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It's almost Black History Month!  Learn about the women of the Black Panther Party and pay respect by visiting their mural in West Oakland. 

Here's your plan for celebrating Women of the Black Panther Party:

Learn about the women of the Black Panther Party and visit their mural in West Oakland

Celebrating Women of the Black Panther Party

Visit the Mini Museum at the West Oakland Mural Project to explore the history of the women of the Black Panther Party.

Museum Visit

✅ Before you go
• The entry/donation fee is $12-25pp sliding scale
• Book by texting the owner here: https://westoaklandmuralproject.org/pages/mini-museum

💪 Pro tips
• Walk through the museum before taking pictures to get the most out of it
• The museum is self-guided, take your time!


Visit the Mini Museum @ the Mural

the Black Panther Party was made up of mostly women, and the West

Oakland mural project is the first ever public art installation honoring them

Inside too is a museum celebrating them and educating

you on the history of the Black Panthers.

These women fought and died for our freedom.

and none of it could have been done without women who

were doing everything from security to leadership and challenging gender roles.

I learned so much from the heartfelt interviews and pictures.

It honestly made me emotional just knowing that these women were my

age back then and looked like me fighting for so much.

All this is to say is to one celebrate Black women and two,

if you wanna learn some revolutionary local history, go visit.

Filoli’s Summer Nights bring the gardens to life with live music, food, and twilight strolls every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5-8pm, June 11-September 18, 2025. This year, six giant troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo add a whimsical, eco-friendly twist—each one with a unique personality and message about nature, creativity, and stewardship. It’s a magical midweek escape where art meets the outdoors. TROLLS: Save the Humans are on display from June 7-November 10, 2025.

Trolls🧌+ Summer Nights🌸 at Filoli Gardens

Explore twilight gardens, live music, and whimsical troll sculptures at Filoli Gardens in Woodside during Summer Nights—perfect for a magical midweek escape.

Garden stroll & art

✅ Before you go
• Tickets can sell out—especially for Summer Nights. Reserve in advance online for your preferred date: https://filoli.org/summer/
• You’ll be wandering woodland trails and gardens to find all six trolls, so skip the heels, wear comfy shoes.
• Summer Stage Concert Series runs August 17–19 and 24–26, 2025, bringing live music to the garden’s Meadow at sunset. Each evening features a different genre. Book tickets here: https://filoli.org/summer/ 

💪 Pro tips
• Summer Nights (Wed/Thu, June 11–Sept 18, 5–8 PM) includes both twilight hikes & acoustic nights—plus exclusive troll access.
• Food trucks line the meadow—grab a drink or popsicle before your hike or stroll. Choose early to avoid dinner-time crowds.
• Evenings in Woodside can get chilly after sundown—bring a sweater or light jacket.

Head to Filoli Gardens in Woodside

Midweek magic alert! Filoli's summer nights now come

with charming trolls tucked among the trees.

We arrived to Filoli Gardens and kicked things off

on the meadow with seasonal popsicles and drinks,

soaking in the vibes before heading off to explore

the larger than life trolls by artist Thomas Dambo.

Every Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.,

Fioli turns into a whimsical wonderland for summer nights,

Troll activists invite us to reconnect with nature,

all while injecting midweek nights with a dash of playful magic.

we stopped by the gift shop to snag some cute troll merch,

then wander through the rose and lavender Gardens

while live music played in the background.

Summer nights at Filoli are a perfect midweek escape,

equal parts magical and mellow and memory making.

Here's your plan for a 90-minute facial with acupuncture, gua sha, massage, and herbal care. Watch the video 👇

A monthly ritual I genuinely look forward to, the holistic facial at Abalone Acupuncture in Laurel Village is 90 minutes of grounding, glow-inducing care. Kaitlin Shaner L.Ac blends acupuncture, gua sha, facial massage, and herbal wisdom to create a treatment that feels deeply personal and restorative. You leave relaxed, radiant, and reconnected.

Holistic Acupuncture Facial 🌿🪡

Relax and rejuvenate with a holistic acupuncture facial at Abalone Acupuncture—enjoy expert care combining acupuncture, gua sha, and herbal wisdom for glowing skin and deep relaxation.

Holistic Facial Spa

✅ Before you go
• Holistic Facial Booking: https://www.abaloneacupuncture.com/
• Gua Sha Facial Booking: https://abaloneacupuncture.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1
• Arrive Early, give yourself at least 10–15 minutes to settle in. There’s complimentary herbal tea waiting, and the cozy herbal apothecary is worth browsing.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing-Loose, comfy clothes make it easier for acupuncture or bodywork—especially if you’re receiving treatment beyond the face.
• Go Makeup-Free (if you can): 
For facial acupuncture or gua sha, it’s best to arrive with a clean face—or just minimal skincare. Kaitlin will cleanse your skin, but skipping heavy products helps.
• Eat Light, Hydrate Well-Don’t arrive on an empty stomach, but avoid heavy meals right before. A light snack beforehand and plenty of water help your body respond best to treatment.

💪 Pro tips
• Communicate Your Needs-Whether it’s your first time or you’re needle-sensitive, Kaitlin is incredibly gentle and intuitive. Let her know what you’re comfortable with—she’ll tailor everything to you.
• Appointments fill quickly, especially for the Holistic Facial. Booking your next session before you leave ensures your monthly ritual stays on track.
• Book a morning or late afternoon appointment and make it a full wellness day—stop by Nourish Café or As Quoted nearby for a light, nourishing meal before or after.
• The complimentary herbal tea offered in the waiting area isn’t just cute—it’s intentionally brewed to support your body’s healing and grounding. Sip it slowly.
• Ask About Herbal Support- Kaitlin is also a clinical herbalist—if you’re curious about herbs for sleep, skin, stress, or cycles, ask during your appointment. Her custom formulas are thoughtful and effective.
• If you fall in love with the gua sha practice, ask about tools and oils to use at home. They often carry high-quality options in the herbal shop.
• The Holistic Facial works best when done regularly. Monthly sessions build on each other—for your skin, nervous system, and overall glow.

Head to Abalone Acuptunure for a Holistic Facial

holistic facial at Abalone Acupuncture in Laurel Village.

Walking into the space feels more like stepping

into a serene apothecary meets spa than a clinic.

You're invited to sip herbal tea and browse the wellness shop while you wait.

a 90 minute reset that begins with Kaitlin checking my pulse and

reading my skin to see what my body needs that day.

Warm cloths and nourishing mask using clean local form to skin ingredients,

and other body work options are available.

Here's your plan for camping, floating, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying small river rapids. Watch the video 👇

Spend a weekend at Thousand Trails Russian River camping, RVing, or staying in a cabin just five minutes from the river. Float down a fun 15-minute stretch with small rapids, relax at the beach, and enjoy easy outdoor fun.

Floating & Camping at Russian River

Camp at Thousand Trails Russian River and enjoy floating down a gentle stretch of river, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and returning to your site just steps from the water.

Camping & River Floating

✅ Before you go
• Book your spot — RV site, tent site, or cabin: https://thousandtrails.com/california/russian-river-rv-campground/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Yext%20Directory%20Listing
• Pack your float gear — tubes, life vests, and water shoes. 
💪 Pro tips
• Water shoes > flip flops. The riverbed can be rocky and slippery.
• The campground is pup friendly! 
• Explore nearby towns like Guerneville or stop by a winery on your way home!

Thousand Trails Russian River 

Thousand Trails Russian River is a great spot for a relaxed weekend trip.

The best part is the river is just a 5 minute walk away from your site.

The beach is perfect for swimming or floating.

We walked 5 minutes upstream and floated back down for about 15 minutes.

There are a couple of small rapids that keep things exciting.

It really is the perfect weekend getaway!

Here's your plan for enjoying live jazz, whiskey flights, cocktails, snacks, and beautiful vintage vibes. Watch the video 👇

Located on Treasure Island! Get ready to enjoy some great music and drinks, while feeling like you’re in a 1930s Jazz lounge.

Friday Night Jazz at Gold Bar Distillery 

Enjoy live jazz and whiskey flights in a 1930s-inspired setting at Gold Bar Distillery on Treasure Island. Sip cocktails while soaking up city skyline views.

Distillery & Live Jazz

✅ Before you go
• Check out the bar website for up to date details on current events and scheduling: https://goldbarwhiskey.com/pages/visit-us
• If you can’t find the main entrance, you can enter through the back entrance near the parking lot

💪 Pro tips
• Parking is available behind the building, area is full of gravel so be careful when driving
• Take a quick walk outside of the bar to get one of the best views of the city skyline. On the corner of California Ave and Avenue of the Palms

Arrive at Gold Bar Distillery 

Distillery on Treasure Island, right past the Bay Bridge.

Every Friday night there is a live jazz band performing providing the perfect

music to go along with the Art Deco theme of the bar.

is that it's located inside a former Pan Am airport terminal.

The location is full of rich history and stunning art that

pays homage to the elegance of a 1930s jazz lounge.

Everyone was enjoying the ambience while the drinks

were being poured and the band was playing.

As I enjoyed the music and some light snacks provided,

I was given a walkthrough of each one I tried

and their unique flavor profiles and cocktail pairings.

Gold Bar Distillery also offers cocktail making classes Tuesday through Sunday,

and there is also a sunset DJ performance every Sunday.

You gotta admire a good looking charcuterie board

I had this incredible cookie dessert covered in

chocolate and topped with a pretty orchid.

There's just something about the smooth tunes paired with

I had such an amazing time at Gold Bar Distillery,

and this should definitely be your go to for your next Friday night plans.