It's time to get back in the car at Vacaville's Rock Shop and continue driving west on Interstate 80. Notice how the flat valley browns give way to rolling hills so lush with live oak that you'll envy the grazing cattle. The air begins to cool. If you wish, you can now open your window and begin to scent the Pacific waving through the fumes of other cars' exhaust.
Just as the traffic for the Oakland/Bay Bridge split gets serious, thumb your nose at those bitter commuters and exit right at Berkley's own Ashby Ave.
Stay left on the ramp, then take a right on 9th Street, and an immediate right on Murray Street. (trust me, you won't have time to get lost). You'll see Urban Ore, or "the Ecopark" (it ain't a park; dress defensively), on your left at 900 Murray St. Park in the lot.
Urban Ore
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| Yes, you can buy stuff or sell stuff, or just drop it off with them. |
This is a huge for-profit salvage and second-hand shop, the kind of place that San Francisco friends speak of with awe, warn me that I need at least an hour-and-a-half to visit, and insist that The Happy Badger should create an exact replica of in Westchester, New York.
I arrive with two small, instantly charmed travelers and find that it's exactly what I expected, and more... and BIGGER.
Outside, you'll find tubs in white, black, and pastels; glass windows; granite counters; roof tiles; toilets; sinks (including that chic black salon one); sliding doors; and regular doors, which you'll find in a trailer helpfully labeled "Women's Collection."
You'll find some conversation starters, too, like a lonely Wurlitzer or a filthy mid-century style armchair with great bones and tiny feet.
Prices were as I'd expect from a second-hand shop. No boutique pricing, thank goodness.
Anyway, have fun outside, but go inside! The warehouse is the jewel in this Sanford and Son paradise. Shhh, don't talk. Just walk around, take it all in....
I walked away with SIX huge bags of film reels, fairies sitting on teacups, old comics, rhinestone earrings, and I honestly forget what else for less than $30 dollars. Thanks, Johnny, for making a sweet deal even sweeter with that dimpled grin!
And I got the organic cotton, locally made bag! Look for it at a Westchester grocery store soon.
The ONLY complaint? The sports section. Seriously, Urban Ore folks, I have more clubs and skis in my basement now, and I don't play golf or ski.
Urban Ore, baby--doing it right!
Hours Mon – Sat 8:30-7; Sun 10- 7Closed: Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter, Fourth of July, ThanksgivingReceiving closes daily at 5pm (see drop off).
Address900 Murray Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone 510.841.7283
Copyright 2014, Tanya Monier
