Shop Tri-Valley
DANVILLE DUBLIN LIVERMORE PLEASANTON SAN RAMON
Tri-Valley, California, has long been known for its one-of-a-kind downtown shops and the upscale regional mall, Stoneridge Shopping Center. Added to the mix this year is Paragon Outlets Livermore Valley, which boasts more than 120 high-end retailers, including Prada, Armani, Coach, Kate Spade, Bloomingdale’s and Barney’s. Paragon Outlets is the BayArea’s largest outlet mall.
Tri-Valley is also home to the Livermore Valley Wine Country, an affordable and unforgettable food and wine destination. The shopping alone is worth the visit, but with so much to do and see, a shopping trip becomes a memorable weekend getaway.
TASTE – Explore the wine of Livermore Valley
With more than 50 wineries, Livermore Valley Wine Country is the perfect place to discover that wine and food gain layers of complexity and become more delicious when paired with each other. Check out the award-winning vintages at The Steven Kent Winery, Nottingham Cellars and McGrail Vineyards just to name a few. Other wineries of note include the historic Concannon Vineyard, home of the Petite Sirah. California Chardonnay began at Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
EAT – Passionate chefs pair with passionate winemakers
Local chefs are very passionate about local produce and imaginative wine pairings. Many feature regular winemaker dinners. Nestled in the Livermore Valley Wine Country, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards has a view that is almost as unforgettable at the dining experience. Executive Chef Matt Greco works with fifth-generation winemaker Karl Wente to create an exquisite menu driven by local, seasonal ingredients and accompanying wine.
LEARN – Calling all Food Network junkies and aspiring gourmands
Novice cooks and culinary superstars alike will delight in learning new culinary skills at Pans on Fire in Pleasanton. This cookware shop also has a full kitchen in the back, and offers a variety of themed cooking classes year-round. Best of all, you can bring your wine with you.
DO – Taste Liquid Gold
The olive tree, its branch, and its magnificent golden oil have served mankind for centuries. It’s only fitting that this splendid fruit should find a place of distinction in Tri- Valley. Long known as a wine region, Livermore is quickly gaining a reputation for delivering some of California’s best olive oil. Formore than a century, the warm, dry summers and temperate winters have made Livermore Valley the perfect locale for producing olives that yield great tasting oil. Indulge in a tasting at Olivina and Victorine Olive Oil in Livermore. Visitors can purchase local olive oil at farmers markets and winery tasting rooms.
LEARN – Scientific Discovery!
Start the day with a visit to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Discovery Center, which provides visitors with a window into its state-of-the-art research programs, computational capabilities and experimental tools. Here kids can experience a broad-based display of science and technology, as well as highlights of the Laboratory’s history. After learning about the science, take the kids to play a round of laser tag at Boomers.
HIT THE OUTDOORS – Experience the Bay Area’s tallest mountain peak
Tri-Valley’s California State Park, Mount Diablo, towers 3,849 feet above the Bay Area skyline. With panoramic views stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais to the Central Valley and Sierra Nevadas, Mount Diablo features pristine trails, seasonal wildflowers and wonderful picnic grounds gently shaded by magnificent oaks.
SEE – Ride the train of lights to old Hollywood in Niles
Before Hollywood, there was the Niles District, home to Essanay Studios from 1912 to 1916. Many silent westerns and comedies were filmed in the area, starring Broncho Billy Anderson, Gloria Swanson, Ben Turpin, and a young man from England named Charlie Chaplin, whowould forever be known as The
Tramp, a movie he made in Niles. Tri-Valley’s Pleasanton was the filming location for Mary Pickford’s Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm in 1917 and also Abbott & Costello’s It Ain’t Hay in 1943. Today, you can board the Niles Canyon Railway—the end of the transcontinental railway—which offers a one-hour-scenic ride into Niles. The trains operate all year long on Sundays. Catch the early train in Sunol and ride to Niles, where you can take a vintage bus to the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, featuring memorabilia from a bygone era in movie history. The museum, open Saturday and Sunday only, is an homage to the silent films produced by Essanay Studio in Niles.
PLAY – Bocce, go-karts and kayaking!
Tri-Valley has a little bit of everything when it comes to keeping the kids occupied. Try playing a round of bocce at Campo di Bocce while feasting on family-friendly food like spaghetti & meatballs and pizza. Looking to go fast? Check out indoor cart racing at Umigo Indoor Kart Racing. And, on a hot summer day, nothing beats a leisurely kayak, cruise and swimming break on the 77,000-acre Lake DelValle.
STAY – Family-friendly accommodations abound
Hyatt Summerfield Suites is an affordable extended-stay facility located within walking distance to BART. The Hyatt features one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet for its guests.