Well what a night. I have been visiting this 2 block gem for years now. It is never a…read moredissapointment. Now its not going to be some big extravaganza like the the Lights in Willow Glen in San Jose, nor like up the peninsula in San Carlos. If you want something local, with a few homes that light up the block, come on out to Fulton Street in Palo Alto and get in the mood for Christmas. I thought it was a nice quick easy drive and walk. I have included some of those houses that really lit it up. You will need to take a look for yourself.

Amazing experience for the kiddos! I highly recommend it my girls had so much fun. It's not a super…read morefast attraction and I love that they don't have to get out of the vehicle.

This isn't just an art exhibit, it's a whole experience! The setting here is like a jungle, full of…read moreplantlife and fallen leaves, with different stone sculptures, wooden carvings, and totem pole artworks almost camouflaged among the tree trunks and branches, displayed underneath the shade, and benches situated randomly within the forest of art. In 1994, Anthropology grad student and researcher, Jim Mason, organized a project to have a group of artists, aged 27-74, coming from 6 different villages in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, to create the beautiful sculptures at Stanford University. The landscaping and plants of the garden were organized by other entities. The artwork is based on Kwoma and Iatmul mythology and stories of creation, the center of the garden created in the likeness of "spirit homes". Two of the pieces, The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, were inspired by the Rodin sculptures on campus bearing the same names, but tell their own stories. The history and design of this sculpture garden are fascinating, and the natural environment and overall maintenance of this exhibit make it an appealing place to visit. It's even a desirable area of campus to hold school events (they had just finished such an event when I visited this past Sunday). Also, free parking is available at Stanford on the weekends.

Its a very cool outdoor installation located on the Stanford campus. T They sculptures are spread…read moreout and all have interesting descriptions of the culture and the art. This is a perfect COVID activity as its not crowded, everything is spread out and its outdoors. Mask up and keep your distance and its all good. There are at least 12 other art installations nearby as well as the Student Union and main bookstore.

Cool ghost town visible from train - San Jose to Sacramento…read more It was so fun discovering this small ghost town in the middle of the South at wetlands. A raucous history clings to Drawbridge - hunting and maybe gambling at one time or another. Built in the 1870s and it became 'ghostly' after the last person left in 1979. I like the background of the town and how it spices up the history of the southern part of San Francisco Bay.

I found out about Drawbridge on Atlas Obsura and was fascinated. It's definitely one the better…read moreelusive urbex destinations. You technically can't go here so I won't go into detail on how to get there but it's best to find someone who's been here before to guide you as it can be tricky to find and some entrances might be blocked off. The abandoned buildings on the side of the train tracks are spread out and you can get some nice photos with the hills and marshland in the background. It's worth going but this is a production. It's about a 9-mile walk and yes you do have to watch out for the train. Most of the time it's fine but there is a small stretch when you need to cross a bridge over water and let's just say you don't want to end up like those kids on Stand By Me. If you don't want to do the walk you can take an Amtrak Train which goes through it.

This is beautiful little spot on Stanford Campus. A true gem of cacti of all kinds. I've been here…read moreabout 3-4xs times now, and it's always lovely to just walk around. It's definitely a beautiful greenery backdrop for photos as I did a photoshoot for a client here a few months ago. We took a bunch of photos here, and then we walked over to the Quad for an outfit change and a change of scenery. We saw *the* Robert Downey Jr. at the Quad that day! That was awesome! :D I usually come here on a Saturday or Sunday and just park at the medical clinic, which is basically right next to this spot.

This review is long overdue from 2020; I for visited this spot in 2016 or so and loved it so I…read morebrought my husband here during the Covid shut down in 2020 and we took a nice walk, it was awesome to check it out, explore the vacations cacti and spend some time in nature. Parking can be difficult. Overall a great and well kept garden e

Toko Time is the way to spend your time. If you're stressed out, need something to do, come on…read morethrough to Halafo'ou... the realist and drink you some good ol' natural roots! Sometimes served with a red substance and sometimes it's all natural. Please leave all issues and personal problems outside, before walking into the garage! Halafo'ou! YEEEEE

If you drive down Schembri Lane East Palo Alto you'll notice this place always has the garage door…read moreopen. The company there is so welcoming with snacks, drinks and Kava!!! Showing up with a Bag of Kava was a big Plus cuz coming empty handed is kinda rude. I suggest you bring your sense of humor it'll help you big time. Yeeeee!!!! #BestKalapuInTheWorld

Went jogging in the area and along this short and flat trail this past weekend. Parking was…read moreavailable on the side of the road. The paved Renzel Trail runs parallel to East Bayshore Road and the 101 freeway, and connects to the Adobe Creek Loop Trail. There's also a gravel pathway that circles the ponds. A pretty environment and pleasant weather in late March, ducks floating in the water, just a few people passing by in the evening at sunset. But way too many gnats and flying insects along the trail and surrounding the pond, probably the worst I've encountered, so bad that I cut my run short, to escape. On the bright side, I saw a cute hare while there :D

The Renzel Marsh Freshwater Pond and Trail is an artificial wetlands and pond setup to handle the…read moretreated wastewater from the adjacent water treatment plant. The City of Palo Alto recently completed restoration of the pond which had been overgrown and silted. Upon completion of the restoration the pond and its containing berms have become part of a small trail systems that connects to the adjacent Renzel Trail. The figure 8 path is composed of crashed and packed gravel. The interior makes up the ponds which are interconnected and several islands for nesting birds. It can be accessed by the Renzel Trail or by the former ITT building that is undergoing restoration itself. Its a nice flat trail perfect for kids and the like. A word of caution however, the water is treated but still waste water and there are numerous signs warning dog owners to keep their pets out of the water due to some sort of toxic algae. Aside from that there are no services etc, and its best part of a larget outing. A connector to Bay Trail and Byxbee park is nearby Trail: packed gravel Suitable For: Hiking and Mountain Bikes Services: None Length: About 1.2 miles

We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday yesterday, and I just wanted to say thank you for such a…read morewonderful experience! I can't remember our server's name, but she was amazing, and so was the entire staff. We were a group of 10, and my dad needs a little more attention than most, but everyone was so patient, kind, and accommodating. We never felt rushed, and the team made us feel truly welcome. The food was fabulous, as always! We also loved the birthday gelato and were so touched by the card with the handwritten notes and lottery scratcher. Such a thoughtful and unexpected surprise! Thank you again for helping make my dad's birthday so special. We always enjoy coming in, and we're already looking forward to being back in a couple of weeks.

I am always on the lookout for an excellent pizza spot, and Terún definitely hit the mark!…read more I ordered the Calabria Margarita and San Daniele pizza. I love a good spicy marg (and I also love Calabrian chili oil) but should warn that this one is *actually* spicy! This wasn't quite the spicy marg that I was going for. However, the pizza was delicious! The crust was so soft and fluffy, and despite eating a majority of the pizza, it didn't sit heavy. I loved the prosciutto, mushroom and truffle oil combination. My boyfriend also loved his pizza and the crust, but I would add that this isn't the meat lovers pizza spot (obviously the menu is Italian but I think we were still surprised there wasn't at least one option or additional toppings). The service was great and the restaurant was clean, bright and lively on a Saturday night!

This is my favorite art piece among the awesome collection of exhibits at the Google Visitor…read moreExperience in Mountain View. The unique sculpture, created by Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson Art, features a grizzly bear made up 160,000 pennies and a steel frame. The illusion of this artwork is engaging, and the detail impressive, both during the day and under the moonlight. Love seeing this creative portrayal of my spirit animal on display at the Google Gradient Canopy :D

Geat trails and spectacular views, very historic place great for dogs too!…read moreLots of wildlife here also, we saw Deer, Coyotes, a Bobcat, 2 snakes and many lizards, be careful there is some Poisen Oak around the area.

There isn't much to do here, a small parking lot, a few concrete benches, and views of endless…read morebeautiful land. If you like nature or looking to explore some trails (I don't know where they lead), or just a peaceful atmosphere to get away, this is a cool spot. But otherwise, it's pretty much a rest stop off the 280 freeway (without restrooms, or any structures really).

Fear is an outdoor art installation located on the grounds of Stanford University. It is the work…read moreof William Tucker. Tucker who was born in Egypt to English parents, spent most of his formative years in England studing at Oxford University. His works consist of recycled metal and wood and he forms abstract constructs that create alot of negative space From the author: "I see the role of contemporary sculpture as preserving and protecting the source of mystery, of the unknown." This particular piece I could take it or leave it. While it was interesting at a glance it had nothing to keep me looking. A few angles and I was done. For me at least it inspired very little and I quickly moved on. Fear as noted resides on the Stanford University campus. It sits between both the Anderson Collection and the Cantor, thus it is better part of a larger walking tour. You could spend days in the area just walking about looking at the art and other spots.