Oakland: To Know it is to Love it (San Francisco, Paramount: 2013, hotel)

[Stephen1110]

Oakland is one of most diverse cities in the country, with one of the most temperate climates. It’s big enough to stretch from redwood groves to the Bay, yet feels like a town. It’s off the beaten path, yet is recognized as a world-class destination.

We were even named by The New York Times as the #5 place to visit in the world.

So, you’ve probably heard about Oakland. But how well do you really know it? Unlike many tourist destinations, Oakland is a city in renaissance. It has grit and beauty. Substance. And if you know where to look, it offers a wealth of experiences you simply cant find anywhere else.

So take a virtual stroll with us. See Oakland through our eyes. Afterwards, come experience it yourself. Then you’ll know why there’s so much to love about Oakland.

About - oaklandloveit.org


[Picture of Oakland]
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7...d56e4b3a_b.jpg
http://decaseconds.com/2012/08/28/downtown-oakland/

[Stephen1110]

Oakland Named a Top Tourist Destination

January 6, 2012

Yes, you read the headline right. Sandwiched between London and Tokyo in the number five spot on the New York Times' "45 Places to Go in 2012" is our very own Oakland.

Oakland has long had its critics. But despite 2011 being one of the toughest for the city's image in recent history, it managed to place highly on the annual list of must-visits in the world.

About 9.6 million tourists visited Oakland in 2011, according to the Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Oakland Named a Top Tourist Destination | KQED News Fix


Finally, Oakland gets some good press it deserves

January 12, 2012

A lot of young people are commenting on a New York Times article, which cites Oakland's "excellent restaurants, exciting music venues and thriving night life" as reasons to visit. It's nice to see our young people taking pride in Oakland. It's their infusion of talent that helps create positive buzz for our city.

Town Crier: Finally, Oakland gets some good press it deserves - Inside Bay Area

[Curmudgeon]

And if you know where to look, it offers a wealth of experiences you simply cant find anywhere else.

But would you want to?

[Stephen1110]

Oakland - Tasty Reputation

January 19, 2013

Latino restaurants fuel Oakland's food reputation - In recent years, Oakland has truly become a food destination that has earned attention and respect in the Bay Area and nationally. This is not tourism or business marketing hype - many unique and innovative restaurants are impressing food lovers and experts who choose to explore new eateries and new tastes.

A showcase of Oakland's culinary revolution is Oakland Restaurant Week, which runs from January 18-27. Presented by Visit Oakland, the ten-day dining event provides visitors and locals with an opportunity to taste some of Oakland's best food, with special meals and pricing from the city's top restaurants. Fixed price menus at $20, $30 and $40 will be offered for lunch and dinner at more than forty restaurants, including several that feature Mexican and Latin American dishes.

Tasty reputation

[Stephen1110]

Oakland - The Real Oakland

December 6, 2012

Few cities are as woefully misunderstood as Oakland, Calif.

Does the city have crime? Yes, of course, and in some areas it is a problem. But that’s true of any big city, and with a population of about 396,000, Oakland is a major metropolis, similar in size to New Orleans and Atlanta.

Whatever negative perceptions people have of Oakland are easily, resolutely overshadowed by a rich and distinctive culture, some of the Bay Area’s most laid-back and friendly locals (that’s saying something) and a restaurant scene that, while smaller than its neighboring city, rivals San Francisco in innovation and quality (that’s really saying something).

Missing out on Oakland means missing out on:

–Lake Merritt, a tranquil tree-lined lake lit at night by a string of white lights, which groups can traverse in an authentic Venetian gondola after enjoying a world-class meal at the waterfront Lake Chalet.

–The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa, a historic grande dame that pairs its ornate fixtures and furnishings—and aesthetic of rich blues and golds—with some of the area’s finest views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.

–Jack London Square, a vibrant waterfront hub for shopping, dining and live music, where a weekly farmers market brings in some of the region’s finest purveyors and superlative live jazz can be heard at the iconic Yoshis Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant.

–A trip from Jack London Square to San Francisco, a brief ride away, via sailboat, passing under the Bay Bridge and past Alcatraz and AT&T park (where the winning Giants play) along the way.

–Learning the local art scene at the monthly Art Murmur event, during which locals and visitors peruse progressive art galleries and eat satisfying street fare from a food truck.

–Dining at Kinkaid’s, or Plum, or Pican, or Dona Tomas, or any number of other incredible restaurants that have put Oakland on the foodie map. Trust me—this list could go on.

The Real Oakland « Smart Meetings

[Senno]

You can take a ride on FDR's yacht, the USS Potomac in Oakland.

[Carlite]

mod cut

But in the meantime Uptown Oakland is really one of the most interesting urban places in the Bay Area now. Foodwise, I'm partial to Hawker Fare, Sweet Bar Bakery, Trueburger, but there are many others. The New Parkway Theatre has reopened in the area, the Paramount is there. The Kono businesses on Telegraph are just a short stroll away. There are lots of fine historic buildings, some of them still used for auto repair (that's a good thing). I frequently get frustrated with Oakland for many reasons, but there's a lot to love too.

[Stephen1110]

Originally Posted by Senno

You can take a ride on FDR's yacht, the USS Potomac in Oakland.

USS Potomac

The “Floating White House” was originally commissioned the USCG Cutter Electra in 1934. In 1936 it was renamed the USS Potomac and served as Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Presidential Yacht until his death in 1945.

Cruises
Where would you like to go on the Bay and what would you like to see? The Potomac offers cruise opportunities to visit Angel Island, The Bay Model, The Bridges of the Bay and the Islands of the Bay. You can cruise and learn about the history of San Francisco Bay and FDR’s role in its development.

POTOMAC - F.D.R.'s "Floating White House"

[Pictures]
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...d%2C_CA%29.JPG

http://meetthere.com/Portals/0/Images/2012-08-27.jpg

http://cbssanfran.files.wordpress.co...omac.jpg?w=300

[Stephen1110]

Oakland - Top 10 Places to Go in the United States

December 30, 2010

#7 Northern California - San Francisco burritos and Oakland taco trucks

Top 10 places to go in the US in 2011 - travel tips and articles - Lonely Planet

Heading across the Bay to Oakland, the burrito scene is replaced by an equally vibrant and competitive taco truck scene. The highest density, and generally the best trucks, can be found in Oakland’s Fruitvale District, although you can find taco trucks scattered throughout other neighborhoods (including one right across the street from Lonely Planet’s US office near Jack London Square). In some areas of the Fruitvale, you’ll find several trucks per block and sometimes multiples sharing the same corner, so competition for your business is fierce and locals are often staunch defenders of their favorite truck. The arguments about the best of the best, tortilla preparation, verboten ingredients, etc. that you find among San Francisco burrito aficionados are mirrored in the Oakland taco truck scene

Staff favorites: San Francisco burritos & Oakland tacos - travel tips and articles - Lonely Planet

[Stephen1110]

Oakland - America's Top 12 Art Places

January 7, 2013

Today, ArtPlace announced America’s Top Twelve ArtPlaces, communities that have most successfully combine art, artists and venues for creativity and expression with independent businesses, retail shops and restaurants, and a walkable lifestyle to make vibrant neighborhoods.

America’s Top Twelve ArtPlaces 2013 | ArtPlace

Oakland, CA - Downtown, Chinatown, Old Oakland, Jack London Square, West Oakland

Any city would kill to get the attention and excitement happening at Art Murmur. It’s a really organic expression of the people who live there, a very bottom-up energy.

http://www.artplaceamerica.org/wp-co...LACES_2013.pdf

[Videos]


Oakland Art Murmur: Cruise-In + All of the Lights - YouTube


Oakland Art Murmur - YouTube


Oakland art murmur: LASTFIRSTFRIDAY2012 - YouTube