This place has a very fitting name – when you step through the portcullis, you’ll be in a whole new world. Of all of Walnut Creek’s fine restaurants, this one might have the best interior design, with a lush sensibility that makes it a very impressive place to take a date. The food is equally […]

California’s unique environment makes it perfectly suited for growing a wide variety of plant life. One type that thrives in the state’s heat is xerophytes, or dry-growing plants. Cactuses, succulents and other vegetables that thrive without requiring access to regular rainfall are the raison d’etre of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, a 2.5 acre preserve that […]

Spring is finally here! Wishing you a season of sunshine and warmth.

Beautiful, open spaces in Walnut Creek can be had for a pittance at Heather Farm Park. Stop in at the Clarke Swim Center for a couple laps, or take your loved ones to the tennis courts to practice your racquet swing. Six different athletic fields are also present, and a nice little dog park allows you […]

If you’re looking for top-notch baked goods, A Sweet Affair is sure to satisfy. Opened in 1984 by Ohio transplant Terry Babcock, over the last two and a half decades it has stayed true to his original dream of producing the best breads, cookies, cakes and pastries using no preservatives. Everything is baked completely from […]

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day full of luck and laughter.

Walnut Creek’s Tomatina is known for its fresh Italian dining and named—if the paintings onsite are any indication—for the tomato-throwing festival that brings partiers from all over the Mediterranean to Valencia, Spain to throw the delicious red fruit at one another. Anyway, there’s a preponderance of appropriately sauced menu items here, from pizzas to piadines […]

The Lafayette Reservoir is a fine place for active Bay Area residents to take a run around the lake, cast a line to pick up some fish, take a boat out on the lake, or even just come with their families for a picnic. Amenities at the reservoir include a playground for the little ones on the […]

Located in the heart of Walnut Creek's downtown, Ottavio Osteria offers a unique, rustic dining experience with classic Italian cuisine. If you have any questions about anything on the menu, the helpful wait staff is ready to clue you in. Why not start off with an appetizer of grilled octopus and Monterey calamari – its […]

Within walking distance to Walnut Creek's city hall, there's a place where you can get a quality sandwich. Welcome to the Brass Bear Deli, a great place for a great lunch. At the Brass Bear Deli, you have your choice of ten different breads for your sandwich, everything from tangy sourdough to crunchy Dutch, classic […]