Things to Do

Spring Family Fun Fest, Orinda, CA

What To Do This Weekend, Danville February 22-24

The weekend will be here before you know it and it’s time to start planning! Here is a list of fun events going on around Danville;

  1. Bishop Ranch Block Party– 2/23/19, from 4PM-6PM. Enjoy complimentary wine, store discounts, and live music!
  2. Makers Market Craft Fair– 2/23/19, from 10AM-5PM. Go Shopping with 20+ Local Artists, while listening to live music, eating good food, and drinks!
  3. Oliver! – 2/22/19-3/3/19, at the Danville Village Theatre. This is a Family-Friendly Classic Musical!
  4. Jackson Rohm at Retzlaff Vineyards-2/24/19, from 1PM-4PM. Have a picnic, if the weather permits, and enjoy some live music!
  5. Retro Junkie HEARTLESS (Heart Tribute)– 2/23/19, from 9PM-11PM. Get Ready to Rock t0 the 80’s and dance all night, because this place will keep you moving all night long.
  6. Napa Craft Beer & Spirits Festival– 2/23/19, from 2PM-4:30PM. If you are feeling adventurous, check out this amazing festival in Napa, featuring 35+ Breweries, Distillers, and Ciders.
 

Best Sushi Danville CA

The 4 Best Sushi Spots in Danville

It’s winter, and I don’t know about you, but we at DS sure don’t feel like going out in the cold. However, the winter is the perfect time for eating at a restaurant. Skip the monotony of making meals at home every day, and treat yourself to a nice meal outside – albeit indoors, where it’s nice and warm.

This time, we thought we’d make a list of the best sushi restaurants in Danville. So here you go – here are the top 4!

  1. Sushi Bar Hana

Simple and unimposing, The Sushi Bar Hana is a classic favorite. It’s open Monday to Friday between 11:30 AM and 9:30 PM, save for a break from 2-5 PM. They have unique, delicious food, a lovely atmosphere, and very courteous staff. Whether you’re out with your family or with friends for a girls’ night out, the Sushi Bar Hana is a great stop. Mind, though, that there may be a small queue during peak times (think weekend nights) because it’s a smallish restaurant. If you’re in a hurry you can pop over to the next one, which is…

  1. Kibo Sushi

The restaurant is situated at 125 Hartz Avenue and has a diverse menu with very reasonably priced items. If you’re looking for deals you can check out their Yelp page, as they often give out free stuff when you check-in. The current offer is 1 free Crispy Gyoza. We highly recommend their shrimp lollipop!?

The place has dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options, and is family-friendly. So basically, it’s great for just about everyone. It has plenty of parking space, serves some alcohol, and the staff is friendly and understanding.

  1. Akira Bistro

The Akira Bistro is on San Ramon Valley Bvd, and some of the things they can do with noodles will blow your mind. That wasn’t an innuendo – their noodle dishes are just really, really good. Their prices are super reasonable, they’re open at roughly the same times as Sushi Bar Hana, and they hit the sweet spot between ‘incredible’ and ‘repeat-worthy’, so you’ll like it there and want to keep returning. They have their full menu up on their website, so if you want to plan in advance, go right ahead.

  1. Blue Gingko Blackhawk

Family-friendly and spacious situated in Blackhawk Plaza, this one’s another favorite. They have a sushi bar at the restaurant, and their sushi is practically unbeatable. The Blue Gingko has a wonderful ambiance, with perfect lights and comfortable seating arrangements. The food’s not only Instagram worthy, but a treat on the taste buds. The crab balls, in particular, are to die for!

Compared to the others on this list the Blue Gingko may be a bit expensive, but the food and ambiance more than make up for it. The staff there is courteous and professional.

Most sushi places are family-friendly, so you can all head out sometime and give them a try. And if any of these places are offering great deals, we’ll be sure to let you know!

 

The 4 Best Dog Parks in Danville

Looking for a nice park to go to with your pup? Danville has a number of wonderful dog parks (or dog-friendly parks) from which you can take your pick. Your pet can meet other dogs and have fun while you enjoy a restful day outdoors. These parks are also great for people who have kids.

Here’s a list of our favorite Danville dog parks:

  1. Hap Magee Ranch Park

This one’s fairly well-known as a dog park. It started out as a summer camp for orphans, turned into a ranch for longhorn steer, and was finally developed into the park it is today. The park is open literally 24×7. Can’t go to sleep and want to go have a walk with your ever-ready dog? You’re welcome!

The Hap Magee Ranch Park has a lot to offer – fun activities for kids (including a tunnel of tubes that spray water, so get a towel and a change of clothes!), large open fields, walking trails, picnic spots, and a play area for dogs.

  1. Osage Station Park

This park is spread across 35 acres and includes a rose garden, picnic tables, children’s play area, and various sports facilities. It’s great for a day out during the weekend – it’s open from 5 AM-10 PM throughout the week. The park is perfectly dog-friendly – no leash necessary.

It has lots of other facilities and activities – playground sandbox for kids, train station, clean bathrooms, charming meandering paths, and some lovely plants! The park is a popular spot among locals, so you should see a lot of people around. It has dog fountains so your pooch can have a drink and large open spaces for him/her to run around in.

  1. Oak Hill Park

Located at 3005 Stone Valley Road, this park’s another great option for you and your four-legged friend. Dogs are allowed leash-free in the dog run area. It has hiking and horse track trails, a pond with a trail around it, BBQ pits, a summer concert series, and a much-liked water feature. Sports options include a volleyball court, tennis courts, and basketball courts. A relaxing day out with the kids and the dog? Yessir!

The park has restrooms. You and your dog can enjoy the long trails, the wide open spaces, the labyrinth, picnic areas, and much more. And of course, you can rest in the sun and get a lovely tan. It’s open from 6 AM to 6 PM, so early birds can get in too.

  1. Sycamore Valley Park

This park’s open from 7:30 AM to 7 PM, all seven days a week. The park has ball fields, bocce courts, long and well-maintained paths, a playground, picnic area, and BBQ pits. Great for a day of wholesome, outdoorsy fun!

There are two play areas in this park – for younger children, and for slightly older ones. It also has a water feature which is turned on during warmer weather. The picnic area is next to a delightful little pond that your pup will love!

Many of these parks allow dogs without a leash, but you’re advised to bring a leash along for the benefit of other visitors (and children) who may be afraid of animals. Additionally, please carry some plastic baggies and disposable gloves in case your puppy wants to go to the bathroom.