What’s The Best Ice Cream Shop In Piedmont, California?

Piedmont, like surrounding Oakland, has a history of racial segregation. Sidney and Irene Dearing, the city's first African-American homeowners, circumvented the city's restrictive housing covenants in 1925 by purchasing a home through a white family member acting as a proxy. They couldn't rely on Piedmont to protect them from violent threats to their lives because the city's chief of police at the time, Burton Becker, was an active member of the Ku Klux Klan. Although the Dearings initially refused to leave, bombs were planted on their property. After a mob surrounded their home and demanded that they leave, they sold it to the city for a profit.

For many years prior to 1968, restrictive housing covenants and redlining were used to keep non-whites out of the city. Piedmont was identified as a "probable" sundown town by American sociologist and historian James W. Loewen, which meant that non-whites were not welcome after dusk and could face violence and intimidation. While the city of Oakland is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the country, Piedmont has a less diverse population than Oakland. Attempts to ethnically and culturally diversify the city, as well as allow for higher density and affordable housing, are frequently met with opposition from residents.

"In the Roaring Twenties, Piedmont was known as the 'City of Millionaires' because there were more millionaires per square mile than in any city in the United States," according to the city's Web page. Many of these millionaires built mansions that still stand, most notably on Sea View Avenue and Sotelo Avenue/Glen Alpine Road in 'Alta' Piedmont. On December 18, 1922, Piedmont was incorporated as a charter city under California law. The charter was adopted by voters on February 27, 1923, and it can only be changed by another vote of the people.

Piedmont celebrated its Centennial Anniversary since its incorporation in 2007. The Centennial Committee organized celebrations along a trail that ran through downtown Piedmont and marked historical landmarks. In addition, the Committee designed a float for the city's Fourth of July parade.

From January 5 to March 31, 2007, the Oakland Public Library hosted the historical exhibit "A Deluxe Autonomy: Piedmont's First 100 Years." Jeffrey Wieler, the mayor of Piedmont, resigned in August 2017 after it was revealed that he had made disparaging Facebook posts about Black Lives Matter and transgender people.

Why Visit Piedmont? Top 3 Attractions In Piedmont, California

If you're looking for a beautiful place to explore that's close to home, look no further than Piedmont! Located just outside Oakland, California, this small city offers plenty of attractions that can satisfy your cultural and recreational cravings. From historic sites and art galleries to outdoor activities like hiking trails and parks, there are enough sights here to fill an entire day—or even two! Read on to discover the top three attractions in Piedmont so you can start planning your next visit.

1. Piedmont Park & Exedra Plaza

Piedmont Park is located in the geographic and historical center of Piedmont and contains a variety of recreational facilities. The park's east entrance is at 711 Highland Avenue, where large sloping lawns surround the city hall. A separate park entrance on Wildwood Avenue provides a scenic view of Witter Field at Piedmont High School as well as a panoramic view of San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tamalpais.

The formal Exedra entryway with a distinctive blue ceramic vase is located in the center of town, across the street from the Veteran's Building, at Highland and Magnolia Avenues. Both the Community Hall and the Exedra Plaza area can be rented for weddings and other events by contacting the Recreation Department. There is also a traditional Japanese Tea House near the Community Center that can provide a quiet shady place to read or contemplate.

The Children's Playground is built around a magnificent oak tree. Preschoolers will enjoy the climbing structure and sand area on the playground. In addition, there are several baby swings, a stepped seating area, and benches. This area is completed by a drinking fountain and a restroom.

Near the Community Center, there is a bowl-shaped lawn area that is ideal for a family picnic or a game of Frisbee. Movies in the Park, Harvest Festival, Fourth of July Band Concert, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and other community events are held here. Two tennis courts are located on the south side, near Guilford Road.

The entrance to the gurgling Bushy Dell Creek, as well as a meandering, though somewhat steep path and dog run, are located behind the Community Hall. The creek, which was once the site of a hotel and spa in the late 1800s, is shaded by redwoods and has a network of paths leading down the hill. The atmosphere is that of a dense forest, despite the fact that visitors are only a block or two away from nearby homes and schools. The main trail is approximately a third of a mile long and ends at the Piedmont school district's sports complex.

2. Dracena Quarry Park

Dracena Quarry Park is a hidden neighborhood gem, with an informal park on eight acres of land in an abandoned rock quarry. The park begins as a sloping strip of grass that leads to a children's playground that was completed in 2006. The new playground includes a climbing wall, a waterfall faucet for the sand area, and a cement slide built into a grassy man-made hill, in addition to a new play structure and two sets of swings. Beyond the tall green gates is a beautiful lawn area with a ring of pathways that the city dedicated in 1996. The steep vegetation-covered walls of the old quarry are at the far end of this "secret garden." Visitors will find a small stand of redwoods, a picnic table, and the beginning of a dog run through a series of shaded paths leading up to Dracena Avenue just to the north.

Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont is a charming little neighborhood gem with activities for children of all ages. It has a lot of variety and will keep preschoolers and elementary school kids entertained for hours. If you have older children they will surely love the climbing wall and rocky hillsides, while your younger children will enjoy the sand and play structure.

Dracena Park is a small (8-acre) park. It's quite interesting in terms of neighborhood parks. A small Redwood grove with an elevated bridge crossing a small "canyon," a children's playground with a climbing wall and a stone slide, and a few redwood picnic tables are available. There are enough different flowers and plants to pique the interest of any budding botanist, and because the park began as a quarry, there are a number of amateur geologists who enjoy exploring.

Next to the redwood grove is an off-leash dog run. It is very close to the children's play area, so dog owners should be cautious of any potential clashes between hyperactive children and excited dogs. The dog run is not fenced, and there is no place for small dogs, so, as always, use caution and your best judgment. Your dog is welcome in the rest of the park, but she must be leashed. The city has not provided dog poop bags, so bring your own as you are expected to clean up after your pet. When visiting this park, there is one word of caution. Be aware that the rock outcroppings could become dangerous in the event of an earthquake.

3. Mountain View Cemetery

Mountain View Cemetery is a rural cemetery on 226 acres in Oakland, California, United States. It was founded in 1863 by a group of East Bay pioneers in accordance with the California Rural Cemetery Act of 1859. The cemetery is still run by the association they formed. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who also designed New York City's Central Park and much of UC Berkeley and Stanford University, designed Mountain View.

Many of California's significant historical figures are buried here, attracted by Olmsted's reputation, and there are many grandiose crypts in tribute to the wealthy, particularly along the ridge section with a view across the Bay to the San Francisco skyline known as "Millionaires' Row." The cemetery is a tourist attraction because of this, as well as its beautiful setting, and docent-led tours began in 1970.

Olmsted's intention was to create a space that reflected a balance between humanity and the natural environment. Park-like cemeteries, such as Mountain View, represented the peace of nature, to which humanity's soul returns, according to 19th-century English and American romantics. Olmsted incorporated grand monuments and broad avenues from Paris, drawing on ideas from American Transcendentalism. Saint Mary Cemetery and the Chapel of the Chimes mausoleum and columbarium are adjacent to Mountain View Cemetery.

Best Ice Cream Shop Near Piedmont - Fentons Creamery

Fentons Creamery Is The Ice Cream Shop Team Your Family Will Love

Founded in Oakland, California in 1894, Fentons Creamery is a landmark institution that has served its famous handcrafted ice creams and sauces to generations of fans. Our ice cream sundaes are world-famous – the Black & Tan Sundae is our signature item, made with one of the many ice cream flavors invented by Melvin Fenton – Toasted Almond. Fentons Creamery has been featured in the Pixar movie “Up” on countless tv shows on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the Food Network, and in print like USA Today and Zagat, SF Chronicle, and hundreds more.  Fentons Creamery even offers ice cream production tours by appointment!  Come see what the buzz is about and enjoy the absolute best ice cream you’ve ever had.

Top 3 Questions People In Piedmont, California Have About Ice Cream Making

Are you a resident of Golden Gate City looking to try your hand at making homemade ice cream? With Piedmont, California being home to some of the best and freshest ingredients in the state, you’re sure to make an amazing treat. But before digging into a barrelful of creamy concoctions, it’s important that you know all the ins and outs of ice cream making. Get ready - we're about to delve into everything from sanitary storage containers to freezing temperatures; these are the top 3 questions people in Piedmont have about creating their own homemade screams!

1. What Are The Five Main Ingredients Of Ice Cream In Piedmont, California?

The five main ingredients in ice cream are milk, cream, sugar, stabilizers, and flavoring.

1. Milk is the main ingredient in ice cream, typically making up about 8-11% of the total weight. Milk provides a creamy texture and flavor to the finished product.

2. Cream is added for richness and flavor, usually comprising around 10-16% of the total weight. The type of cream used can affect taste, consistency, and the amount of fat in the finished product.

3. Sugar helps to sweeten the ice cream, and is typically added at a rate of 10-15%. It also increases the freezing point depression, which keeps the ice cream soft and scoopable.

4. Stabilizers are used to help hold air bubbles in place, prevent the formation of large ice crystals, and give structure to the final product. Common stabilizers include carrageenan, guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum.

5. Flavoring is added to create the desired flavor of ice cream. This can range from chocolate chips or other inclusions to natural or artificial extracts, oils, and emulsifiers. The choice of flavorings will depend on the type of ice cream being made.

The ratios of each ingredient used vary depending on the desired texture and flavor of the finished product, as well as the intended production method. Ice cream recipes can also include additional ingredients such as eggs, thickeners, and colors.

The combination of these five main ingredients creates the delicious ice cream we all know and love! So next time you’re indulging in a scoop or two, remember to thank the humble milk, cream, sugar, stabilizers, and flavoring for making it possible.

2. How Can A Beginner Make Ice Cream In Piedmont, California?

Making delicious homemade ice cream is a fun and rewarding experience. As a beginner, there are three main methods you can use to make your own sweet treat: using an ice cream maker, using the classic “bag of salt and ice” method, or making no-churn ice cream. 

A. Electric Ice Cream Maker

Making ice cream with an electric ice cream maker is a great way to get creative and make delicious homemade creations. The process is simple but requires some preparation before you can begin churning. Here are the essential steps for making ice cream using an electric ice cream maker:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all of the necessary ingredients for your ice cream recipe. This typically includes heavy cream, milk, sugar, and flavorings such as vanilla extract or cocoa powder. You may also need to purchase an electric ice cream maker if you do not already have one.

2. Chill The Mixture: Combine all of your ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until they are fully combined. Place the mixture in an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. This will allow all of the flavors to combine and give your ice cream a thick, creamy texture.

3. Freeze Your Base: Following the manufacturer's instructions, put the chilled ice cream mixture into your electric ice cream maker and turn it on. Churn the mixture for 20-30 minutes until you have a thick frozen base.

4. Enjoy: Once your desired consistency has been achieved, scoop out your ice cream into a container or bowl and enjoy! If you don't plan to eat all of it right away, place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Making ice cream with an electric ice cream maker is a fun and easy way to enjoy delicious homemade treats without all of the hassle associated with traditional methods. With just a few simple steps, you can make your own creamy, delicious ice cream at home!

B. Bag Of Salt & Ice

Making ice cream using a bag of salt and ice is a relatively simple process that can be done even by a beginner. To begin, you will need the following items:

- 1 gallon-sized resealable plastic bag

- 1 pint-sized resealable plastic bag

- 4 cups of ice cubes

- ½ cup of table salt

- 2 tablespoons of sugar

- 1 cup of heavy cream or half and half

- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

First, mix the ice cubes with the salt in the gallon-sized bag. Shake it up to make sure that the salt is evenly distributed. Place this bag inside another larger bag to prevent any leaking.

Next, mix the sugar, heavy cream or half and half, and vanilla extract together in the pint-sized bag. Seal this bag tightly and place it inside the larger bag with the ice cubes and salt.

Finally, seal the gallon-sized bag tightly and shake it vigorously for five minutes. You should start to hear a crunching sound, which indicates that the ice cream is ready. Open the bag and enjoy your homemade ice cream!

Making ice cream using a bag of salt and ice can be an enjoyable activity for beginners and experienced cooks alike. With just a few ingredients, you can create your own delicious treat in no time.

C. No-Churn Ice Cream

Making ice cream at home is a fun and rewarding experience, particularly if you're using the no-churn method. No-churn ice cream can be prepared with as few as two ingredients and without any special equipment. Here’s how to make delicious homemade no-churn ice cream:

1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need two cups of heavy cream and one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.

2. Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken about three minutes.

3. Slowly add in the condensed milk while beating the cream on low speed. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and the mixture has a thicker, milkshake-like consistency.

4. At this point, you can add any additional flavors or mix-ins that you’d like. Popular add-ins include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, and chopped fruit.

5. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a loaf pan or shallow dish. Cover and freeze for at least six hours, or overnight if possible.

6. After freezing, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Enjoy!

Making no-churn ice cream is a simple and delicious way to enjoy frozen treats at home. With only two ingredients and a bit of patience, you can make delicious homemade ice cream with minimal effort. Try experimenting with different flavors and mix-ins to find your favorite combination.

3. What Are The Rules Of Ice Cream Making In Piedmont, California?

The rules of ice cream making depend on the type of ice cream being made. Generally, there are some basic guidelines for all ice cream recipes:

1. Start With High-Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients possible to ensure that your ice cream is delicious.

2. Make Sure To Have A High-Quality, Cold Base. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 quart of cream and 1 cup of sugar per gallon of mix. This will ensure a thick, smooth texture.

3. Keep The Ice Cream Mixture At An Even Temperature While Churning To Avoid Crystallization And Lumps. The ideal temperature range is generally between 0 to -10 degrees Celsius (32-14°F).

4. Use A Proper Ice Cream Maker: A good-quality machine will help you create the perfect texture for your ice cream. Make sure to read and follow all instructions for your specific model when operating it.

5. Don't Over-Churn: Too much churning will result in a grainy texture, so be sure to monitor your ice cream while it's churning and stop when it reaches the desired consistency.

6. Add Mix-Ins At The Right Time: Fruits and other mix-ins should be added towards the end of the churning process, just before your ice cream is finished.

7. Chill Your Ice Cream: Once your ice cream has been churned and mixed with any extra ingredients, it needs to be chilled in order to set properly. This will help create a better texture, so be sure not to skip this step.

8. Scoop And Serve: Finally, scoop your ice cream into individual portions and enjoy! Make sure you store any leftovers in an airtight container for the best results.

9. Store Properly: If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the freezer to keep their texture and flavor. Also, make sure to use them within a few days, as ice cream can go bad quickly if not properly stored.

Following these steps will help you create the perfect batch of homemade ice cream.

Map To Our Location From Piedmont, California

Are You Looking For An Amazing Ice Cream Experience In Piedmont?

Founded in Piedmont, California in 1894, Fentons Creamery is a landmark institution that has served its famous handcrafted ice creams and sauces to generations of fans. Our ice cream sundaes are world-famous – the Black & Tan Sundae is our signature item, made with one of the many ice cream flavors invented by Melvin Fenton – Toasted Almond. Fentons Creamery has been featured in the Pixar movie “Up” on countless tv shows on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the Food Network, and in print like USA Today and Zagat, SF Chronicle, and hundreds more.  Fentons Creamery even offers ice cream production tours by appointment!  Come see what the buzz is about and enjoy the absolute best ice cream you’ve ever had.