Give the gift of memorable experiences

Learn unique cooking techniques at Preserved Goods in Oakland. Photo courtesy of Preserved Goods.

Don’t let looks deceive: a simple paper envelope can be a gateway to a whole new world when it contains tickets to a one-of-a-kind workshop or registration to an ongoing class. Surprise your loved one with enjoyment that continues long after the gift has been revealed—by giving the power of memorable experiences. The following events near BART will have your gift recipient learning, growing, sharing and feeling lucky through the holidays and into the new year. Because sometimes you crave something outside of the box—and in the classroom.

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Learn pickling, fermenting and more at Preserved Goods. Photo courtesy of Preserved Goods. 

Cooking classes at Preserved Goods | MacArthur

From making mocktails to miso to mozzarella (and those are just the ones starting with an “M”!), Preserved Goods has a fun workshop kitchen in Oakland that has in-person and virtual culinary classes. Get up close and personal with your dough or pickled veggies at these events that have a maximum capacity of eight students. You can even make it a family affair with a private group event. Take BART to MacArthur and go 0.7 miles to 5032 Telegraph Avenue.
 

Create something by hand at The Cottage Patch. Photo courtesy of The Cottage Patch.

The Cotton Patch sewing class | Lafayette

Nestled in an adorable cottage-like storefront in Lafayette, The Cotton Patch has been providing high-quality fabrics and been threading needles since 1978. The beloved local business also hosts sewing and quilting workshops to keep you warm through the winter. Students can make a family heirloom or a gift for a loved one during classes that are both meditative and social. Take BART to Lafayette Station and go 0.9 miles to 1025 Brown Avenue.
 

Coffee lovers can learn all about roasting and latte decorating here. Photo courtesy of The Crown.

The Crown: Royal Coffee Lab | 19th St/Oakland

Everyone in the Bay Area is or knows a coffee fanatic. The Crown Royal Coffee Lab & Tasting Room answers their call for caffeine. Ever wanted to make creative foam illustrations on top of your lattes at home? Ever wanted to roast your own beans or experience how it works? Here, there are intro to advanced classes insightful (and aromatic!) for all. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and go 0.5 miles to 2523 Broadway, Oakland.
 

Add wine to your Wednesday schedule at the Ferry Building. Photo courtesy of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.

Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant | Embarcadero

For those who enjoy tasting world-class vinos amidst world-class waterfront views, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant in the Ferry Building should be saved on your monthly (or more) BART route. From 4pm-7pm on select Wednesdays all throughout the year, Wine Merchant hosts celebrated winemakers discussing the sips being served. This casual, social event is open to all and only costs the flight of pours itself. Take BART to Embarcadero and go 0.4 miles to 1 Ferry Building Shop 23.
 

Try a new cuisine during a tour with Edible Excursions. Photo courtesy of Edible Excursions. 

Edible Excursions | Stations vary

Japantown, the Mission, Temescal, North Berkeley: individual neighborhoods on each side of the Bay Bridge are internationally known for their artful cuisine. With so much to experience, Edible Excursions has curated walking food tours for each—all to get you exploring what makes tourists hungry to come back again and again. Let the professional food guides of this longtime woman-owned local business take you on a trip for your tastebuds. Food tours range from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
 

All ages can learn at these music camps. Photo courtesy of Aneta K on Yelp.

Rock Band Land | 16th St/Mission

No matter the genre of music, your child’s one-of-a-kind inner rock star will break out into fullest form at this beloved school of rock that treats every kid like the world stage’s next big thing. Ongoing classes and camps (there’s even the four-day Wintertime Rock Out camp—register now!) see bands formed, original songs honed, and concerts performed throughout the year. Every kid wants to be seen and heard; at Rock Band Land, they get to be very loud and, most importantly, very proud. Take BART to 16th St Mission and go 0.4 miles to 3075 17th Street.
 

Learn a new skill at one of a dozen classes offered at the Crucible. Photo courtesy of the Crucible.

The Crucible | West Oakland

Craft to the max, where 56,000 square feet is dedicated to innovation and education. This educational arts hub hosts classes every night of the week. We’re talking fire dancing, neon sign making, glass blowing, and kinetic sculpture making. The Crucible offers classes to weeklong courses and 10-week intensives, so choose your own adventure for yourself or your favorite DIY-er. Take BART to West Oakland and go 0.2 miles to 1260 7th Street.
 

Art organizations host different workshops at the Richmond Art Center. Photo courtesy of SFMoMA.

Richmond Art Center | Richmond

Richmond Art Center hosts arts and crafts workshops catering to students of all ages, from toddlers to teens to adults. That means that hands-on group learning for all levels (under the guidance of professional artists) makes the center an East Bay go-to for endless visual arts exploration. Watercoloring, metal-working, screenprinting, drawing, and even painting for parents and their kids make up just part of RAC’s extensive class catalog. Take BART to Richmond Station and go 0.5 miles to 2540 Barrett Avenue.

What's your favorite experience near BART?

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