Wonderful family activity!…read more We are always looking for active things to do with the kids on weekends, and walking around downtown Livermore (our first home in the Bay Area) to check out murals had been on our list all through 2020. We finally got to it this afternoon, after the umpteenth reminder by the missus, who had sent me the website (livermoremurals.com) several months ago. After parking in the free parking garage downtown, we walked to the first of fourteen murals listed on the site - "Welcome to Downtown Livermore" - which depicts the charms of this hidden East Bay gem on each letter. We each took pictures near our favorite image, our kids choosing horses and nature, my better half posing near food and wine, and nerdy me posing near Science (we used to live a stone's throw from the Labs). The next stop was the Fire department mural, which has incredible detail, and then we continued winding our way through the narrow and strangely empty streets in a once-buzzing downtown, taking pictures as we went, posing near our favorites. Our self-guided tour took about 90 minutes, including a stop by Peet's for coffee and scones. The family favorite was the Hope Parrot. My personal fave was the man dripping paint on the side of the Bankhead Theater, which was the 14th and last stop on our tour. We will be back whenever guests visit - for this wonderful (and free!) family activity - in our favorite East Bay town.

I came to this library because I had an event in Livermore and needed a space to get some work…read moredone. The interior of the library is gorgeous with the stone pillars and warm lighting. I found multiple open tables on that Wednesday afternoon. It wasn't a completely silent area, but it wasn't loud enough to distract me from working. There were outlets on the table, and the Wi-fi was pretty fast and reliable! There's plenty of parking in their designated parking lot. The restrooms were pretty clean and are located near the front when you enter the building. If I ever need to be in the area again, this would be my go-to study/work spot!

What an excellent library. What an excellent library. Before going in they have a fully loaded like…read moreVelvet Underground bicycle pump and DIY station for bicycle commuters. We went in just after 3pm slightly bummed missing the wonderful cafe that dishes up healthy veg and non-veg food. Think avocado toast, smoothies, and various concoctions of coffee or tea. They have a unique lending library of monopoly, chess, camping gear, soccer balls, and so much more. On to the books. Smart eclectic selection. Livermore Library has it all and my only grip is five stars is not enough.

this mural is viewable only from the parking lot and in the back patio of this building…read more a mariachi band is playing on the steps. at the left is a skeletal figure wearing a sombero and playing a bango. next to "him" are a few octopi probably blowing their pipes/tentacles. seeing is believing. i didn't drink any booze yet. imagine viewing this after a few margaritas.

Sunday With Jessie is a sculpture in the vicinity of Bankhead Theatre. Teaspoon boba shop is…read morenearby. This sculpture won the People's Choice award in Sioux Falls, S.D. In a competition with 54 sculptures. It show a young boy playing with his Labrador Retriever while also eating an ice cream cone. The original shows flesh tones for the boy & dog's tongue. Ice cream is in natural colours. The sculpture here is all bronze. The sculptor is well known nation wide. A couple in Pleasanton, Ca. bought Sunday With Jessie and donated it to the city of Livermore. Creator: Susan Geissler Donor: Gary & Nancy Harrington

What a great train ride! Lots of different cars to explore and ride during the approx. 90 minute…read moreride. The Conductor and Brakeman were both eager to talk about the NCR, and were very knowledgeable about the rolling stock. As my bro-in-law was a volunteer at the So Cal Railroad Museum, he chatted up the Conductor, and we ended up getting an unadvertised tour of the yard, seeing all the engines, cars, and work units that were being renovated. Mason, our energetic and enthusiastic guide, showed us almost every piece of rail history in the yard, and knew the history of them all. Everyone there is a volunteer; Mason is an artitect and volunteers nights and weekends. Be sure to ask about a yard tour. It's not always available. And be sure to visit the quaint town of Niles! It's worth an hour or three!

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.

This named mural is on the back side of a commercial building. Long mural illuminates continuous…read morewavy shapes interacting with objects above & below water. Artist is known for " 'colorful hard-edge gradient' paintings of intricate layered flow". Abstract art for sure. Creators: Ricky Watts, Only Up, ABG Art Group

Best food and beers in the Livermore area, my new go-to place when I'm in town. The entire menu is…read moreamazing!

Almost drove right past this place, it didn't look like much from the outside. We came on a…read moreSaturday afternoon and accidentally found out there was live music, good vibes for that if that's your jam. Loved the selection of beers in tap, plenty of hazies if that's your thing. The food may have been the showstopper though. The fries were all evenly garlicky which was impressive and the empanadas were tasty. Phenomenal pretzel with really great sausage (wish it came with two!) and the sauce from the empanadas went really well with the pretzel. Would come back again!

this mural isn't typical. it's how rural landscape looks like abstractly, genericly: sky,…read moremountains, moon, stars, lighthouse, ocean, land, plants, marshland,... the mural is viewable from the driveway, parking lot, not from the street. creator: Madeleleine Tonzi

Unnamed mural randomly assigned "Workers@Bay Bridge" name due to subject matter. Pics of a few…read morerandom graphics of the engineers, technicians, maintenance & other workers/associates who do the important duties of keeping the bridge safe for everyone. Creators: @OnlyUp_team, @trentart_, @ladyhenze

Named mural is on S. J St. side. The composition of ceramic tiles celebrates the culture & heritage…read moreof the Livermore community. Specially it honors the wine country born 1849. Long time residents & visitors can easily point out the buildings & scenics depicted. Bricks at the bottom have sponsor names engraved upon them. Mural dedicated to city of Livermore in memory of Diane Taasevigen. Creators: Diane Taasevigen, Renee March, Simone Archer