Black Diamond Games Expands Game Center in Concord

October 28, 2016 11:30 am

1950 Market St, Concord

The game store Black Diamond Games recently expanded their game center to a two-story section in the back of their shop located near Fry’s Electronics in Concord. According to their website they sell “board games, trading card games, collectible miniatures, and classic games like poker and chess”.

When I dropped by I was amazed by the variety of games available. Even their playing cards are fascinating. (Take a look at the photo after the jump to see what I mean.) They also have life-sized knight armor on the second floor. When I dropped by the game center in back I was amazed at how intricate the models were. Check out their schedule here to see what events and games are being played. If you’re interested in the business side of board games check out the owner’s blog here which is quite an interesting read.

They’ll be hosting a grand re-opening party on November 5th. For more information click here. If you or your kids are interested in games definitely stop by and check this place out!

More photos including the game center after the jump…

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Total Wine & More Opens in Pleasant Hill

October 27, 2016 11:30 am

250 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill

Maryland-based Total Wine & More opened their first East Bay location today in a giant, 20,000 s.f. store where Office Depot used to be, a couple of stores down from Best Buy in Pleasant Hill. In addition to a huge selection of wine, beer, and spirits, they also feature a humidor room with plenty of cigars.

In the back is a classroom section where you can sign up for classes to learn about specific types of wine or beer which lasts 90 minutes and includes samples for about $20 – $40 per class. It will also be possible to book the entire meeting space for business, community and social events for free when not in use.

There are separate wine and beer tasting areas available to try for 10 cents. Old world wines are organized by country whereas new world wines are grouped by varietals. In addition, there are separate sections for “highly rated”, and descriptions such as “elegant & soft”, “big & robust” and plenty more types to make it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. As for beer, they offer a huge variety of international and local brews, and have a keg section in the back that you can check out as well. (See the photo of the kegs after the jump).

More photos of the inside after the jump…

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Sports Basement Opens in San Ramon

October 27, 2016 8:30 am

1041 Market Pl, San Ramon

Back in August we learned that Sports Basement would be coming to San Ramon where Orchard Supply Hardware used to be and they have now opened.

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Smart & Final “Coming Soon” to Green Valley Shopping Center in Danville

October 26, 2016 8:30 am

Green Valley Shopping Center, Danville

Thanks to a reader for pointing out the new Coming Soon signage up for the Smart & Final supermarket opening in the Green Valley Shopping Center in Danville. Has anyone been to this supermarket? How does it compare to Safeway?

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Stein Mart Opens in Orchards Shopping Center in Walnut Creek

October 25, 2016 8:30 am

The Orchards at Walnut Creek

The department store Stein Mart has opened their first East Bay location in the recently opened Orchards shopping center on Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek.

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Pottery Barn Kids Opens at the Shops At Bishop Ranch Shopping Center in San Ramon

October 24, 2016 8:30 am

The Shops At Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Pottery Barn Kids opened recently at the Shops at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, right next to Whole Foods. Check out their website here.

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Scuttlebutt Confirmed – Premier Bath & Kitchen Opening in Downtown Walnut Creek

October 20, 2016 11:30 am

1410 N. California Blvd, Walnut Creek

In April we learned that Premier Bath & Kitchen may be coming to Walnut Creek where Forma Gym used to be and as you can see by the signage in the photo this is now confirmed. Check out their website here.

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Papyrus Storefront Now Visible in Broadway Plaza

October 19, 2016 11:30 am

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

It’s been over two years since the stationery store Papyrus closed in downtown Walnut Creek and as you can see in the above photo they are much closer to reopening, this time in Broadway Plaza a few blocks away from their old spot.

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Whim House Opens in Danville

October 19, 2016 8:30 am

485 Hartz Ave, Danville

The home furnishings and gift shop Whim House opened last month on Hartz Ave. in Danville. Check out their selection here. In addition to a fine curated selection of goods, they also Farrow & Ball paint from England. The owner used to have a shop in Bellevue, Washington and is super nice; stop by and check out what they offer!

From their website:

We offer a beautiful, well assorted and welcoming retail environment that affords clients a stress free opportunity to shop comfortably at their leisure. Accentuating Savoir Vive (the art of living well), we focus on providing items that will be enjoyed for a lifetime. Our continual procurement of new merchandise keeps our floor exceptionally fresh and on trend.

From our cornerstone of fine linens for bed, bath and tabletop, we offer an expanded selection of categories featuring select brands like Farrow & Ball paint and wallpaper, Juliska tableware, Graccioza towels and bath rugs, Garnier Thiebaut table linens, Scandia down, Bodrum fine linens, Matouk bedding and much more.

Farrow & Ball Paint:

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Progress on ENroute Gourmet Convenience Store at Avalon Apartments near Pleasant Hill BART

October 12, 2016 11:30 am

7000 Sunne Ln, Walnut Creek

Back in June we learned about a new gourmet convenience store called ENroute which would be opening across from Parada at the Avalon apartemnts near the Pleasant Hill BART station and the “opening soon” signage is up as well as a website with more details including a page on the products that will be offered such as, “pasta & dried goods, healthy breakfast, grab-n-go lunch / dinner, flowers and more. I look forward to checking this place out!

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