LAMORINDA, CA
NATURE
The San Pablo Dam Reservoir is also a great hidden gem just 5 minutes outside of Orinda with tons of recreational options! - Kirsten in Orinda
There is also a cute well-placed bench overlooking Lake Cascade in Orinda - on the eastern most end. This is also near the most amazing blackberry bushes that are always abundant in July. - Trudi in Orinda
Lafayette Reservoir. I also just learned about a hike from a trailhead off Camino Pablo in Orinda (near the W24 freeway on ramp) that went all the way into Berkeley – it took three hours and had amazing bay views. - Trudi in Orinda
Tilden Inspiration Point (Pro tip: Grab some eucalyptus on your next hike and hang it in your shower - the oil and scent releases with steam) - Sydney in Orinda
SHOP
Hostess Gifts: I love Sanvitalia in Orinda Theatre Square and Misto Lino in Lafayette - Kirsten in Orinda
If you haven’t made it into Orinda Village Antiques you should stop by soon! Susan the owner knows so much about every vintage item in her shop. Last year I went in searching for a silver punch bowl ladle for the holidays and she dug around and found the perfect one in no time at all. - Kirsten in Orinda
Parker Thatch - Trudi in Orinda
Venture to outfit my husband and Misto Lino for fun paper placemats - Sara in Orinda
You can’t go wrong with a beautiful cookbook found at Orinda Books - Sara in Orinda
Home Goods (Moraga) because I don’t pay full price for wrapping paper - Sara in Orinda
Lemon Gift Shop - Jocey in Walnut Creek
Luck and Venture Goods - Tili in Orinda
RESTAURANTS
Baan Thai (Orinda) for the Thai Crunch Chicken Salad with avocado (lunch, to-go) - Sydney in Orinda
Roam Burger (Lafayette) - My kids’ favorite meal is a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake. I LOVE that these burger restaurants offer grass-fed beef, organic ingredients, Straus Dairy ice cream, great wine on tap and salads that I am obsessed with. - Sondra in Orinda
RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS
Village Cafe (Orinda) for their stash of coloring books and crayons and quick order turnaround - Sydney in Orinda
Pennini’s Pizza in Moraga was (still is) a favorite for us when the girls were little because they have this tiny little arcade room right by the dining area where the kids can feel independent but they are literally shouting distance. - Kirsten in Orinda
Tutu’s for breakfast on the weekend -- it’s easy, family-friendly, and my oldest eats a full meal. - Sara in Orinda
CAFES AND BARS
Coffee Shop (Lafayette) if I’m looking for a cappuccino or chai latte - Sara in Orinda
I like to go to Philz (Lafayette) for fresh mint tea – and their protein energy bowl if I’m hungry. - Trudi in Orinda
SERVICES
The Infrared Sauna at Radiance Family Wellness in Lafayette is a must try. - Kirsten in Orinda
The Spa Facial at the Lafayette Park Hotel is a truly luxurious experience. - Kirsten in Orinda
Kara Flynn, the eyebrow genius at Caroline’s Salon. (She’s only there once a month!) - Kirsten in Orinda
Dr. Tina Edraki at Avenues for Health for women’s health. - Kirsten in Orinda
Julie at Evaluer Med Spa for Botox and Fillers. - Kirsten in Orinda
Shila at Zahra Salon in Lafayette - Sondra in Orinda
Acupuncture in Lafayette: Rhiannon 925-255-5390 - Chrissie in Bali
For facials: Eva at Robin Nicole Beauty Bar - Tili in Orinda
Caroline’s Salon for hair anything - Tili in Orinda
MISCELLANY
Fit Body Boot Camp in Moraga. 30 minutes of varied HIIT workouts and there are several class times throughout the day. - Kirsten in Orinda
Full Belly Farm has a CSA drop off location in Sleepy Hollow in Orinda. They deliver a weekly produce box and so much more including jellies, pasta sauces, flowers, almond butter - it’s amazing and everything is Organic! - Trudi in Orinda
Chairs for Affairs and Ann’s Catering for parties. - Kirsten in Orinda
Diablo Foods for marinated meats - Sara in Orinda
Text Tili for a mobile spray tan (415.519.7766) - Trudi in Orinda