Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Over the weekend I saw a large presentation happening inside the Apple store at Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek and according to their page they are now open from 11am, with special measures in place:
To ensure a clean, safe environment, we’re taking these extra measures:
- Limiting store occupancy
- Face coverings (will be provided)
- Touchless temperature checks
- Social distancing
- Continuous deep cleaning
Lafayette Clocktower
Venture Quality Goods is now fully open in Lafayette since they stock Patagonia provisions like wild sockeye salmon, smoked mussels, various snack bars and other food in front. While you’re there (limit five people in the store at one time), check out their clothing and other meticulously selected goods. You can also shop online at their website here.
312 Railroad Ave, Danville
In March, we got a sneak preview of the Napa-based wine tasting lounge/store The Find in Danville, and although they were only open for ten days before the coronovirus pandemic caused them to close, when I dropped by over the weekend, I found they were open for wine orders via no contact curbside pickup. Check out their wine list here, and schedule a 30 minute Zoom-based virtual shopping session here.
120 West Linda Mesa, Danville
The home decor and gift shop Gingerlily recently closed their retail store in Danville at the restored Austin Root house but their online shop remains open here.
“The Future is Bright”
—J.Crew
Is the future really bright for private equity-owned J.Crew, the clothing store who declared bankruptcy last week? I don’t know, let’s ask other private equity owned stores like Toys “R” Us, Sports Authority, and Gymboree.
Makers Market at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek may be closed for the time being but you can still support them and local makers by ordering fancy hand sanitizer at their online shop here.
Cloud of Protection Hand Sanitizer
Protect against illness and the flu with this 65% alcohol, natural, anti-microbial spray formula to clear the air of negativity and cleanse the space. This “Cloud of Protection” defends against illness, smells, and bad vibes. You’ll clear the air of airborne pathogens, and works great as a hand sanitizer. How to use: spritz the air to clear the room, stick it in the diaper bag, and to air out bad energy in a room.
495 Hartz Ave, Danville
Thanks to a reader for sending word and photo that California Pedaler in Danville is now a Trek Bicycle store. According to their website they’re temporarily closed. I picked up a bike pump here a couple of months ago and they were very helpful so I hope to see them back open soon.
3631 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Your CBD Store opened recently in the Lafayette shopping center right near Johnny’s Donuts. According to their website, phone and online orders are available. Find out more about the products here and check for updates on the Lafayette Facebook page here.
When it comes to grocery shopping it’s basically impossible to maintain six feet social distancing orders. I’m glad Trader Joe’s in downtown Walnut Creek limited access to maintain space but even so I felt really uncomfortable as I browsed aisle after aisle so close to people trying to stock up on groceries. I wondered if they had the virus, and they no doubt furtively glanced at me thinking the same.
At Safeway the following day I decided to wear an N-95 mask that I had for last year’s Bay Area fires, and although it was rather uncomfortable and awkward, especially at first, the peace of mind after the trip made it worthwhile. I did notice people giving me more space which worked out well. Am I being a bit neurotic? It seemed like the majority of people were not wearing masks but were concerned, and a few people had little concern at all.
How do you find grocery shopping these days?
850 S. Broadway, Walnut Creek
Despite the morbid news emanating throughout our region and the world, life goes on as Swan’s Fine Books, which opened about seven years ago in downtown Walnut Creek, is planning to relocate to the newly remodeled historic Walnut Creek train station where Vic Stewart’s used to be. Before it was demolished I was able to snap a photo of the exposed Southern Pacific Rail Car which was super cool to encounter. Check out Swan’s online shop which remains open here.
From their website:
Our specialities are Fine Press, Illustrated, and Artist books, and it is these that you will most likely find on our web site and at book fairs. We particularly love the early British fine presses, such as the Kelmscott Press, the Ashendene Press, the Cresset Press, and the Golden Cockerel Press. Illustrators of which we are particularly fond include Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, and Eric Gill – but there are so many it’s impossible to name them all.
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