Filoli Mansion & Gardens in the Heart of San Francisco and Silicon Valley

I know there is a gap between my stories.  I have my new blog design makeover, why don’t I write? Well, I have been active.  With life.  And planning my annual vacation with friends.

And, then there was time out because my laptop needed some rest and repair.  I am fortunate to have backups with Carbonite and external hard disks and my data is safe. (this is a complimentary mention.)  And, I have been using my multiple tech tools to keep going, although it is not always easy. Go ahead and call me silly, I still like the feel of writing with the familiarity of my own laptop.

I do have more great pictures and stories to share from Monterey Bay.  Of course, you may see previews by following on Twitter and Instragram (find these links on my new side bar). And, my popular Monterey Pinterest travel guide.

Filoli Mansion & Gardens

A few weeks ago I went to Filoli Mansion and Gardens with some friends. Filoli is easy to drive to and  located north of Woodside, on the west side of Hwy 280.  I have visited Filoli quite a few times.  I remember my first time was with my Mother and Father when I moved to California. We loved our visit with this exquisite historical mansion.  Mansions in the south bay were summer homes for people living in San Francisco who wanted to escape the fog. 

Filoli Mansion & Gardens by DW

Many people remember the beginning picture with the television show, Dynasty. Or, the movie, Heaven Can Wait, starring Warren Beatty.  You can read the complete list of movies the mansion has been in when you visit.  Please note, there have been quite a few changes over the years. 

One of MY favorites, the Garden House.  Sipping lemonade on a hot summer day.  By DW

I never tire of going.  And, I seem to discover a new story each visit as I stop and talk to the docents.  I find it interesting that the artifacts are finding their way back to the mansion now.

Pack my bags and go! It was fun to travel with these vintage bags. By DW  

I recommend taking the free docent tour which is about 2 hours.  It is an in depth walking tour around the gardens and mansion.  Be sure to pick up the free comprehensive self-guided pamphlet as you check into the Visitor Services Center. If you don't have time for the docent tour, be sure to talk to the volunteer docents in and around the mansion. 
 

Allow extra time for this secret garden seat photo opportunity! By DW

And, should this be your first time, make sure you watch their film. It is very well done and with great information.  We had lunch in their restaurant on this trip.  You are surrounded by huge glass windows to gaze at the wooded area of the gardens during your casual lunch or you can eat on their patio.  I ordered the delicious homemade quiche and salad – perfect portion for me and yummy! 

Am I in Europe somewhere?  Bu DW

 I was lucky to have my friend who is a gardener with me this time. She filled in blanks for me as we followed along behind our group.  How often do we get this chance to have the personal expertise learning about the plants? I must admit, I almost lost her in the flower shop among the plants they had for sale.  While she was flower hunting, I wandered through the gift shop.   
 

Inside Story, Filoli Mansion

Filoli  Mansion and Gardens was created near Crystal Springs Lake by the Bourns of San Francisco because it reminded them of Muckross, the Irish estate Mr. Bourn bought for his daughter. 

Ahh  By DW

 The name was created from the first two letters of the key words of his credo: 

                       Fight for a just cause, Love your fellow man, and Live a good live.

Filoli, 86 Canada Road, Woodside, CA, (650) 364-8300

You may find the rest of the story by visiting Filoli.  What is the name of the second family owner?

I find an adventure everyday!  ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Do you like this article? Please comment and talk with us below! Click and review the items in our blog's  sidebar. Thank you for sharing with your friends. 

All images included above are mine.  Please contact for permission to reproduce. 

Capitola CA: Hot Cross Buns at Easter (Includes History Too)

I find that I need to add at least one more hour to my route when driving to Monterey from Silicon Valley.  Why?

I love to take a rest stop from driving for a late breakfast or early lunch at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola.  Every year at Easter time, I buy these delicious Hot Cross Buns. Of course these Buns are not on my healthy regimen, I still love to pick up these goodies to take with me for the rest of my trip. 

Hot Cross Buns at Easter! 

 

I remember eating Hot Cross Buns every year since I was a little girl.  Who first created these and why? I found this fun article by Rachel Nuwer at the Smithsonian Magazine that goes in depth about the history and mystique Hot Cross Buns offer. These revered Buns go back in history many centuries to Greece.  A twelfth century Monk is the one who added a mark on top of this sweet dough balls with raisins to resemble a cross (it wasn't icing as it is today).

Yes there are many superstitions about these Buns too.  As historical stories go, these Buns protect you from evil spirits, help you make lasting friendships, and they are too sacred to eat just any old day. 

I really can’t argue against any of the above superstitions because of what I have found from my prior trips. I always have good luck finding new friends and adventures. And, I have been safe on each trip.  –just saying   

Of course I recommend buying these Garlic Cheese Twists too.  They remind me of breads I find in Germany. 

Yum! Save me some Garlic Cheese Twists at Gayle's Bakery

What stories do you know about these Hot Cross Buns?

 

Happy Easter!  The Fun Tour Guru

 Do you like this article? Please share with your friends, comment and talk with us below.  And review the items in this sidebar.

Please note: Images above were taken with my iPhone. 

Sign up for these new guided vacations available at Lighthouse Travel and Tours website. 

 

Downtown Carmel and Monterey Window Shopping at Easter

I enjoy exploring all of the different small town personalities along the Monterey Bay coast.   Santa Cruz is a second home with the easy 30 minute drive from Silicon Valley when I want to escape and take walks by the ocean. 

It is fabulous to take extra days off and be able to indulge in the towns on the south side of Monterey Bay.  On this last trip, I changed my routine because of our much needed rain due to arrive during my trip. What to do in the rain?

I was a bit anxious because a must-do on my check list is to walk along the Monterey Coastal Trail and to visit downtown Carmel. Both of these are better to do without rain.

And then, I got my huge surprise. When I arrived, the clouds started clearing away and the sun came out. I love this special hello greeting to start my adventure!     

One of my favorite things to do is wandering through this small European village, Carmel, where I cruise up and down their main street, Ocean Avenue. 

Peeking into the windows of all of these fun shops is especially fun around the Easter holidays with all of the distinctive decorative pieces waiting for their new keepers to purchase. 

It is Easter time! 

It takes quite a long time to wander through to all of the many fabulous courtyards and alleyways.

 

What is there to do in Carmel and Monterey in the rain? Stay tuned ... for what I found on this adventure. ~the Fun Tour Guru


Do you like this article? Please share this story and comment - talk to us below! Review items in our sidebar !

Join our weekly newsletter now at Lighthouse Travel and Tours. Browse our travel news feed.

Did you know you may help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase through our online reservations?  Click and reserve now. And browse the news feed at Lighthouse Travel and Tours.  
- See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/2014/02/help-our-environment-ideas-from-santa.html#sthash.5N0AEaPS.dpuf help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase through our online reservations?  Click and reserve now. And browse the news feed at Lighthouse Travel and Tours. 

A New Look: Just in Time for Spring

A New Look as we Spring Forward! Welcome! 

Yes, the Fun Tour Guru received a new makeover this week.  I am very excited about this new look!


 

Lucky to be located between two fabulous bays - Image courtesy of DW

I did receive help and I am forever very grateful to work together with the very active and excellent designer and co-founder of EveryGirl, Danielle Moss, who somehow was able to understand my own whimsical ideas and help modernize, organize, and give a fresh look here.  Thank you!   
     
As John Steinbeck once wrote, "Change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like a stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass." 

And how lucky we are to be able to re-invent periodically.   

I am still making a few adjustments around here.  During this transition, our E-Guides are available here. If you should encounter any glitches, please, tell me. And, I would love to know what you think? Comment below.

Thoughts from Henry Miller, “One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”  

Always finding new adventures to share!  The Fun Tour Guru

Next Getaway: Guess where I am headed off for an extended weekend?  Hints are with my favorite picture above and the Steinbeck quote. 

Help our Environment: Ideas From Santa Cruz, San Francisco, New York City, and Missouri Towns

Where will you find this art piece?

Santa Cruz Art - Courtesy of D West

I found this (puppy dog) on of one of those large boxes you see near traffic intersections on roads - the boxes that control traffic light signals.  Another art piece I found below:

Thank you Santa Cruz CA for this Art Image courtesy of D West

I like how communities are working with local artists and residents to create solutions that beautify and help our environment. Every time I drive over to Santa Cruz, CA, I find a new art addition ~ remember my first post, “Local Art Gems in Santa Cruz.” 

Do you know that recycled materials were used in the construction of the walls of one of the restaurants in Santana Row – Shopping neighborhood in Silicon Valley? Which restaurant?

I took this picture of the California Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco showing the sustainable design of architecture – be sure to go see this on your next visit.  How long did it take to plan the design? (Please excuse the window reflection below)

San Francisco Image Courtesy of D West

Be sure to read the New York City’s High Line project of the public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side and the development of old railroad paths along Katy Trail through Missouri.

What ideas have you seen in our communities to help and beautify our environment?   Please share your comments below. 

Do you like this article? Please share with your friends. Check our the items in this sidebar.  

  

Finds the Unusual in our Communities ~The Fun Tour Guru

Help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase on your trips!   And then browse our current news feed!
- See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/#sthash.oGkF3ssh.dpuf

Help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase on your trips!   And then browse our current news feed!  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/#sthash.5MFkyARi.dpuf

Help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase on your trips!   And then browse our current news feed!
- See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/#sthash.oGkF3ssh.dpuf

Do you want to travel, and not have anyone to go with? Contact us at Lighthouse Travel and Tours.