Issue #076

Feature Friday: From Historic Shadelands to Vinteige Charm & SF's Dazzling Bridge Comeback!

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Walnut Creek! We're jumping ahead to say, “May the 4th be with you!” a day early. While it's only May 3rd, we couldn't let a Saturday pass without sharing the force! So grab your coffee, and let's make today stellar!

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

  • Feature Friday: Spotlight on Tradition and Community: Shadelands Ranch Museum

  • New Store Alert: Vinteige Brings Classic Charm to Downtown Walnut Creek

  • San Francisco's Bay Bridge Lights Poised for 2025 Comeback with $10 Million Fundraising

  • Cinco De Mayo Weekend Events

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. We have a new referral program. Share the newsletter with two people and get a free birthday shoutout. See the bottom of the email for more details.

WEATHER

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FEATURE FRIDAY

Spotlight on Tradition and Community: Shadelands Ranch Museum

In the heart of Walnut Creek, California, the Shadelands Ranch Museum is a beautifully preserved piece of history and a vibrant hub of community activity. Managed by the Walnut Creek Historical Society, the museum is housed in a building that is a proud site on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

Completed in 1903, Shadelands Ranch was originally the family home of Hiram Penniman, a pioneer of Walnut Creek who established extensive fruit and nut orchards across 500 acres in the Ygnacio Valley. The home, crafted in the Colonial Revival style, features distinctive architectural elements such as curved glass bay windows and classic white columns that highlight the craftsmanship of the early 1900s. Inside, the home is adorned with original family furnishings, giving visitors a true sense of stepping back into time.

This historical museum, which also serves as the headquarters for the Walnut Creek Historical Society, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Penniman family and the evolution of the area. From educational programs and museum tours to annual special events, Shadelands Ranch Museum is a treasure trove of local history and architecture.

Beyond the Museum

Beyond its historical significance, Shadelands serves as a picturesque venue for outdoor weddings and events, integrating the charm of its past with today’s celebrations. Additionally, the museum organizes Downtown walking tours, offering a broader view of Walnut Creek’s rich history.

Community at the Heart

The Walnut Creek Historical Society’s dedication to the community is evident through its educational initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Hosting field trips for local schools and offering scholarships for high school students, the society actively fosters a connection between the community and its history.

Exciting Events Ahead

The museum is excited to invite the community to its Classic Car Show on Sunday, June 9, 2024, and the Summer Market on August 11, 2024. These events promise to be a delightful blend of history and community spirit, suitable for families and enthusiasts alike.

Visit and Participate

The Walnut Creek Historical Society and Shadelands Ranch Museum invite everyone to explore this historic gem, participate in their events, or even join as a volunteer. For more information, to schedule a tour, or to inquire about hosting an event, please visit their website at wchistory.org or contact them directly at +1 925-935-7871.

With its rich history, community involvement, and dedication to preservation, Shadelands Ranch Museum remains a beloved cornerstone of Walnut Creek, continually bridging the past with the vibrant local culture of today.

LOCAL NEWS

New Store Alert: Vinteige Brings Classic Charm to Downtown Walnut Creek

Vinteige, a new vintage furniture and decor shop, has opened at 1890 N. Main St in downtown Walnut Creek, directly opposite Target. The store features a wide range of unique vintage and antique items sourced from the San Francisco Bay Area. Vinteige is dedicated to revitalizing quality vintage pieces for modern homes, supporting environmental sustainability by encouraging reuse.

San Francisco's Bay Bridge Lights Poised for 2025 Comeback with $10 Million Fundraising

San Francisco's iconic Bay Bridge is set to sparkle again in 2025, illuminated by over $10 million in raised funds. The impressive lighting installation, known for its enchanting display, was turned off in March 2023 due to financial constraints. However, Ben Davis, the founder of Illuminate, has confirmed that the project to relight the bridge is fully funded for the most part, with $10 million of the required $11 million already secured. With a completion target of March 2025, Davis is optimistic about gathering the remaining funds needed to bring the lights back to life.

Cinco De Mayo 🇲🇽

EVENTS

Food & Drink

Theatre

Seussical JR 5/2 - 5/5

Explore the word on a tiny spec of dust. Tickets

The Crimson Pirate 5/2 - 5/5

Do you know where to find the treasure? Tickets

Brahms Obsessions 5/4 - 5/5

Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann reunite, plus a World Premiere by Resident Composer Saad Haddad. Tickets

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 2/24 - 8/31 on Saturdays. Tickets

Community

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors): @ Civic Park Community Center - Thursdays at 12 PM

Native Plant Growers: @ Civic Park Community Center - Fridays at 11 AM

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek: @ Locust St - Sundays at 9 AM.

The Walnut Creek Farmer’s Market is open every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm on Locust Street, featuring local produce and goods, and offers free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are permitted. For more information, visit their website here.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market @ Shadelands - Saturdays at 9 AM

The Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park and open Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, features over 40 vendors with fresh produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and has been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest, making it a favorite family destination. For more information, visit their website.

Kids

Family Storytime: @ Ygnacio Valley Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Toddler Storytime & Play: @ Walnut Creek Library - Thursdays at 10:15 AM Learn More

Arts & Crafts

Know an event for arts & craft? Email us [email protected]

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Add Your Event: https://bayareabizfinder.com/events/community/add/d/

Hi-Definition Barbershop

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Line Dancing Lessons: @ Bourbon Highway - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM. Watch Video

Friday

Retro Junkie | THE HIRED KILLERS (The Killers Tribute) + PANIC AT THE ROCK SHOW… LIVE!

Dan’s | Night Owls

Bourbon Highway | Michael Roy Piano Bar

Saturday

Dan’s | Rebel

Bourbon Highway | Billy Schaub

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