Wow, coming back to Albany Aquatics Center for kiddo swim lessons is full circle. Back in the day I…read moreswam here for swim meets in high school and now coming back, such a cool moment to be with the family. They offer Tot Swim (including on Sundays) which is honestly such a fun addition. We called ahead of time with a bunch of questions as newbies and inquired about walk-ins. We received answers to everything we needed to be set up with success for our first swim. There's also a super cool vending machine by the bathrooms/showers/changing areas that offers nutritious pre and post snacks, goggles, sunscreen, and I think swim caps too. The indoor pool is super spacious and everyone was respectful (of lanes, hehe). You're able to utilize pool accessories during the swim hours and there's lifeguards on duty with a stop watch to let you know when Tot time is over. We had around an hour and 15 or so. There's an awesome grass area and epic park next door. Parking is accessible in front of center. Can't wait to return! Definitely check the swim calendar online before heading over.

My son is currently enrolled in swim classes here. The instructions & expectations are clear. At…read morethe end of each session we had to be a bit persistent in obtaining a report card, but upon receipt, it's very detailed on what he needs to work on and what he did well. We will continue to enroll him here, especially since they also have an indoor pool for Fall & Winter sessions.

On the Kain St. side of a commercial building dispensing non-dairy ice cream is a sketch of a hand…read morecranking device operated by an unattached hand. Sketch assigned name of "Hand Crafted Food". The product made by the crank appears to be ice cream. Maybe a coincidence. No doubt the crank can be utilized to produce other food edibles. Creator: probably the ice cream shop...

this sports mural is viewable from the parking lot that is between Wojia Hunan Cuisine and a salon…read moreon San Pablo Ave. men and women are dressed in their active wear while participating in baseball, football, soccer, badminton, tennis, and volleyball.. creator: Emma Berger

Totally responsive upon initial request. Came and looked at job, very quick with quote. Very fair…read moreprice. Work is quite outstanding, down to minutest detail. Very agreeable to work with, had 5-6 exchanges of ideas, with John the customer is the driver, John delivers what he says he will in the time he says it will take. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for mural work, small scale (mine 250 sq ft), or large.

Very creative, professional, easy to work with, and the work is very widely appealing.read more

Located in the center of Memorial Park the Veteran's Memorial Bldg has been host…read moreto many events we've attended---Albany's Green Festival, The Albany High Madrigal Dinner and Concert and other programs. We recently attended our neighbor's Quiceñera. This was their youngest daughter's celebration of her 15th birthday. This is the 3rd Quinceñera they've celebrated over the years. The Memorial Bldg was transformed into a gala party atmosphere. All of the guests were seated at several round tables. There was a large floor area in the middle for the ceremony and dancing. The chairs were draped in this satiny silver material. It looked so fancy but klutzy me kept sliding on it. The festivities started with a buffet spread of salad, chicken stew, beef with veggies, two kinds of rice and fresh corn tortillas. There were several types of non-alchy drinks. After dinner there was a candy shrine with gummy worms, caramel popcorn, lots of sticky candy and lots of stuff that looked too sweet. All of it was very colorful. There was a table with fruit salad. The ceremony followed with our neighbor, "D", dressed in a beautiful bright pink gown which looked like magical. Her attendants wore orange poofy dresses that were so cute. The guys in the ceremony looked so handsome in their suits. The dancing came next--live DJ and loud and very spirited Cumbia and Salsa music. At least half of the party goers got up to dance. Shy and klutzy Ms Rinky and her esposo watched. Although we didn't stay for the cake I did take a picture of it. Nothing fancy about this place but more than perfect for a Quinceñera or other large party.

I wandered in to check out this venue while enjoying the adjacent park and can definitely see…read morecoming back if I host a large event. The exterior is attractive, with an expansive yard out front and a nice stone courtyard. Inside is a fairly simple layout with numerous historical displays related to veterans' affairs, Albany veteran's themselves, and the Boy Scout troop sponsored here. The main hall is sizable (see picture) and has an attached full kitchen, appropriate for catering. When I visited, they were setting up for a quincenera, and I could see this building being a nice choice for a wedding or other large party.

This Lion is alongsdside the S.F. Bay hiking trial which runs in front of him. oblivious to the…read morebird flying past him, he's intently watching/looking for something. whether it's dinner or a rogue element is unclear. same lion came be seen while exiting the Albany parking lot on the Masonic St. side. the trees planted next to the lion creates a sense of realism to it's presence.

Beautiful Japanese inspired store! I got my gorgeous futon here and lots of beautiful fabrics. It's…read morea wonderful gift store too. The service is great and good value.

We purchased a queen-sized shikibuton from Matsu to replace our air mattress for camping. I've…read morealways hated air mattresses so we were ready for something new. Our shikibuton was beautifully custom-made and ready within a few days. It was pretty affordable, made a world of difference for camping, and we now also have it available for house guests.

Me and my friend went in the store abrams claghorn gallery because we are interested in art. But…read moreone of the employees kept staring at us, even though there was multiple others in the store so we left disturbed and uncomftorable.

This place is a total gem. I first encountered the gallery in 2020 when my photograph was included…read morein an exhibit in the gallery. I was impressed by the way the owner made efforts to keep the gallery both safe and welcoming in a difficult time. He was also creative about sharing work and events online. I live in Oakland, so it isn't convenient to do much of my shopping there, but I do find it to be a treat to go in when I can. Some stores feel so full, it can be overwhelming and some are so spare, it is almost awkward, I am in and out. I find the store to be just right. It's relaxing to browse and there are enough things to see to keep you there for quite a while. The presentation is quite nice. Nearly everything in the store is handmade by a local artisan.

My 6-years-old son likes the drawing classes at Art Corner Academy. I took him there in late April…read morethis year when I saw him not knowing what to do with his drawing project at school. The instructor Susan is excellent. She is well-knowledged and talented in illustrations, picture books, and wall paintings. She is very patient and knows how to teach. As a beginner, Susan asks my son to do one drawing project including coloring in each class which lasts about one hour. He likes the achievement when he finishes. He has gained great confidence in drawing after several classes. He now loves drawing!

From the owner: Summer Camp start at July first to 19th. Color sculptures,Paintings,Computer Graphic Design are…read morevaluable. We Accept children age 6 up to high school student.

I can't say enough good things about The Potters' Studio. Teachers are fantastic, staff is…read moreresponsive and helpful, and the space is large and has everything one could ask for.

I have taken classes there for 5 years, and the instructors are wonderful. Students can use the…read morestudio outside of class time. The value for your $$ is very high. This studio has an amazing offering of classes (6 week and 12 week) and workshops (2-3 days) , and the opportunity to learn all of pottery process, like making glazes and firing the kilns.