Hello fellow Wanderers! Today I would like to share with you my top 5 spots in the East and South Bay Area. I have lived two-thirds of my life around these parts, and a few spots have definitely caught and held my attention in those years.
All these places I am about to share with are all free activities. I understand what it is like to be on a budget, and like most, I like free stuff.
#1) The Rosicrucian Park
If you are an Ancient Egyptian fanatic, or just a history lover, like myself, you will appreciate this little park. You will feel like you have walked back into Ancient Egypt, but in a cooler climate. The Rosicrucian Park is home to the the Rosicrucian Museum, that houses the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts in the United States. (There is free entree from 4-5 PM on Wednesdays thru Fridays.) The majority of the park is a recreation of Ancient Egyptian Civilization with its grand entrances and the Peace Garden. It also houses a few other amazing features, such as their labyrinth in the back and the largest Alchemist Exhibit in the world. This is a beautiful and quiet place to take a stroll and unwind from the busy city of San Jose.
#2) Mission Peak
The trails of Mission Peak have become extremely popular in the last few years. The best time to come is on the weekdays because weekends is a crowd-fest. I believe the appeal of Mission Peak is the challenge. This hike is a steep, challenging hike with no shade, and the majority of hike is uphill on slippery or rocky footings. A lot of hikers do not make it to the top. However, if you do, you get to take a mandatory picture with a six-foot tall steel pole, that most have forgotten why it is there in the first place. Curious now? Read more about it here!
#3) Alum Rock Park
This park used to be a world-class Mineral Spa Resort. Although the Mineral Springs have long been deteriorated due to excessive human traffic, what is left of the resort has become a landmark within these hiking grounds. The stone man-made spas have long been abandoned, and has become part of the park's extensive history. As far as hiking goes, this is one of the best spots to hike during the summer because there is plenty of shade.
#4) Rancho San Antonio Open Space Park
If there is one word I can describe Rancho San Antonio, it is "charming". The trails are charming and beautiful. The view at the lookout point is charming. And the icing on the cake of this charm is the cute little farm (Deer Hollow Farm), that is located about a mile in the park. This is a great place for kids and adults alike. I mean, who doesn't want to see farm animals unclose, and if they are close enough, pet them even.
#5) Montalvo Arts Center
If you are an Art lover, you will definitely enjoy Montalvo. This beautiful mansion and its grounds used to belong to Senator James Duval Phelan, who loves art. He invited countless Artists, Musicians and Writers to come stay at his Villa and work on their pieces. Before his passing he asked that his home stays open to the public, and for the place to keep supporting the arts. It has been a few decades now and the City of Saratoga has kept the integrity of Mr. Phelan's legacy. As you roam around, you will find countless art structures all the area, and behind the Villa is a wonderful hike through giant redwoods to a beautiful lookout point of the valley.
So those are my top 5 places to visit in my neighborhood! What are your five places? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering, Alice.
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