10/10 -- Worth Every Penny (Parlor/Dome Car Experience)…read more If you're considering the Niles Canyon Train of Lights, do yourself a favor and splurge on the Parlor Car or Dome car. It completely transforms the experience. From the moment you board, you're treated like a VIP: dedicated seating in a fully enclosed caboose, attentive service throughout the ride, and complimentary warm drinks and sweets that are perfect for a cold, wet winter night. Being waited on while rolling through a glowing canyon? Yes, please. One of the biggest perks is having your own reserved space, while still being free to explore the rest of the train--knowing your seat is secure and shared only with fellow Parlor Car Riders. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. I've done both the 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm departures, and while both are enjoyable, 4:30 pm is the clear winner for me. You get to take in the scenery before the sun fully sets, which adds a magical transition from daylight to twinkling lights. The 7:30 pm ride feels more social and cozy--great for lingering conversations with family and friends--but the earlier ride lets you truly appreciate your surroundings. As for the cost, it's important to note that this railway is 100% donation-funded and entirely volunteer-operated. Knowing that every dollar goes directly toward preserving the historic railway, maintaining the trains, and supporting the volunteers who make this experience possible makes the price feel even more justified. You're not just paying for a ride--you're supporting a piece of living history. Bottom line: Cozy Thoughtfully curated For a great cause Perfect for winter evenings If you're on the fence about the Parlor Car or Dome Car upgrade--it's absolutely worth it.

All aboard! If you…read moreare looking for a low key outing that's suitable for all ages then consider booking a ride on Niles Canyon Railway. Enjoy a slow ride Sunol to downtown Niles and back, approx 1.5 hours. A docent will share tid bits of history during the ride. There are snacks for purchase and you can bring your own. I prepared a simple charcuterie for me and mom, gotta have something to nosh on as we enjoy the view. It's June and the hills are brown already but oh well it's still pretty. I was a little worried about whether my mom would struggle boarding the train as I didn't book ADA as she is not in wheelchair. The steps are slightly deeper than ours at home but she made it up without difficulty, there is a railing for support. Conductor did offer us to go to the car with the lift if we wanted. My next anxiety was holding up the boarding as mom navigated the stairs slowly and there quite a few people behind us. Everyone was patient thankfully and no one scoffed. Would love to do their holidays lights ride sometime but I haven't been successful in last few years to get tickets, they go fast.

My kids have been members of Oam Studio in Pleasanton for several years now and still look forward…read moreto their class every week. We found the studio through a friend whose daughter graduated from this place and we feel absolutely happy to be part of this art family. I recommend this place to all my friends with kids and the main reason why I love Oam Studios is because they teach the fundamentals and explain the basics (shading, pencil pressure, anatomy, symmetry, etc) to children instead of making them replicate an art by following step by step instructions. Students get to pick their own project and the teacher works with them individually even though it's a group class. Teacher Omar created a system with gateways (drawing, painting, ceramics, digital art) that makes it fun for children to explore different means and 'advance in levels' as they learn more techniques. Our Teacher Monique is so patient, sweet and friendly. The studio is clean, very artsy and filled with student projects.

Everything about it is beautiful, the space, the energy, and most of all, the people. Omar and…read moreMonique radiate such happy, positive vibes that you feel welcomed and inspired the moment you walk in. It's a truly special place that nurtures both creativity and community. Can't recommend it enough!

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

this sculpture is near the entrance to City Hall. it resembles a crown tilted on it's side. it was…read morecreated by welding a series of cut steel panels into zig zag pattern. 2 points are welded into the ground the creator has been making monumental sculpture since 1980 for private, corporate, and museums thruout the country. the meaning of Sisyphus in his words: "The shadows of the front tips graze the back tips in the summer, in the spring and fall the shadows are contained by the piece". no signs are posted at the sculpture. thus no instructions available on how to correctly view this public art. ymmv. creator: Roger Berry sponsor: Dublin. Ca. quotes from Dublin, ca. website note: -in Greek mythology, Sisyphus was punished for his bad deeds. to wit, to roll a large rock up a hill and set it there. the rock always rolled down before he could accomplished his redemption.

This art gallery impressed me so much -Kim, the sweet, friendly and knowledgeable manager chatted…read morewith us as we looked at all the amazing artwork. Some paintings were absolutely astonishing - made me wish I had more wall space! This is an art gallery for everyone. Make sure you go in and enjoy!

This studio is bright and beautiful, and I always feel welcomed. They have so many works of art to…read moreadmire. Unique stand out and colorful conversation starters, striking handmade jewelry, prints representing Ca and the Bay Area. I stopped in yesterday because my daughter was attending a birthday party across the street. I've already taken note of my next splurge. I am so happy to share that unlike some touristy spots, this gallery has a wide selection of reasonably priced art and gifts. High end is available, but there truly is something for everyone. I could spend hours in awe of the talent on display. I look forward to bringing some home soon.

I love my local library in Pleasanton, so much to offer the community…read more Open daily, closed on holidays, guest lectures, movie showings, summer reading program, an array of children's activities throughout the year, they host community classes such as, emergency preparedness, cultural events just to name a few. The city's office for recreational programs are now housed in the library. Their staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. A gem for the City of Pleasanton.

I come here once a week with my kids. There's plenty of rooms for studying/working. The kids…read moresection is adorable with a Pleasanton train soft bench children can (quietly) sit on. They have a few toys/puzzles in the back corner for those antsy toddlers. Computers are always available. Try advantage of their free classes and events!

I come here regularly and it's honestly one of my favorite spots for coffee and food. Everything is…read moreusually great, which is why today's experience stood out in a disappointing way. I ordered a 16 oz (large) coffee, but was served a 12 oz. When it was brought to our table, I politely asked about the size since it looked smaller than what I usually get. The barista told me it was 12 oz and mentioned it might just be a different cup, then walked away without really addressing the concern. I checked my receipt and confirmed I was charged for a 16 oz. I went back to the counter and explained that I simply wanted the correct size. Initially, I was told I would need to pay more, which was frustrating. After explaining again, she finally offered to remake it. For clarity, the drink hadn't been touched at all--I returned it exactly as it was. I really like this place and will continue to support it, but I hope the team can improve on order accuracy and customer service, especially when concerns are raised politely. A little more attentiveness and willingness to resolve issues would go a long way.

Delicious coffee made with care and fantastic, personable staff who always take the time to greet…read moreyou and ask about your day

We've done all the rooms at this location over the course of the year and had a great experience…read moreevery time. The games are the right length for the 1-hour duration, the puzzles are sufficiently complex, and the rooms are very well designed with high-quality props. The staff are all very friendly and attentive to the games, checking in at an appropriate frequency. My favorites in order were (1) Medusa, (2) Three Kingdoms, (3) Back to Childhood*, and (4) Frankenstein, though all of them are worth doing. You can ask for a discount code on future games after you complete your first one. *Back to Childhood was different from the rest, definitely on the easier side but more focused on the fun theme and nostalgia elements.

Did an escape room here with kids, not teens but 8-year olds, my nephews and nieces to be exact…read more The place offers quality sets and props, with clever puzzles for guests to solve and the feeling of being immersed in the storyline. "Back to Childhood" consisted of a couple of rooms with a fun transition between the two. The theme and decor was nostalgic for me and my siblings and exciting for the little ones as they gave their best efforts in their very first escape game experience. "Back to Childhood" is supposedly one of the easier rooms here, but it was challenging enough for us grown-ups. It provided the perfect balance of difficulty level and entertainment value to fit a group made up of both youth and adults. We appreciated Clockwise being able to accommodate our large party of 8, including the kiddos. Our game master, Elizabeth, was friendly and gave clear instructions in the beginning as well as helpful clues during our session. We didn't need many hints, but liked that all players had to wave their arms in the air to agree to getting each clue. We made it out with about ten minutes to spare, and everyone was all smiles in the end.

Mural commemorates "A view of the Valley looking South back in town" before downtown Pleasonton…read moreevolved into a suburb. Highlights the race track, the Original Fair Buildings, the Original Castlewood, the Bernal Bridge, Meadowlark Dairy, & Hopyards Donated to the community by the Pleasonton Downtown Assoc. 7/12/2007 Creator: Gary O Winter

These guys have been very good to me since i first connected with them. Vishnu and Alok are…read morequality individuals who go out of their way to add value in the form of extra supports. They took an active interest in my background, which means they do want to serve my personal needs. I will, for sure, be taking their PMP class this year.