Hoover Tower in Stanford

Presidential digs

view from the hoover towerStanford’s most iconic structure is the Hoover tower. The observation platform on the 14th floor is a nice place to comfortably see the whole campus and beyond, even for someone who is afraid of heights.

The entrance hall showcases the careers of Herbert  Hoover, 31st President of the US, on one side, and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, on the other. Both were alumni of Stanford. The entrance fee is $3. For more information you can visit the Stanford site: http://visit.stanford.edu/plan/guides/hoover.html

 

docking for the USS PotomacAnother presidential dig is a bit harder to spot since it is a floating fully functional ship. The Potomac used to be called the floating White House for President Roosevelt. He apparently hated flying and used this accommodation quite often. Like I mentioned it is still in service, you can rent it or take a cruise, so it wasn’t available on my recent visit to Oakland. To check availability, visit their website: http://www.usspotomac.org

 

Do you know of other presidential digs in the Bay Area?

Thiid St Green

Pop into a park

I have heard about pop-up stores before. Some fun way to test run your retail ideas.

When I came across a pop-up park I was naturally intrigued.

 

On Third Street between State Street and the North Parking Plaza in Los Altos you can experience a pop-up park for the month of August. They rolled out the turf, put up some comfy lawn chairs, lots of kids toys, and a ping pong table!

fun for all ages

They also offer teen nights, movies, and live music, and more. For a full schedule of events visit their calendar at thirdstreetgreen.com

 

Even when there is no program the park it is well received. Especially for the little ones, this is a great hangout spot.

 

Have you ever been to a pop-up park?

Musical swings

Discover the sound of joy

Can you remember the last time you were on a swing? The tickle you felt going up into the sky?

 

Now imagine a swing that makes a pleasant sound, different by how fast you go. But it gets even better, it’s a collaborative tool to show that you can make great music working together.

In San Jose, at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a new installation provides exactly this experience.

Ten seats, four instruments (piano, harp, guitar and vibraphone) and fun for all ages:

http://www.musicalswings.com/

 

A project from Daily tous les jours, an interaction design studio bringing us collective experiences in public spaces. San Jose is the last stop in this traveling exhibit, ending October 2, 2016.

 

Mixed in with airplanes and construction noise, I felt happy.

 

Swing on by!

 

When was the last time you were on a swing?

Sunnyvale Orchard Treasure Hunt

Sunnyvale Orchard Treasure Hunt

Before Silicon Valley this area was mostly orchards. There are still some places where you be reminded of this. I made a treasure hunt taking you to some of these places.  Enjoy!

 

You can do this alone or in a group, or even with competing teams. I attached the questions as a pdf, so you can print them out and off you go!

 

Please don’t google the questions – where is the fun in that?!

 

Duration: about 1 to 2 hours

Distance:  about 2 miles

 

Starting point: 490 W California Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (please obey parking restrictions)

  1. What is the Historical Landmark at your starting point?
  2. How old is the current structure?
  3. The neighborhood between Matilda, Maude, Bayshore Freeway and Fair Oaks Ave is named after a garden pest. What is it?
  4. Continue south towards El Camino. On the corner is a shopping center. What is the name?
  5. Write down the year C.J. Olson opened.
  6. Who is quoted saying the following: “My parents moved from San Francisco to Mountain View when I was five… Silicon Valley for the most part at that time was still orchards — apricot orchards and prune orchards — and it was really paradise.”
  7. Find the Heritage Museum of Sunnyvale. What trees are preserved in the Heritage Park?
  8. Make a picture of you / your group as a tree.

 

Send the answers to untilsuburbia AT gmail.com

 

Here is thePDF: sunnyvale orchard

I’d love your comments if you did this treasure hunt. Thanks!