Temescal Alley Keeps It Cool With Two New Additions & A Fun Fete

It’s not a huge secret for those in the know that Oakland’s Temescal hood is bubbling with new hotspots. In September, we even wrote an entire feature dedicated to the the area's roster of rad eateries and super-hip retail havens, including Esqueleto, Ali Golden, and Temescal Alley Barber Shop. But so much has gone down since then, peeps. The area — and especially the aforementioned Temescal Alley — is blowing up like crazy.

So, of course we're stoked to learn that all of the alley's vendors are coming together for a big First Friday bash to show off two shiny, new additions, Mind's Eye Vintage and Bounty and Feast (more on those below). Plus, there'll be a Mezcal tasting, an art auction, cute clothes, and — perhaps the best part — treats courtesy of the soon-to-open filled-donut emporium, Doughnut Dolly, which will hopefully be arriving in the alley soon.

“We are really excited to have two new shops opening,” says Leigh Okies of Temescal Alley's dreamy floral shop, Crimson. “We’ll also be having an amazing silent auction, so it’s going to be a great way to celebrate!”

One reason to cheer: The long-awaited Mind’s Eye Vintage, which is located right next to Ali Golden, will celebrate its opening with a mini-collection crafted especially for First Friday. The cutesy shop stocks hard-to-find, edgy vintage wares, so get there early while the pickin' is ripe.

Then, gussy up your home thanks to newbie Bounty and Feast, which boasts eclectic furnishings from pillows to ceramic ware, and kick off (or further) your love fest with one of the Bay's coolest emerging 'hoods. Trust you know where you'll find us!