Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Over the summer we learned that the Ann Taylor-owned activewear clothing store Lou & Grey would be opening in the newly redeveloped section of Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek and they are now open (along with Kiehl’s). Ann Taylor Loft is open in downtown Walnut Creek next to Uniqlo. Stay tuned for more store openings on Black Friday such as the girls activewear shop Ivivva.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Last week I noted incorrectly that the skincare company Kiehl’s would be opening last Friday but now they are open for real in Broadway Plaza in downtown Walnut Creek. Check out the history of this New York-based skincare company here. They first opened in New York’s East Village way back in 1851.
1636 Cypress St, Walnut Creek
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, a new spa that we learned was coming this summer called The Woodhouse Day Spa is opening in downtown Walnut Creek this Friday, November 27th. Check out their spa services here. I had a chance to get a preview and took plenty of photos, including the quiet rooms, massage rooms, Vichy rainfall room, salon area and more which you can see after the jump. Note that the outside doors you see in the above photo will be replaced with mahogany doors soon.
After checking out the spa, curiosity got the better of me and feeling adventurous, I decided to book a Vichy rainfall sleep treatment. For those of you not familiar with Vichy, check out this page here. After checking in you are given a robe and slippers to change into (private lockers are available) and then you can relax in a spacious quiet room while drinking Harney & Sons tea or cucumber and mint infused water so it’s best to arrive early. I had the hot cinnamon spice tea which was delicious. They also have snacks while waiting until the treatment begins. (Men have a separate quiet room). Later, the massage therapist walks you to the treatment room. I’ve had various spa treatments before but this was one of the most interesting experiences I’ve had. A shower lying down with eight nozzles raining water on your body while getting a massage!
From The Woodhouse description:
The sound of rain on a tin roof! This sleep inducing treatment begins with Vichy Rainfall relaxation followed by a deeply comforting back, neck and head massage. The essence of specially curated aromatherapy oils designed for sleep, fills the room and you engage in inhalation techniques that serve as your entry into a serene, blissful state.
If you’re in downtown Walnut Creek and enjoy spas you should definitely check this place out.
Plenty more photos after the jump including the vichy rainfall room after the jump…
960 Moraga Rd, Lafayette
According to Diablo Dish the French restaurant Chevalier is closing on December 13th, having been open for the past 7 years. Has anyone tried the coq au vin over there? What do you recommend to try? Next door you can see Swad Indian Cuisine preparing to relocate from their nearby downtown Lafayette location.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Kiehl’s and L’Occitane en Provence were both supposed to open during the Broadway Plaza “reveal” last Friday but when I dropped by on Saturday, neither of them were open and no other new stores were open either. Despite nothing being open on the newly developed side, at the time I dropped by before lunch there was a freshly laid asphalt path from Nordstrom to the soon to be opened Lululemon on the corner of the new development. There was no barrier so I strolled by slowly checking out the new stores when all of a sudden a gigantic forklift vehicle backed up and missed me by a few feet. I caught my breath and moved on to check out the new stores opening such as Kit & Ace, Madewell and Lou & Grey. (When I came back a few hours later, the path to the newly developed side was completely closed.)
On the way to downtown Walnut Creek I noticed two familiar protest signs. Construction started a long time ago so not sure why they decided to start protesting now.
1301 N. Main St, Walnut Creek
The wait is over as the the clothing store Vineyard Vines opened in the new 1500 Mt. Diablo building opened over the weekend. Check out the massive swordfish inside as you enter. If you’re into preppy clothing you’ll LOVE this store. Check out their online catalog here.
More photos after the jump…
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek
Sunday, November 22nd, 2015
2:00pm | $33The Diablo Symphony presents “War of the Romantics,” featuring Brahms Symphony No. 4 and choral pieces by Wagner and Verdi with soprano Carrie Hennessey.
The Christmas tree is back at Broadway Plaza as the “reveal” opening happens today in downtown Walnut Creek. I know Kiehl’s and L’Occitane en Provence are opening today, did Lou & Grey and Ecco open? Anyone make it out there today? How is it?
Photo by Flickr user sackton
With Thanksgiving right around the corner how do you plan on celebrating, at home with family and friends, traveling, eating out? How do you plan to cook the turkey? Dry or wet brine? Any special side dishes? I’ve been doing a dry brine for several years now with success.
