San Jose City Living

My view from Castle Rock

A hop, skip, and a jump from Downtown San Jose is a panoramic viewed perch, fitted for a super hero and sits over looking the South Bay.

Located in Castle Rock State Park, at the top of HWY 9, is a skyline hiking trail that you can either start at the crossing of  HWY 9 and HWY 3 (about a 4.5 mile hike), or you can take a cheat-cheat drive to the half mile trek which takes you directly to Summit Rock.   It’s easy to miss the exit for the shorter route, so look for this exit approx 2 1/2 miles up hwy 35.

All you need to remember once you’re on the trail is just stay to your left.  There are a few different trails as you head up but if you stay to the left you’ll no doubt run right into it.  And when you get there, you’ll know it.  It is quite big.

Check my photos as I hiked up to the big rock at the twitpic photo album.

Headed somewhere cool yourself?  Let us know and right about it!  We’ll throw it into the mix.

If you haven’t been to The Mountain Winery off of hwy 9, I highly recommend it.  While I know there are plenty of other wineries all over the area, the view, the wine, and the ambiance of this place is unlike no other.

When Friday roles around and you’re thinking of something fun to do, think about starting the afternoon off right with a nice drive up hwy9 to The Mountain Winery, a little wine tasting, and ooing and aahing over the view.  It really is beautiful up there.

In case this is the first time you’ve heard of the  Mountain Winery, I felt it would be a good idea to introduce you to the other major appeal of this wine palace.  For starters, The Mountain Winery boasts an incredible outdoor amphitheater where performers such as Styx, Kathy Griffin, Chris Isaak, Los Lonely Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and many others have performed.  And those were just some of the names from the 2008 Concert Season.

The Mountain Winery Construction

With the 25 million dollar renovation project nearing its end make sure to check out the concert schedule to get more information on upcoming shows and events.

Title: Wondercon 2009
Location: Mascone Center San Francisco
Link out: Click here
Description: Major Comic/ Sci-fi convention. Mark Hamil and Carrie Fisher will be there. Cost is only $30
Start Date: 2009-02-27
End Date: 2009-02-28

Title: Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off!
Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Link out: Click here
Description: Come try the variety of clam chowder then vote on your favorite!
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-02-21