This morning - another spectacular sunny day - I drove several miles from home to the town formerly known as Alisal - now known as Pleasanton. It is located on what was once one of the main routes to the gold fields, and so it quickly became a merchantile stopover for the miners heading to the Mother Lode. Pleasanton incorportated in 1894, and by the early 1900s it was a thriving community. Today Pleasanton is a trendy Eastbay community, but probably its most colorful and popular destination is Main Street in the historic downtown. Come take a stroll down this picturesque, tree-lined street and savor the colorful sights and historical relics...
The overhead sign welcomes visitors to Main Street...
A welcome sign on one of the stores...
Signs of the holidays were still visible...
All you'll need: liquor and cigars...
An old Western-style store front...
Colorful entryway...
Quaint architecture...
Lots of yummy shops...
Probably the cutest gas station I've ever seen...
Stogies anyone?
Lots of outdoor seating - even in winter...
One of the local spas...
Flower boxes in a window...
Just one of the many "upscale" shops...
Have a seat and make yourself comfortable...
A popular breakfast stop...
Still a few oak leaves lying around...
Just one of many delicious restaurants...
There are even several murals - if you can find them!
Spanish style home...
The old but now defunct Pleasanton Hotel...
The newer Rose Hotel...
A popular store for horse and riding equipment...
An old shoe store sign...
This is wine country too...
Memory bricks...
A very good Mexican Restaurant (well worth a visit - thanks to Colin & Francine for introducing us to it!)...
The colorful restaurant...
Lanterns in the courtyard...
The eternal Mariachi band...
Festive string of lights on a tree trunk...
A few stray maple leaves fluttering in the wind...
There's a great bookstore, too...
Pool and beer anyone?
The Veterans Memorial...
Besides the quaint, pedestrian friendly main drag downtown, Pleasanton is also home to the Alameda County Fairgrounds, where frequent events are held, and the town itself hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year...oh, and don't forget the many wineries. Whether you visit during the day or at night, I'm sure you'll enjoy this charming small town. 
1 comment:
Thank you for such a patient look at little downtown Pleasanton!
It reminds me that I should spend a little more time down here, especially since I work only about 3 minutes from Main St.
Oh, and Dean's omelettes are killer.
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