Getting to Know Oakland

My parents warned me….

My neighbors warned me…

Even some of my fellow students warned me…

Don’t go to Oakland, they said. It’s dangerous. It’s dirty. There’s nothing fun to do there.

So what was the first thing I did when I got my hands on a good bike? I rode to Oakland to check it out for myself. What I found was an area ripe with opportunities for new adventures and experiences. Go out and explore what the city has to offer; it’s as easy as biking down Telegraph (literally).

 

Here is a list of some of the places I have explored during my many outings in Oakland:

 

Soulely Vegan: Among the many vegan meccas Oakland has to offer, my heart belongs to Soulely Vegan. Located on an unassuming corner, in a simple, all-white building, this joint cooks up some of the best vegan Soul food. Their deep-fried tofu tastes as good as freshly caught and fried catfish, and their Mac & Cheese is to die for. Carnivores and herbivores alike will go nuts for this spot. Give it a try.

 

1234 Go! Records: As an Orange County transplant, I often have withdrawals from my all-time favorite record store, Burger Records. However, in my adventures, I came across this lovely spot, located on 40th Street off of Telegraph. They have all of your vinyl needs covered, from expensive imports of Piper at the Gates of Dawn to the newest release from Thee Oh Sees. They also have an impressive collection of Burger tapes, enabling you to satiate your craving for them without having to pay shipping and handling.

 

Lake Merritt: This may seem obvious, but I have to include this location on my list. Biking around the lake is one of my new favorite past-times. Although the area is enveloped in the foul smell of goose poop (no pun intended), nothing beats enjoying the lake and its visitors on a nice, sunny day.

 

Awaken Cafe: This cafe is a great escape; a direct contradiction to the noisy, crowded cafes near the UC Berkeley Campus. They are actually serious about their drinks here, and care about their ingredients and preparation. Awaken Cafe is a wonderful place to study, amidst Oak Town Hipsters and the occasional eccentric reeking of old alcohol. Make sure to step outside with your drink to sit in the Frank H. Ogawa Plaza to admire the City Hall building; it’s really something.

 

Art Murmur: Every first Friday of the month, Broadway and Telegraph are shut down from 27th Street to Embarcadero. Artists, vendors, and food trucks fill the streets and entice visitors to partake in the monthly party that is Art Murmur. Galleries open their doors and invite you in, street performers give you their best throughout the night, and lots of interactive exhibits and displays are featured. This event gives you the opportunity to soak up all of what Oakland has to offer.

 

Even for an Orange County girl with little-to-no street smarts, I have never felt uneasy or afraid in Oakland. I have learned not to judge an area on hearsay. Explore for yourself! Just remember to be aware of your surroundings, open your mind, and let your experience speak for itself.