Concord Archives - until suburbia!

Shop for Local Art, aRt Cottage Gallery, Concord

November 22, 2024Silvia

The aRt Cottage Gallery is a charming gallery and art workshop space near downtown Concord. When I visited I was warmly invited to look at the current exhibit of Mark Jezierny and his Students. I entered the cottage while there was a class in progress, but everyone smiled at me and assured me that they did not mind the interruption.

There is much love for art in this place – from the cozy planters outside to the white wood-paneled rooms decorated with art. And love for the owner FROgard Schmidt who shares her space and this love for art with all visitors. That’s why aRt Cottage is spelled with a capital R for ours, stressing the importance of community.

If you like to gift local art you should visit the aRt Cottage during the Holiday season for their 13th Annual Holiday Boutique. Shop for large and miniature paintings, jewelry, tree ornaments, and much more. All items will be available until December 22, 2024.

The aRt Cottage is located at 2238 Mt. Diablo Street in Concord. You can visit Wednesdays – Saturdays 11am – 5pm.

Do you shop for local art?

Multiple pinball machines at the Flipper Room

Flipper up at the Flipper Room, Concord

November 8, 2024November 7, 2024Silvia

When I came across the Flipper Room online, I knew exactly how to end our day in Concord. With over 30 pinball machines, this was reliving our youth. Bring all your quarters or some dollar bills to feed the games because it is cash-only.

All machines are in pristine condition, no stuck flippers here! No matter where we go to play pinball, if there is an Addams Family machine the place automatically wins our hearts. And yes, the Flipper Room has One!

The price per game is between 25 cents and $1, depending on the age of the machines. They also have a few arcade games. You can check online to see the current lineup.

If you need to give your wrists a break look around for their psychedelic art. My favorite piece was the NU-LOOK nose of a movie star machine. A nice comment on plastic surgery combined with an antique arcade game. And no, it won’t change your nose.

The Flipper Room is located at 1033 Shary Circle, Concord. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, no play on Sundays.

Drive up to Mount Diablo’s Summit

October 25, 2024Silvia

To take a drive up to Mount Diablo’s summit was on my bucket list for a long time. Mount Diablo with its 3,849 feet isn’t considered particularly tall, but the extensive views you might be able to enjoy are spectacular!

Check the weather before you go so you’ll be able to enjoy views that might stretch 100 miles! Winter and early spring, especially after a rainstorm, are recommended. You will be able to see San Francisco, the Sacramento Valley, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can pick up a map at the visitor center to help you identify landmarks.

The visitor center also has a short video presentation of the history of Mount Diablo. When we stepped inside, a tarantula (fixed in resin) greeted us together with the ranger. The tarantula was not a Halloween decoration, but a warning that you might encounter these spiders if you hike about.

We also hiked the short 0.7 mile Mary Bowerman Trail just below the summit. This partly accessible trail, not only, has more of these spectacular views but also an interpretative nature walk. I enjoyed the free binoculars at the end of the accessible trail.

Make sure to pick up the brochure at the visitor center. The Summit Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 10 am – 4 pm.

When you drive up to Mount Diablo summit take your time and yield to bikers.

There are four entrances to Mount Diablo. The fee per vehicle is $10 at the North Gate Road and South Gate Road Entrance; $6 at Macedo Ranch Staging Area and Mitchell Canyon Staging Area. It’s best to bring cash to pay the fee. Gates open at 8 am and close at sunset. Visitors should plan to be in their vehicles by sunset and head out to avoid being locked in.

Celebrate October with a Cake, Alpine Pastry

October 18, 2024Silvia

This might not be a traditional Oktoberfest treat, but coffee and cake is always on the menu in Germany. As a German expat, I’m always on the lookout for good German cakes in the U.S. One bakery I highly recommend is the Alpine Pastry Shop in Concord.

They have a special Oktoberfest menu and a great cookie selection for the spooky season. And, it looks like they have tasty treats year-round. Still, if you are on the hunt for Bienenstich, you should act this month and order ahead.

The Alpine Pastry Shop is located on 1848 Willow Pass Rd in Concord, CA. Opening hours are Monday through Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Do you have a favorite pastry shop in the Bay Area?

I did not receive any compensation from the mentioned business.

Dance in Joy, Honor the Dead, Obon Festival

July 28, 2023Silvia

Obon is a Japanese festival honoring the dead. The Obon Festivals take place at a buddhist temple, in the summer months between June and August. This festival is usually the biggest event for the temple. Over a period of two or sometimes three days Japanese culture is celebrated with food, music, carnival games, bazaars, and often Ikebana exhibits. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangements.

The center point of the festivities are the Bon Odori dances. These dances differ by region in Japan and are passed down by generations. Nonetheless, there are also new dances being developed. The Buddhist temples offer classes and videos to learn these dances. Everyone is welcome to join in.

“As the sun sets and the festival lights begin to shine, we think of those who have passed on and celebrate the paths that brought us together in gratitude.”

Buddhist church of America

The origins of Bon Odori are over 500 years old. It is believed that Mokuren, a disciple of Buddha saw his deceased mother and discovered she had fallen to the Realm of Hungry Ghosts and was suffering. Buddha advised him to make offerings to Buddhist monks at the end of the rainy season retreat. When Mokuren saw his mother’s spirit released he danced with joy and gratitude.

Bay Area Obons are from June to August and people travel to these festivals to honor friends and family.

Some upcoming events are:

Sat, Jul 29, 6:00 – 6:45 pm Diablo Japanese American Summer Festival, Concord

Sat, Aug 5, 4 pm Annual BCO Buddhist Church of Oakland Obon Festival

August 5th/6th Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Bazaar & Obon Odori Event

August 12, 2023 Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church

I’m looking forward to attending the BCO Obon in Oakland on Saturday, August 5th, 2023.

Please dance with joy and gratitude!

Resources

Buddhist Churches of America

https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/obon-gathering-of-joy

Obon Festival Guide: Meaning, traditions and dates

Obon Festival Guide: Meaning, traditions and dates

Bon (festival) Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_(festival)