1501 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
The wine bar Buon Vino, which closed in downtown Walnut Creek in May, has now reopened in a new downtown spot where Impulse Room used to be. Check out their website here.
1501 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
The wine bar Buon Vino, which closed in downtown Walnut Creek in May, has now reopened in a new downtown spot where Impulse Room used to be. Check out their website here.
Rudgear Park, Walnut Creek
As pickleball becomes more and more popular, so has sound and parking issues increased at Rudgear Park, home of the Walnut Creek Pickleball Club. I recently checked out the park and was surprised to see the tennis courts essentially deserted. However, I could hear a lot ping ponging nearby and as I rounded the corner, I couldn’t believe my eyes as I saw dozens upon dozens of people playing or waiting to play pickleball. To those unfamiliar with the fastest growing sport, pickleball is played on what looks like miniatures tennis courts, and is like a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton.
Neighbors living on Dapplegray Lane, right across from the courts, have been complaining about noise, parking and other problems and it looks like Walnut Creek is listening as they are considering locking the courts on weekdays, directing players to indoor courts at Tice Valley Gym instead.
Do the neighbors’ goal of peace and quiet override the enjoyment of pickleball players at a park? When I visited, I saw people of all ages enjoying socializing while playing pickleball, no doubt improving their health and well being. I was particularly amazed by the agility of retired people as they diligently hit net shots, easily keeping up with younger players through their finesse play.
Is closing these outdoor pickleball courts and moving them indoors an equitable solution to the pickleball community? Would introducing parking restrictions and bathroom signs in addition to sound dampening features be a reasonable solution for neighbors instead?
Check out the latest Bedford Gallery exhibit Works on Paper, through December 18th in downtown Walnut Creek:
Bedford Gallery presents The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper, an exhibition that celebrates 54 African American artists and their tremendous contributions to U.S. art and culture. Curated from the extensive collection of Harmon and Harriet Kelley, featured artists include Grafton Tyler Brown, the first documented professional graphic artist on the West Coast, and contemporary printmakers like Margo Humphrey. The works on paper – spanning the 20th and early 21st centuries – consist of drawings, etchings, watercolors, pastels, and color screen prints that chronicle the lives of Black Americans through scenes of family and community, urban and rural workers, poverty and success, cultural pride, and political turmoil.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion brand, is coming to Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. According to a source, this will be a pop-up shop with a six month lease to test the market, with the option to extend to a full year. Check out their online selection here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
The lingerie shop Soma has closed at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. In July, we learned that Canadian teen retailer Garage would be coming to this spot. Broadway Plaza still has three other lingerie stores: Third Love, Victoria’s Secret and Intimissimi (eventually).
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that according to the latest city permits, the iconic brand Chanel is coming to Broadway Plaza where Allen Edmonds is currently located. Last week, we learned that Allen Edmonds is relocating within Broadway Plaza where Decors de France currently is. Check out other Chanel boutique locations here. Check out their online selection here. Check out Chanel history here and more about the founder here.
1910 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek
Anyone who shops at Target in Walnut Creek has no doubt observed the progress of the Anton NoMa apartment complex where Fuddruckers used to be. I didn’t realize the name of this complex is Anton NoMa and was confused because I thought that was a person’s name, Mr. Anton Noma. Anyway, according to the online floor plan listings, a 608 square foot studio apartment starts from $2,795 and goes up from there, while a 2br, 2ba will set you back $4,235 or higher. According to the features page, there will be a pool and spa, rooftop deck, social lounge and more. I’m not sure about the parking situation. Is the convenience of being right near Target (and BART) make this a good deal?
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that the men’s shoe store Allen Edmonds is relocating within Broadway Plaza where Decors de France currently is. Although Decors de France will be closing their physical location permanently, check out their online shop here.
From their website:
We are a small, family owned business in Walnut Creek, California. We have traveled to France numerous times, and saw the need for authentic french made products in the US, so we decided to open up shop. We sell a large collection of items ranging from french made tablecloths, to organic french made soap.
Anyone interested in seeing how their shop looked like over ten years ago before Broadway Plaza was remodeled can check out this photo.
1201 S. Main St, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for pointing out the construction taking place in downtown Walnut Creek where Crate & Barrel will be located, directly across from Broadway Plaza. Peeking inside shows how the old Talbot’s location will be connected to nearby stores where San Francisco Giants Dugout and Golden State Warriors Team stores used to be. Crate & Barrel are currently located at the old Neiman Marcus department store, after departing another nearby Broadway Plaza location.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Thanks to a reader for sending word that after almost a decade missing from Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, crystal store Swarovski will be returning where bareMinerals used to be. Check out their online shop here.
From their website:
Since 1895, founder Daniel Swarovski’s mastery of crystal cutting has defined the company. His enduring passion for innovation and design has made it the world’s premier jewelry and accessory brand. Today, the family carries on the tradition of delivering extraordinary everyday style to women around the world.