Emily Pankey: Some of the sidewalks are layered to allow for beautiful lighting and more shopping!

Emily Pankey: The streets of Old Oakland are wide and friendly with many individually owned shops outlining the walkway

Emily Pankey: Alameda Superior Court in Old Oakland. The Oakland Police Dept is across the street from it in between 6th and 7th st

Emily Pankey: This bright pink restaurant adds color to Old Oakland

Emily Pankey: Outside of the Oakland Museum a landmark sculpture indicates where the tunnel to leave the Civic Center area

Emily Pankey: A side view of the Oakland museum from the Alameda County Superior Court's POV

Emily Pankey: The Alameda County Courthouse is another Civic Center area staple in Oakland

Emily Pankey: The Oakland Superior Court takes up a whole block in the Oakland Civic Center area

Emily Pankey: The front side of the convention center, coming over the bridge from east Oakland

Emily Pankey: Theres always beautiful murals in Oakland's Civic Center area, which lies right next to, and includes some of, Oakland's Chinatown

Emily Pankey: Behind the Convention Center lay wide streets and Laney College. The area outside of the convention center is under construction, but will soon be beautiful walkable areas.

Emily Pankey: You can see into many of the shops and restaurants in Chinatown. Besides produce and dried goods, many animal products are available fresh.

Emily Pankey: From Chinatown, it's a quick walk to Jack London Square area well known for its produce shipping yards and Sunday farmers market

Emily Pankey: The elementary school's neighbor is the Lincoln Community Center located a block away from Webster st in Chinatown

Emily Pankey: This plaza in Chinatown is a popular centerpiece with shops and smaller restaurants inside

Emily Pankey: Some shops in Chinatown specialize in certain foodstuffs, like this market focuses on dried goods

Emily Pankey: Chinatown is well known for its multi-directional crosswalks at busy intersections

Emily Pankey: Two open shops next to each other in Chinatown.

Emily Pankey: A beautiful pagota near the entrance of Chinatown coming from the Jack London area

Emily Pankey: The Graduate is a favorite low-key bar near Fairview Park

Emily Pankey: Powell's Sweet Shoppe is a relatively significant attraction on College ave, close to Fairview Park

Emily Pankey: Mere blocks from Fairview Park on College Ave lies Tara's ice cream, an amazing ice cream shop with an ecclectic areay of flavors

Emily Pankey: Ta view of the abundant amount of plantlife that thrives in the area

Emily Pankey: Many of the sidewalks in Fairview Park are further decorated with stone details

Emily Pankey: A view of the quiet street and the wonderful lighting it gets from the trees overhead

Emily Pankey: A quiet street in Fairview Park. Most homes are decorated with beautiful plants and gardens

Emily Pankey: It's always important to keep in mind that the neighborhood is separated from the lake by a steady flow of traffic throughout the day. Remember to look both ways crossing the street to the lovely parks and shores!

Emily Pankey: More apartments lie within blocks of the lake with beautiful coloring.

Emily Pankey: Many scenic hotels rest around the perimeter of Lake Merritt that offers breathtaking views for brunches and dinners at sunset.

Emily Pankey: Just a view of the sidewalks along Lake Merritt, which are wide and tidy. Perfect for a stroll of a workout session.

Emily Pankey: This dominant feature on the curve of the lake stands as a magnificent apartment complex

Emily Pankey: This building, a monument around the lake. It's been under construction, but soon it'll be revitalized

Emily Pankey: The last of its kind, a beautiful 19th century mansion sits lakeside surrounded by a garden.

Emily Pankey: The great Fenton's Creamery. Offering the best ice creams and sundaes before and after its fire that shut it down for a while a few years back. This location was also featured in Pixar's film "Up"

Emily Pankey: This cluster of palm trees has existed since before I was born. They always offer a twist in the scenery when driving towards Piedmont ave down the hill from Pleasant Valley ave. The gas station in front of it is also a great carwash!

Emily Pankey: A great restaurant on the basement floor that specializes in its homemade charcuterie. It also has a great bar with a wide selection.

Emily Pankey: This restaurant is one of the best Chinese eateries in the area! Some personal suggestions include their Mu Shu plates, Chow Fun, and Won Ton Soups. Also conveniently located next to a great cycle shop!

Emily Pankey: A common local gathering during the evenings, this location is home to intimate theaters and many hard to find indie films.

Emily Pankey: The backside of Piedmont Grocery, with a full parking lot and wonderful seating outdoors to enjoy the sun.

Emily Pankey: A beautiful funeral home with an extensive cemetery located behind it and up the hill on Pleasant Valley ave.

Emily Pankey: One of my favorite streets to bop around on, Piedmont Ave is full of excellent restaurants, magnificent coffee shops, and many unique and individually owned shops and grocers.