Oakland, Berkeley, or Martinez and arrange transportation accordingly. If flying's your thing, Buchanan Field in Concord serves as your gateway to Walnut Creek. ==Get around== Most will use a car to get around Walnut Creek. Hidden among the charming storefronts are countless garages. The garages run by the City charge actual money; whereas the garages of the many malls are free but claim to be valid for only three hours. If you decide to park in one of these garages, be prepared to drive all the way to the top only to find all the spots are taken, despite the counter signs outside the garage indicating many available spots. The locals prefer to park on the street because of an ongoing campaign by Berkeley hippies who trained pigeons to crap on cars parked in the garages. Be careful of pedestrians; they tend to jump off corners when you least expect it. If you're down on your luck and can't afford a car, the County Connection bus line is your ticket to reach Walnut Creek. If all you want to do is see downtown and shop, a free shuttle operates between the BART station and several downtown stops. If you're poor or a health nut, using a bicycle is a snap in this bike friendly town. If you're wealthy, recharge your Segway at the free electric recharging stalls at the BART station. For the rest, using your feet never hurt (other than your feet). ==See== *'''Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts''', 1601 Civic Drive, [http://www.dlrca.org]. The City's performing and visual arts center, opened in October 1990, houses the 800-seat Hofmann Theatre, the 300-seat Margaret Lesher Theatre, the 130-seat Knight Foundation Stage 3 theatre, the [http://bedfordgallery.org/ Bedford Gallery], offices and rehearsal space. Pretty impressive for a suburb, but not exactly The Met. *'''Lindsay Wildlife Museum''', 1931 First Avenue, [http://www.wildlife-museum.org]. A wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on native California wildlife and natural history. The museum exhibits live, non-releasable native wildlife. Founded in 1955, the museum operates the oldest and one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, treating more than 6,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year. *'''Old Borges Ranch''', 1035 Castle Rock Road, [http://www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us/openspace/osborges.htm]. The former ranch of early Walnut Creek pioneer Frank Borges is the home base for Walnut Creek's Shell Ridge Open Space activities. The ranch complex includes a blacksmith shop, numerous outbuildings, and farm equipment displays. It also features a barn and covered trellis available for group reservations. The Borges family home, built in 1901, houses historical displays of the early 1900’s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Great place to go if you forgot or always wondered what growing up on a farm was like, or if you were inexplicably transported through time to the present when you were struck by a purple lightning bolt and are desperate for a taste of home in the 19th Century. *'''Ruth Bancroft Garden''', 1500 Bancroft Road, [http://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org]. Preserving an exceptional example of American garden design, The Ruth Bancroft Garden demonstrates the beauty and excitement possible in a water-conserving landscape. Internationally recognized as one of the finest private gardens in North America, The Garden was the first in the United States to be sponsored by The Garden Conservancy. My guess is this is probably not the top on your list to do. *'''Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum''', 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rooad, (925) 935-7871. Built by early Walnut Creek pioneer Hiram Penniman, this 1903 redwood-framed house is a showcase for numerous historical artifacts, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. It also houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its collections of old newspapers, photographs and government records. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and belongs to the City, but is operated by the Walnut Creek Historical Society. Not part of the "official" description is the Shadelands growing collection of local smells, each smell maturing and gaining new flavorful dimensions with each passing year. *'''680/24 Junction''' at 680/24 junction, [http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/680_24cam.htm]. This amazing network of freeway flyovers and unders is architecturally amazing. Unfortunately you can only appreciate their beauty as you pass by at 80 miles an hour. Locals still remember the good old days before CalTrans took a decade to fix the bad design that led to countless backups deep into the suburbs. ==Do== * '''Mount Diablo State Park''', [http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517]. This huge park dominates the landscape for most of central and eastern Contra Costa County. A small museum and observation post at the summit gives the visitor a background to the stunning views. Mt. Diablo is the geological anomaly of Northern California (the younger rocks are at the bottom and the older at the top). Enjoy the drive to the summit where, on a clear day, you can enjoy the world's supposed second-best panoramic view. In one quick turn you can see San Fransisco, the Central Valley, and some claim the Sierra Nevada. Capped with snow in the winter and packed with countless small rivers and waterfalls in the spring, Mt. Diablo is a nature lover's paradise. Remember that Mt. Diablo is largely wild --- there are rattlesnakes, mountainlions, and black widow spiders, and poison oak. Notwithstanding the dangers of the wild, many spots along the summit road offer scenic spots for a picnic. A popular challenge for cyclists, the ride to the summit is about eight miles of twisty, narrow roads. There is a small fee for cars (cyclists riding on bikes are free). Rich girls from Danville and Blackhawk can often be seen riding their horses on the numerous fire trails. Hikers, watch your step! The park is closed during high-fire danger days in the late Summer. ==Buy== *'''Broadway Plaza''', [http://www.broadwayplaza.com/controller/site/directory]. As one of the first post-WWII malls, Broadway plaza was designed on an open-air model. In subsequent years the trend in mall design gravitated toward the self-contained monstrosities that have become the signature of the suburban lifestyle. As an open-air mall, Broadway Plaza integrates well with the existing downtown. Parking is perhaps the only negative. Three large parking structures awkwardly provide parking and remind the visitor that after all this is still a mall. *'''Downtown Walnut Creek''', [http://www.walnutcreekdowntown.com]. More interesting than Broadway Plaza are the many stores comrising downtown Walnut Creek. After your next shopping spree to Baby Gap or Pottery Barn for Kids, make a detour down Locust and Main Streets. Downtown Walnut Creek complements its mall counterpart and preserves Walnut Creek's small town feel. The downtown stores and restaurants offer a variety and unique quality that would be impossible to find in Broadway Plaza, and you may find that you like them more. Occasionally, Walnut Creek will close down one of the downtown streets for an "art festival." ==Eat== * '''Prima Ristorante''', [http://www.primaristorante.com]. An expensive California-Italian restaurant. Probably one of the better restaurants in Walnut Creek, but not on par with chi chi restaurants in San Francisco. Has a very nice wine selection for those so inclined. Waiters can be a little snooty but are still friendly (to your face) and can help you pick the perfect wine to complement your food. * '''Strictly-to-go Pizza''', 2670 N Main St., (925) 945-6633. One of the best pizza joints this side of the Mississippi. A classic Chicago style pizza that is piled high with premium ingredients makes Strictly-to-go a Walnut Creek institution. As the name states, the place is strictly to go, so don't plan on eating in, as while they offer delivery, they don't have any chairs. * '''Tomatina''', 1325 North Main St., (925) 930-9999, [http://www.tomatina.com]. One of the more popular restaurants in town offering high quality food and a casual atmosphere. One can order pizza there with a variety of interesting toppings, or the specialty, pianini which is flat bread with a "salad" on top of it. The polenta appetizer is also a must try with baked polenta, parmesean cheese, and tomato sauce. *'''Va de Vi''', 1511 Mt Diablo Blvd., (925) 979-0100, [http://www.va-de-vi-bistro.com]. Walnut Creek's take on Spanish tapas (California Style) and plenty of delicious wine. Many wines are offered by the glass in addition to small sample selections of different wines. Va de Vi is truly a treat. Weather permitting, try to eat outside by the oak tree; it's several hundred years old and perhaps the oldest of the remaining wild trees left in all of Walnut Creek. ==Drink== *'''Pacific Bay Coffee Co.''', 1495 Newell Ave., Phone: (925) 935-1709, [http://www.pacificbaycoffee.com]. Micro-roastery offers gourmet coffee and teas, live music, and free Wi-Fi access in a friendly, family-owned, neighborhood cafe. This family does everything itself: constructing the interior, roasting their own coffee, running the store themselves. A great place to relax on a Sunday morning. If you're in Walnut Creek and buy from Starbucks or even Peets, you should be ashamed for selling out to the corporate machine in lieu of supporting local business that provides superior quality goods and services for less. *'''Masses''', 2721 N Main St., Phone: (925) 256-7665. Billiards, Billiards, and more Billiards. 30 some odd tables are arranged in this converted hardware store. The food is dreadful, but the billiards and beer are just fine. The local kids have made this to place to hang, so expect a line to get in on Friday and Saturday nights. A cute wait staff and a willingness to serve all but the most intoxicated drunks makes this bar a comfortable place to spend time. If you're prone to inner ear infections, do not go on karaoke night. *'''Mr Lucky's Bar and Grill''', 1527 Locust St., Phone: (925) 935-7778. Mr Lucky's is the last "old fashioned, honest bar" you will find downtown. Friendly, no-nonsense bartenders pour proper drinks at reasonable prices. Can be a scene thu/fri/sat nights, with a line to get in and lots of fun inside. Bring your ID, they are 100% strict on this. Surprisingly good lunch menu. Open late, the place can liven up when other spots shut down. *'''Pyramid Brewery''', 1410 Locust St., Phone: (925) 946-1520, [http://www.pyramidbrew.com]. A combination brewery/restaurant, offering decent food and decent beers. Warning: Pyramid recently acquired a beer that uses Braveheart on the beer pulls, very distracting especially after several pitchers of beer. Be sure to voice your utter dissatisfaction with the Braveheart beerpulls lest they remain forever. Prices are mid-range, and there is often live music on weekends. A nice Biergarten in the back to soak up some sun along with your beer. ==Sleep== * '''Embassy Suites''', 1345 Treat Blvd, Phone: (925) 934-2500. Located near the [http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_PHILL.asp Pleasant Hill BART station] at the northern end of Walnut Creek, conveniently located off the 680 freeway at Treat Boulevard. You know what to expect from an Embassy Suites since this one is like any of the countless others across the country. If you stay here, you will be a couple miles from downtown Walnut Creek. *'''Renaissance ClubSport Hotel''', 2805 Jones Road, Phone: (925) 938-8700, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/oakbr?]. Also near the [http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/stationOverview_PHILL.asp Pleasant Hill BART station], this hotel seeks to claim the upscale hotel title of Walnut Creek. Perhaps it is, but it's quite a trek from downtown if you don't have a car. Conveniently located next to the Iron Horse Trail and possessing an extraordinary fitness center, this is the place to stay if you are a total workout freak and can't stand the thought of staying in Walnut Creek over several nights without a vigorous workout washed down with wheatgrass lattes. Most likely, you are staying here on business because of the little corporate downtown that has developed over the last ten years around the Pleasant Hill BART station, are staying here in some misguided attempt to save on hotel expenses on your trip to San Francisco, are trying to impress your corporate underling with whom you're having an affair, or all of the above. *'''Walnut Creek Marriott''', 2355 North Main Street, Phone: (925) 934-2000, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/OAKWC]. A 338 room hotel that caters to business travelers, located close to the highway and BART. Fitness center, pool, restaurant, and pretty much anything else that every other Marriott in the country has. Rates average nearly $200 per night, although if you are staying here you're probably going to expense the whole thing. *'''Diablo Mountain Inn''', 2079 Mt Diablo Boulevard, Phone: (800) 353-5059, [http://www.diablomountaininn.com]. 24 rooms and a swimming pool located in downtown Walnut Creek. This hotel is Walnut Creek's concept of budget accommodation at $70-$110 per night. ==Get out== *'''Eugene O'Neil Tao House''', by reservation only: (925) 838-0249, [http://www.nps.gov/euon]. After you make the reservation a short bus will pick you up and shuttle you to the Tao House. Nestled in the hills of Danville and overlooking the vast expanse of 680 sits Eugene O'Neil's Tao House. If you never heard of Eugene O'Neil, don't fret. Only actors and drama geeks would have more than a mere familiarity with his works. For the rest of us, O'Neil is the only American playwright ever to receive the Nobel Prize. Perhaps O'Neil does not deserve this distinction because all he did was chronicle his very sad life in the form of a play. His misery, however, became our modern classics of drama. In an attempt to escape from his miserable, depressing life, O'Neil embraced feng shui (decades before it was trendy) and buit the Tao House to help shut out some of his inner demons. Fortunately for us (and unfortunately for him) he was unsuccessful and wrote some of his greatest plays in this very house before sinking irretreivably into an abyss of self-loathing and darkness. ==External links== * [http://www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us/ City of Walnut Creek Home Page] WikiPedia:Walnut Creek, California Dmoz:North_America/United_States/California/Localities/W/Walnut_Creek First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
if you like cool drinks you may be interested in:
Hope you enjoyed reading about Walnut Creek |
|
