San Jose has been trying to grow its art scene for a number of years. From "First Fridays" events at art galleries to increased investment in public art, it’s a welcome change. Recently, the city installed a very fun interactive piece of art in Cesar Chavez Plaza, right by the Tech Museum. This fun exhibit … Continue reading Musical Swings
I’m lucky enough to have grown up in the lovely town of Los Altos Hills, my parents were fortunate to have bought our house before the dotcom boom, but soon found our little ranch split-level surrounded by McMansions. My family have since left the area, but I still house-sit occasionally for some families that have … Continue reading Hidden Villa Hiking
There’s nothing confidential about Sushi Confidential. It started out in Campbell by Randy Musterer, AKA “Sushi Randy,” and has since expanded to a second location in downtown San Jose near San Pedro Square (in the old Sonoma Chicken Coop location). This not so confidential sushi joint is a lot of fun, and conveniented located right in … Continue reading Sushi [Confidential]
Fall is the perfect time in California for coastal day trips. One of my favorites is to drive out to Pescadero. I like to visit Harley Farms, and try out some of their wonderful chèvre cheese. If you get a chance to go in the spring, you may get to snuggle some kids (baby goats) … Continue reading Chevre Forevre
I’m a sucker for sparkling wine. My friend and I were in the mood for a good girls’ weekend, so we decided to abscond to Napa (I’m easily convinced when it comes to wine weekends) for a sparkling wine themed weekend. We booked a hotel in the heart of downtown Napa and planned out an … Continue reading Napa Valley Bubbly Trip
Every year, in November, the monarch butterflies return to Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz. They gather in a eucalyptus grove lined with raised wooden boardwalks to keep visitors away from (and protect) the butterflies. Seeing the monarchs is one of my very favorite fall activities, because there’s nothing quite as magical as being … Continue reading Monarch Madness
A quick weekend trip to Point Reyes National Seashore.
Who doesn’t love Napa? No one, that’s who. This year, my long time best friend, Alison, and I decided to celebrate 27 years of friendship by spending a weekend in wine country. One of my favorite weekend trips, I highly recommend spending some time in both the Napa and Sonoma valleys. On this particular trip, … Continue reading Celebrating Friendship in Napa
Biking Hawk Hill is pretty much a rite of passage for any cyclist who has ever lived in or near San Francisco. The scenery can’t be beat. Views of San Francisco, Alcatraz and the Pacific are all along this stunning ride. The bad news: you’ll climb about 500 feet in approximately a mile and half. … Continue reading Hawk Hill
For the holiday weekend, I decided to take a day trip down to Point Lobos and Carmel. We started the trip in San Jose with our destination as Point Lobos. A short hike at Point Lobos offers phenomenal views of the Pacific and wildlife. Otters can be seen playing in coves, along with seals and a variety of … Continue reading An Afternoon in Carmel