Alameda, here we come - California island town

Sunset, August, 2001 by Becky Wiese

Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Faire. More than 650 booths on the former Alameda Naval Air Station taxiway. Sweeping views. First Sun of each month; $10. Alameda Point; 869-5428 or www.antiquesbybay.com.

Biking and walking trails. Miles of shoreline trails with views of the bay and San Francisco. See detailed map of bike trails at www.atip.com/BikeMap.htm. 749- 5840.

Crown Memorial State Beach. A 2 1/2-mile stretch for swimming, strolling, picnicking, flying a kite, and board sports. Rent windsurfers (from $30 for two hours) or take lessons. Parking $4. Eighth St. and Otis Dr.; Crab Cove Visitor Center: 521-6887 or 527-7873 (for board sports).

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary. Harbors aquatic birds and other salt-marsh creatures. Park on Shoreline Dr. or Broadway.

521-6887 or www.ebparks.org.

Meyers House and Garden Museum. Former home of architect Henry Meyers. Open fourth Sat of the month; $3. 2021 Alameda Ave.; 521-1233.

Rosenblum Cellars. Sip awardwinning wines in the Todd Shipyard Building, a former locomotive repair station. Tastings 12-5 daily 2900 Main St.; 865-7007 or www.rosenblumcellars.com.

USS Hornet Museum. Tour the aircraft carrier that boasts both an unmatched World War II combat record and a role as the recovery ship for the Apollo moon missions. Ride a flight simulator or dance to the music of the Hornet Big Band, which plays every Sunday. Closed Tue; $12. Pier 3, Alameda Point; 521-8448 or www.uss-homet.org.

Virgin Bull Home Art Gallery & Workshop. Work by 45 local artists plus handmade soaps and other items. 1122 Lincoln Ave.; 769-7720.

West Alameda Farmers' Market. Get your week's supply of Chinese veggies, flowers, bread, and more. 9:30-1 Tue. Webster St. at Taylor Ave.; (800) 949-3276.

Dining

Acapulco Restaurant. Authentic Mexican food; try the chile verde or chiles rellenos. 2104 Lincoln Ave.; 523-4935.

Alameda Grill. Eat outside on a bench or get your meals to go from this burger stand. The Steak Farm sandwich is topped with mushrooms, pepper-oncini, olives, and Dijon. Closed Sun. 1520 Park St.; 523-1700.

Asena Restaurant. Simple setting with excellent Northern Mediterranean cuisine, like port wine-marinated lamb in Bing cherry sauce, or paella with prawns, chicken, chorizo, and leeks. Closed Sun. 2508 Santa Clara Ave.; 521-4100.

Boniere Bakery. The oldest continuously operating bakery in California offers European-style goodies, as well as chocolates and dough to go. 1417 Park St.; 522-0110.

Kamakura. Well known for reasonably priced Japanese cuisine and sushi. 2549 Santa Clara; 521-9121 or www.kamakurarestaurant.com.

Ole's Waffle Shop. Sidle up to the old-fashioned counter for breakfast any hour of the day. Great steaks and burgers too. 1507 Park St.; 522-8108.

Tucker's Ice Cream. Old-fashioned, homemade flavors by the cone or half gallon. Fresh fudge, cappuccino, lattes, and coffees. 1349 Park St.; 522-4960 or www.tuckersicecream.com.