A couple of weekends ago, I took a visit to Temescal Alley in Oakland. The main area is a pocket of two car-free alleys off of Telegraph and 49th Avenue with retailers, eateries and galleries converted from former horse stables turned carriage houses. Much of the goodness spills onto Telegraph, is easily accessible by BART's MacArthur Station and walkable from one place to another, creating a neighborly village vibe.
1. Esqueleto is an afternoon light-filled shop with a dreamy desert-meets-the-sea airiness curated by Lauren Wolf. The shop displays its jewelry, accessories and art in vintage glass cabinets and rustic wood/iron tables. Items include Lauren's eponymous line as well as Satomi Kawakita, Melissa Joy Manning, Emily Counts and vintage jewelry, Job & Boss Shibori and Oaxacan Woven bags, artist Patrick Dunaway prints, Michelle Quan porcelain and stoneware bells and hangings, Heather Levine ceramic hangings, rugs, pillows, Ally Maser dream catchers and findings such as petrified tree branches, gem rocks, shark teeth, pottery, animal skulls and succulents.
shopesqueleto.com | 482 49th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
2. Doughnut Dolly is a neighborhood favorite, often selling out before the end of the day with a line out the door down the alley. Owner, Hannah Hoffman was inspired by Doughnut Plant in NYC (yum!) and London's take on the treat. Through the help of a Kickstarter campaign, she launched the Doughnut Dolly shop. Hannah makes custom filled-to-order doughnuts including her signature Crème Fraîche Vanilla Bean "Naughty Cream" and a rotation of deliciousness like Mexican Chocolate, Malted Coffe Cream, Bourbon Cream and seasonal jams.
3. Book / Shop is one of those places that you could easily lose time in just perusing the collection of vintage books and independent magazines with great names such as "Gratuitous Type" and "Day Job" or admiring art like literary clay busts by Jason Polan and author-related poster prints or coveting handmade bookshelves, book-holders, reading lamps, book-bags and other reading related accessories. One thing I was particularly in awe over was "Absorene" a paper and book cleaner that absorbs dust, dirt, smoke and film. Pretty cool.
book---shop.com | 482 D 49th Street, Oakland CA 94709
4. Minds Eye Vintage is a perfectly refined selection of clothing and accessories by Sarah Rainey and Maya Messoriano.
mindseyevintage.com | 486 49th Street, Oakland CA 94609
co-owner Brad Roberts with customer Kilian Betlach
5. Temescal Alley Barbershop is a rare spot honoring the art of traditional barbering with straight razor shaves and beard trims in an old school setting, complete with classic hex tiles and vintage haircut images on the walls. It's a friendly environment where you can even loosen up by slinging back a shot of whiskey - which kindly is available while you wait.
6. Homestead Apothecary washes you over with good vibes and relaxation the second you walk in. They support local farmers, practitioners and makers for healing herbs, oils, formulas, soaps and the like. The shop also serves as a community hub for workshops and events that revolve around wellness.
This is only half of Temescal Alley - apologies for never getting around the all the other amazing shops.
