THINK LOCAL: Cheap Thrills Close to Home

The Concrete Slide at Codornices Park
Perennially picked as a favorite spot by local kids, offers its visitors a thrilling ride down a super slick, super fast, serpentine slide. Tucked in among the trees, kids and parents alike hike up the steep stairs, often with scraps of cardboard in hand (to speed up the already speedy ride), and line up for their turn down the concrete slide.  On any given weekend, the screams of excitement can be heard echoing throughout the park as riders fly down its face in joyous abandon. 

Dollar Scoops at John’s Ice Cream:
Satisfy your sweet tooth without stressing your wallet at store in downtown Berkeley.  Tubs of rainbow-colored, creamy goodness are displayed like pots of paint, enticing patrons, young and old alike. With stand-out flavors like cake batter, bubble gum, and Bing cherry, choice is a challenge but, hey, at a dollar a scoop you can easily try more than one.

The Rose Garden
Looking for a respite from the Memorial Day craziness, a bit of calm between picnics and Little League?  Try a visit to the Rose Garden. Descending into the park from the road above, the heady scent of roses reaches you first--a spicy, sweet aroma carried on the air like a vapor. As you make your way further into the garden, the vibrant riot of color unfolds around you, roses of all shapes and sizes arrayed in tiers for your viewing (and smelling) convenience. Come at sunset for a double bonus. Sit on the wall and watch the summer sun ease its way below the horizon. (1200 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley)