Wholly Water

Got plans this Saturday? Oakland's Lake Merritt has the whole package for a weekend of rejuvenation. Start with a walk on the 3.1-mile trail around the lake, where cherry blossoms are making their spring debut and the scent of lilacs comes from a small volunteer-farmed garden. Rather get out on the water? Stop in to the Lake Merritt Boating Center, which rents everything from pedal boats to canoes, and even sailboats for those with experience. Afterwards, refuel with a visit to the stellar Grand Lake Farmers Market at Splash Pad Park, down the street from the lake. Its live entertainment and down-to-earth scene is filled more with locals than tourists, and features 44 regional farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors, neighborhood artisans, and great places to grab some grub. The fish tacos at La Cascada are a treat, and so is the sweet potato pie from Charlie Frank's pies. Whole in one!

BONUS: Lake Merritt's newly renovated Lake Chalet is worth a stop. Grab a drink at the bar overlooking the lake and watch the sailboats drift by.

The Grand Lake Farmers Market happens on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Splash Pad Park on the corner of Grand Ave. and Lake Park Ave. Directions: From eastbound I-580 in Oakland, take the Grand Ave. exit. Turn right onto Grand Ave. or take the second right onto Lakeshore Ave. Dogs aren't allowed inside the farmers market, but they are okay on the trail around the lake.