Explore
Solano Ave, Part Two
The perfect antidote to the mall–the Albany end of Solano Avenue, bordered on the west by San Pablo Avenue, is known as the Kids’ Block and is packed with child-friendly (not to mention wallet-friendly) stores. Gently worn, super-stylish secondhand goods can be picked up at Hannah’s Children’s Resale and Solano Kids Resale, and new togs (some at ridiculously low sample prices) fill the racks at Sweet Potatoes. The crave-worthy toys and gifts at Five Little Monkeys will be finding their way onto many a holiday wish list. But our favorite idea is putting together a private yoga class for your little one and some friends at Yoga for Life; classes start at $45 for up to four kids, $10 a child after that. Any good retail stretch worth its salt has tea houses, coffee shops, and places to grab a bite lining its sidewalks. Solano’s no exception–we like to steer our broods into the family-run Walker’s Pie Shop where all the baked goodies are made fresh in-house each day. The seasonal flavor to try this month is eggnog pie, of course! If you’re in the neighborhood this weekend, don’t miss the holiday park lighting at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the corner of Solano and Key Route. And next month, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, Santa will be visiting the Albany Chamber of Commerce. Stop by for a free photo with Santa, plus popcorn and treats! www.solanoavenueassn.org
P.S. Fallen in love with the neighborhood and want to spread the word? There are Solano Ave. gift certificates available at Five Little Monkeys-perfect stocking stuffers for friends and family.
More to Explore (with kiddies in tow):
Hyde Street Pier and Aquatic Park
Farmer’s Market & China Camp State Park
Mt Tam and the West Point Inn
San Francisco’s Bernal Heights
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