Widmer World is amazing! There is a sign to help direct you where to park (neighborhood street…read moreparking) nearby. This was our second year visiting and the family hosting this is always so friendly. This year, one of the older ladies even offer to help us take photos outside on the driveway. All of the Christmas decorations, displays, and lights are beautiful. It extends from the front yard through the backyard with many Christmas displays and different cartoon / Disney characters / themes throughout the yard. This is defintely a good stop every year.

I visited this free holiday attraction on Friday, and even with the freezing winter temperatures, I…read moreenjoyed my time here. I arrived around opening time (6:00pm), and there was just a short line for entry. With so much to see and admire about this place, the walk thru was much longer than I expected, though that's partly cuz I didn't know you could pass people till I reached the mid-point. It's only one-way through the various pathways and illuminated tunnels that make up this experience, but if people stop and block foot traffic for long periods of time (for instance, families telling their toddler to look at every single doll and figurine in the windows and displays, or having them pose to take pictures like tourists), there's enough space to just pass them. Widmer World presents a range of themes and collections, including Disney (mickey mouse, toy story, disney princesses, etc), Minions, Snoopy, Santa, Abominable Snowman, geese, penguins, and stuffed animals galore. Cardboard cutouts with artwork, inflatables in various characters, moving props and decor, and animated xmas figures. Detailed miniature displays of various scenes including a charming village, a carnival with ferris wheels, roller coasters, and hot air balloons, and a festive model railroad with multiple trains moving along the tracks. It's so much more than a light show lined with impressive displays all around. It's a whimsical wonderland with lots of moving parts and interactive exhibits to delight guests of all ages. There's a scavenger hunt to find 12 gnomes, as well as a Mr. Potato Head coin toss game, and at the end of the walk thru, there's a guest book you can sign. In the front of the house, a giant chair is available for photo ops, along with more holiday lights and decorations. There are also signs directing visitors on where to find street parking (since you can't park in the court where this event is located).

Our second Christmas stop was Candy Cane Lane. It's a dead end street in which cars slowly come in…read moreand drive to the circle and come back out. We chose to park outside and walk it to take in all the beautiful Christmas displays. What an amazing and relaxing time. I thank the neighborhood for all coming together and providing joy to all for Christmas.

This is my holiday tradition to view Candy Cane Lane; I usually drive but decided to walk since…read moreit's near my home. The neighbors go all out to make their lane festive and jolly. I saw one home that wasn't all decked out, but the homes that participated were festive and full of holiday spirit. It was a much better view, as I took my time walking and taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas. One home had a holiday movie projecting from their front porch, the house at the end of the lane had their usually holiday figure cut outs, not my favorite but I'm sure the kids loved. This town tradition may be small but it's full of cheer each year. The tradition has been going strong since "1955". Till next year...

I came here last night with a friend cruising around in the car. It was fantastic to see many…read morehouses with Christmas lights! I loved the house with 97.8 FM audio with music matching the lights. This is my third year visiting this area and it never disappoints. I would come yearly as my schedule allows.

In this review I'll be comparing this Christmas Tree Lane (which can be found by simply putting in…read more'Woodland Drive, San Ramon' into Google Maps, and the Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda. While Alameda's Christmas Tree Lane is roughly a single densely packed block with a few blocks around it that sporadically participate, this location is an entire development with the homes more often then not having some type of display up. The streets are wider so it's easier to slowly drive along, and because it's bigger its less busy. Although this location lacks the frosty ice cream truck and the hot chocolate table Alameda's locale boasted, I personally found Woodland Drive to be a bit more enjoyable because it was less stressful to drive through. All in all, the honey and I enjoyed both but would be more likely to return to this Christmas Tree Lane, especially since it had my favorite display of the evening - a blue light river with ducks!

I've been to Porky's many times. For casual meals with the family, for networking events, to watch…read moresports. The food is good, the beer selection as awesome and the atmosphere is super casual and fun. It can get a little noisy at times, but there's plenty of outdoor seating for more quiet. What I like best about it is that it really feels like you're going to a place that treats its employees and its customers like family. I'm not a big reviewer, but I felt compelled to share my last experience with Porky's. After ordering, I stopped by the ladies room before going to get a beer. One of the stalls was out of toilet paper and all I could think about was that Seinfeld episode. Wanting to help someone avoid an embarrassing situation, I went to the counter to let them know. The person I tried to tell was kind of rude and waved me off. It was really weird because every other interaction I've ever had with employees there is best described as hospitality instead of just service. I was going to shrug it off. Everyone has off nights, but it was just so out of character for this place I felt I had to say something. I submitted an online comment via their website and figured that was that. Two days later, I got a phone call from Patsy. She was appreciative that I brought it up, asked for more details and promised a follow up. A few days after that, I got a very nice handwritten card from her letting me know they had worked with the employee, who was sorry and was just having an off day. My own mother doesn't send me handwritten cards anymore. I was never going to write the place off after a single incident, but this kind of care for people means I will always keep this place in rotation when the "what do you want for dinner?" Question comes up.

Pizza is fire Pasta is not…read more Absolutely love their pizza, the service, multiple TVs, inside and outside seating. I hate to dock it one star, but tried their pasta and ravioli tonight and it was meh. The sauce is no bueno.

Every time I try to go to an event in downtown Pleasanton I am reminded that I would never want to…read morelive there. Parking is a nightmare and the city blocks off many access streets. Cars, people, and dogs everywhere! I am not really sure what all the booths have to offer as I couldn't get near one as there are too many people with tiny dogs on long leashes that will take you down very quickly. But they are extremely cute little dogs. Add to that all of the gifts left by the 'Doggies' during the parade that there is an unmistakable odor wafting through the air that will take your appetite away. The best part is the Doggie Parade and the Beer Garden. For $5 bucks you can get either a full beer glass or a full glass of wine. Not just samples. There is a live band as well that is nice to listen to while you check out all the bad hair, fake tans, and general 'situations' running around. When they closed Aura did everyone just start coming here instead? The problem is that instead of spreading out into the roped off area everyone crowds up by the booths spilling their vino all over you and your feet. C'mon people there will still be wine left for you even if you do go more than ten feet away. As we were leaving there was a huge crush of people hanging out by the entrance to the beer garden. Not people trying to get in but those under 21 trying to get a contact high from the beer and wine fumes. I think I will go to the next one and dress up my pups in their finery and join the parade.

First Wednesday starts in May (?) through September every year. There's a beer garden, booths, food…read moretrucks and various activities for kids spread throughout. This past First Wednesday featured an adorable pooch parade along with a game truck and one or two food trucks and other vendors. There's also an art area where local artists make art right in front of you for purchasing. A lot of the stores stay open a little later so you can browse while walking around. If you order from the beer garden, you'll have to stay in that area because you're not allowed to walk around with an open container in the area. If you're looking for something to do, then stop by. If I'm not busy, I'll go with a few friends and wander for a bit.

Brava has been on my list for some time and my only regret is that I hadn't come sooner. We had an…read moreoutstanding experience here and it has become our favorite place to eat in Pleasanton. The outdoor seating is very aesthetic and you may not tell from the unassuming front. Our service was exceptional and everything on the menu looked so good we had to intentionally order too much food so we could try everything and just take home leftovers!

Easily snagged a reservation for the outdoor patio on a Friday at 6pm. Not too crowded when we sat…read moredown, but it filled up by 6:30-7. The patio's a nice space, half-covered with fans, so it'll be great through summer. Service was attentive and fast, almost too fast. We ordered 2-3 apps and two entrees, and everything landed at once within 10-15 minutes. No real gap between courses, which meant no chance to actually finish the apps before the entrees showed up. But everything came out lukewarm, which was the main issue. The Brussels sprouts, meatball, and empanadas were all fairly tasty, but the meatball and empanada were room temp, which dulled the flavor. Same story with the entrees, chicken Milanesa and Lomo Saltado, both lukewarm. The Milanesa was thin, easy to eat, and the sauce worked well with it. The fries tasted frozen, not hand-cut, and on the Lomo Saltado the sauce made them soggy fast. Sauce itself ran a bit too salty. Steak in the Lomo Saltado was tender though, and generous on portion. Good space, good service energy, but the food execution needs work. Not somewhere I'd go out of my way to return to unless they fix the food temperature and the fries.

Drumroll...... For…read moremy widely anticipated 500th review, I present to you the upside-down airplane!!! Now I had a hard time agonizing over whether or not I wanted to put this little known local curiosity up into the spotlight, but I figured that it would be worth it for you yelpers! So, what exactly is the upside-down airplane? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. You gather a bunch of friends with a heady sense of adventure and get in the car. Start out in Fremont on Morrison Canyon Road and go past the residential area and then go up into the mountains and wind around for a bit and choose the right forks in the road, and you'll reach a dead end. At this dead end, you can see some gates barring you from entering any further into private property. If it's a sunny day or you just happen to have good eyes, you can spot this little airplane that is built upside down on top of this tower. How curious... If you're out at night or if you're unlucky, an old man with a big light will come out of his trailer and chase you away. That means RUN FOOLS!!!!! With your heartbeat thudding wildly in your ears, you drive down the windy mountain road, your demise only an arms width away, until it somehow dumps you off in Sunol. Don't worry...680 is nearby, so you can hop back on the freeway and mosey on home. If you're here for other reasons, there are lots of private little spots to pull off on the side of the road, and you'll often see cars parked off to the side with the windows fogged up. I wonder what they could be doing in there? Hm. There you have it Yelpers! You have torn from me the one spot that no one has ever heard of. Don't abuse it too much! So what's the story about this place? I guess since I'm writing an expose, I should go all the way... Apparently the upside down airplane is the location of a test antenna site for a company called TRW. The wire mesh model of the upside down airplane is supposed to act like an antenna. There are lots of antennas set up around here for whatever purposes, who knows? Supposedly they are still in use. They've been up here for many many years, and been the source of entertainment for many high school and college kids. This spot is passed down through word of mouth and car rides at night...until now. Watch out, they have security here year round and will chase you away. Why? Because you're not supposed to be here. If you would like to pursue this curiosity some more there are many pictures for your entertainment. And if you're lucky, maybe I'll take you up there myself one day ;)

Ride your mountain bike up there ...... You'll need to stop a time or 2 to stuff your heart & lungs…read moredown ..... Have fun on the way down!

This is a commisioned scrupture at the entrance of the Dublin Library. There are many in and about…read morethe buildings here. Know Way is 2 curvy pillars bending away from the center. Atop the right one is an open book. The left one shows a spiral form with a computer mouse on top. Pillars are made from steel and fibreglass, painted in pastel colours. Creator: Robert Ellison

We visited the town of Niles on a Sunday morning/afternoon to check out Charlie Chaplin Days at…read moreNiles Essanay Silent Film Museum. We were so excited just to attend this museum and event that we had no idea that the entire neighborhood would set us up for such a fitting suprise. As we approached our venue, we noticed how charming this quaint little town was. It isn't your typical shops and eateries, rather a couple sweet shops and bars along Niles Blvd, a salon, an art gallery, and other miscellaneous businesses here and there... Then the vast majority of shops are antique stores and unique gift shops with quirky and delightful items for sale, many nostalgic pieces, just endless vintage treasures, store after store after store! They each had their own identity and character too, it wasn't a repetition of cheap, knockoff goods.  Some cool finds were signs/home decor for sale with clever and unique quotes, vintage sports apparel and memorabilia, lots of animal-themed items, a really old Ken and Barbie set, plenty of classic toys, an old typewriter, knives, and so much more. That was more for entertainment, not for buying this time around. However, we did pick up an old chess set with beautifully designed Inca and Conquistadors chess pieces from Keith's Collectibles and Books.  Other antique and specialty shops along Niles include Diamond in the Rust Maker's Market, Mantiques, Lost In The Attic, American Trading Post, Les Belles Antiques, Paula's Grandtiques, A Moment In Time, Devils Workshop & Mercantile, and My Friends and I. And most of these businesses were open on a Sunday, till 5pm, the eateries and bars open later of course. There were even a few classic and antique cars parked along the boulevard, and Niles Flying A (social club for car enthusiasts). Even if you're not into shopping (or window shopping), they hold a good number of events here annually and throughout the year, including antique faires, flea markets, farmers markets, car shows, dog shows, concerts, garden tours, holiday lightings, and of course special events at the Essanay Silent Film Museum, which is what we attended this day. Such a cool town, beyond just Niles Blvd.. several beautiful parks nearby too. It's hard to believe it's part of the city of Fremont, since it seems and feels like its own little world. I will definitely be back.

Unexpectedly charming little corner of the Bay Area - we stumbled on it by accident and loved it…read more If you go - make sure you visit the train cars at the station, and stop by the plaza to spin the steel reels and watch the moving pictures, an homage to the silent movie museum nearby. If you're peckish, Bronco Billy's serves superb and inexpensive pizza, and there are excellent coffee and ice cream shops as well. Can't wait to be back!

De La Torre is one of those places you would probably drive past without realizing what you are…read moremissing. It is tucked into an unassuming shopping center, but absolutely worth seeking out. Once inside, it feels less like a restaurant and more like you have been invited over to a friend's dining room. It is warm, relaxed, and genuinely welcoming. The service hits that perfect balance. It is friendly, attentive, and never overbearing. You feel taken care of without it being a production. The food really delivers. The special, chicken thighs stuffed with smoked ham, was standout and memorable. The margarita pizza is exactly what you want it to be. It is simple, well executed, and perfect for sharing. Do not let the "small" size fool you. It is easily enough for two, maybe even three if you are catching up over drinks. Portions across the board are generous. The fish entrees are especially impressive. The salmon alone felt like it had to be close to half a pound. All of this comes at prices that feel more than fair for the quality and quantity you are getting. This is definitely a spot worth returning to. I am already looking forward to coming back to try the paninis for lunch.

My cousin recommended this place, and we decided to stop by after a workout. We got there five…read moreminutes after they opened at 5pm. The hostess off the bat looked at us like we were lost and immediately asked if we had a reservation. We said no, and I honestly felt like she was waiting for us to leave. I even asked if a reservation was needed since there was only one family in the restaurant at the time. I'm not sure why she asked, but she eventually seated us. From the start, I honestly felt judged because we were dressed in workout clothes. But anyways. The restaurant itself is surprisingly small, and considering we were only the second party there, the service was disappointing. I think we waited over 15 minutes before anyone came to take our order, and during that time they helped customers who arrived after us. When we finally got service, there was no welcoming smile or welcoming attitude. The overall atmosphere felt very cold and uninviting. I ordered the baked ziti, and it was okay to be honest. Honestly, I prefer Olive Garden's baked ziti. We're from San Jose, and unfortunately, this wasn't an experience that would bring us back.