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PLACES OF INTEREST
AND CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES IN THE SARATOGA REGION
* Denotes Archives
Saratoga Village
Designated a California Historical Site in 1950, it features many
buildings throughout the community’s business area and adjoining
residential neighborhoods that were original to early Saratoga. For
a self-guided walking tour, visit the Chamber of Commerce website
(click on Things to Do—Historic Walking Tour at www.saratogachamber.org/.)
Saratoga Historical Museum
20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd. (408) 867-4311
Housed in a turn-of-the-century former drug store building, the museum
contains displays of artifacts and photographs from early Saratoga.
The city’s first library, now a Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
bookstore, and the McWilliams House, circa 1865, are adjacent historic
buildings. Docents offer historic site guided tours by appointment
only. The Museum is open Friday through Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
or by appointment, and admission is free.
Orchard Heritage Park, Sunnyvale Community Center
550 E. Remington Ave. Sunnyvale. This 10-acre apricot orchard and
its interpretive exhibit tell the story of agriculture in the Santa
Clara Valley. Hours: 8 am until dark daily. Free. www.heritageparkmuseum.org.
Madronia Cemetery
Oak St. & 6th St. Saratoga (408) 867-3717
The cemetery, located on the hillside just above Saratoga Village,
was established in 1854. This is the final resting place of Mary
Ann Day Brown, the wife of the abolitionist John Brown of Harper’s
Ferry infamy.
Navakovich Orchards
14251 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga. (408) 867-3131
This family-operated farm has been in business since 1925. They
sell chocolate-dipped apricots, dried fruits and nuts, apricot
turtles, and gift baskets. Hours: 9-5 pm, Closed Saturday.
John Irwin Garden
Corner of Herman and South Vista, Saratoga.
Across from the high school, this private garden features a patriotic
theme and is the creation of a retired volunteer fire captain and
Lockheed technician.
Chinese Cultural Garden/Overfelt Gardens
2145 McKee Road, San Jose. The Chinese garden occupies 5 acres
within the larger, 33-acre park.
Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park
1300 Senter Road @ Alma Avenue, San Jose. This garden has a koi
pond and teahouse.
San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Naglee Avenue and Dan Avenue, San Jose. Dates from the 1920s; designed
by John McLaren. See Eden, Spring 2005.
San Jose Heritage Rose Garden, Guadalupe River & Park
Gardens
Taylor & Spring Streets, east of the San Jose Airport, San Jose.
Largest public collection of roses, old and modern, in the country.
Emma Prusch Farm Park
South King Road and Story Road, San Jose. A 47-acre property preserved
as an agricultural museum, and includes a rare fruit orchard. Website: www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/regionalparks/pfp/.
Bonfante Gardens
3050 Hecker Pass Highway (Hwy 152), Gilroy. Tel: 408.840.7100.
Website: www.bonfantegardens.com.
Hours: M-Thurs 10-6; Fri 10-7; Sat-Sun 10-8. Includes the Tree Circus
(a historic collection of trees grafted and pleached into unique
forms), Butterfly House, and amusement rides.
Ainsley House/Campbell Historical Museum
300 Grant Street, Campbell. Tel: 408.866.2118. Hours: Thurs-Sun
12-4. Ainsley House is an English Tudor style cottage built in
the early 1900s with a small garden designed by Emerson Knight.
The adjacent museum documents the fruit growing, drying and canning
history of the Campbell area.
Harris-Lass Historic Museum
1889 Market Street, Santa Clara. Tel: 408.249.7905. The museum
is operated by the Historic Preservation Society of Santa Clara
and serves as a living history museum on the last farm site in
the City of Santa Clara, once noted for its orchards.
Los Altos History House Museum*
51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Tel: 650.948.9427. Hours:
Thurs-Sun 12-4. The museum is located on property that was once
part of a thriving apricot orchard and has a 1930s style farmhouse.
The archives are open for research by appt. only. The outdoor exhibits
illustrate orchard life. There is a garden surrounding the house.
Peralta Adobe & Fallon House
175 West St. John Street, San Jose. Tel: 408.993.8182. Hours: Tues-Sun
12-4. Admission fee. The adobe dates from 1797 and is the last remaining
structure from El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe. The Fallon House
was built in 1855. San Jose mayor Fallon was the first to raise the
American flag over San Jose during the Mexican American War.
Winchester Mystery House
525 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose. www.winchestermysteryhouse.com.
Tel: 408.247.2101. One of the oldest and most famous tourist attractions
in the region. Full tour of house and grounds is $26.95 per person.
Tours scheduled from 9-5 pm. Call for reservation.
Rosacrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium
1342 Naglee Avenue (near the rose garden), San Jose. Tel: 408.947.3636.
Website: www.egyptianmuseum.org.
Admission fee: $9. Hours: M-F 10-5; Sat-Sun 11-6.
History San Jose @ Kelley Park*
1600 Senter Road. Collection of restored and reconstructed historic
buildings. The archives are on the second floor of the Pacific Hotel
within the park. The History Park hours are Tues-Sun 12-5. Archives
open by appt. only, 408.918.1054 or research@historysanjose.org.
California History Center and California History Foundation*
Petit Trianon Building, De Anza College, Cupertino. The De Anza
College campus is at 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. Includes
the Louis E. Stocklmeir Regional History Library and Archives.
Tel: 408.864.8987. www.calhistory.org/library.php.
Hours: Tues-Thurs 8:30-12, 1-4:30; Friday by appt. only. Library
use fee $5 for non-members.
ART GALLERIES
Aegis Gallery of Fine Art
14531 Big Basin Way Suite 2, Saratoga (408) 867-0171
Features local artists, and exhibits change monthly.
Gallery Saratoga
14435-A Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-0458
Artists in this co-op gallery rotate their work each month. In
addition, one artist is featured each month. The gallery is open
Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Gallery at Montalvo
15400 Montalvo Rd. Saratoga (408) 961-5800
This stately, Mediterranean-style mansion houses exhibits of contemporary
Bay Area artists or artist residents. Exhibits change every six weeks.
Call ahead for updated information. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
Golden Oak Gallery
14414 Oak St. Saratoga (408) 867-8646
Golden Oak Gallery showcases a variety of fine art, garden antiques,
and eclectic jewelry. The gallery continues to create experiences
within the community through local events, classes and personal contacts.
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10:00 – 5:30, Sat. by Appointment.
THEATRES
Saratoga Civic Center Theatre
13777 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 868-1249
This city-owned, 300-seat theatre is used by the Saratoga Drama
Group (264-3110) and the West Valley Light Opera (268-3777). The
musical “Bye
Bye Birdie” opens October 21. Call (408) 264-3110 for details.
West Valley College Theatre
14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 741-2058
This theatre features student music and drama productions. The
play "All
in the Timing" opens October 20th.
WINERIES TO VISIT IN THE SARATOGA AREA
Bargetto Winery
3535 N Main Street, Soquel, 95073,
Telephone: (831) 475-2258 ext. 14
www.bargetto.com
Bargetto Winery has produced hand-crafted wines in the Santa Cruz
Mountains since 1933. They focus on cool climate varietals that
reveal an intensity of fruit flavor and natural acidities. Open 12:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tours by appointment
Directions: From Highway 1, take the Porter Street/Bay Avenue Exit, head
east (toward hills) 1/2 block to Main Street. Turn right on Main and continue
for one mile to BARGETTO WINERY.
Byington Winery & Vineyard
21850 Bear Creek Rd., Los Gatos, 95033,
Telephone: (408) 354-0904
Open Daily 11:00—5:00, www.webwinery.com/byington
Grand Chateau, award winning wines, picnic—BBQ area with
ocean view. Weddings, private parties, seminar space. Directions: Just south of Los Gatos, take Bear Creek Road exit. Follow
Bear Creek Road 5.5 miles. Byington Winery will be on your left, just past
David Bruce Winery. Please allow 30 minutes from Los Gatos.
Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery
23000 Congress Springs Rd., Saratoga, 95070,
Telephone: (408) 741-5858
Open: First weekend in June and last weekend in September.www.cinnabarwine.com
Located above the village of Saratoga, Cinnabar produces Estate
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, as well as Central
Coast Chardonnay and Merlot.
Directions: Cinnabar is located on Congress Springs Road in Saratoga, CA.
From Highway 85, turn south onto Saratoga Avenue, then proceed 4 miles through
the town of Saratoga to the Cinnabar gate on the left side of Highway 9.
Note: Highway 9 is also called "Big Basin Way" and "Congress
Springs Road."
Clos La Chance
1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin, 95046,
Telephone: (408) 686-1050
(800) ITS-WINE,
Open Daily 11:00—5:00, www.clos.com
Located at CordeValle in San Martin. They produce top quality Chardonnay,
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Nebbiolo. Available
for wedding, parties & meetings.Directions: Located 20 miles
south of the San Jose intersection of Interstate 101 and Highway
85. Off 101 take Tennat Ave. exit and turn right. Turn left on Monterey
Rd. and right on Watsonville Rd. Make left on Hummingbird Lane.
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga, 95070,
Telephone: (408) 867-7116
Open: Weekdays 12:00 to 5:00 and weekends 11:00 to 5:00.www.cgv.com
Located on property farmed by the family for over a century, Cooper-Garrod
produces Estate Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
from nearly 30 acres of vineyard first planted in 1972. Tastings
in the Historic "Fruit House" Tasting Room.
Directions: Highway 85 to De Anza Blvd exit; west towards Saratoga for
1 mile; right on Pierce Rd for 1.8 miles; right on Mt Eden Rd for 1 mile; right
on Garrod Rd.
Highway 280 -- to Foothill Expwy exit; west towards the hills for 5 miles
on Foothill Blvd which becomes Stevens Canyon Rd when it crosses Stevens
Creek Blvd and continues past Stevens Creek Reservoir; left at stop sign
in Stevens Canyon onto Mt Eden Rd for 1.6 miles, left on Garrod Rd.
Jocelyn Wines
Telephone: (408) 395-9942,
Not Open to the Public. www.jocelynwines.com
Jocelyn Wines has produced two fabulous vintages of Russian River
Chardonnay, 2000 & 2001, as well as a wonderful 2001 Russian
River Valley Zinfandel Port. Their first release of red Bordeaux
varietals was the 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in October
2003.
The Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd. 741-2820
In 1901 Paul Masson purchased land in the hills overlooking Saratoga.
Vineyards were planted and a magnificent winery building and chateau
were built on the property. With the vine-covered facade of the mountain
winery as a backdrop, the bowl of land in front of the antique portals
became a festive amphitheater in 1958 for the first of a series of
summer concerts. In 1960, the Mountain Winery was designated a California
Historical Landmark. The Mountain Winery is a destination spot for
corporate meetings and parties, weddings and Summer Concert series.
Minutes away yet worlds apart from the hectic pace of Silicon Valley. www.mountainwinery.com
Picchetti Winery
13100 Montebello Road, Cupertino, 95014,
Telephone: (408) 741-1310
Open: Daily 11:00 to 5:00.www.picchetti.com
1880’s historic winery ranch in Cupertino hills features
award winning Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel
wines. Picnic grounds and hiking trails.
Directions: Take Freeway 280 to the Foothill Grant Road exit in Cupertino.
Travel southwest on Foothill Blvd. 3.5 miles (Foothill Blvd. changes names
mid-point to Steven's Canyon Road). You'll travel through a residential section,
pass Steven's Creek County Park, Stevens Creek Reservoir and Dam. Montebello
Road will appear on your right. Travel up Montebello road 6/10th of mile to
Picchetti Winery. Take the first left hand turn into Picchetti Winery.
Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards
23600 Congress Springs Road, Saratoga, 95070,
Telephone: (408) 741-2934
Open: Daily 11:00 to 5:00.www.savannahchanelle.com
Established in 1892, the Winery specializes in estate produced
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Franc . Available
for weddings, parties and meetings.Directions: Highway 85 S.
Exit Saratoga Avenue, go right at signal onto Saratoga Avenue.
Follow Saratoga Ave all the way through the Village of Saratoga.
(Saratoga Ave turns into Big Basin Way, Hwy 9, & Congress Springs
Road). Continue up the same road 3.3 miles from the Village. Savannah-Chanelle
Vineyards will be on your left.
Solis Winery
3920 Hecker Pass Rd., Gilroy, 95020,
Telephone: (408) 847-6306
Hours of operation: 11:00 to 5:00 PM 7 days a week. www.soliswinery.com
Solis Winery is located in California's Central Coast Region, and
is just west of downtown Gilroy. The original vineyard consisted
of varietals like Zinfandel and Carignane, which are still grown
today. In the mid- 1980s, Chardonnay and Merlot were added and later
Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese.
Directions from San Francisco: Take US-101 and go Southeast. Exit US-101
to Tennant Ave. Turn right on Tennant Ave. Turn left on Monterey Hwy. Turn
right on Watsonville Rd. Turn left on Hecker Pass Hwy, to Solis Winery.
Testarossa Vineyards
300-A College Ave, Los Gatos, 95030,
Telephone: (408) 354-6150
Open: Daily 11:00 to 5:00 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and
New Years Day).
www.testarossa.com
Established in 1993 in the historic Novitiate of Los Gatos, Testarossa
is dedicated to making small lots of vineyard-designated wines from
only the best vineyards in the cool ocean-influenced counties of
Monterey, Santa Barbara and Sonoma.
Directions: From Hwy 17 Southbound: Take the East Los Gatos Exit , turn
right onto Los Gatos Blvd., continue past Los Gatos High School on the right,
turn left onto College Avenue shortly after passing the Ferrari of Los Gatos
Dealership on the left.
From Hwy 17 Northbound: Take the Santa Cruz Avenue Exit, turn right on East
Main Street, turn right on College Avenue shortly after crossing the overpass
over Hwy 17.
Then: Follow the signs directing you to the Novitiate up to the top of College
Avenue (Please obey speed limits on College Avenue as the residents are not
fond of traffic). Enter the gates of the Novitiate marked by two large stone
pillars with white crosses on the fronts. Look for signs directing you to
parking for our event. If you get lost call 408-354-6150 and we will help.
Thomas Fogarty Winery
19501 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, 94062,
Telephone: (650) 851-6777
Hours: Thursday through Sunday,
11:00 am to 5:00 pm. www.fogartywine.com
Twenty five acres of Burgundian-style varietals are planted on
the 325 acre estate, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and
small lots of Merlot and Sangiovese.
Directions: Thomas Fogarty Winery is located on the east side of Highway
35 (Skyline Blvd.), 4.5 miles south of Highway 84 (Woodside Rd.) and 2.7 miles
north of Page Mill Road. From Highway 280 (North or South) take the Highway
84 exit (Woodside Road) driving west toward the mountains, go through the town
of Woodside, the road then becomes steep, narrow and winding, keep heading
up the mountain, when you reach the top at the intersection of Highway 35 (Skyline
Blvd.) make a sharp left turn onto 35 (Skyline Blvd.). Drive 4.5 miles and
the winery is on the left, across the street from the entrance of Yerba Buena
Nursery.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Golfing
Saratoga Country Club
21990 Prospect Rd. (408) 253-0340
This membership club, overlooking Santa Clara Valley, offers tennis,
swimming, a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse and restaurant. Banquet
facilities for special events are available to the public by reservation.
West Valley College
14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 741-2017
Putting green available to public during non-instructional hours.
Horseback Riding
Garrod Farms Riding Stables
22600 Garrod Rd. Saratoga (408) 867-9527
One of Saratoga’s original ranches, owned and operated by the
Garrod family. Features miles of private, scenic riding trails and
riding lessons for children and adults. Horses boarded and rented.
Daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public welcome. (See also Cooper-Garrod
Vineyards under Wineries to Visit in the Saratoga Area.)
Swimming
West Valley College
14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 867-2200
YMCA-Southwest Branch
13500 Quito Rd. (408) 370-1877
Teen Centers
Warner Hutton House Teen Center
13777 Fruitvale Ave. (408) 868-1272
Saratoga City Parks
Wildwood
20764 4th St.
Four acres within walking distance of the conference hotel, pedestrian/bike
paths, restrooms, open turf area.
Santa Clara County Parks
Lexington Reservoir
Alma Bridge Rd. off Hwy. 17, Los Gatos. (408) 356-2729.
Fishing and sailing. No power boats. Limited parking.
Los Gatos Creek
Vasona Lake Area, Los Gatos (408) 356-2729
Windsurfing, fishing, model boating, and bike path to Vasona Park.
Sanborn-Skyline
Sanborn Rd. off Hwy. 9 (408) 867-9959
Camping, picnic areas, hiking trails.
Stevens Creek
Off Mt. Eden Rd. (408) 867-3654
The County’s first park. Boating, fishing, and picnic areas.
No camping.
Vasona Lake
Blossom Hill Rd. off Hwy. 17
Los Gatos (408) 356-2729
Sailboat and rowboat rentals, fishing, and picnic areas.
California State Parks
Big Basin Redwoods
Hwy. 236 & Hwy. 9 (831) 338-8860
Has distinction of being California’s first state park.
Henry Cowell Redwoods
Hwy. 9, 5 miles north of Santa Cruz
(831) 335-4598
Roaring Camp & Big Trees Steam Railroad
Graham Hill Rd., Felton near
Santa Cruz (831) 335-4400
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