Author: Wendy VanHatten

Travel writer, author, editor, magazine editor-in-chief, traveler, co-founder of www.forkscorksandbrews.com
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Oakland, California

PRESS:            For Immediate Release January 18, 2022 

CONTACT:      Renée Roberts 415-407-7424 | renee@visitoakland.com 

WHAT’S NEW IN OAKLAND 2022: THE FIRST EDITION 

The first few months of the new year are filled with exciting new things to celebrate and experience in Oakland.  With hotel openings, an iconic destination’s 100 year anniversary,  restaurants popping up and cooking up tasty bites, flamenco dancing, powerful exhibits and family friendly fun – 2022 is off to a great start in Oakland.  Check out the new reasons to come to Oakland and plan your visit now! 

HOTEL OPENINGS 

Kissel Uptown Oakland 

In February 2022, Kissel Uptown Oakland will open in the core of the city’s vibrant Uptown district, at the center of an eclectic arts and entertainment scene. As part of the Unbound Collection By Hyatt, the newly renovated hotel embraces the neighborhood’s history and spirit with grand Beaux Arts architecture – towering columns, locally commissioned artworks, bold décor, and plentiful natural light. Dining options include Otto’s – an expansive lobby bar and cafe which offers craveable food and drinks all day long, and High 5ive – a lively rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic terrace, drinks and snacks. Guests are steps away from the diverse restaurants, bars, galleries and venues such as the Fox Theater and The Hive that make Uptown Oakland such a cultural hub. kisseloakland.com | hyatt.com  | 2455 Broadway 

AC Marriott Oakland Residence Inn 

The 189-foot AC Marriott Oakland Residence Inn will be one of the taller buildings in the city of Oakland. With 283 hotel rooms total, the hotel offers two experiences in one hotel. 165 rooms within levels three and eleven will be managed by the Marriott Residence Inn, ranging from studios to one bedroom suites. AC Hotel will manage the remaining 111 guest rooms across the upper floors. Opening Spring 2022. marriott.com | 1431 Jefferson Street 

ARTS & CULTURE 

OMCA (Oakland Museum of California) 

Edith Heath: A Life in Clay, comes to OMCA and will be on view January 29, 2022 – October 30, 2022. Discover the story of Edith Heath, founder and designer of Heath Ceramics who transformed the ceramics industry, creating dinnerware from California clay for “Sunday best” and everyday use. Driven by the power of good design, and a commitment to her craft, Heath’s vision continues to live on through her stoneware and tile over 70 years later.  museumca.org | 1000 Oak Street 

ICONIC ATTRACTIONS 

Children’s Fairyland 

Children’s Fairyland launches their Magic Tree Flora and Fauna program in the park on April 1, 2022. Fairyland’s Magic Tree program is designed for young naturalists with Flora and Fauna – an in-park activity for school field trips.  fairyland.org | 699 Bellevue Avenue 

Oakland Zoo Centennial  

It’s the 100 Year Anniversary of the beloved Oakland Zoo! Officially founded on June 6, 1922, the Oakland Zoo will celebrate this momentous occasion all year long with Community Clean Up Days, Cocktails & Conservation Programs, Earth Day Events, Brunch for the Wild Bunch and one great party at Lake Merritt on June 5, 2022. oaklandzoo.com | 977 Golf Links Road 

EVENT SPACE 

The Bridge Yard 

Once a maintenance facility for the Bay Area’s ubiquitous street cars, the Bridge Yard is Oakland’s newest event space. The award-winning restoration of this historic building features panoramic waterfront views of Oakland and San Francisco, an iconic light-filled indoor space, and an outdoor courtyard with a stage, seating and elevated viewing deck. The Bridge Yard is a central feature of the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline Park, the gateway to Oakland, and sits along the path of The Bay Bridge Trail. thebridgeyard.com | 210 Burma Road 

RESTAURANT OPENINGS 

Calabash 

A project by Nigel Jones that brings together his Jamaican cuisine with food from Malaysia and northern Iran that he refers to as “a gourmet Whole Foods with a full bar, outdoor dining and lots of grab-and-go items”.  Opening April 2022, date TBD.  2302 Valdez Street. 

Joodooboo 

A modern Korean deli from co-chef Steve Joo of pop-up Nokni.  The restaurant will focus on house made specialties like tofu, seasonal banchan made with farm fresh ingredients, and simple daily meals to accompany the banchan.  Open for business.  Joodooboo.com | 4201 Market Street. 

Kowbird 

Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue is opening this soul infused chicken joint with a killer buttermilk fried chicken sandwich – both traditional and sweet and spicy. Kowbird will be known for inventive sauces, Southern inspired sides and desserts.  Open for business. 1733 Peralta Street. 

Noka Ramen 

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai and sister restaurant Son & Garden have become known in the Bay Area for their over-the-top dishes. The owner’s latest project, a ramen shop in Oakland, will be no different. They will serve bowls of rainbow colored noodles that get their bright colors from natural ingredients like butterfly pea flower and dragonfruit. The rainforest themed dining room will feature artificial plants and flowers to complete the tropical décor. Opening in winter 2022, date TBD. Farmhouseramen.com | 90 Franklin Street in Jack London Square.

Occitania 

Highly acclaimed chef Paul Canales, the chef/owner of Duende (Oakland, CA) and the former long time executive chef of Oliveto (Oakland, CA), is behind the new French inspired Occitania, opening in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown Arts District. Inspired by the region of the Occitan linguistic region of Southern France which spans from the alpine region of Italy’s Piemonte, all the way to Spanish Catalonia – the menu blends traditional technique with a modern approach, adapting ancient recipes to showcase local, sustainable ingredients. Rafe Gabel, Italian Wine Specialist and California Appellation Wine Specialist, will oversee operations and the beverage program. Opening spring 2022, date TBD. 2401 Broadway. 

Roux40 

Christina “Lala” Harrison of JusLaEats will serve Black American dishes with a farm-to-table twist at this all-Black, all-female-run restaurant in the Temescal District.  Opening spring 2022, date TBD. 375 40th Street. 

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS 

Duende: Flamenco and a Spanish Feast  

Flameno returns to Duende! A true celebration of Spain, with a prix fixe meal featuring classic Duende dishes and world class, live dance and music from Theatre Flamenco of SF twice monthly. The evenings begin with dinner featuring Spanish classics including ensalada de col (a cabbage salad, and a Duende favorite), patatas bravas, paella, turron and a pitcher of sangria to share. As dessert is served, an hour long performance of Flamenco begins, transporting guests to southern Spain. A premium menu upgrade is available featuring the addition of cava, a selection of pintxo and a choice of daily desserts from their in-house pastry chef.  For show dates and pricing visit duendeoakland.com/flamenco. 468 19th Street. 

Tribune 

Tribune starts the new year with a new lineup of events including “Wine ‘Not’ Wednesday” with half price bottles of wine.  Happy hour returns Wednesday through Friday from 5:00pm to 6:30pm and Live Jazz happens on Sundays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. A new American Brasserie from partners Omri Aflalo and Darrin Ballon, Tribune is located in the iconic Tribune building on 13th and Franklin Streets. It’s a place to gather with friends, enjoy brasserie favorites, exceptional cocktails, and warm hospitality. 401 13th Street. 

About Visit Oakland 

Visit Oakland is a non-profit organization marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a wide variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers interested in visiting Oakland. For more information, check out www.visitoakland.com. Want to share the Oakland love with the world? Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.  #visitoakland #oaklandloveit   

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Renée Roberts  | Public Relations & Communications

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Are You Ready to Fly Again?

As 2022 begins, are you ready to fly again? If so, here are some must-do things you should know before you go through TSA screening.

You are all packed, have arrived at the airport with plenty of time, standing in the TSA line, and ready to fly again. What do you have in your pockets?

You have taken out your loose change and your phone. You are good to go. Right? Just as you walk through the scanner, it beeps. What? You forgot about the keys you were going to put in your carry-on bag.

To be sure you are ready to fly, empty your pockets. Take everything out and place it either in a bin or in  your carry-on bag.

If  you do not have pockets,  great. Just remember to take off your belt.

Another item you will need to pay attention to is your laptop. If you are not TSA PreCheck, you will need to remove it from its case. Likewise, if you are not TSA PreCheck you will need to remove  your shoes and place all liquids in the bin.

Before you get ready to fly again, it would be a good idea to look into TSA PreCheck. If you fly often, the $85 cost for five years is absolutely worth it.

Did you know there are some items banned from bringing on airplanes? I am not sure why you would think you could bring fireworks…but you cannot. You also cannot bring a gun into the cabin. You may check it, with the appropriate paperwork obtained beforehand.

If you are ready to fly again and want to bring your favorite large bottle of hair conditioner, you cannot. You can place it in your checked luggage. All liquids in your carry-on bag must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means liquids, gels, and aerosols can only be in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less. These then need to be placed in a single quart-size resealable bag.

TSA has a website which details items in case you have questions. When you get ready to fly again and do not know what is permitted, check out https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips

Finally, before you get ready to fly again…do not forget your ID. It seems like a simple thing to remember. Last month we were standing in line in TSA PreCheck.

The man in front of us could not find his ID. After a couple of minutes, he was escorted by a TSA agent to another area. I am not sure what happened or where he was taken.  We were only delayed by a short time. I am sure he was delayed a lot longer.

For more tips on flying check out https://travelsandescapes.net/2021/12/16/couples-trip-on-a-budget/

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Travel to France

Some of the latest requirements if you plan on traveling to France from t he United States. These were compiled from the State Department, posts from The Points Guy, and information from the French travel sites.

There have been many updates and changing protocols surrounding COVID-19 for visiting France. Here are some of the most recent that took place January 3, 2022.

Fully vaccinated travelers from the US who are 18 and older may enter France by showing proof of vaccination, results of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 48 hours prior to departure for France and a sworn statement attesting they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 nor have had any contact with any confirmed cases  of COVID-19.

Currently, France recognizes vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency. These are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. Those who have received a full dose of a WHO licensed vaccine not approved by the  EMA require an additional single dose of an EMA approved mRNA vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna.

Travelers are considered fully vaccinated 28 days after receiving one dose o f a single-does vaccine, seven days after days after receiving a two-dose vaccine or seven days after receiving an additional dose of an EMA-approved  mRNA vaccine for those who received a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the EMA.

Per the U.S. Embassy in France, the  card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considered “sufficient proof of vaccination for entry.”

Entry requirements for unvaccinated travelers may only enter France if they possess a compelling reason for travel,  including students and those transiting France for less than 24 hours.

Unvaccinated Americans approved for entry must show a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) performed within 48 hours before departure and are also subject to a second test upon arrival. They must quarantine for 10 days, followed by an additional test.

Testing, vaccination and booster requirements apply to travelers who are 12 and older, and American visitors must show results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours to enter the country.

“Travelers under age 11 are treated as vaccinated regardless of their vaccination status and do not need to have a COVID test. Travelers ages 11 through 17 are treated as vaccinated if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian,” says the embassy. “Travelers in this age group traveling independently must meet the rules applicable to adult travelers.”

A French health pass is required to access most indoor public spaces, including restaurants/bars, museums, entertainment venues and sporting facilities. It’s also necessary for long-distance travel throughout the country on public transit. A health pass can be obtained for $40 by showing proof of vaccination at a local French pharmacy on a walk-in basis. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers can obtain a temporary 24-hour pass by taking a rapid antigen test at a pharmacy. Temporary pass holders will need to procure a new pass after the 24-hour period.

The French government previously announced they expect use of the “pass sanitaire” to continue through at least July.

As of Jan. 15, all travelers to France age 18 and older must show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot taken within five to seven months after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to retain an active health pass. Prior to this date, the booster is only required for those 65 and older.

Face masks remain mandatory for all those in indoor public spaces throughout the country and are required outdoors in Paris as of Dec. 31, 2021, including in markets. Outdoor mask requirements vary throughout France, so consult local authorities before visiting your destination.

For more travel information on France and to see how the rules are evolving check out https://travelsandescapes.net/?s=france

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car.

Recently, we rode this amazing vehicle through the sheer rock cliffs of Chino Canyon to the top of the wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

First some facts and history… It all started in 1935 when a young electrical engineer, Francis Crocker, decided he wanted to get to the top of Mount San Jacinto. This 10,834 foot peak still had snow during a heat wave on the valley floor.

Many issues, delays, and WWII postponed his plans until a new tram bill was passed in 1945, creating the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority. By 1950 private funds had been raised by selling bonds, land had been acquired for the Valley Station, and technicians had designed the tramway. Not one cent of public money was used for the construction or the operation.

Construction was a challenge for the engineers. The first tower is the only one that can be reached by road. Helicopters were used to erect four of the five supporting towers. They flew 23,000 missions during 26 months of construction. Men and materials needed to erect the other four towers and the Mountain Station at the top all came by helicopter.

At the top of each tower is a 16’ x 16’ yellow helicopter pad. This allows access to the towers in times of maintenance for the Tram. Tower one is the tallest of the five supporting towers. It is 227 feet and is the only one accessible by road.

Completed in 1963, the challenges in building earned the label the Eighth Wonder of the World. Twenty-five years later the Tramway was designated an historical civil engineering landmark.

In 1998, the Tramway started an ambitious project that would modernize the old tram cars and update the facilities. In September 2000 the world’s largest rotating tramcars made their debut.

Since 1963 over 20 million people have traveled the 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride. Beginning at the Valley Station elevation of 2,642 the ride ends at the Mountain Station elevation of 8,516 feet.

In 1965, I rode the old Tramway car to the top. It swayed slightly as we passed by the breathtaking rock sides and dipped at each tower. It was exciting, exhilarating, and a little frightening. The valley floor was about 100 degrees and the top was over 60 degrees colder. We didn’t stay long at the top.

Two weeks ago, I rode the new Tramway rotating car to the top. Once again, it’s mind-blowing to see how close the Tram car comes to the sheer rock cliffs. Rotating slowly gave us great views of those cliffs, the San Jacinto Mountains, the valley floor far below, and the enormity of the towers.

There was no noticeable swaying, until we passed one of the towers. Then, it was slight. Not at all like I remembered from 1965. This ride was smooth.

With windows open along the top of the Tram car, the breeze coming in dropped significantly as we rose toward the top. Sweaters or jackets were definitely needed, especially on the side of the mountain facing the valley floor. Winds whipped around, making it seem colder than the 43 degree day at the top.

We spent some time wandering a few trails, exploring the observation decks and the natural history museum, and just marveling at how on earth Francis Crocker even thought of this idea.

Comparing my two visits, there were some things I enjoyed about the first Tram. It was a new venture, it was exciting, and I had never done anything like it. Having said that, there are more things I liked about this Tram. I appreciated it more, especially the difficulty in constructing it, and spent more time marveling at how an idea like this even took shape.

If you are in the area, The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an activity well worth your time.

Note: Tickets can be difficult to purchase during busy times of the year. Check the website https://pstramway.com/tickets/.

If You Go: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is located at 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA.

For more trip ideas and travel plans check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Holiday Travel Plans

Are you planning holiday travel this year? If so, here are a few things to remember.

If your holiday travel plans include flying, chances are those planes are going to be full. TSA tells us domestic travel is at 90% of pre-pandemic limits.

This also means airports are going to be busier. More people. Take plenty of masks and social distance yourself. Take the correct face masks. You need ones that cover your nose and your mouth. Check the CDC guidelines to see which ones are the best. If you are unsure, check out this site https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Don’t forget your hand sanitizer. Keep one with you, put one in your carryon, have an extra in your luggage. You will not regret having more than you think you need.

More and more your holiday travel plans will include being asked to take COVID-19 tests. Before. During. After traveling. Plan accordingly so you know which tests are accepted and where you can find them.

Some hotels are requiring rapid tests upon check-in and some even then ask for another one in five days.

Check the testing and vaccine requirements for your destination included in your holiday travel plans. You may need to make appointments for testing. You also may have to wait to get your results.

If you cross international borders, you may be asked to quarantine for 10 to 14 days. If you test positive, plan on being quarantined.

It seems not every airline and every hotel have the same requirements or take the same precautions when cleaning. For safe holiday travel, take sanitizing wipes so you can clean your tray tables, doorknobs, TV remote, light switches, and anything else you need to touch.

The best thing you can do for your holiday travel plans is to get vaccinated.

For more travel tips, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/2021/12/02/vaccination-card-2/

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How to Plan a Fantastic Couple’s Trip on a Budget

A Guest Post by Jesse

photo via Pexels

Gearing up for a couple’s trip takes a lot of planning and preparation, and if you aren’t careful, it can also take a lot of money. However, there are some fabulous options. From stateside weekends to cheap getaways in countries like Cancun, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica that won’t break the bank but will leave you and your significant other with a lot of great memories.

If you want to include some friends, you can save even more by getting group rates or splitting the cost of a vacation rental. You can also save on all the things you need for the trip by looking for discounts, promo codes, and cashback opportunities. By shopping smart and planning well, you can create a memorable, fun adventure trip without spending a ton of cash. TravelsandEscapes offers some resources to help you get started:

Double-check your phone

While most people want to unplug during their vacation, you’ll still want to be reachable by your friends and family members in case of an emergency, so making sure your phone has the right plan for your needs is essential. The last thing you want to do is get caught in an unfamiliar place and find out you have no service! Talk to your provider to find out if your phone will work abroad, and then see what sort of interim plan they offer if you’ll be out of the country. Many give affordable pricing for short trips.

Share the cost

Traveling can be pricey, but if you split the cost with some friends or family members, you can stay in affordable and comfortable hotels or rentals. Look for deals on sites like VRBO and Expedia; you can usually even find extra savings with a coupon code.

When deciding who to travel with, think about a couple that would be a great addition but keep in mind that you should all be able to get along, and everyone should have similar endurance levels when it comes to trying new things or being active so no one is left behind. Find out beforehand how much they want to spend and work out an agreement before the trip gets underway so there will be no confusion or hurt feelings down the road. If you’re going to stay in a place that has a kitchen, you can even share the cost of groceries and reduce your travel budget a bit since you won’t be eating out as much.

Plan ahead of time

Planning a trip takes some time, so give yourself plenty of it in order to make sure you’re able to book the events or activities you’re interested in, particularly if you plan to travel internationally. Look online to find out the rules of each destination beforehand; for instance, you may need certain vaccines, or you may not be able to bring food and drink along to certain places, or you might have to pay for some activities separately within one main event. Planning well will allow you to be prepared and will cut back on your last-minute or unforeseen expenses.

Keep in mind that you may still want to have emergency cash on hand during the trip, so this should be worked into your budget. While you should have some on hand, have a plan for friends or family to wire you money in the event of an emergency. For example, if your credit card is stolen in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, you can easily access quick cash from a variety of locations. Fees are zero to none with a service like Remitly, and your family can count on secure transfers.

Putting together a fabulous couple’s trip on a budget is a great way to bond with your significant other, and it can also help you broaden your horizons a bit. By planning well and shopping smart, you can ensure that everyone has a great time without the stress and expenses that can come with a major trip.

Check out more travel tips at https://travelsandescapes.net/2021/12/02/vaccination-card-2/

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Vaccination Card and Traveling

By now, you may have been vaccinated for COVID-19 virus and have a record of that. Do you know what to do with your vaccination card when traveling? Take a look at some of the most recent suggestions concerning your vaccination record and traveling.

Should You Have Your Vaccination Card With You When Traveling?

Travel and medical experts agree that it is a good idea to keep your card with you. You may also want a digital copy. Your original paper card is what you will need to travel anywhere that requires proof of vaccination. Why? Because of now the US does not have a universal digital health pass or vaccine passport.

Should I Laminate My Card?

Most experts agree to NOT laminate your vaccination card. Once it is laminated, nothing can be added to it. Instead, you could put it in a plastic sleeve where you could remove it if necessary. That way, if new boosters are required your card is easily accessed.

Is a Photo of my Card Enough?

Sometimes a photo of your vaccination card is okay. Many times, restaurants accept that. If you are going to use a photo, remember to take a picture of both sides.

Can I get a Digital Copy?

Each state maintains its own records. So, your digital vaccination card may or may not be easily obtained. Check with your healthcare provider to see how to obtain this.

What is a Vaccine Passport?

This is basically any documentation that shows you have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Many countries only accept US travelers if they have been vaccinated and can show proof.

Do I Need Proof of Vaccination to Travel Domestically?

Not right now. Hawaii does require a 10-day quarantine if you do not have proof of vaccination.

For more info on traveling, vaccinations, and COVID check out https://travelsandescapes.net/?s=covid