Susan S. So, DMD, MMSc

A rose by any other name is still a rose at the Morcom Rose Garden. The municipal rose garden opened in 1920 with a green thumb that reaches across eight acres of green space blooming more than 6,000 roses. The classic rose garden is the ideal place for you to stop and smell the roses and capture picture perfect memories.

The Fire Arts Festival sets the night on fire with a celebration of creation with fire and light. You'll be mesmerized when your night lights up with spectacular exhibitions of scorching hot fire art, performance fire, and fire sculptures that send swirling flames thousands of feet into pitch black air.

Pick up tickets to the Oakland Ballet. From opening night to closing night, you'll be poised to experience classical ballet entertainment, including performances of favorites like The Nutcracker. The stunning shows are made even more dramatic by the accompaniment of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Your trip to the ballet will be made even more memorable because the performances are at the historic Paramount Theater.

It's zenful at the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. Maintaining the fragile nature of this Oakland ecological treasure is of the utmost importance due to its relic plant life found only in a few areas along the California coast. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers alike enjoy traveling across the 240 acres to discover the rare native plants and flowers.