Oaklandish has become an Oakland institution since its inception as a renegade street art campaign in 2002. Starting with their iconic oak tree with roots logo, they eventually progressed to making apparel with this and other Oakland-centric designs and selling them from booths at street fairs and farmers markets. Booths gave way to a truck, and in 2011 they opened their own store front. The clothing has come a long way since their single logo, and now savvy shoppers can pick up shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more in a variety of clever, stylish and just plain cool colors, designs and logos.
Dr. Comics & Mr. Games has been delighting kids and adults since 1988. Fans of comic books delight in the huge, organized selection of comics, ranging from classics to new and everything in between. The manga section gets particular rave reviews. In addition to the comics, they also have a selection of puzzles and games.
The Oaktown Spice Shop, right next to Lake Merritt, is a dream for people who love to cook. The interior is designed to look a bit like an old fashioned general store, with wooden barrels serving as tables, and of course walls lined with clear jars full of fragrant spices. You can find almost any spice you're looking for, and will probably discover some new ones in the process! They also sell gift boxes with several different complimentary or themed spices that come with several recipes utilizing them.
On sunny East Bay Saturdays, and even the cloudy ones, residents take a trip to this farmers' market, set in a charming part of downtown Oakland near Lake Merritt and the Grand Lake Theatre. It is an ongoing market and offers the chance to buy seasonal and organic produce, homemade baked goods, large farm eggs, and more. You will enjoy the opportunity of buying such items as fresh-cut sunflowers and ripe cherries direct from local growers. Admission is free. Some vendors may take credit cards.
Located in North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto, Masse's has provided Berkeley residents and visitors with the most tasty and beautiful tartes, cakes, macarons, and more. Their delicate morsels are crafted lovingly and stylishly, and often look far too pretty to eat. Luckily, their traditional and seasonal offerings taste just as good as they look. Pair your dessert with a fresh cup of coffee, and take a seat inside the tiny bakery, or at one of the sidewalk tables.
If you like wine tasting but want to try something new, head over to Takara Sake USA near the Fourth Street Shopping District. Don't be fooled by Takara's looks, although the outside appears quite industrial, the tasting room is pleasant, airy, and elegant. Try a flight of sake and learn about the brewing and production of this flavorful, Japanese brew by peering through a factory window, viewing an informative movie, or exploring Takara's very own sake museum exhibiting antique sake-making tools. Don't like sake? Lucky for you, Takara also sells plum wines, shochu, cooking sake, malt beverages, Japanese vodka, and of course, souvenirs.
Dr. Comics & Mr. Games has been delighting kids and adults since 1988. Fans of comic books delight in the huge, organized selection of comics, ranging from classics to new and everything in between. The manga section gets particular rave reviews. In addition to the comics, they also have a selection of puzzles and games.
The Oaktown Spice Shop, right next to Lake Merritt, is a dream for people who love to cook. The interior is designed to look a bit like an old fashioned general store, with wooden barrels serving as tables, and of course walls lined with clear jars full of fragrant spices. You can find almost any spice you're looking for, and will probably discover some new ones in the process! They also sell gift boxes with several different complimentary or themed spices that come with several recipes utilizing them.
Situated in San Francisco’s old and anecdotal neighborhood, Chinatown, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has a deep-rooted family history dating back to 1962. Akin to its name, the factory specializes in the production of delectable fortune and other cookies. Some of the cookie flavors available here include tea, chocolate and strawberry. Owned by the Chang family, the factory allows visitors to peek into the manufacturing process whereby cookies are peeled, folded, bent and shaped into a wonderful form. While you will gain an insight into the preparation of flavored cookies, the recipe of the fortune cookie remains a secret. This recipe was prepared by the owner’s mother and also remains a secret from the co-owner, Kevin Chang. Approximately 10,000 fortune cookies are prepared daily, depending on the season. By paying a small amount, you can also capture a picture of the factory and its workers. This place is great for cookie enthusiasts, those having a sweet tooth or for those who wish to peek into the manufacturing of irresistible moist treats. Make sure to grab a bag or two during your visit!
Oaklandish has become an Oakland institution since its inception as a renegade street art campaign in 2002. Starting with their iconic oak tree with roots logo, they eventually progressed to making apparel with this and other Oakland-centric designs and selling them from booths at street fairs and farmers markets. Booths gave way to a truck, and in 2011 they opened their own store front. The clothing has come a long way since their single logo, and now savvy shoppers can pick up shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more in a variety of clever, stylish and just plain cool colors, designs and logos.
Heath Ceramics is a popular brand in America involved in designing and manufacturing ceramic goods. The factory and retail store in San Francisco is popular for its handcrafted ceramic kitchenware and architectural tiles. Their products are expensive but durable and can easily last a lifetime. Since its inception, the brand has won several awards for their designs and quality. There is a factory attached to the store that produces ceramic goods on a daily basis and one can explore and get some idea on how ceramics are created. After shopping one can visit their in-house book and gift shop or enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, lunch and other treats at the cafeteria.
On sunny East Bay Saturdays, and even the cloudy ones, residents take a trip to this farmers' market, set in a charming part of downtown Oakland near Lake Merritt and the Grand Lake Theatre. It is an ongoing market and offers the chance to buy seasonal and organic produce, homemade baked goods, large farm eggs, and more. You will enjoy the opportunity of buying such items as fresh-cut sunflowers and ripe cherries direct from local growers. Admission is free. Some vendors may take credit cards.