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.

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!

Communications Hill Grand Staircase is a beautiful spot. Great views and a solid workout if you're…read moreup for a fast climb and doing it multiple times. Perfect for a scenic stroll or exercise.

Pretty sweet stairs that runs a long from a residential area up a hill top…read moreIts not that long but its still nice to be able to see the hills ranges sunsets and the tops of the dense housing

Happened upon Forbes Flour Mill while I was walking through Vasona Park walking towards Los Gatos…read more It's nestled behind some houses. "Honestly I have no idea exactly where I was, lol" The mill building is very cool, old rustic looking, size wise it's unimpressive. But it was kind of cool that I happen upon it. The back side of the building looks like homeless people might be squatting there. Overall it's definitely not a place that I would seek out to visit but if you're on the Vasona trail it's worth the walk to check it out.

"The past is a stepping stone, not a millstone."―Robert Plant…read more As you make your way along the Los Gatos Creek Trail, between Vasona and Lexington, you may notice an old, random stone building. This stone structure is the remains of what once was a four-story Grain Mill* built by Scotsman James Alexander Forbes in 1852. It served as an important part of the Valley because, as a thriving agricultural community, Mills were integral. The town that sprouted up around the Mill was first called Forbes Mill, then Forbestown and ultimately what we know nowadays as Los Gatos. While Mr Forbes knew a lot about real estate and filling needs, he unfortunately knew nothing about Flour Milling and the Mill went into Bankruptcy. It was passed around for a while before a stock company, headed by W. S. McMurtry and J. W. McMillen, finally made it successful. They Milled Flour there until 1887 when it became a Power Plant for Multiple companies including serving as a PG&E substation. The Mill itself was finally torn down sometime between 1915 and 1929, and the Annex served as a PG&E storehouse until they abandoned it. In 1971 it became a Youth Center for the town of Los Gatos before finally settling in as The History Museum of Los Gatos (https://goo.gl/GdSGKd). Today the Annex sits abandoned and empty, as the Museum has founds some new digs, and a new name (https://goo.gl/HRkx74). Hopefully they'll find another use for it, but in the meantime you can still admire it for its cool stone architecture, and as an integral part of our Valley's history. *This building is not actually part of the original Mill, but a storage annex that was added on in 1850.

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.

This is a nice calm park to spend some time surrounded by nature. The path and picnic areas are…read morefairly clean. They have street parking and also paid parking lot as well. I noticed it was paid parking last minute so I went outside and parked on the street. I'd say it'll be better if the parking price was posted easy to see at the entrance booth. I noticed some dirtiness on the picnic tables but that's expected for public park outdoor tables, and I don't think it's a big issue.

One of our favorite places in San Jose! There's so much to do at the park, either take a lovely…read morewalk, enjoy the water, or ample activities. Theres ample parking on the side street. The loop around the lake is really lovely. Definitely recommend on a beautiful weekend morning!

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.

This is a fabulous big library in the heart of Almaden Valley. It has a great kids park adjacent…read moreto tbe library and Almaden community center. Inside, they have ping pong rooms and group study rooms. The library has many staff members ready to assist and greet patrons. It's also very nicely cool with AC running on hot days like today. I really enjoyed this library with its lovely decor as well.

love this library. clean and organized and the staff is very knowledgeable! they have a cafe inside…read morethe library, offer good snack!

This wonderful park, is located next to the Los Gatos Library. We often come here for a picnic on…read morethe weekends when we don't want to make the drive over the hill to the beach. It's a very serene spot for watching classic cars drive by on Saturday evenings. That tradition started during Covid for entertainment and has continued since. There's parking located right on Main Street in front of the park. There's lots of shade to take cover on a hot day. This place is also well known for 'Music in the Park' on Sunday afternoons during the Summer. Los Gatos also holds their Art and Wine festival in September. Walking distance from many restaurants on Main Street as well as a convenient 7-11 down the street. A memorable place for us during Spring and Summer. On 9/11 they hold a special memorial service. You'll find many special commemorative bricks in the ground near the light statue commemorating those who lost their lives and loved ones on 9/11. A definite symbol of Los Gatos' support for the 9/11 tragedy.

An oasis of calm, greenery and quaintness in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area…read more Full of hiking trails, great restaurants and unique homes. Don't ever change Los Gatos.

Expansive and expensive. A little something for everyone…read more Downtown Los Gatos is popular play area for children and adults, especially if you have the money $$$. Yes, a bit pricey. However, it is also a very pleasant city. Old Victorian style houses abound walking distance from downtown. Expressive gardens in front of many of the houses. Restored buildings with cool architecture lends the downtown area with quite a bit charm, especially when outlined with large palm trees. For some, they come to Los Gatos for the exclusive shops and chic restaurants. I come here for the Los Gatos Creek Trail and the Cafes. The downtown pubs are quite good as well, which is exemplified by the difficulty getting a seat on a Friday and Saturday night. Quite fun to explore.