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What do you like best about it? I love that the the city is very active in engaging it’s citizens and that preserving the environment is a huge priority for many of its residents.
How has your neighborhood changed since you moved there? Maybe it’s because I was young when we moved here but I see Palo Alto as more of a destination and not just a suburb of the Bay. And as each year passes, more and more money is pumped into the local economy.
Do you need a car to get around? I work on Stanford’s campus so I bike every day. It’s four miles round trip, which isn’t bad at all. Public transportation from Palo Alto is really great. You have Caltrain, the free Stanford shuttle bus service, and Santa Clara Valley buses. While I own a car for the rare weekends away in Tahoe or LA, on a day-to-day basis you can easily get by with just public transportation or a bike.
Tell us something we don’t know about your neighborhood: Palo Alto got its name from a Redwood tree commonly known as the El Palo Alto, or “Tall Stick.” Which has historical significance because it was the campsite for the Portola Expedition Party who discovered San Francisco Bay. It’s also the second historical landmark in the state of California!
Favorite gem? ‘The Gates of Hell.’ Based on a scene from Dante’s ‘Inferno,’ it’s a 180 figure sculpture created by Aguste Rodin. Only six copies exist in the world and this one just happens to be found in Stanford’s Rodin Sculpture Garden.
Favorite grocery store? Piazza’s may be a little more pricey than other grocery stores, but it’s by far my favorite. They have high quality food and an old-fashioned market feel, as Mr. Piazza modeled the store after one in his hometown of Sicily.
Good for kids? Absolutely! The city’s is extremely kid friendly and the schools are highly rated.
Best place to get a coffee? Coupa Cafe is a family-owned business that serves organic, fair trade coffee and delicious treats
Best park? Mitchell Park is great because on top of their playground for local children, they also offer tennis courts and a dog park. I use the dog park a lot, and if you have children the playground offers outrageously adventurous merry-go-rounds that look like they’re out of a French vanguard movie and a Lewis Carroll-styled treehouse.
Beloved neighborhood joints? Definitely the California Avenue Farmers’ Market! There’s nothing better than spending your morning strolling through aisles of fresh, organic produce and supporting local businesses.
What’s the nightlife like? Great! What I love about Palo Alto is its ability to offer something for everyone to enjoy. You can have a casual night drinking wine flights with your friends or ride the bull over at The Old Pro. Another fun place to check out is Nola. It’s a popular New Orleans-themed joint that offers the classics; jambalaya, Hurricane’s, and beignets!
Where is the best place to experience the outdoors? The Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is wonderful. I try to take my dog out for a hike on it every other weekend or bike over to the lake. I know you can also go horseback riding or fishing there as well.
Final words? Home of the Heart of the Silicon Valley!
