Saturday, December 12, 2009

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, Oakland

Where can you find spectacular vistas of the San Francisco and Oakland skylines, see shipping traffic passing by, watch the giant freight cranes in action, and have no trouble finding a parking spot? At Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland, that's where.

Last Sunday we braved the freezing temps and took a short drive to a park we had never visited before. We were pleasantly surprised to find such a clean, well designed park so close to home. It has plenty of parking, clean restrooms, fabulous picnic areas, vista towers, a fishing pier, walking trails, a beach, and a small museum...and as yet, no graffiti! A big front was moving in, so the sky was very dramatic and the winds were howling; perhaps that's why we were the only ones there! Come take a look and enjoy...


















Want to find out more about this park? Click HERE.

Blackhawk Plaza, Danville

Last week I took a stroll around Blackhawk Plaza, an upscale shopping center in Danville with lots to offer...

There's the famous Automotive Museum...

As well as numerous bronze sculptures and statues...

Colorful outdoor holiday displays...

The Blackhawk Museum is well worth a visit...


There are covered as well as uncovered walkways...

And you'll always be able to catch glimpses
of the swams gracefully floating around in the pond...

Here's another whimsical sculpture....

The climbing ivy creeps its way up the sides of the buildings...

And the water fowl soak in the warm sunshine....

Enjoy the waterfalls, fountains, and beautifully landscaped grounds...

And some artwork taking flight...

Many boutiques and restaurants line the pleasant walkways...

It's all in the details!

In need of a little nip or tuck?

Enjoy the late afternoon sun...

And on your way out, you'll most likely see some flashy cars...
Stop on over at Blackhawk Plaza if you're in search of unique gifts and an equally unique shopping ambiance!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Holiday Greetings

Have you noticed all the colorful holiday decorations popping up in your neighborhood? Yesterday I went to the quaint town of Danville to capture some of the colorful displays at Blackhawk Plaza and the Livery...
















Are you ready for the holidays?