Walnut
Creek, Calif.-- Walnut Creek rarely sees snow, and ice is not prevalent in
this East Bay San Francisco location. But once a year the ice bed is set,
the freezing units turned on and the rink opens around early November for an
ice skating extravaganza. Walnut Creek on Ice
is the annual event that makes dreams come true.
There's something special
about chilly days, cool nights and events such as skating on ice. Location:
Civic Park, Civic Drive and North Broadway, Walnut Creek, Ca.
iceskatewalnutcreek.com Usually event dates mid-November to mid or
late January. Check website for updates each year.
From tiny tots to senior
adults, local residents to tourists, Walnut Creek proudly hosts this
once-a-year event that gets people out in the fresh air, gliding on ice. You
don't have to know how to ice skate at the rink. The levels of skating range
from complete beginner to some fancy steppers. Some of the local ice skate
competitors come out for the opening for festive moves to wow the crowd.
Local council members
from Walnut Creek and of course, the mayor, come out to cut a ribbon on the
grand opening of the big event, which delights the community to have as an
attraction tied to other holiday spirit events such as a tree lighting.
When visiting Walnut
Creek, you'll discover the city is an interesting place, and quite enjoyable
during the holidays. Shopping includes privately owned, small business,
chain stores and a large selection of great restaurants.
Where to stay: We can't
resist checking out the
Renaissance Clubsport Walnut Creek Hotel, a new concept in hotel
accommodations that combines sports activities and lodging. Wow! How many of
us have waited for this to come about? We have! Another really popular hotel
in Walnut Creek (and everywhere else in California) is
Embassy Suites. Embassy Suites are known to be built in atrium style
and this one is true to form. It offers that famous free breakfast that
people love and a swimming pool. Other options include a nice
Marriott,
Holiday Inn and
several affordable Walnut Creek Hotels.
If you are traveling,
there are other
outdoor ice skating rinks in California ranging from San Jose and San
Francisco to Hotel del Coronado's outdoor rink in San Diego's Coronado
Island.
Food & Restaurants -
California Pizza Kitchen (925) 938-0720; Cathy
Jean (925) 280-8019; Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop & Cafe (925) 933-4995;
P.F.
Chang's China Bistro (925) 979-9070; See's Candies (925) 934-8922; Starbucks
Coffee (925) 937-1377
