Los Gatos
Real nice cars
Today we didn’t want to go too far so we decided to drive to Los Gatos, have breakfast and then take a walk round the town.
After having breakfast at the Los Gatos Cafe on Los Gatos Blvd, we drove towards Los Gatos, parking on Main Street near the library. As soon as we started walking towards the town center, we felt a sense of this being a nice place to live but we know how expensive the houses are. On our right was a small park, with a fountain and several sculptures.
One of the first businesses we passed had a mouth watering display of Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Farraris and other exotic sports cars. Originally the company was called Ferrari Los Gatos but now goes under the name of Silicon Valley Auto Group. Outside was parked a handsome, white, Rolls Royce. We pressed our noses to the window and stood on tiptoe to see over into the yard. They were all sleek, glossy and oh so beautiful.
Not far along we passed the Garden Inn Hotel. We could see their shady courtyard with inviting patio furniture. I understand Los Gatos is a favorite place for a romantic weekend and this looks just the right place to stay. The town center is within easy walking reach.
I don’t intend to list all the shops and businesses we passed but only those which caught the eye. I can tell you though that there numerous day spas, beauty salons, bars, coffee houses and restaurants along the way. The town is very pleasant to amble around with plenty of shady benches around to sit and chat or to watch the world go by. I even saw one guy reading a book, completely oblivious of everything going on around him.
Main street crosses Highway 17 but just before it does there is an entrance to the Los Gatos Creek Trail which runs for just over 9 miles from Lexington Reservoir, through Vascona Park, through Campbell and beyond. It is used by pedestrians and cyclists and is very popular. Los Gatos attracts a lot of joggers, walkers, and cyclists and we saw lots of Lycra clad people around.
At the other end of the bridge is an old building. The front is on the street and looks like a normal shop front, though closed and obviously soon to be remodeled. The back though, which can be seen from the bridge, is a different story. It is constructed from corrugated iron, which is years past its best and rusty, and is supported by rickety looking wooden posts. On the front window is a potted history of the building. It was built in 1905 by John A Hicks. Over the years it has been a second hand furniture shop, a tailor, a shoe repair shop, a sporting goods shop and a plumbers. It was bought in September 2008 and is now called the Flick House.
The next interesting shop was Gina’s. At first I thought it was an antiques shop but then realized it sold objects made out of rush, wood and gourds – all very colorful. As I passed the door there was a lovely smell of wood and other aromas which somehow made me think of Africa.
Then we came to the Lost Gatos Coffee and Roasting Company. This is definitely the place to be, judging by the number of bikes tied to every available tree, lamppost and seat, and the mass of people congregating outside, chatting and drinking coffee. We sat for a while outside, petted a large golden retriever who was patiently waiting for it’s master and listened to the conversations going on around us as friends greeted each other enthusiastically and spoke about everything except the economic situation. It also gave me a chance to catch up on my writing.
March 09 2009 | Neighborhoods | No Comments »
