Back in December 2009, we posted a short entry summarizing the I Love Mountain View Site.  At that point the website was still relatively new but we saw great potential for the site becoming one of the better local resources for all who live, work  and play in Mountain View.

Well, almost a year later, the website has exceeded our expectations. The site is actually a blog site sponsored by the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce. Well vetted, with an attention for local vendors and activities, it is an excellent resource and one that should not be missed.

“I Love Mountain View” blog covers a variety of topics regarding life in our exciting community. It’s rare to find a site that addresses multiple age groups and a variety of topics.

They have categorized and tagged the posts so searching their site is very easy.  A RSS feed and an easy-to-read community calendar round out the site.  The site is sure to have  something for every member of the family:

Bay Area Festival season officially launches on May 15-16 in Mountain View where walkable Castro Street will be transformed into a  feast of people and colorful tents for the 14th Annual A La Carte & Art. Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in Silicon Valley for this celebration of the arts.

The open-air festival will feature two days of:

• live music
• a fine arts & crafts show with 200 talented exhibitors showing their handcrafted wares
• artisan specialty food purveyors
• a farmers’ market with fresh seasonal produce
• festive food and drink with premium wine, microbrews and margaritas
• health and wellness displays
• an organic and green products showcase
• home and garden exhibits
• kids’ amusements in the Tons of Fun Zone
• and, making its festival debut, a classic car show — “A La Car & Art”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is free. More information regarding the event can be found here.

Image from Savvy Cellar Wine Bar and Shop

Anticipation grows, as one of the Peninsula’s favorite wine bars nears its Grand Opening in Mountain View at the Old Train Depot. We feel so lucky to have Savvy so close. Gables End homeowners that have enjoyed Savvy Cellar in Redwood City, now have the option of meeting up with friends and neighbors at Savvy II just minutes from their front door! Need a double date idea? Savvy Cellar was voted “Best Wine Classes in the Bay Area”

Recently posted on the Savvy Cellar Facebook Page:

“Yeah, Mtn View construction complete! Waiting on ABC license . . . sigh. In the meantime, we are cranking on internal operations – tasting a lot of bread to ensure only the best selection!:) 1 to 2 weeks to go. Opening date to be announced soon! Watch this space . . .”

Have a look at these photos of the Gables End homeowners’ newest, local amenity:

Savvy Cellar II – Week 13

Savvy Cellar II – Week 15 (Slideshow)

We have been following the progress of Savvy Cellar II in Mountain View with much anticipation.  We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful addition to our Mountain View community.

Update from week 13, courtesy of their Facebook Fan Page : Signage and outdoor patio enclosure complete. Next up minor interior finishing, retail racks, stereo and POS.

If you haven’t had a chance to see what all the excitement is about, have a look at their Flickr Slideshow.

We can’t wait for the grand opening which should be announced within a few days. Tentative plans are for a grand opening to take place within a few weeks after final building approval.

Stay tuned!!

Need some “me time”?

The stress of everyday life can take it’s toll on your physical and mental health.  That is why it is so important to schedule some time to rest and rejuvenate yourself.  What better way than a relaxing spa treatment.  We are lucky at Gables End to have an incredible spa experience right here in our very own Mountain View community – Embody Wellness Spa.

Named Best Day Spa in Silicon Valley by the San Jose Mercury News in their 2008 Reader’s Choice Rankings, Embody Wellness Spa is best known for its high quality massages and facials. Their massage services also include deep tissue, hot stone, and advanced modalities such as fertility/pregnancy massage, and Orthobionomy™.

The Spa’s holistic approach also includes waxing; teeth whitening; yoga and wellness seminars on topic ranging from stress reduction, nutrition, fitness and creating a wellness
environment in your home.

So check them out at their website, their blog , Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

We love our local businesses in Mountain View! Gables End also hosted Embody a favorite on the Gables End Facebook Page + listed the spa on its Twitter local list for your convenience.

Nothing beats the experience of a Farmers’ Market….the sights, the smells and colors are all a welcome escape from our daily, hectic lives.  Our Gables End community is very fortunate to have one of the best farmers’ markets right here in downtown Mountain View.

The Certified Farmers’ Market in Mountain View is big and has an excellent selection of flowers, cheese, fruit, veggies, fresh meat, fresh bread and pastries, ethnic food and even entertainment for the little ones! The best part: you can enjoy it year-round!

Check out all of the positive reviews from locals and visitors who have had great things to say about the farmers’ market on YELP

Next Sunday, after your morning cup-o-joe, venture out and have a look! The Mountain View Farmers’ Market is less than 3 miles from your front door at Gables End. Just one more reason that living at Gables End is one of the best decisions you can make regarding housing options on the Peninsula.

Mountain View Farmers Market – California Farmers’ Markets Association
Day: Open all Sundays
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Features: Approx. 70 growers and food purveyors at peak season.
Location: Downtown Mountain View Caltrain Station Parking Lot – 600 West Evelyn
View Larger Map

Back in July of 2009, the City Council of Mountain View chose Savvy Cellar Wines, Inc. to lease the replica 1888 Train Depot in downtown Mountain View. Savvy Cellar plans to operate a wine bar out of the building similar to a business it runs in Redwood City.

According to a July 9th  article in the Mountain View Voice, Savvy Cellar plans to serve wine and “light foods” and to sell wine by the bottle. The company may also use the space to teach its highly regarded classes on wine.*

We are pleased to announce that they have started the interior remodel to transform the once-vacant train station into a wonderful wine experience for residents of Mountain View to enjoy.  A Flickr Slideshow of the Savvy Cellar interior build-out can be viewed by clicking on the image above or following this link.

For more information regarding this exciting project, become a fan of Savvy Cellar Wines on Facebook and follow along.  We’ve also made Savvy Cellar a Favorite local business on the Gables End Facebook page. The Gables End Facebook Fan page Favorites is like a concierge of local Mountain View services all in one spot!

* Quote from July 9, 2009 Mountain View Voice article

According to a recent article in the Mountain View Voice, our very own Mountain View could be one of 3 transportation hubs to test a new bike ride share program thanks to a $500,000 grant secured by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. The VTA envisions 100 bicycles to be involved in the program.

The program would involve bicycles being available at three major transit hubs – Mountain View, Palo Alto and San Jose with smaller sharing stations within a three-mile radius of each other.

Bike sharing is a relatively new idea to the United States but there are successful transit models in Paris and Montreal.  Basically it works like this – make bicycles accessible to anyone who wants to use them, without the hassle or worry of bike parking or theft.  According to Jennie Loft of the VTA – “It’s more about the commute versus going to the grocery store”. “They can just kind of leave one (bike) behind and then catch up at the other side.”*

Sounds like a great initiative and wonderful program to add to the livability of our community in Mountain View!

* Quote from January 1, 2010 Mountain View Voice article

Worked out at the Golds Gym in Mountain View, just about a mile from Gables End.  Not a bad gym but I am definitely more of a 24 Hour Fitness fan.  I like all the light from the floor to ceiling windows, Gold’s is darker because it was previously an industrial building.

I also like to run into Target and Trader Joe’s after a work out so I prefer the location of 24 Hour.

I wish they had a gym at Gables End but alas, maybe next year when they sell out.  They seem to be selling pretty fast.