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Enjoy a day of revelry in Downtown Alameda in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17. Put on your green attire, gather your friends, and prepare to embark on a cultural journey. In addition to abundant plates of traditional corned beef and cabbage, you’ll find culinary treats such as corned beef sliders, Reuben sandwiches, pints of Guinness, and all-day drink specials.

For a great night of traditional entertainment, join Brian Theriault & Burke T at Speisekammer (2424 Lincoln Ave) for a bit of Irish fiddle music. The event is free and starts at 8:00pm.

American Oak (2319 Santa Clara Ave) has one of the largest whiskey selections in the Bay Area. To taste the differences in Ireland’s popular drink, ask the bartender to put together a flight of Irish whiskeys.

Looking for a traditional dinner of corned beef? Check out one of these places:

Jim’s Homestyle Diner (2333 Lincoln Ave)

Linguini’s Pizza & Brew (1508 Park Street)

McGee’s Bar & Grill (1645 Park Street)

Ole’s Waffle Shop (1507 Park Street)

The Hobnob (1313 Park Street)

Town Tavern (1437 Park Street)

For the crafters, Bead Inspirations (1544 Park Street) is offering 20% off Green Beads, Pearls, and Gemstones this weekend.

Erin go bragh!

Sometimes, “what’s old” is more interesting than “what’s new.” That’s the case with our great buildings on Park Street.

Prior to 1864, Alameda was home to just a few small farm houses scattered around the peninsula. With improved railroad transportation came hubs of commerce along the train routes, including the Historic Park Street District. By 1905 over 150 ornate commercial buildings lined the downtown streets. But, as time progressed, many of the older buildings were either torn down or converted into something else.

Today, thirty of the historic structures are still standing. Here’s a story about two of them:

1327-1333 Park Street – Old Masonic Temple

The stately structure located at 1327-1331 Park Street is the last monumental Victorian building in the downtown district to retain its original form. It was completed in 1891 in a style that is essentially Italianate with Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival elements. The construction contract of $31,250 went to local brickmason James H. Cory. Originally bid to be a three-story structure, plans were altered when construction bids exceeded budget.

The Masons final meeting in the Temple was in 1927, when a new temple was dedicated next door.

What’s there now? The ground-floor spaces are currently leased to various retail businesses: All Good Living, The Local, Supercuts, and Salon One.

1402-1410 Park Street – Alameda Savings Bank Building

The commercial building located at 1402-1410 Park Street is noteworthy not only for its distinguished architecture, but for its historic integrity. The building was completed in 1910 and its exterior has remained mostly unchanged. Built by the Alameda firm of MacRae & Swenson at a cost of $30,000, the building served as income property for the Alameda Savings Bank, which was located next door at the time (the space is now occupied by The Star on Park).

An interesting note… the stuccoed north wall is adjoined by a fragment of the Artesian Waterworks Building, which was demolished in 1955.

What’s there now? The front of the building is recognizable with Toy Safari, The Watch Hospital, and Alameda Ballet Academy. Separate entrances are in the back of the building for additional commercial spaces: Ushakiran Khade, MD; Jazzercise; and MGH Discovered Art.

As you stroll through the the historic downtown district, look for these marvelous old buildings and imagine the bustling streets of another time.

Read more about the historic buildings.

Downtown Alameda is a marvelous destination for shopping, dining, playing, relaxing, and socializing. The district is ever-changing with new businesses to discover with each visit. Help us welcome these newest businesses!

New Downtown Businesses:

AVN Motorsports, 2429 Lincoln Ave
Your source for passenger and light truck tires and wheels.

Therapy with Audrina Smith, 2515 Santa Clara Ave #106 
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with teens, adults, and highly sensitive people.

Tutu School, 1419 Park Street 
Boutique-style ballet school that cater specifically to children 18 months to 8 years-old.

New Associate Member:

Little House Cafe, 1300 Blanding Ave
Serving farm fresh, sophisticated yet down home Breakfast, Lunch and Weekend Brunch plus Catering

In the Works:  (more…)

Take a chance and fall in love with a book and other gift ideas from downtown businesses…

The Alameda Free Library ever-popular “Blind Date With A Book” is back! Visit the the main library to pick up your mystery book (and some chocolate).

Or if you’re already in love…

There’s no reason to go home empty-handed on Valentine’s Day. A number of florists and gift stores can be found in the Downtown Alameda. To personally pick out a beautiful arrangement of flowers stop by Dandelion Flowers & Gifts, Central Florist, or South Shore Florist. For unique gift ideas, check out the selection at Books Inc., Daisy’s, Therapy, and To Herb With Love.

Chocolates may be the norm for Valentine’s Day but there are lots of unique treats to be found in Downtown Alameda. Purchase gifts of artisan cakes, divine cookies, and creamy ice cream at places like Crispian Bakery, Feel Good Bakery, Roll & Bowl, and Tucker’s Ice Cream.

It’s not too late to make plans to share the evening with your special person at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Alameda. Find last minute seating at one of the Alameda Restaurant Week favorites such as Alameda Cinema Grill, East End, Linguini’s, Sidestreet Pho, Speisekammer, and The Park Street Tavern.

Dinner and wine at home? Alameda Marketplace and Dan’s Fresh Produce can help you complete your shopping list with their delectable selection of meats, fruits, and veggies. To accompany the evening meal with your sweetie, pick up a luscious (and affordable) bottle of wine at Alameda Cellars, Bonne Vie, CRAFT Beer & Wine, or Farmstead Cheeses & Wines. Make a stop at Video Factory to pick out a romantic movie to watch after dinner.

For something sexy and fun, take your significant other to pick out an artistic rose or heart tattoo at Pretty in Ink or Lucky 13 Tattoos.

Maybe you’re in love with your four-legged, furry friend… Alameda See Spot Run has delicious treats for your favorite pets.

Sometimes it’s easier to shop online. Tickets to Whiskey Stroll 2019 make a wonderful gift. Stroll the historic downtown district with your sweetheart tasting handcrafted small-batch whiskeys paired with yummy bites at more than ten unique locations on March 1. Tickets are going fast — purchase your pair of tickets at www.DowntownAlameda.com/whiskey.

For more gift ideas and a list of downtown restaurants and shops, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com/explore.

Handcrafted small-batch whiskeys paired with yummy bites prepared by local chefs await guests as they stroll through Alameda’s historic district at the 2nd Annual Downtown Alameda Whiskey Stroll on Friday evening, March 1 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Tickets or on sale now!

Ticket holders will have the opportunity to visit unique downtown shops and spaces while tasting premium whiskeys from around the Bay Area and learning about the creative process behind each unique flavor. Price of admission includes collectible tasting glass, premium whiskey tastings at more than ten unique downtown locations, a delectable bite at each location prepared by downtown eateries, as well as a commemorative guide. Come early for the pre-stroll specials and stay late to visit additional downtown restaurants, shops and bars offering exclusive specials to participants.

“Downtown Alameda’s first-ever Whiskey Stroll sold out in a flash last year and attendees of the event have been waiting for this announcement ever since,” said Janet Magleby, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “The 2019 Whiskey Stroll will feature eleven premium whiskeys curated alongside eleven scrumptious bites prepared by local chefs.”

Ticket prices are $40 each until February 22 and, if still available, increase to $50 after that date. All participants must be 21 and over. Proceeds benefit programs to keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe. To purchase tickets and for more information, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com/whiskey.

Distinguished distilleries represented at the event include (more…)