Palo Alto: Winter Lodge; things to do

101 South

Winter Lodge

3009 Middlefield Rd./Oregon Expressway, (650) 493-4566; .  Daily 3pm-5pm, other session times vary; closed May-Sept.  $17, skate rental $5 (advance ticket purchase required).  

child skating on ice at Winter Lodge ice skating rink in Palo Alto, California

An outdoor ice skating rink in Palo Alto?  Yes indeed!  But the Winter Lodge is located in a nicely manicured residential section of town--not on a frozen lake.  Still, it is removed from traffic and surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees, and it’s the only permanent outdoor rink west of the Sierra.  Actually, it isn’t all outdoors.  Part of the rink is under an overhang that protects the ice when it rains.  

Designed for families and children, the rink measures about two-thirds the size of an average indoor rink, making it too small for competitive skating.  Open from October through April, the rink is the perfect destination for fall, winter, and spring outings and for a holiday adventure.  Daytime hours welcome all ages, while adults-only skating is scheduled some evenings.  Livening things up, sometimes soap imitates snow falling from the sky.  

Benches, fire pits, and picnic tables provide spots around the rink for warming up and resting, and several vending machines dispense hot chocolate and snacks.  Strings of lights add to the atmosphere.  Skating lessons and themed skating sessions are scheduled.  

Note that the rink is set back from the main road, behind a large building holding a yoga studio.  Tall evergreen trees give it a mountain-lodge feel.  Also, the lodge leases out a space in the back to an athletic club featuring a swimming pool and tennis courts.  

ice skaters at Winter Lodge ice skating rink in Palo Alto, California

family ice skating at Winter Lodge ice skating rink in Palo Alto, California

rest area at Winter Lodge ice skating rink in Palo Alto, California

picnic tables and rest area at Winter Lodge ice skating rink in Palo Alto, California

More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More things to do in Silicon Valley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

updated 10-24-22

Palo Alto: The Hewlett Packard Garage; things to do

101 South

The Hewlett Packard Garage  

367 Addison Ave./Waverley St. 

The product (an audio oscillator) and the company (Hewlett-Packard) that launched the high tech industry were developed by Stanford graduates William Hewlett and David Packard in this one-car garage in 1939.  Referred to as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, The Hewlett Packard Garage is not open for tours but visitors may view and photograph the HP-owned property from the sidewalk.  A plaque beside the driveway of the beautifully maintained home tells the story.

The Hewlett Packard Garage in Palo Alto, California

The Hewlett Packard Garage and house in Palo Alto, California

Birthplace of Silicon Valley plaque in Palo Alto, California

More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More things to do in Silicon Valley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Palo Alto Duck Pond + Baylands Nature Preserve; things to do

101 South

Palo Alto Duck Pond  

2775 Embarcadero Rd., a E end, (650) 617-3156.  Daily sunrise-sunset.  Free. 

Located in a quiet, unpopulated area away from town, this large pond is one of the Bay Area’s best spots to see ducks, birds, and the occasional swan.  In winter, unusual migrating birds are also seen here at the Palo Alto Duck Pond.  According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, "The concrete-lined pond was originally a saltwater swimming pool when it was built in the 1930's, but because of siltation problems, it was converted into a bird refuge in 1947."  A paved 0.9-mile loop trail leads around the pond--perfect for a leisurely walk or tricycle ride for kids--and an adjacent small airport provides plane-watching fun.  Benches are available.  Visitors are asked not to feed the birds.  

sign at Palo Alto Duck Pond in Palo Alto, California

bird description sign at Palo Alto Duck Pond in Palo Alto, California

overview of Palo Alto Duck Pond in Palo Alto, California

small plane coming in for landing near Palo Alto Duck Pond
in Palo Alto, California

Baylands Nature Preserve 

Across the street.

The Baylands Nature Preserve has 15 miles of trails.  Considered one of the best bird watching areas on the West Coast and a major migratory stopover on the Pacific Flyway, the preserve is also popular with wind surfers and kayakers.  The free-admission Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center has exhibits that orient visitors to the area.  During daylight hours, visitors can walk out over the 120-acre salt marsh on an 800-foot-long raised wooden walkway.  Naturalist-led walks are scheduled on weekends.

duck crossing sign at Baylands Nature Preserve and Palo Alto Duck Pond
in Palo Alto, California

More things to do in Palo Alto.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 2-2-21

Palo Alto: Oren’s Hummus Shop; restaurant review

101 South

Oren’s Hummus Shop  

261 University Ave./Bryant St., (650) 752-6492.  No reservations. 

Israeli-style hummus is the main attraction here.  A variety of flavors are available, but it’s hard to beat the classic.  The babaganoush is also exceptional.  Sides include mild steamed Moroccan carrots, delicious eggplant, marinated beets, and Israeli pickles and olives.  Among the salads are several tabules, fatush (chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion), and shredded cabbage-carrot.  The house-baked pita comes in white, whole wheat, and gluten-free.  Spicy sauces—a green harissa and a red chili-garlic--are complimentary, but you usually need to ask for them.  The popular Oren’s Hummus Shop is usually very crowded and noisy; expect to wait.  Or do take-out from the cold-case in the back.   

interior of Oren’s Hummus Shop in Palo Alto, California

grab and go at Oren’s Hummus Shop in Palo Alto, California

 


More things to do in Palo Alto.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: El Palo Alto Park; things to do

101 South

El Palo Alto Park  

117 Palo Alto Ave./Alma St.

Located four blocks north of downtown and just east of El Camino Real and the railroad tracks, narrow El Palo Alto Park hugs San Francisquito Creek.  Home to El Palo Alto, also known as The Tall Tree--the 1,000-year-old Sequoia Sempervirens, or Coast Redwood, that gave the town its name.  El Palo Alto is more than a thousand years old, stands at 110.8 feet tall, and is California Heritage Landmark #2 (still, it is a baby compared to the giant trees up north on the Avenue of Giants).  A local landmark for hundreds of years, the tree was revered by the Costanoan/Ohlone Indians.  Gaspar de Portola and his party camped beneath it in 1769, and a cross was placed here in 1774 marking the site as a possible location for a Spanish mission.  The park features a lighted pedestrian/bike pathway that connects Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

entrance to El Palo Alto Park in Palo Alto, California

bridge in El Palo Alto Park in Palo Alto, California

sign in El Palo Alto Park in Palo Alto, California

namesake El Palo Alto tree in El Palo Alto Park in Palo Alto, California

namesake El Palo Alto tree in El Palo Alto Park in Palo Alto, California

 
More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Palo Alto: The Clement Hotel; hotel review

101 South

The Clement Hotel  

711 El Camino Real, (650) 322-7111.  23 rooms; 3 stories.  $$$$+.  Pool; hot tub; fitness room.  All-inclusive: meals, snacks, cocktails, tips, valet parking included; 24-hr. room service.  Pets ok. 

Built just in 2016, this unusual all-inclusive, all-suite boutique hotel is across the street from Stanford University and within walking distance of downtown--but who wants to leave?  The idea is to enjoy all the luxurious amenities. 

All meals are included at The Clement Hotel, and guests do not need reservations--you just appear in the dining room when you want to eat.  The chef prepares meals to order in an open kitchen area off the dining room.  Guests can also dine outside on a patio or have their meal delivered to the room.  Additionally, a 24-hour Guest Pantry is stocked with items such as ice cream, fruit plates, and mini Bundt cakes, and alcoholic beverages are included and can also be delivered to the pool or room upon request (when I got hungry after a hot-tub dip, I ordered up a margarita and some delicious housemade potato chips).  All this, and rooms have stocked mini bars, too! 

Guest suites include a separate sitting room with a coffee table topped with a sweet little live bonsai and several coffee table books, two 65-inch TVs plus a 20-incher in the bathroom mirror, and free phone calls within the U.S.  Decor is in subdued contemporary greys and black, and furnishings are stylishly modern.  The posh beds are made with deep toppers and Matouk linens.  A spacious marble bathroom has a heated white-marble floor, a lovely live orchid, an oversize oval soaking tub and separate rain-head shower enclosure, and a separate closet for the Toto toilet equipped with a heated seat and all the other bells and whistles. 

I want to go back now!

welcome mini-zen garden at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

 

posh bed at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

sleek bathroom at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

roof-top pool at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

chef at work at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

afternoon wine and housemade potato chips at The Clement Hotel
in Palo Alto, California

crab cakes appetizer at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

salmon dinner at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

Guest Pantry at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto, California

More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.   

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Palo Alto: Coupa Cafe; restaurant review

101 South

Coupa Cafe  

538 Ramona St./University Ave., (650) 322-6872.  B-L-D daily; $. 

Located within a historical 1930s Spanish Colonial building with a tile floor, wood-beamed ceiling, and fireplace in a red-walled, skylighted back room, the casual Coupa Cafe is a branch of the original café in Caracas, Venezuela.  Order at the counter, then select seating in the cozy interior or on the outside front patio.  When seating is tight, as it often is, sit anywhere and then move when a better spot opens up.

entrance to Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto, California

atmospheric back room at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto, California

The kitchen serves up hot breakfasts, salads, soups, wraps, pastas, crepes, Caribbean-style empanadas (my favorite is the pabellon made with carne mechada shredded beef, black beans, sweet fried plantains, loleta cheese, and tasty Venezuelan sauces),

pabellon empanada at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto, California

and arepas—traditional Venezuelan white-cornmeal griddle cakes with a variety of fillings (my favorite is the cami made with fresh white cheese, sweet fried plantains, and avocado).

cami arepa at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto, California

Picture-perfect pastries and hand-made Venezuelan chocolate bonbons perch invitingly in glass cases,

chocolates display case at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto, California

and drinks include coffees made with patio-dried fair-trade Venezuelan beans and a velvety, spicy Maya hot chocolate--all available either hot or iced.  Branches are located all around the town.  




More things to do in Palo Alto.

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden; things to do

101 South 

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden  

1431 Waverley St./Embarcadero Rd., (650) 329-1356.  Garden:  Daily dawn to dusk.  House:  M-F 9-2.  Free.

house and palm tree at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, California

Located in an old Palo Alto neighborhood, the 1902 Colonial Georgian Revival house here features enormous pieces of interior redwood paneling unmarred by knots.  Today, volunteers maintain both the house and the manicured classic Edwardian gardens, which include small “rooms,” an assortment of soothing fountains, and scattered benches for quiet reflection.  Vegetables are also grown in the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, so you might see ripe purple tomatoes and other exotic varieties--all protected by a well-dressed scarecrow.  Each month has its special pleasures, but April’s promise of a cascade of blossoms along a cherry allée might be the best.  A small nursery purveys an interesting selection of plants, and classes and special events are scheduled regularly.  Picnic tables sheltered by an old oak are available, and just next at Bowling Green Park are expansive lawns for frolicking.

Garden map and self-guided tour notes.

  

purple tomatoes at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, California

red apples at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, California

scarecrow at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, California

More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.
 
images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 2-29-20; 5-30-23

Palo Alto: The Beam Store (CLOSED); things to do

101 South

The Beam Store  

CLOSED  425 University Ave., (855) 200-2326 (BEAM).  

Taylor is a face in a Roomba-like robot who chats with me from upstate New York.  He is the host in this unmanned Beam store, which has been open just two weeks and is the first remotely staffed store in the world!  Apparently Beam can beam you around the world for the price of a car.  I suspect you are probably first hearing this here!?  If I received one as a gift, I think I would save it until I find/select my new cat and then I would use it to keep in touch with my kitty when I am traveling.  Or maybe I would dress it up in one of my outfits and give it to my grandkids to have video chats with me--I could follow them around and we could keep talking.  What would YOU do with it?

More things to do in Palo Alto. 
 
More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar; restaurant review

101 South

Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar  

642 Ramona St./Forest Ave., 2 blks. S of University Ave., (650) 353-2897.  L-D M-Sat; $.  

Though the oversize tables for four make easy conversation difficult, Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar is a haven for diners seeking flavorful island cuisine.  Jerk chicken and salmon are tasty choices, but don’t overlook the plentiful and unusual vegetarian dishes:  corn festival (fried corn dough; ask for some mango dipping sauce), fried plantains, spinach ackee triangles (Jamaica’s national fruit), spicy Irie tofu (Jamaica’s national dish; accompanied with seasoned spinach and lentils and a jerk dipping sauce), macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.  Rice and beans are paired with many main dishes.  Call for happy hour info and schedule for live steel drum music.  


More things to do in Palo Alto.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Hotel Keen; hotel review

101 South

Hotel Keen 

425 High St./University Ave., downtown, (650) 327-2775. 42 rooms; 3 stories. Afternoon wine tasting; evening cookies; grab-and-go breakfast. No pets.

hallway of Hotel Keen in Palo Alto, California

 
Located a quiet half-block from vibrant University Avenue and its plethora of shops and restaurants, this Very Now new hotel features a cool color scheme-- grey, black, and white with a few splashes of color. Spiffy touches at Hotel Keen include a shiny whiteboard wall behind each 32-inch flat screen TV (with HBO), where guests can write notes and express their inner artist. Though no parking is provided, free hours in an adjacent public lot accommodate most schedules. An alcove the sleek lobby holds an honor snack bar and a small breakfast room (breakfasts ordered the night before will be boxed and ready for pickup). Though not spacious, the deluxe room is efficient and comfortable for a couple; the standard room is 25% smaller and has no closet. The bathroom and closet door is a curtain. A nearby fitness center is available at additional charge.

 
More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Sprout Cafe; restaurant review

101 South

Sprout Cafe 

168 University Ave., (650) 323-7688. L daily, D M-Sat; $.

This very busy spot can be loaded with little sprouts and their strollers, so it is a good idea to try to avoid rush hours. Stop by the table in front of Sprout Cafe to peruse the menu and decide whether you will order a premade salad (the Davy made with poached Scottish salmon, avocado, sesame ginger dressing, and more is a winner) or a build-your-own salad, then order in back at the counter. Housemade soups and sandwiches are also available.

 
More things to do in Palo Alto.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Bell's Books; things to do

101 South

Bell’s Books 

536 Emerson St., (650) 323-7822; . M-Thur 9:30-5:30, F 9:30-9, Sat 9:30-5.

counter at Bell's Books in Palo Alto, California

Family-owned since 1935, the small and delightful old-fashioned Bell's Books shop stocks out-of-print books, antique prints, and a selection of new books. Books are stacked high, and related gift items are found here and there in appropriate sections.

 
More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Palo Alto: Baumé; restaurant review

101 South

Baumé  

201 S. California Ave., Park Blvd., east off El Camino Real, (650) 328-8899. L&D W-Sat; $$$+. Lunch: 6 courses $288; Dinner 8 courses $388 + $370/person for wine pairing; gratuity included.  Reservations required.  No children under 8. 

Super expensive, but quite the gastronomic experience (it has a Michelin star), Baume is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Windows are blacked out, so from the sidewalk it looks as if the restaurant is empty, but inside diners are seated in one of three intimate rooms featuring chocolate-black and persimmon painted walls and one curtain wall. The menu simply lists ingredients from which the various courses will be composed. You can't order a particular item, because the menu is fixed and not revealed. Now, my stomach has been known to protest when fed too many disparate ingredients at one sitting. But chef Bruno Chemel promises that “our menu is built with a consideration for digestion and moderation influenced by macrobiotic cooking.” And, indeed, the chef delivers on this promise, and consistently startles the senses with intensely flavored tiny portions served on a parade of unusual vessels. If you enjoy wine, do opt for the pairing because it exquisitely enhances and is served in a battery of glasses that are a pleasure to see lining up like crystal soldiers as each new one is added. Conducted like a symphony, the battalion of servers is coordinated to arrive on cue with each course. Among our courses was a surprise amuse from the chef—a sweet little teeny-tiny baby, actually infant, no--maybe a premie—carrot-half with miso. Caviar with teensy egg balls to spread on brioche squares arrives in an especially designed dish that when removed from its base releases an incense smoke. Fairytale pumpkin soup features little floating balloons that pop open in your mouth. The perpetual feast goes on and on--punctuated here and there with foams that are actually quite delicious--until you think you’ll bust, reaching a crescendo with a flurry of edgy desserts. This “French cuisine moderne with a Zen touch” is da bomb! I was very glad we reserved an early seating because the dinner lasted a full three hours.


More things to do in Palo Alto.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image courtesy of venue
updated 2-29-20

Palo Alto: Hanna House; things to do

101 South

Hanna House  

On Stanford campus, (650) 725-8352. Tours on 1st & 3rd Sun at 11, and on 2nd & 4th Thur at 2. $10, parking $5. Reservations required. No children under 12.

Nicknamed Honeycomb House but also known as Hanna House, this 1937 home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is built of glass, brick, and redwood and has no 90-degree wall angles. Everything is composed of honeycomb-shaped hexagons that are repeated throughout in tiles and furnishings. (When Wright was designing this house, he was at a turning point in his career. Later, he went on to use some of the ideas he originated here to make waves with his design of the Guggenheim Museum in New York.) Wright autographed his works with a signed tile in his favorite shade of red. Here you will find that tile mounted on a carport support in the courtyard. An expansive yard includes an enclosed swimming pool, water falling over a staircase-style fountain, and a Japanese-style garden framing a fountain that is being restored. It is interesting to note that the Hanna’s three children all bought Eichler homes.

See my more detailed article.


More things to do in Palo Alto. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©Karin Moriarty

Palo Alto: Pluto's; restaurant review

101 South

Pluto’s  

482 University Ave./Cowper, (650) 853-1556.  L-D daily; $. 

Almost everything served at Pluto's is made fresh in-house.  The procedure is to get a mini-menu and figure out what you want, then move around to the food stations.

salad bar at Pluto's in Palo Alto, California

salad plate at Pluto's in Palo Alto, California

Salads come in big and bigger with your choice of seven toppings and are tossed in a giant bowl right before your eyes.  Many people find that to be enough, but you might consider sharing a salad and also ordering to share a made-to-order sandwich on freshly baked bread or perhaps a few sides—mac & cheese, onion rings, or mashed potatoes with gravy.  A selection of housemade cakes and cookies provide a sweet conclusion.  In cold weather, avoid the wall-side tables by the front door unless you plan to remain bundled up. 


More things to do in Palo Alto.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California.   
 
images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 12-19-14

Palo Alto: Shokolaat (CLOSED); restaurant review

101 South

Shokolaat  

CLOSED  516 University Ave./Cowper St., (650) 289-0719. Tea (8-4) & D Tu-Sun; $$.

Set way back from the street, with a protected dining patio in front, Shokolaat is decorated in cool grays and blacks and features an open kitchen. A banquette lines one wall, and additional seating is at the bar. Cocktails include a fresh, lemony Persian Fling as well as an international wine list. Though the menu is limited, housemade soups are exceptional, as is quail stuffed with figs and foie gras on the dinner menu. Desserts include a chocolate souffle as well as a pastry case filled with delectable sweets. Best of all is a selection of tiny jewel-like chocolates. Delicious breads and the desserts and chocolates are made at a sister business in San Mateo.


More things to do in Palo Alto.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers