Marquees and Store Fronts

I just returned from a trip to Berkeley, California.  I wanted to have some mother daughter time with my oldest daughter before we leave for our trip next weekend.  My daughter and her husband live smack on the borderline of Oakland and Berkeley in an older area called Rockridge.  It has tree lined streets, quaint eateries (they haven't let the chain restaurants in yet) and the homes are very old and charming.

On Saturday morning we went out to breakfast on this charming street, and I could not resist taking some photos to share with you.  You probably won't find any of my kind of photographs in a travel brochure.  I prefer to capture the local flavor.

I love old advertising signs and this one is an original.  I took several views of it.  It's worn with time and charming as ever.

The hardware store is long gone, but the sign remains. 

I love the old blue enamel.

Next to the old hardware store is this sorbet shop. 

Check out the window treatments.  Too cute for words.  I wonder how long it took them to do this.

On the same block is the little restaurant where we had breakfast.  Here is their logo signage.  They painted it right on the building.

I love their menus.  They just clip them on clipboards.  Isn't this idea cute?

All the restaurants in this area have open and shut signs instead of open and closed.  This part of town is oozing with personality.

Remember my chalkboard ironing board I insisted was really a table?  Well, these people just proved me right.  This little place was not open when we were there.  My daughter tells me they serve one item, they are open for 3 hours a day and people line up around the block to get their chicken sandwiches and they dine on these little stools and ironing boards in front of the restaurant.

I liked this store sign too.  I am crazy about animals.  This shop had some adorable pet items.

Last but not least is this beautiful tea room.  It wasn't open either, but I just liked how pretty this was.  This little place is actually in Pleasanton.  Another of my favorite quaint small towns.  Thanks for visiting.

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Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Tutus and Tea Parties       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
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                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    Fishtail Cottage
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                                    At the Picket Fence     Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Decorating Insanity   Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           My 1928 Charmer Sunday's Best