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The easygoing vibe of Saratoga is the perfect departure for a weekend away from the bustle of Silicon Valley. This former logging town boasts two unusual gardens—one Japanese and one Italian—plus a passel of wineries and a walkable downtown lined with shops and eateries. Skip the hassles of a road trip and stay close to home this weekend.
Meander Linger among the bamboo forests, koi ponds, and stone fountains at Hakone Gardens, a Japanese estate founded in 1917. A mile away on the other side of Saratoga, stroll through Villa Montalvo’s formal Italianate garden. Ambitious walkers can explore the estate’s 175 acres by following the Lookout Trail to a high overlook of the valley. hakone.com, 408.741.4994; montalvoarts.org, 408.961.5800
Ride Feeling aerobically challenged? Let Trigger do the walking for you at Garrod Ranch. Sunday morning wine-tasting rides combine the best of two worlds: one hour in the saddle followed by a vintage-paired breakfast buffet. garrodfarms.com, 408.867.9527
Sip Just a few miles up the hill from Saratoga, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards handcrafts small lots of pinot noir. Purchase a picnic at the tasting room and wander amid the grapevines. Or, if you’d rather tour than taste, Mount Eden Vineyards offers a guided walk through its historic cellar on weekday afternoons (reserve in advance). savannahchanelle.com, 408.741.2934; mounteden.com, 408.867.5832
Dine Spice things up with a nouveau-Mexican meal at Casa de Cobre, the antidote to the boring burrito. Sit on the front patio and nosh on fresh tortillas, goat enchiladas, vegetarian black beans, and of course, margaritas. casadecobre.com, 408.867.1639
Stay A two-minute walk from the heart of Saratoga Village is the serene Saratoga Oaks Lodge, framed beneath a trio of gnarled valley oaks. Furnishings are elegant yet unpretentious, rates are under $200, and the continental breakfast will jumpstart your day. saratogaoakslodge.com, 408.867.3307
Shop Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Saratoga Farmers Market is the place to be. Get there early to have the best pick of everything that’s good for you. 14000 Fruitvale Ave., 800.806.3276
