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Eye On The Bay: Day Trip - Saratoga - 1/10/12

Plan a daytrip to Saratoga and experience a pleasant mix of fun activities, wine tasting, dining and entertainment. Located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains this quaint town is a perfect spot to visit with the family or to escape for a romantic get away.

VIDEO: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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SARATOGA: HOW TO GET THE SARATOGA / "THE VILLAGE" FROM SAN FRANCISCO AND POINTS NORTH

It's an easy town to visit - after weaving your way down the 280 from San Francisco, hop on 85 South, Exit Right at Saratoga Ave. Saratoga Ave turns into Big Basin Way/ CA - 9.


ACTIVITES

Our crew spent a few days uncovering some of these towns best kept secrets, and most unique finds! Lucky for us host Thuy Vu, lives in the area and was able to share some of her "favorites" along the way.

GARROD FARMS

Visit Garrod Farms for a scenic horseback trail ride then saddle on up to the farms wine barn, and try a delightful flight of Saratoga grown wines.  The trails rides are offered 7 days a week, reservations are recommended, kids need to be more than 8 years old to participate on the trail rides. An hour ride costs about $45. Wine tastings are open to the public and range from FREE, to $5-$10 for a tasting with souvenir glass.

GARROD FARMS
22645 Garrod Rd, Saratoga, California
(408) 867-9527
www.garrodfarms.com

 

THE MOUNTAIN WINERY

If you are looking for a truly one of a kind dining and concert experience, visit the Mountain Winery.  Located on Pierce Road off Big Basin Hwy 9, this concert venue offers wine tastings every weekend through out the year. And a 5 star dining experience coupled with million dollar views of the Silicon Valley – on concert nights. Their concert line up is one of the most anticipated in the Bay Area – this years artists include Sarah McLachlan, k.d. Lang, B.B. King, The Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Idol and many more.

THE MOUNTAIN WINERY
14831 Pierce Rd
Saratoga, California 95070
(408) 741-2817

http://www.mountainwinery.com/

 

NOVAKOVICH ORCHARDS

Want to show the kids how an "old time/ traditional" produce stand is run? Turn down Fruitvale Ave. off Saratoga Ave, and keep an "eye out" for the small sign that reads, "Novakovich Orchards." This family run orchard is the last of its kind in the south bay. They are best known for their Bing cherries that come out every summer, but they also harvest plums, peaches, pomegranates and apricots. But promise us if you visit their orchard - try their "Apricot Turtles!" A home grown apricot covered in caramel, topped with a walnut and dunked in chocolate. It's a true "slice of heaven."

NOVAKOVICH ORCHARDS
14251 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070-5641
(408) 741-5144

 

 

SARATOGA CHOCOLATES

Treat your taste buds to their decadent treats and truffles. Or create your own custom blended chocolate bar. The store offers hands on lessons in chocolate making. It's worth a stop. Make sure to say "Hi" to shop owner Mary – she's a real treat!

SARATOGA CHOCOLATES
14572-B Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 872-1431
info@saratogachocolates.com
www.saratogachocolates.com


SHOPPING AND DINING

Saratoga main drag is called "The Village" – has more 4 and 5 stars restaurants per square foot then any other town in the south bay, according to Saratoga's Mayor Miller. "The Plumed Horse" is a true dining delight, a great place for a romantic night out, or special occasion. "La Fondue" is one of the Bay Area's best known fondue restaurants; reservations are required, and need to be made several weeks in advance.

THE PLUMED HORSE
14555 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070-6013
(408) 867-4711
www.plumedhorse.com

LA FONDUE
14550 Big Basin Way # 3
Saratoga, CA 95070-6014
(408) 867-3332
www.lafondue.com

 

BLUE ROCK SHOOT CAFÉ & WILDWOOD PARK

The Blue Rock Shoot Café located in the heart of "The Village." Is a casual family friendly 'order at the counter' kind of joint. Soups, salads, and home made sandwiches are on the menu. Thuy's favorite – the house made BLT. The cafe offers live music, and an open mic night during the week -  check their website for details.  If you bring the kids, order your sandwich, escape out the backdoor, and hop across the street to "Wildwood Park." A beautifully kept family friendly park – kids love running over the parks bridge, and playing in the water park, the newly renovated play structure is worth some time too.

BLUE ROCK SHOOT CAFE
14523 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070-6011
(408) 872-0309
www.bluerockshoot.com

WILD WOOD PARK
20764 4th St.
Saratoga, CA 95070


AGNES CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Agnes Clothing Boutique is one of Thuy's favorite spots for unique and colorful clothing. Located along Big Basin Way in "The Village" – it's an easy spot if your strolling along the drive.

 

AGNES CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
14519 Big Basin Way Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 741-5822


HAVING TOO MUCH FUN

We found a few places in downtown to lay your head. The 'Inn at Saratoga' and 'Saratoga Oaks Lodge' are located off "Big Basin Way" in the heart of "The Village." If you spend a little too much time wine tasting, stay out too late listening to live music, or want to turn your day trip into a romantic escape….these should suite your needs.

THE INN AT SARATOGA
20645 4th Street Saratoga, CA 95070-5867
(408) 867-5020
www.saratogaoakslodge.com

SARATOGA OAKS LODGE
14626 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 867-3307
Fax: (408) 867-6765
http://www.saratogaoakslodge.com

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