Highlights from Scenic Silicon Valley
It’s been awhile since I last traveled through the West Coast but after my recent California trip courtesy of the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley CVB, my memory is refreshed. Combining both adventure and cuisine, my days in San Mateo County were short but very sweet. From kayaking along Half Moon Bay to petting goats at a local goat cheese farm, here are a few highlights from my trip through scenic Silicon Valley.
A Scenic wander through Filoli Mansion & Gardens
Our first stop was Filoli Mansion & Gardens, a 654-acre estate in Woodside. I didn’t know anything about this center but after a few hours walking through the spacious grounds, I was determined to have my own garden one day. The preserved Georgian Revival house was built in 1915 by William Bower Bourn II (owner of one of the richest gold mines in CA). My favorite part of Filoli are the 16-acres of formal gardens surrounding the mansion.
Experiencing a bit of London in California
Next up was a trip down memory lane. We stopped for lunch at Cameron’s Restaurant & Pub, which is completely London-themed inside and out. Before even stepping inside, I found a traditional telephone box, a black London taxi and two original London double-decker buses. I later learned that one serves as a “video game bus” and the other is a “smokers bus”. I’m not a smoker but I can only imagine how popular these are in the evening.
Hanging out with some pretty friendly goats at Harley Farms
My personal highlight of the trip was also the most unexpected. Before sampling some of Harley Farms‘ famous goat cheese, we actually spent a few minutes petting a few of the farm’s 200 Alpine goats. I remember that as a kid I always got so excited whenever it was time to feed the goats and clearly, not much has changed. It was hard to tear me away from my new furry friends but my interest quickly shifted to cheese once I realized we were having a tasting.
Stopping to show my appreciation for Facebook with a certified “Like”
I could not resist taking a photo in front of the Facebook campus, so here is my official “Like” for the social media platform. Unfortunately there were no Mark Zuckerberg spottings but I that hardly mattered to my inner nerd. For those interested in learning more about the start-up scene, Silicon Valley (especially Palo Alto) is the main hub for internet companies but it’s also a filled with countless restaurants, bars and shops.
Doing one of my favorite things – Wine Tasting
My last day in Silicon Valley combined both nature and culinary treats. After a morning hike along “the Dish”, a recreational path where you can clearly see Stanford Campus, we made our way to Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyard. For the next hour I sampled local Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Merlots and Cabernets all while gazing upon the Santa Cruz Mountains. The outdoor garden and views of the San Francisco Bay area definitely made this feel like a unique cultural experience rather than a standard wine tasting.
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22 Comments
This might sounds completely ignorant, but I didn’t expect there to be so much to do in Silicon Valley. I always just assumed it be a lot of corporations and strip malls for business lunches. But it looks like a lovely place to visit in California. I would definitely have to stop at Facebook. I wonder how many people do a day.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..Win a Jucy roadtrip with HW’s relaunch
I honestly did not know much about the area either – so I was pleasantly surprised!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Highlights from Scenic Silicon Valley
That was not what I expected to see from Silicon valley, but it actually sounds like there are other things besides technology there!
Jarmo recently posted..Shanghai World Expo 2010 – Photo Essay
I was somewhat surprised myself but I’m so happy I discovered more cultural highlights from the area.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Highlights from Scenic Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley just seems like a mythical place… and maybe it still is even after being there?
Hogga recently posted..Scary Phnom Penh Stalker
I never thought I’d visit Silicon Valley – wasn’t really on my radar but my opinion is completely different now
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Gardens, Goats and Great Views
Hey, you were in my neck of the woods! Glad you enjoyed the area. Filoli is pretty cool, isn’t it?
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A Great Place on a Great Lake
oh I didn’t realize that! We should meet up next time I’m there
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Gardens, Goats and Great Views
I hope you did a facebook check in at facebook
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..Cambodia – Tips To Make The Most Of Angkor Wat
haha I did!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Neighborhood Guide to Berlin
So this is what Silicon valley looks like? Very pretty! And I bet that wine is yum
The wine is delicious! I had a hard time leaving the vineyard.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Neighborhood Guide to Berlin
I love the picture with the Facebook Like sign! I totally stop by for the exact same photo. =)
Cheryl recently posted..The Making Of The Floral Carpet In Brussels.
I just couldn’t resist taking this tourist shot!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Tips for First-Time Couch Surfing
Ahhh… I miss Silicon Valley, the last time I was there was when FB was not even known (around 12 years ago). The last time I went there, it was a not so busy day and I think I saw Mr. Gates (lol, I am not sure since I did not see the person’s face)
This was my first trip there and I hope to return sooner rather than later!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..There’s No Place Like Norway
I never realised the place was actually so nice. I just thought it was full of geeks and dot-com businessmen on segways!
Turtle recently posted..The ancient city of love
Yup, I did as well! I was pleasantly surprised by all the culture I discovered in Silicon Valley.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..5 Underrated New York Neighborhoods
When we first started traveling, I never wanted to be that person who was so pro California. It just seems so obvious, world travelers go to more exotic locations, right? Well, no matter where we travel in the world, I can’t help but continue to love Cali – look at all the little secrets there are to uncover around every corner! Really enjoyed this piece!
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls recently posted..Polaroid of the week: Exploding Volcano in Guatemala
I know what you mean Jess! You are so right, Cali is such a beautiful place it’s really hard not to love it.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Awesome Norwegian Art Oddities
We would love the friendly goats at Harley Farms. I always joke with Bret about getting a miniature goat. They’re cute, the munch the grass, and we could make cheese. Then he reminds me that we’d need baby goats for goat milk and in that lies the problem with my argument. Glad you had a chance to spend some time with these cuties and then taste the rewards!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..JORDAN Nature Reserves: Dana Biosphere Reserve & Wadi Mujib
haha I’ve always loved goats too! Ever since I was a kid they were always one of my favorite animals.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Festival Guide to Western Norway