My friend and I were looking for something to do on our day off and we decided to visit Hakone…read moreGardens. After hearing about a coworker who had her wedding here I was excited to visit. The drive up to the gardens is beautiful at this time with all the trees being red & orange. Entrance fee is $12 per adult but we just so happened to visit on Santa Clara County Resident's day. After showing ID, our admission was free; what a nice surprise! The gardens were small but had many different areas to enjoy; there was a beautiful pond with fish, waterfall, tea ceremony room, bamboo garden, bonsai exhibit, and more. There are a lot of nice benches to soak it all in. It's the perfect escape from the city!

Somebody as Hakone Gardens needs to update the website and social media better when the cherry…read moreblossoms bloom. I drove 45 minutes to Hakone Gardens recently at the end of March and found out that most of the cherry blossoms were gone. I was like whaaaa....I usually go during the end of March and they would be in full bloom. Apparently, they bloomed earlier this year. I was looking forward to seeing the wonderful pink color all around. Anyways, Hakone is still a treat to walk around and is very nice when the flowers are blooming. I love sitting near the beginning of the trail and looking at the ponds, bridge, koi fish and all the trees. It transports me to Japan without the airfare and passport. Parking can be difficult on busy days and will be waiting for awhile for someone to leave. Gift shop is cute and there are many cute finds in there. Admission is now $12 but parking is still free.

In 1850-51, around this site, Martin McCarty's Toll Gate, the town of Saratoga grew. The city name…read morechanged several times from Toll Gate to McCartysville to Bank Mills to Saratoga. In 1850-51 Martin McCarty, a lumberman, built a toll road up the canyon to what had become known as Campbell's Redwoods. At the lower end of the road a small settlement, then known as Toll Gate, began to grow. In 1855 a post office was established under the name of McCartysville. McCarty's toll gate crossed Big Basin Way, then known as Lumber Street, near the corner of Third Street. In 1854 William Haun and John Whisman established a gristmill called Redwood Mills. The mill was later purchased by Charles Maclay who changed the name to Bank Mills. In 1863 he was also successful in changing the name of the post office to Bank Mills. In 1865 the village changed its name again. This time Saratoga was chosen as the town was close to the nearby Congress Mineral Springs. The name commemorates the famous mineral springs in New York. Information from Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California, April 7, 2011.

It's a lovely place to hike and see some outdoor artwork. I would like to go back and hike again…read more Because I did just some trails. The hike is not that long and easy hike. And it's good to see artwork while feeling the nature. And next I would find time to watch a concert for sure.

A dear friend is a member of Montalvo Arts Center and grateful for her to provide me some needed…read moreescapism as her luncheon guest. All proceeds support Montalvo Arts Center with the aid of a battalion of volunteers, young and old. From the first hello by Gail when greeted at check-in to exiting venue, high touch experience. Thoughtfully coordinated and seamlessly orchestrated, including redirecting exiting auto traffic due to nearby auto accident. Meal was delightful including iced tea and coffee. Can upgrade to wine and bubbly for a fee. There were roaming models (Sunny - a Tita from the Philippines - was in our area) showcasing outfits from a local Los Gatos boutique. Raffle for a 10 person dinner onsite. Gift shop with crafts to buy. Have more time can explore grounds. Was encouraged to take home the floral centerpieces which had plastic floral bags to aid with transport. If don't have a generous friend to treat you to luncheon, can purchase tix for $75. I was excited to learn they host Sunday high teas in November before Thanksgiving. Will add to my Yelp! High Tea collection.

As one drives to downtown Saratoga, California, we always like to see the Memorial Arch. Its a…read morevery nice memorial to the Saratoga residents who passed away in World War I.

Designed by famed architect Bruce Porter, the arch was built…read morein 1919 as a memorial to the Saratoga men who lost their lives in World War I. Funds were raised by contributions from the community. On the arch is the official plaque designating Saratoga as State Registered Landmark No. 435, installed in 1950 as part of California's Centennial celebration.

What a delightful little jewel in Campbell! I had no idea this place existed until recently based…read moreon some volunteering work that someone I know did here. Each of the rooms has been decorated by a different organization for Christmas and it looks awesome. The volunteers here were so friendly and earnest. Loved it! Check out a slice of history in our backyard!

I find the docents at the Ainsley House very friendly, knowledgeable and very passionate about…read moresharing historical information about this beautiful home located in downtown Campbell. I have been here at Christmas time and every room has a Christmas tree and well decorated by different organizations or individuals. They have two nights were you can visit the beautiful gift shop and enjoy appetizers and wine. Really well done and so magical!

Saratoga is a historic town in the South bay …read more It is known for its winery ,restaurants and historic landmarks like Villa Montalvo , Mountain winery , and Hakone gardens . It had a population of 31,051 at the 2020 census. We visited on a Sunday afternoon like 5 pm . Had an early dinner there and then walked around the main street . The parking lot was almost full but we managed to find a spot. It was peaceful and quiet surrounded by many good restaurants. I enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and nice decor everywhere. Many flowers were blooming and the plants and trees were planted around the restaurants . A enjoyable leisure walk .

This review is for Nina Walker a facility administrator, this poor lady really needs to retire, she…read morebeen with the city of Saratoga over 20 something years. I really think she has job burn out. I never been treated like garbage before! My work was having a gathering at a park. I had to get a permit. She was very rude; I gave her my check for the permit. She looked at it and says okay, it looks good! Why wouldn't it be!! Her assistant was even rude! I felt I was in the Seinfeld episode, dealing with a soup Nazi!!

This historic site has become a special place for my son and I, especially on Mother's Day. We have…read morebeen coming here since he was a baby and that's something to think about! So many memories have been made here throughout the years and I love every visit I made and will continue to make! As much as I love dogs, I am glad this place is now more strict about not allowing them within the gates. You could be fined if caught! In the past, I've seen people walk their dogs around and even seen people not prepared to pick up after their left behinds. It's a beautiful place and we don't need to see or step on any poo-poo. Are cats allowed though? Asking for a friend.

I've been here a couple times, and it's a nice spot for photos and also for special events. There's…read morea good mix of rose varieties and lots of picture worthy spots. My favorite rose from the garden is a rose with pink and white speckles, very unique! Definitely a lot of people here during weekends though as it's free admission, and I'm not sure if there's a parking structure nearby as it can be a bit difficult with street parking.

This is a pretty great place to see the sunset in Cupertino! Nice spot to take a few photos if…read moreyou're in the area.

So this pedestrian bridge is pretty iconic as it passes across Interstate 280 in Cupertino. I don't…read morereally call it by it's real name and I just call it the Mary Avenue Bridge lol. It's nice to walk on in the daytime to watch the cars pass by and it's absolutely stunning during sunset and at night. Be careful though, there are a lot of bicyclists and sometimes if you're taking photos or just standing in the middle of the bridge, just be on the lookout. I kind of wish the bridge was a bit wider with a side for pedestrians and another side for bicyclists. But it's okay, it's like a mini Bay Bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. This is a true Hidden Gem because I don't really see a lot of people visiting it even though people drive by it all the time on the freeway. When you get the chance, park on Mary Avenue on the south end and then take a nice walk across the bridge. You'll absolutely love it.