Yesterday we learned that Barnes & Noble would be returning to downtown Walnut Creek which was quite exciting to find out about. I recently started reading Joan Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem on a dedicated Kindle and am quite enjoying it. I’m not distracted by phone notifications, and it’s easier to read than a paper book. What do you prefer, paper, electronic or audio books?
Plaza Escuela, Walnut Creek
It was a sad day six years ago when Barnes & Noble closed in downtown Walnut Creek, but thanks to a reader for pointing out that they will be coming back to downtown, this time, where Forever 21 used to be at Plaza Escuela. This is excellent, can’t wait!
1350 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
A high-end laundromat, Tons of Bubbles Laundromat, with locations in San Francisco, opened recently in downtown Walnut Creek.
From their website:
In all locations we offer the highest-end commercial grade machinery and the largest in the industry: Dexter and Speed Queen washers and dryers-Made in the USA for over 200 years combined. Deanna Caprini-Fusch is the Founder and President of Tons of Bubbles Laundromat, Inc. When she opened the doors to her first store in the Western Addition of SF, she knew at the age of only 22 that she wanted to set the standards high for laundromats.
3709 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Although I don’t see a sign outside the entrance, the sign streetside shows that Bake N Take Pizzeria & Bar opened where Curry Blvd Indian Cuisine used to be, next to Kelly-Moore Paints in Lafayette. Check out their menu here.
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
In December, we learned that Crate & Barrel would be relocating to Neiman Marcus at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, and their old location is now closed, with plans to reopen in mid-February.
Photo by Unsplash user chris_robert
Housing prices have been shooting up the past couple of years, and considering Bay Area prices were already high, are rent prices also trending higher? Would you consider Bay Area rental prices reasonable? Have you considered relocating to a less expensive area or downsizing to a smaller apartment? I remember paying under $1,000 for a one bedroom in downtown Walnut Creek not too many years ago. I imagine that’s not possible these days especially with all this inflation.
Spotted at Diablo Foothills Regional Park.
This was a fun trail to check out, in Alamo or Walnut Creek I think. This spot is great for climbing and exploring.
Willows Shopping Center, Concord
Last summer we learned that discount store Five Below would be coming to Willows shopping center, and signage indicates a spring opening. Check out their online selection here.
Lyric, Walnut Creek
In March, we learned that the restaurant Lita, featuring a modern approach to Latin Caribbean cuisine, would be opening at the Lyric apartment complex in downtown Walnut Creek and they have now opened. Check out their menu here. I was surprised to see a photo of a lobster corn dog… but it is, “served with spicy Caribbean ketchup” after all.
From their website:
LITA brings you Miami flavors with Caribbean influences. Our chef driven menu delivers classic Caribbean-Latino dishes, reimagined to highlight locally sourced ingredients. LITA is a fresh and modern approach to Latin Caribbean cuisine.
Photo by Unsplash user katetrifo
With the easily transmissible Omicron variant blowing in the wind, have you switched to N95/KN95/KF94 masks? I’m trying to, but it’s sold out wherever I look and based on past experience, I don’t trust Amazon. I also plan on purchasing the flatter KF94 type masks as they look way better than the ones that stick so far out.