ML Interest Tag: outlet

Rock On! The Scoop on Plae Kids Shoes & Red Tricycle’s Exclusive Event

by Brandi McWade

Your kids scurry up the jungle gym and use your couch cushions as trampolines. Red Tricycle and Plae Kids Shoes recently teamed up to give a few lucky energetic kiddos an outlet to play at Portland’s Planet Granite. Scroll through the photos to get an insider look at this exclusive event.


Before these Portland kids hit the rock climbing wall they were given a safety tutorial by the pros at Planet Granite and outfitted with all the equipment they needed to scale to new heights.


Using their strength, energy and determination, these mini climbers ascended the rock climbing wall without batting an eye lash.

On their feet to help them climb were a pair of Plae Kids Shoes. These shoes, which were meant for climbing, feature a flexible sole, shock absorption, a toe guard and active traction to enable a smooth climb up.

Want to create amazing memories? Click to check out these awesome family adventures you can’t afford to miss! 

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Under the Big Top: 6 Classes for Circus-Loving Kids

by kim orchen cooper

Prepare to be amazed: your kids that love to swing on the refrigerator doors now have an appropriate (and safe!) outlet for their acrobatic desires. Enjoy the excitement of the circus at one of these fantastic acrobatic and trapeze studios with classes catered to kids.

photo credit: Le Studio

Relax Mama, It’s Safety First:  There’s no clowning around with safety at these studios. All venues listed are insured with certified/licensed rigging and trained instructors. Also, if you’re looking to mix up your own workout routine, classes are offered for adults too (go for it!).

Le Studio
Focused on personal growth, flexibility and fun, Le Studio offers a one-on-one empowerment program, started by a successful vet of the entertainment business. A warm, engaging environment festooned with cozy seating areas amidst hanging silks, trapeze, aerial hoop (lyra), and a mini-tight rope, Le Studio concentrates on youth programs, with the smallest tykes (age 3 & up) safely learning self-esteem and building confidence through aerial arts. At Le Studio, private or semi-private study prevails, allowing kids to work at their own pace and focus on specific skills and routines with one of their coaches, who are performers themselves. Beginner’s Recreation Classes are a great introduction to all the fun. Advanced Acrobats are for kids age 6-9 where kids with unusual strength, potential, and determination can try out for a team.

Location: 9500 B Jefferson Blvd., Culver City
Phone: 310-855-4353
Online: lestudiola.com

 

photo credit: Kinetic Theory via yelp

Kinetic Theory
“Join the circus without leaving home,” invites Kinetic Theory. 25-foot ceilings and 10,000 sq. ft. of training space in a converted Culver City warehouse summon kids to defy gravity on ropes, ribbons and static trapeze, enjoying a safe, soft landing, guided by professionally trained acrobats who are experienced performers. The school offers weekly small group classes for bouncy youngsters, 4 years old & up. Fundamentals of acrobatics, juggling and coordination skills can be combined with tumbling and hand balancing. Private instruction is also available and advanced students age 8 & up are eligible to join a performance troupe.

Location: 3604 Holdrege Ave. (at Jefferson), Los Angeles
Phone: 310-606-2617
Online: kinetictheorytheatre.com

Cirque School
Envisioned by a veteran of Cirque du Soleil, Cirque School in Hollywood offers a safe, non-competitive environment for “anybody with any body” to embrace circus arts. A 6,000 foot converted industrial loft with beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls, the studio holds weekly workshops for Cirque Kids beginning at age 7. Walking a low wire and spinning on fabric with a partner fosters teamwork like no other sport. Young ones learn balance and coordination while building strength, in an outlet that feeds their imaginations.

Location: 5640 ½ Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Phone: 424-226-2477
Online: cirqueschoolla.com

photo credit: Sharyn Morrow via flickr

Trapeze School
A.k.a. TSNY (Trapeze School New York, in Los Angeles): with an outpost at the Santa Monica Pier, it’s easy for the aspiring trapeze artists to get into the swing of things. With a serious focus on safety, kids ages 6 & up can experience the ease of the flying trapeze ‘en plein air’ over a nice stretchy net at the Pier. At TSNY’s indoor studio at 7th and Wilshire, also in Santa Monica, kids can also learn conditioning and body awareness through classes in trampoline, silks, lyra and static trapeze.

Location: 370 Santa Monica Pier & 1207 7th St., Santa Monica
Phone: 310-394-5800
Online: losangeles.trapezeschool.com

Hollywood Aerial Arts
Named for its proximity to Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Hollywood Aerial Arts offers aerial production and design as well as instruction for all ages. Started by a trapeze and tightrope artist with more than 40 years experience, the studio has daily group classes in tissue, hoop, Spanish web (rope) and high flying trapeze. Kids as young as 4 are invited to take a leap; all participants must start with an introductory 2-hour class. Drop-ins are accommodated as space is available.

Location: 3838 W. 102nd St., Inglewood
Phone: 310-412-7171
Online: hollywoodaerialarts.com

photo credit: Hugo’s Gymfitness

Hugo’s Gymfitness
Hugo’s packs a lot of fitness in one place, from gymnastics to rock climbing to, you guessed it, aerial and acrobatic training. Instructors are incredibly talented performers, and they’re charming and enthusiastic with kids in the weekly Kids Aerial/Circus Arts class. Held in a special area of a gigantic 12,000 square foot gym, parents can sit and watch (or cringe) as their kids (ages 6 & up) learn to flip, twirl and spin on apparatus like the hoop, cube and trapeze. Students who love to show off their skills may be invited to perform at the yearly “Hugo Olympics.”

Location: 21107 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita
Phone: 661-255-2700
Online: hugosgymfitness.com

Have your little acrobats ever hit the silks? We’d love to hear about your kid’s experiences walking the tightrope or flying through the air!

–Kim Orchen Cooper & Shannon Guyton

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Learn to Fly: 3 Aerial Classes to Catch Some Air

by Suzie Ridgway

Give your kids an outlet for their circus acts besides jumping on the couch in the living room. Let them catch serious air on a (low) flying trapeze or swinging on silks with the following aerial classes made just for your pint-sized circus clowns.

photo: Do Jump! courtesy of Echo Theater

Do Jump!
Kids (and adults) can’t stop smiling when swinging from a trapeze. Do Jump! has classes for toddlers, kids and families and focuses on physical theater and circus arts, like trapeze and acrobatics, offered in a non-competitive environment. Their camps and workshops are for toddlers on up through adults. For the youngest in your crew, there’s the Baby Circus class exploring a low flying trapeze, basic acrobatics and juggling for kiddos 1.5-3.5 years old. Family Circus is for kids, ages two and up, with an adult.

Echo Theatre, 1515 SE 37th Ave.
Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy.
503-231-1232
Online: dojump.org

The Circus Project
Multi-level classes allow for bigger kids, eight and up, to progress at their own levels and focus on static trapeze, aerial fabric and aerial hoop. The small teacher-to student ratios allow the instructors to help students work on their own creative expression, as well as their aerial technique, stability, flexibility and strength in this supportive group environment.  Winter session’s Aerial class for youth runs Sunday, January 11-March 15.

The Friendly House Community Center
1737 NW 26th Ave.
503-764-9174
Online: thecircusproject.org

AWOL Dance Collective
Trapeze and aerial yoga reign supreme here. Youth programs run for eight weeks and include an informal showcase of what the kids learned on the last class. Keep a close eye on the website as classes are announced two weeks prior to start. When you see a class session your child would love to attend, just e-mail fly@awoldance.org with name, age and desired day/time of class to register.

513 NE Schuyler St.
503-351-5182
Online: awoldance.org

Has your little one explored the trapeze yet? Let us know in the comments below!

-Suzie Ridgway

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Just Opened: Whimsy Boutique in Lafayette

by rtsarahbossenbroek

If you’ve put off back-to-school shopping in order to avoid the crowds at the outlet malls and chain stores, you may now be panicking as your kid heads out the door for school pictures squeezed into last year’s sweater. Soothe your shopping anxiety and gather up some European-style kids’ clothes at Lafayette’s newest boutique, Whimsy.

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Located in the  Lafayette Shopping Center just a few doors down from Trader Joe’s, Whimsy carries both well-known (Petit Bateau, Charlie Rocket) and lesser-known (Spanish brand Mayoral, Japanese hit Bit’z Kids) brands at reasonable prices. There’s colorful denim by Jean Bourget, soft layette goodies by Splendid, Nano, and Catamini, and squeal-worthy special occasion dresses by Biscotti by Kate Mack, Mimi & Maggie, just to name a few.

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile…and a Great Hat!
Any fashion-forward kid knows the power of accessories, so Whimsy carries stylish hats for boys and girls, as well as a wide array of darling jewelry (on a recent visit, a mom was buying a child’s bracelet—for herself) and hair baubles, as well as Frozen-themed flip-flops and handmade necklaces. (There are Elsa and Anna tutus, as well.)  A favorite item in the store this fall is a hilarious knit “fauxstole”—answering the question “What does the fox say?” with “phew!”

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Locally Grown
Shop owner Nicole Jarotsky was raised in Orinda and is now bringing up her three kids in Lafayette. But in between, she worked for some of Paris’ most glamorous fashion houses (Chanel, Paco Rabanne) and cosmetic companies. She earned an MBA while living in France, and when she moved back to California, flexed her business know-how to start her own company. She started making feather extensions in every color, selling them by the fistful at festivals. Jarotsky (who also has a classical dance background) then launched a line of fanciful tutus that she could barely keep on the racks. Dubbing her venture Fairies and Feathers, and adding flower girl dresses and an option for bespoke tutu orders, Jarotsky hired an assistant as the orders grew. But she was sewing the tutus in her home, and longed for an outlet to connect further with her community on a daily basis. She looked around at a few retail spaces and kept returning to Whimsy’s current home. With a mezzanine level and high ceilings, it seemed the perfect spot to highlight colorful, stylish kids’ clothing with great details.

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Comfort for All
Even if your child’s not big on shopping, you can browse while she retreats to a cozy hideaway under the stairs, complete with cushions, books, and a flat-screen TV. Or they can play with the puzzles and sweet toys (a whole shelf devoted to collectible Maileg mouse toys will transfix). On the other hand, if you’ve got a little shopoholic, the upstairs loft is a spot just for girls, with its own dressing room and racks of stylish “big girl” styles—even some cool tween gifts, like wireless smartphone amps. Lamorinda tots (and moms) are known to be a stylish bunch, and now Whimsy is bringing a whole new je ne sai quois to their little looks. Stop by to play around the shop with Nicole and her staff and pick out some treasures to express your kid’s true style.

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About Town
Look for Jarotsky and the rest of the Fairies and Feathers crew selling tutus and feathers at upcoming street festivals. Whimsy is located just a few doors down from Trader Joe’s, in the Lafayette Shopping Center on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in downtown Lafayette. There is ample parking, and you can walk there from the Lafayette BART station.

Whimsy
3643 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, Ca
925-444-3184
whimsykidz.com

—Sarah Bossenbroek

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Win a 10-week season pass for SoccerTots or HoopsterTots

by Abby Biernat

Whether your kiddo’s got the makings of a pro-athlete or just enjoys running around and learning new games, SF Tots is the perfect outlet. There are all kinds of benefits from exercise and team-sport environments and SF Tots has everything covered–from the fun factor to learning fundamentals. Now, one lucky winner will receive a gift certificate for one 10-week season of either Soccer Tots or Hoopster Tots, valued at $225. Can you say goooooooal?

What’s the scoop on SoccerTots and Hoopster Tots?

This sports-centric SF resource offers up soccer and basketball programs for young kids. SoccerTots child development classes are for kids starting at 18 months up to 6 years old. HoopsterTots classes are for kids starting at 2½ years old up to 6 years old. SF Tots is professionally designed to develop motor skills, promote physical fitness, and self-confidence. Classes are focused on providing a fun, noncompetitive environment and are offered year-round in four 10-week seasons. Classes are held once a week at locations all across San Francisco.

How to enter:

1. Head over to the Giveaway Entry page and choose “10-week Season to a SoccerTots or HoopsterTots Class” in the dropdown menu.

2. Fill out rest of the form, click on the “enter” button and you are all set!

Want to double, triple, and even quadruple your chances to win?

  1. Like SF Tots and Red Tricycle San Francisco pages on Facebook
  2. Share the giveaway with your friends and family by using the share buttons on the giveaway thank you page.
  3. Tweet this post by simply clicking on the tweet button above.

 

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Xtreme Bounce of Fun: The Newest Place to Monkey Around

by Erin Cranston

It appears that fall has come in like a (very wet) lion, and it looks like it’s here to stay. With the rain and wind and general muddiness that comes along with a Seattle fall, also comes our inevitable and familiar parental thoughts: “How am I going to fill up a whole rainy day with activities?” Well, look no further than the latest place to bounce (and jump, and slide, and climb) around—Xtreme Bounce of Fun!

The 411
Having a young child in Seattle means spending lots of time finding new indoor places to play, and Xtreme Bounce owners Monteze and Sojourner Thomas, Sr. realized that while the typical bouncy house place was lots of fun for their three-year-old son, often he would be overrun by the big kids while he attempted to bounce and slide, making it no fun for him and scary for his parents. With a nod to safety, fun and exercise for the Littles, Xtreme Bounce of Fun was born. Keeping our little kiddos safe while they have fun is their number one priority!

Location, location, location
Located in the newly rebranded Outlet Collection of Seattle (formerly the Supermall) in Auburn, Xtreme Bounce is just under 2700 square feet of colorful, clean and cool fun for your tots. Admission gets your kiddo a whole day of play, with in and out privileges so you can fuel up at the recently updated food court or take a spin on the mall’s gorgeous carousel (located directly in front of Xtreme Bounce) before coming back for more fun.

What’s the equipment like?
All the equipment in Xtreme Bounce is built on a unique brand of play equipment, which combines bouncy house fun with motion! Kids can be no taller than 48”, making it ideal for the mostly five and under crew. All equipment is brightly colored, easy for kids to climb up and on, and all the moving parts are controlled by remote control, allowing the team members to stop and start the powered rides as kids get on and off.

There is a toddler play area full of age-appropriate toys and equipment like the bouncy tub filled with “sea life” and the light up slide for the crawlers in your crew, while the bigger kids can slide into the ball pit, bounce with the balloons, ride on the coolest swings in town or tap into their inner monkey on the climber.

The equipment and floors are soft and cushioned for that inevitable spill off the bottom of the slide or swings. All equipment and toys are cleaned regularly (the ball pit balls are rotated nightly) or are removed from the play area when they inevitably end up as a toddler’s chew toy, and socks are required to keep the play space extra spotless. Think carnival rides mixed with a bouncy house just for tots and without the need for bathing in hand sanitizer afterwards, and you’ve got an Xtreme Bounce of Fun, indeed!

Party like it’s your birthday!
Does your kidlet have a birthday coming up soon? Xtreme Bounce is your birthday party headquarters! Their 90-minute Xtreme Birthday Bash party package hosts up to 15 kids and includes a 350-square foot private party room, unlimited open play, a party host, napkins, forks, spoons, cups and plates, candles, a Honey Bear mascot and a free return play pass and mall carousel token for the birthday kid! You are welcome to bring any food and sweets your little kiddo desires, and extras like balloons are available for a fee. And as a Grand Opening treat, if you book between now and October 18, you’ll get $50 off your party. Can you say xtremely convenient, Mom and Dad?

Grand Opening celebration
Xtreme Bounce of Fun is now open and ready to delight and excite your kiddos, but their Grand Opening celebration will coincide with the Outlet Collection’s Grand Reopening October 17-19. Since October is National Bullying Prevention Month, Xtreme Bounce’s Grand Opening theme will be Bullying Prevention and they will have chances to win free guest passes and a free birthday package, as well as games, face painting and other kid-tastic events.

What’s on the radar?
In the future, Thomas hopes to add special events like storytimes and holiday events—he wants to keep things fun and fresh for parents and kids. Keep an eye on their Facebook or Twitter pages for information on upcoming events and specials, as well as their Grand Opening celebration. You and your kids will both be xcited with the fresh new playtime at Xtreme Bounce of Fun!

Xtreme details
Adults and pre-crawlers are always free, and you can bring your kiddo’s favorite snacks or lunch and eat at tables provided for just that reason. Seating is available throughout the area for parents and caregivers, or feel free to crawl around with your kiddo-just don’t forget your socks! 
 
Good to know:
  • Kids must be no taller than 48”.
  • Socks must be worn at all times (kids and adults). Fun socks are available for $2 if you forget or just want to purchase a new pair!
  • Admission allows in and out privileges all day.
Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
(Hours follow mall hours; check here to confirm before you visit)\
 
Admission (valid all day): 
$10 per child
$8 per sibling or per kid in groups of 8 or more
$5 per child during Happy Hour (one hour before close)
All military and veterans get a 10% discount towards admission and party packages
Precrawlers and adults always free
 
Punch Cards
$40 for 5 visits
$80 for 10 visits
 
Xtreme Birthday Bash & Party Room Reservations
$189 Birthday Bash, Monday – Thursday
$249 Birthday Bash, Friday – Sunday
Grand Opening Special – Take $50 off the party package until 10-18-13
$149 Room Rental only, Monday-Friday
 
Xtreme Bounce of Fun
Outlet Collection of Seattle (next to northeast entrance of mall across from WalMart)
1101 SuperMall Way 
Auburn, Wa  98001
253-326-0077
Online:  xtremebounceoffun.com/
Facebook:  facebook.com/XtremeBounceOfFun
Twitter:  Xtremebounce
 

Do you think you’ll be visiting Xtreme Bounce soon?  Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston, words and photos too!

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Local Portland Writers Needed

by Erin Lem

Are you a local mom or dad who just loves exploring different neighborhoods, play spaces, parks, and kid-friendly food joints with your little ones? Are you a writer looking for a creative outlet where you can share all of your insider mom and dad knowledge? If you’re thinking, “yes, that’s me!” then you’re in luck because our Managing Editor is looking to hire a few writers in the Portland area.

If you’re interested please send to jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net a short note detailing why you would love to write for Red Tricycle, a resume, and any writing samples. In the subject line of the email please indicate, “Red Tricycle Portland Writer.”

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Gymnastics Classes for Kids in Portland

by Katie Kavulla

Ready? Set? TUMBLE! All kids love gymnastics in some way or another – somersaults on the couch, balancing while walking along the sidewalk curb or hanging from anything that looks slightly like monkey bars. If you have a kid at home who could use an outlet for their energy, check out these spots in Portland that offer gymnastics and tumbling classes for children.

The Children’s Gym
The Children’s Gym has been teaching children to love this sport for over 25 years and there’s a reason why this gym is a Portland staple – they strike the perfect balance between letting the kids go wild and have fun and teaching them the basics to build a gymnastics foundation. Classes begin as young as 12 months and parent-involvement classes are available.

1625 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland
Phone: 503-249-5867
Online: www.childrensgym.com

Kinetic Gymnastics Center
A gym that truly caters to the entire family, Kinetic Gymnastics Center in Southwest Portland is a great place to come if you have multiple aged kids who would like to take classes. Although they do have competitive teams at Kinetic, the beginning classes are no-pressure and all about having fun. Be sure to check out their open gym schedule as well (there’s even a drop-off option!). Classes begin at age six-months and parent-involvement classes are available.

10058 SW Arctic Drive, Beaverton
Phone: 503-372-9778
Online: www.kineticgc.com

Metro Gymnastics Center
Metro Gymnastics is a favorite for Portland families with little tumblers because their tots program, Mini Movers, is broken down into small age ranges, allowing children to focus on skills that are at their exact level with other children, who are also working on the same skills. They also have an excellent recreational gymnastics program for school-aged kids who want to do gymnastics, but without competing. Classes begin at age 12-months and parent-involvement classes are available.

18084 SW Lower Boones Ferry Road, Tigard
Phone: 503-620-8939
Email: info@metrogymnastics.com
Online: www.metrogymnastics.com

Oregon Gymnastics Academy
Families who are looking for a place to make gymnastics a big part of their lives will find a home at Oregon Gymnastics Academy. Classes build on each other and utilize all of the fun and cutting edge gymnastics equipment at the facility. OGA also offers classes on the weekends, including Sensory Sundays, where children with sensory processing disorders can explore the gym. Classes begin at age 12-months and parent-involvement classes are available.

16305 NW Bethany Court, Beaverton
Phone: 503-531-3409
Email: info@ogagym.org
Online: www.ogagym.org

The Playground Gym
There’s so much to love about The Playground Gym in Portland – they are locally owned and operated, not part of a bigger chain, the focus on both fitness and social skills that are age appropriate for your child, the facility is bright, colorful and clean, and they offer open play sessions six-days a week. And, classes at The Playground Gym are very reasonably priced. Classes begin at age one and parent-involvement classes are available.

505 NE Grand Avenue, Portland
Phone: 503-235-7529
Email: info@theplaygroundgym.com
Online: www.theplaygroundgym.com

Where’s your favorite place in the Portland area for children’s gymnastics and tumbling classes? At what age did you start your little one in programs?

— Katie Kavulla

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Local Los Angeles Writers Needed

by Erin Lem

Are you a local mom or dad who just loves exploring different neighborhoods, play spaces, parks, and kid-friendly food joints with your little ones? Are you a writer looking for a creative outlet where you can share all of your insider mom and dad knowledge? If you’re thinking, “yes, that’s me!” then you’re in luck because our Managing Editor is looking to hire a few writers in the Los Angeles area.

If you’re interested please send to jobs@tinybeans.go-vip.net a short note detailing why you would love to write for Red Tricycle, a resume, and any writing samples. In the subject line of the email please indicate, “Red Tricycle Los Angeles Writer.”

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Explore: Jack London Square

by writerredtri


Old Jack London Square got a face lift a few years ago, and has attracted some great restaurants. It’s also located right on the waterfront so there is plenty to see.

To Do: Planes, trains, automobiles, and big, big boats: this patch of Oakland’s waterfront is heaven for transportation buffs. Kids can get their kicks on a ferry boat, or get an eyeful of smaller ships skipping up the canal between Jack London Square and Alameda, but they’re likely to be drawn to the big ships docked along the shore. The Amtrak choo-choos go by every so often, and there are always planes taking off from SFO and Oakland International.

When your littles have had their fill, you can make a game out of following the wolf’s pawprints to local landmarks and brush up on Oakland waterfront history.

Or, if the weather’s gloomy, duck into the Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) for one of their hands-on family extravaganzas or to check out their monthly exhibit of children’s art.

When to go: Skip on down to the plaza on a Sunday for the farmers’ market, grab an empanada or an agua fresca from one of the vendors and watch the birds pecking around. Check out their online calendar which will keep you abreast of this season’s farmers’ markets, artisans markets, and other events taking place in JLS. Consider taking your family to the Eat Real Festival in late September.

What to eat: As part of Oakland’s recent restaurant renaissance, the area’s recent openings include a Blue Bottle Coffee retail outlet and headquarters, and the ultra-hip and casual Chop Bar, which puts out amazing lunch sandwich standards (burgers, tortas, and banh mi) as well as a couple of kids’ menu items. If it’s brunch you want, head to Bocanova, which specializes in Pan-American cuisine–consider their Huevos rancheros, or grab a Churro with orange cinnamon chocolate sauce for your little one. When you need a sweet treat, hop in to Miette, newly opened in JLS.

Travel time: Oakland is 15 minutes from Berkley and downtown San Francisco, but if you are heading from Marin or the Peninsula, expect a journey of 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

What to wear: As always dress in layers in case the wind picks up. Oakland is usually 10 degrees warmer than the city, so judge accordingly.

Cost: Inexpensive.

Bonus: Keep your eyes peeled for the opening of the Jack London Market, which promises to be a gourmet heaven. They plan a two-story market with stalls for all the best local artisanal goodness of the Bay Area.  More tasty shops will only make us fonder of this historic ‘hood.

www.jacklondonsquare.com



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