Creative Commons image from rocor
by Ellie Lieberman | Co-Spread Editor & Maudie Frye | Staff Reporter
Everyone loves to travel, but being a tourist at home is still awesome. After all, there is no better place to explore than the Bay Area, with hidden shops, restaurants, and exciting new activities located all across the peninsula. Here are our top five under the radar places to go this week.
Day 1: Pancho Villa Taqueria
It’s often hard to explore new places on weekdays since we often get stuck going to Chipotle and Jeffrey’s night after night. But, for those living north of Menlo, you’re in luck! Pancho Villa Taqueria has locations in San Francisco and San Mateo. The taqueria serves authentic Mexican food at a low price in the form of tacos, burritos, and their famous Agua Fresca drinks. This makes for a quick dinner any night of the week, but make sure to come before six to avoid lines!
Recommended Order: steak or prawn tacos, chips and guacamole, pico de gallo and a horchata
Creative Commons image from rocor
Day 2: Crow’s Nest
In my opinion, Half Moon Bay is extremely underrated. The town has it all, from local shops to seafood restaurants to quiet beaches all combined with an East coast feel. If you ever need a getaway, I suggest zipping over because it is beautiful in the fall. You can pick up a pumpkin and even grab lunch at Sam’s Chowder House. Why not make a day out of it, and go shopping? Half Moon Bay is home to a contemporary clothing boutique called Crow’s Nest. The boutique features upscale brands like Ella Moss and Sam Edelman, but if you shop at the right time, you can get these clothes for much less. Make sure to keep an eye out for their chic accessories, flannels, and prints. They are perfect for presents.
Upcoming Sales: 20% off regular items, some items up to 75% off on September 5th-September 7th
Image from Crow’s Nest
Day 3: Off the Grid
If you ever have experienced a day where everyone in your family wants something different for dinner, you’re in luck. Off the Grid Menlo Park comes to us every Wednesday from five to nine pm at the Menlo Park Caltrain station. Offering a wide variety of food trucks from Asian street food to gourmet cream puffs and your classic American food, you are guaranteed to enjoy one of the many food options. Also, if you don’t want to go home so soon, visit Cafe Borrone for an incredible cup of coffee!
Trucks coming this week: Capelo’s Hill Country BBQ, Gold Rush Eatery, Hula Truck, Cookies & Cream, Ark Grill, Kome Sushi Burrito, and many more!
Image from Palo Alto Online
Day 4: Filoli Park
If you have been to The Dish one too many times, it is time to try Fioli Park! With a trail system covering over five miles, Fioli Park consists of trails that are different lengths and skill levels because there are so many trail options, you are destined to try a hike suitable for you. While hiking Fioli, you will be exposed to an arrangement of wildlife and plant life, mostly native to the Bay Area. Also, while hiking, you will come across Red’s Barn and William Bourne’s country estate. Filoli is more than you average hike, and everyone should check it out. Make sure to make an appointment to go on a hike as spots get booked up quickly!
Image from Filoli.org
Day 5: Kayak or Paddleboard in Sausalito
We often take living by the water for granted, but going to Sausalito feels like a getaway. With Sea Trek Kayak & SUP, you can really enjoy a day out in the Bay. When the weather’s nice, drive on over to the quaint seaside town with your friends and get out on the water! There are many opportunities to book a paddleboard or kayak class. Sea Trek’s great because you can customize your own trip and even go on a full moon kayak. Check out the website here.
Recommended Trip: Golden Gate N Back on October 17th ($75)
Image from Trek Sea Kayak and SUP
