Weekend in Cupertino, California, With Kids or Without
I lived in Cupertino for two years and found it to be a great place for families as well as adults who want a relaxing weekend getaway from the city. Two vineyards, a Kimpton hotel, multiple parks and hiking trails, good food and drink options, and live entertainment--not to mention Apple Computer headquarters, for tech geeks.
The coffeecake. If there was just one reason to visit Hobees, a family-owned Bay Area chain restaurant that offers good fare at fair prices, it would be for its blueberry coffeecake. But the good value, family-friendly staff, vegetarian dishes, and excellent "scrambles" for breakfast are additional reasons to check it out for a bite. T... More >
The coffeecake. If there was just one reason to visit Hobees, a family-owned Bay Area chain restaurant that offers good fare at fair prices, it would be for its blueberry coffeecake. But the good value, family-friendly staff, vegetarian dishes, and excellent "scrambles" for breakfast are additional reasons to check it out for a bite. The place gets busy on weekends during brunch, where there's often a line, but the Cupertino branch on Stevens Creek Blvd.--which also has a nice outdoor patio area--sets up a table just outside its doors with free coffee for those willing to wait.
Located in Kimpton's Cyress Hotel, Park Place is one of the nicest restaurants in Cupertino. The outdoor patio with a fire pit is a great place to relax after a day of shopping, hiking and/or wine tasting. The menu tends toward American/Italian fare, with a good selection of seafood and fish dishes as well. The excellent smoked salmon ... More >
Located in Kimpton's Cyress Hotel, Park Place is one of the nicest restaurants in Cupertino. The outdoor patio with a fire pit is a great place to relax after a day of shopping, hiking and/or wine tasting. The menu tends toward American/Italian fare, with a good selection of seafood and fish dishes as well. The excellent smoked salmon is a specialty. There also is a good selection of locally produced cheese, and the wine list includes options from nearby wineries.
Ridge is probably the most well-known of the Santa Cruz Mountain wineries as it has been producing single-vineyard wines for nearly 50 years.
I accidentally discovered this place while on a drive through the Santa Cruz Mountains and before I knew it I had signed up as a member of its wine club. The winery dates back to the 1870s, when Italian immigrants were the first to plant grapes in the area. The award-wining winery specializes in Zinfandels (from 110-year-old vines), Ca... More >
I accidentally discovered this place while on a drive through the Santa Cruz Mountains and before I knew it I had signed up as a member of its wine club. The winery dates back to the 1870s, when Italian immigrants were the first to plant grapes in the area. The award-wining winery specializes in Zinfandels (from 110-year-old vines), Cabernet Sauvignon (my favorite), and Chardonnay. There are 10 picnics tables on the beautiful grounds where several peacocks roam. The winery is adjacent to a reserve where you can get in a moderate hike before rewarding yourself with a wine tasting--$5 for 5 tastings. There's also a South Lake Tahoe location.
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Ridge is probably the most well-known of the Santa Cruz Mountain wineries as it has been producing single-vineyard wines for nearly 50 years. Open weekends, tasting prices range from free (for 2), $5 for 6, to $20 to include labels typically reserved for members. Call ahead to arrange a weekday tasting. Be sure to pack a picnic basket as its Monte Bello Road location has an outdoor seating area with beautiful views from the east side of the mountains overlooking Silicon Valley.
The Cypress Hotel is the only Kimpton Hotels property in Silicon Valley, and it's by far the best place to stay in or around Cupertino. It also includes an excellent restaurant to boot (see the Park Place card in this playlist). As with any Kimpton, you'll get a sizeable, comfortable room that's well designed in a hotel that's kid-frie... More >
The Cypress Hotel is the only Kimpton Hotels property in Silicon Valley, and it's by far the best place to stay in or around Cupertino. It also includes an excellent restaurant to boot (see the Park Place card in this playlist). As with any Kimpton, you'll get a sizeable, comfortable room that's well designed in a hotel that's kid-friendly, pet-friendly, eco-friendly, and has exceptional service. It's also centrally located and close to highways 280 and 85.
| The Apple Store in Cupertino, located at the company's headquarters, is for those who are proud to wear Apple hats, t-shirts, or other products with the iconic logo. |
There are rabid Apple fans out there, and not just in Silicon Valley. You know who you are. The Apple Store in Cupertino, located at the company's headquarters, is for those who are proud to wear Apple hats, t-shirts, or other products with the iconic logo. Or those who want to shop for those tech fans they know. You can't buy computer... More >
There are rabid Apple fans out there, and not just in Silicon Valley. You know who you are. The Apple Store in Cupertino, located at the company's headquarters, is for those who are proud to wear Apple hats, t-shirts, or other products with the iconic logo. Or those who want to shop for those tech fans they know. You can't buy computers here, or get service help, but you can buy software and other accessories.
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Located in DeAnza College, the Flint Center books acts as diverse as international ballet companies, to country music acts, to comedians (I saw Kathy Griffin here a few years ago). It's also a wonderful place to see the San Francisco Symphony without having to pay San Francisco prices or deal with the hour-long drive or expensive parking in the city.
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