The city of Piedmont sits at the foothills between Oakland and Berkeley. It was first settled in the 1820s as ranch land, but remained a small community until the 1906 earthquake when San Francisco residents decided to flee their city – and Piedmont’s population increased ten fold in one year.

Piedmont has attracted many artists to its quaint, village-like real estate. These single family homes and modern apartment buildings help to maintain a small town feeling. But the locally-owned stores along Piedmont Avenue provide all the amenities – and diversions – a local could need.

There are great restaurants in Piedmont. Consider Xyclo, Park Avenue Bar & Grill, Tropix, Gregoire, Adesso (in Il Piemonte) and Dopo Restaurant. Don’t forget the cutting edge cuisine of Bar César and, of course, Bay Wolf. For an indulgence, have lunch and an ice cream at the 112 year old Fentons Creamery.

If you’re looking for a beverage in a relaxed environment, stop by Lamyx Tea Bar, Cato’s Ale House, Rooz Café or the famous Gaylord’s Caffe Espresso.

Shopping and services cover all your needs. There are kid’s stores like babyalula, elegant accessories at Philippa Roberts Jewelry, and great foodstuffs at Piedmont Grocery.

Indulge yourself with an outdoor hot tub at Piedmont Springs. See a movie at Piedmont Cinema. Or visit Piedmont’s hidden jewel, Glen Echo Park.

Even though residents of Piedmont are close to Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco, they get to enjoy a small-town atmosphere all their own.