{510} Family Faves: Philippa from Philippa Roberts Jewelry

A reader sent in a tip about Philippa Roberts Jewelry which piqued my interest in the artist, mother, and Piedmont Avenue store owner. Philippa designs jewelry inspired by shapes found in both nature and urban architecture. Her own working studio serves as a store to sell her modern designs along with other home, gift and baby merchandise.

We asked Philippa to share some East Bay favorites for families.
What’s your ‘hood? 
Oakland for work and play —
store: Piedmont Avenue
home: Upper Rockridge

Favorite East Bay outing with your daughter?
Fairyland!

Fave restaurant to eat as a family?
We love to go to Lotus Thai, as well as Park Avenue Grill on Piedmont Avenue.

Fave park?
Dracena Park in Piedmont, for various reasons. – Not only is it nestled in a valley with lots of trees surrounding it, but it also has a great play structure, climbing wall and fantastic path for bike riding as well.

Fave family day trip?
Some of our favorite family days have been at Stinson Beach. Charlotte also really loved our camping trip at Angel Island.

Best thing about being a parent in the East Bay?
From my perspective, everyone out here is very family oriented and it’s easy going.  The people who live here really like living here, and it’s always easy to find something to do like trips to Lake Temescal, Lake Anza, Redwood Park or Tilden Park.

What is your neighborhood best known for?
Our neighborhood has amazing restaurants and great locally-owned shops. When Charlotte was in preschool at Duck’s Nest, her class walked the half mile to my store and we had a jewelry making class for 18 little 4 year olds.  I love the way my store, Charlotte’s school, and our home are all connected to this community.

Fave date night destination?
Dinner at Wood Tavern

Fave birthday venue?
This year we are doing The Oakland Zoo, and last year we had a fantastic time at Kids in Motion Gymnastics (now closed).

Fave toy store?
Toy House in Montclair

Thanks, Philippa!