By Kathy Chin Leong It’s the quintessential hidden gem, the undiscovered treasure, the diamond in the rough. Even the town name sounds pretty chill. This is Pleasant Hill, a demure East Bay community in Contra Costa County with a happening restaurant scene and inspiring natural spaces. Do not let the understated suburb fool you. Beyond […]
Pleasant Hill – The Secret Gem of the Bay Area Read More »
In my book, any time is a good time for tea time. On a recent Saturday in downtown Napa, my daughter-in-law Grace and I boarded the Napa Valley Wine Train for a formal tea that featured so many delights we needed take-home boxes. The event is the Secret Afternoon Tea, and patrons embark on a
Savor Tea Time On the Napa Valley Wine Train Read More »
Long summer days and nights are the hallmark of living in the Bay Area. The Filoli Estate in Woodside is now capitalizing on that fact, and this season, the mansion and gardens are open 5-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays until September 19. Members pay an extra $10 per person. Non-members pay $38 for adults
Summer Nights Sizzle at Woodside’s Filoli Read More »
By Kathy Chin Leong “Daddy, show me. Show me how to dive!” The little boy stands on the rim of the swimming pool, begging his young father for instruction. I watch from my lounge chair, silently hoping, “Okay, Dad. This is your chance to build a memory with your son. Don’t blow it.” The father
Santa Rosa’s Sandman Motel: Family-Friendly, Newly Remodeled, and Budget-Happy Read More »
It’s marketed as the Tri-Valley as a way to draw attention to San Ramon Valley, Livermore Valley, and Amador Valley, once and still a dominant agricultural region in the East Bay. While you can easily zip past this area on Highway 680 to head north to Sacramento or Napa, do pause and stay. As you
Why Families Should Love the Tri-VAlley Read More »
“What are you going to name your bear?”“Elon. Elon Musk. Oh the things that come out of the mouths of babes. It is Gavin’s first teddy bear tea, and given the ear-to-ear smiles I see, it will not be his last. We’re at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco where each family has paid $192 per person
Gavin’s First Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz Read More »
Fort Bragg, a former lumber town based in Mendocino County, is famous for Sea Glass Beach and its Skunk Train, a short-route train that has entertained families for years as it chugs through the massive redwoods . Within the last couple of years, the Skunk Train owners have added railbikes to the roster of their
REVIEW Skunk Train Railbikes: Let’s Get Ready to Roll! Read More »
Hot springs in Northern California must be the best kept wellness secret ever. Here at Vichy Springs Resort and Inn, hot springs tubs and pools are core to the decadent soaking ritual that’s reportedly fabulous for the skin and the circulation. The unassuming resort gives you full access to rare carbonated waters found chiefly in
Vichy Springs Resort: History and comfort converge Read More »
An American businessman who knows nothing about Chinese ways comes to China to ink a deal with his small, family-run signage company. What ensues is cultural mayhem as he fumbles his way through social landmines that explode without him even knowing. Given the U.S.’ tenuous relationship with China, the play comes at a perfect time.
Play Review: Chinglish Opening Night is a Hit Read More »