“Nancy is hands-down the best agent I’ve ever worked with —and I’ve worked with over a dozen!”
- Bonnie Gemmell, Woodside, CA.
Stories of Adventure! Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park is a wonderful community resource for books and magazines as well as access to important authors through their lecture and event series. And here is one that caught my eye - the National Geographic Live Speaker Series this summer presented by Kepler’s at The Fox Theatre.  Prepare for adventure with talks about lions, polar bears, Mars, and birds in paradise given by speakers with first hand experience. Here is the schedule - more details of course are available on the Kepler’s website. * June 18: Beverly and Dereck Joubert: Living with Big Cats * July 16: Paul Nicklen: Polar Obsession * August 13: Kobie Boykins: Exploring Mars: The Next Generation * September 17: Bryan Smith: The Lens of Adventure * October 8: Tim Laman and Ed Scholes: Birds of Paradise Please note that while most events sponsored by the bookstore are free, these events do require a ticket which can be purchased at the bookstore or the theater. Image courtesy of Rob Bonneywell / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Stories of Adventure!

Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park is a wonderful community resource for books and magazines as well as access to important authors through their lecture and event series. And here is one that caught my eye - the National Geographic Live Speaker Series this summer presented by Kepler’s at The Fox Theatre. 

Prepare for adventure with talks about lions, polar bears, Mars, and birds in paradise given by speakers with first hand experience. Here is the schedule - more details of course are available on the Kepler’s website.

* June 18: Beverly and Dereck Joubert: Living with Big Cats

* July 16: Paul Nicklen: Polar Obsession

* August 13: Kobie Boykins: Exploring Mars: The Next Generation

* September 17: Bryan Smith: The Lens of Adventure

* October 8: Tim Laman and Ed Scholes: Birds of Paradise

Please note that while most events sponsored by the bookstore are free, these events do require a ticket which can be purchased at the bookstore or the theater.

Image courtesy of Rob Bonneywell / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sneak Peek at My Newest Listing: Lush Private Retreat

Lovely Woodside home surrounded by lush gardens is a peaceful retreat in harmony with its outdoor setting. Contemporary home with 2758 sf (approx) open floor plan featuring dramatic glass walls in multiple rooms overlooking large 1.17 acre lot with decks, secluded gardens, and mature landscaping.

•  Bright Formal double-door entry leads into living areas and hallway to bedrooms 

•  3 bedrooms; master with hardwood floors & private deck; 2 BR with new carpet 

•  3 remodeled bathrooms; hall bathroom has whirlpool tub 

•  Family kitchen opens to large dining area overlooking deck & yard; remodeled with gas Viking stove, granite counters, limestone floors, & lots of cabinets 

•   Butler’s pantry with granite counters, wine fridge, sink & plenty of extra storage 

•  Living room with oversized fireplace, hardwood floors, open-beam ceilings and glass walls overlooking deck; family room with lots of natural light & hardwood floors 

•  Private downstairs office with separate entrance & deck (bathroom add-on potential) 

•  Yard includes heated swimming pool with hot tub, lounge areas, lush grass, and large deck surrounding a lovely shade tree plus fruit trees and vegetable garden 

•  2 car garage (with door opener); additional off-street parking 

746 Woodside Drive, Woodside

Offered at $2,288,800

Big Screen Meets the Great Outdoors It is that time of year when many movie fans, or restless families, head outdoors to… watch a movie! There are a few ways you can enjoy a movie outdoors. Of course, there is the good ol’ drive-in theater, a few of which still remain. Then there are community-based outdoor screenings where picnics are welcome and kids can usually run free. And don’t forget your own backyard - a simple projector and white sheet could be enough to debut your own cinema. Here are a few resources for the SF Bay Area:  *  Redwood City Movies on the Square 2013 - Showings begin at sunset on Thursdays and include the likes of My Fair Lady, Back to the Future, and OZ: The Great and Powerful. Admission is free and there are some great local restaurants you can visit ahead of time. *  West Wind All Digital Drive-In, San Jose - All movies are double features with new releases like Epic and The Internship. Pop some corn and pack some blankets - you might be surprised by how fun it can be at the drive-in! *  Film Night in the Park presents its 2013 line-up at various parks in San Francisco and Marin County. Their schedule includes classic films like The Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, and The Birds. Admission is free, refreshments are available, and donations are appreciated. Of course there is one more resource available if you want to find the perfect backyard to screen your own movies in - let me guide you to some of the many fantastic homes for sale along the SF Peninsula today! Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Big Screen Meets the Great Outdoors

It is that time of year when many movie fans, or restless families, head outdoors to… watch a movie! There are a few ways you can enjoy a movie outdoors. Of course, there is the good ol’ drive-in theater, a few of which still remain. Then there are community-based outdoor screenings where picnics are welcome and kids can usually run free. And don’t forget your own backyard - a simple projector and white sheet could be enough to debut your own cinema.

Here are a few resources for the SF Bay Area: 

*  Redwood City Movies on the Square 2013 - Showings begin at sunset on Thursdays and include the likes of My Fair Lady, Back to the Future, and OZ: The Great and Powerful. Admission is free and there are some great local restaurants you can visit ahead of time.

*  West Wind All Digital Drive-In, San Jose - All movies are double features with new releases like Epic and The Internship. Pop some corn and pack some blankets - you might be surprised by how fun it can be at the drive-in!

*  Film Night in the Park presents its 2013 line-up at various parks in San Francisco and Marin County. Their schedule includes classic films like The Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, and The Birds. Admission is free, refreshments are available, and donations are appreciated.

Of course there is one more resource available if you want to find the perfect backyard to screen your own movies in - let me guide you to some of the many fantastic homes for sale along the SF Peninsula today!

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

See the Stables If you are a horse lover, as many in towns such as Woodside are, then you might enjoy this Sunday’s (June 9th) annual Day in the Country Stable Tour. The tour is sponsored by the Los Altos Hounds riding club and will visit five private stables in Woodside that are sure to impress. I just love the chance to see behind the scenes of some of these lovely Woodside properties. Lunch and art in an English garden are also available. Visit losaltoshounds.org for details on tickets and reservations. In the meantime, home sales along the SF Peninsula continue to gallop ahead! Take a look below at some of the cities where I specialize. May Sales *  Atherton - 12 sales, 107% to list price, 39 average DOM *  Belmont - 32 sales, 111% to list price, 16 average DOM *  Burlingame - 30 sales, 110% to list price, 16 average DOM *  Foster City - 19 sales, 105% to list price, 19 average DOM *  Hillsborough - 13 sales, 96% to list price, 60 average DOM *  Menlo Park - 51 sales, 107% to list price, 22 average DOM *  Palo Alto - 45 sales, 111% to list price, 15 average DOM *  Redwood City - 63 sales, 107% to list price, 17 average DOM *  San Mateo - 71 sales, 108% to list price, 19 average DOM *  San Carlos - 37 sales, 109% to list price, 14 average DOM *  Woodside - 13 sales, 100% to list price, 39 average DOM IMHO*:   I’ve learned in the past 25 plus years of selling houses to take each bit of news as it comes.  May brought more evidence that the real estate market along the SF Peninsula is moving fast!  Give me a call and let me help you with a strategy that is right for you.  (*In My Humble Opinion – which I’m always happy to share.) Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

See the Stables

If you are a horse lover, as many in towns such as Woodside are, then you might enjoy this Sunday’s (June 9th) annual Day in the Country Stable Tour. The tour is sponsored by the Los Altos Hounds riding club and will visit five private stables in Woodside that are sure to impress. I just love the chance to see behind the scenes of some of these lovely Woodside properties. Lunch and art in an English garden are also available. Visit losaltoshounds.org for details on tickets and reservations.

In the meantime, home sales along the SF Peninsula continue to gallop ahead! Take a look below at some of the cities where I specialize.

May Sales

*  Atherton - 12 sales, 107% to list price, 39 average DOM

*  Belmont - 32 sales, 111% to list price, 16 average DOM

*  Burlingame - 30 sales, 110% to list price, 16 average DOM

*  Foster City - 19 sales, 105% to list price, 19 average DOM

*  Hillsborough - 13 sales, 96% to list price, 60 average DOM

*  Menlo Park - 51 sales, 107% to list price, 22 average DOM

*  Palo Alto - 45 sales, 111% to list price, 15 average DOM

*  Redwood City - 63 sales, 107% to list price, 17 average DOM

*  San Mateo - 71 sales, 108% to list price, 19 average DOM

*  San Carlos - 37 sales, 109% to list price, 14 average DOM

*  Woodside - 13 sales, 100% to list price, 39 average DOM

IMHO*:   I’ve learned in the past 25 plus years of selling houses to take each bit of news as it comes.  May brought more evidence that the real estate market along the SF Peninsula is moving fast!  Give me a call and let me help you with a strategy that is right for you.  (*In My Humble Opinion – which I’m always happy to share.)

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What’s That Style? I catch myself doing this all the time - describing houses based on their architectural style and assuming the person I am talking to knows the characteristics of those styles. It is such an easy way to categorize homes, and common styles can provide guidance and inspiration for anyone attempting to remodel or restore a home. So in case you’ve ever wondered, or if you want to impress friends and family, here are some common architectural styles found along the SF Peninsula and a few of their characteristic details. Ranch: A ranch house rambles - it is one-story and characterized by a low roof, horizontal layout, large windows, and attached garage. Ranch homes emphasize an open floor plan with efficient use of space. They are very common in California! Bungalow: These single-family homes were popular across the United States during the first half of the 20th Century. The California Bungalow is characterized by sloping roofs with exposed eaves and rafters, an open front porch, wood shingle siding, built-in shelves and buffets, and family-centered rooms (i.e. no formal parlors and dining rooms, and no servants’ quarters). Georgian: Picture symmetrical doors and windows, a medium pitch and dark roof, a box shape with 2 stories, and a red brick facade. It is a subset of American Colonial Architecrue that was popular in the early United States through the 19th century, especially with public buildings. Greek Revival: These are stately homes with large columns, symmetrical shape, narrow windows, and bold but simple details (such as the moldings). The style in America reflected interest in ancient Greece and democracy. Eichler: Built in the 1950s and 1960s, these homes have a modern style, tell-tale flat roof, exposed windows, open floor plans, and glass walls that emphasize indoor-outdoor living. They are extremely desirable to buyers who are looking for a modern aesthetic, and can be rewarding to restore. Eichler Homes built over 11,000 homes in California, mostly in our neck of the woods.  Of course, this list is hardly exhaustive and there are many great architectural styles currently on the market along the SF Peninsula. Give me a call if you’d like to see some houses that fit your style! Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</p

What’s That Style?

I catch myself doing this all the time - describing houses based on their architectural style and assuming the person I am talking to knows the characteristics of those styles. It is such an easy way to categorize homes, and common styles can provide guidance and inspiration for anyone attempting to remodel or restore a home. So in case you’ve ever wondered, or if you want to impress friends and family, here are some common architectural styles found along the SF Peninsula and a few of their characteristic details.

Ranch: A ranch house rambles - it is one-story and characterized by a low roof, horizontal layout, large windows, and attached garage. Ranch homes emphasize an open floor plan with efficient use of space. They are very common in California!

Bungalow: These single-family homes were popular across the United States during the first half of the 20th Century. The California Bungalow is characterized by sloping roofs with exposed eaves and rafters, an open front porch, wood shingle siding, built-in shelves and buffets, and family-centered rooms (i.e. no formal parlors and dining rooms, and no servants’ quarters).

Georgian: Picture symmetrical doors and windows, a medium pitch and dark roof, a box shape with 2 stories, and a red brick facade. It is a subset of American Colonial Architecrue that was popular in the early United States through the 19th century, especially with public buildings.

Greek Revival: These are stately homes with large columns, symmetrical shape, narrow windows, and bold but simple details (such as the moldings). The style in America reflected interest in ancient Greece and democracy.

Eichler: Built in the 1950s and 1960s, these homes have a modern style, tell-tale flat roof, exposed windows, open floor plans, and glass walls that emphasize indoor-outdoor living. They are extremely desirable to buyers who are looking for a modern aesthetic, and can be rewarding to restore. Eichler Homes built over 11,000 homes in California, mostly in our neck of the woods. 

Of course, this list is hardly exhaustive and there are many great architectural styles currently on the market along the SF Peninsula. Give me a call if you’d like to see some houses that fit your style!

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</p

Sneak Peek at My Newest Listing: Sweeping Peninsula Views

Hilltop Belmont home overlooks sweeping Peninsula views. Traditional 2-story floor plan with 1940 sf (approx) of living space.  Great residential neighborhood with nearby world-class shopping and desirable Belmont-Redwood Shores school district. 

•  Bright entry with skylight; family and living rooms both with fireplaces 

•  Family room opens onto patio and lovely yard (fully fenced) with mature fruit trees

•  Eat-in kitchen with additional formal dining off the living room

•  4 spacious bedrooms and 2 remodeled full baths

•  Hardwood flooring in living areas and newly carpeted bedrooms

•  Comfort features include central air conditioning, double pane windows, newer roof

•  Attached 2-car garage; extra storage; abundance of closet space

2041 Monroe Avenue, Belmont 94002

Offered at $1,079,000

Some Dates to Follow Ever wonder what the difference is between a &#8220;sell-by&#8221; date stamped on your food and a &#8220;best-by&#8221; date? I wonder about these things sometimes, and I figure I can&#8217;t be the only one. Here is a quick primmer on some common items and expirations to help you get your dates in order. Thank you USDA and WebMD for the information! Who knows - you may be able to reduce some of your household waste! Food Stamps: Sell-By is for the store and lets them know how long to keep the item on the shelf; the food remains edible for a period after the date. Best-By is a recommendation for best flavor or quality but not a food safety warning. Use-By is again a recommendation for peak quality but not a safety warning.  Dairy: Generally speaking, milk is good for a week past the Sell-By date, and eggs for 3-5 weeks after you bring them home. Poultry and seafood should be cooked or frozen within 1-2 days of bringing it home, beef and pork 3-5 days.  Home Safety: Fire extinguishers may be built to last from around 5 to 15 years, but need to have their pressure gauge checked at least annually.  Smoke detectors last 10 years and need their batteries checked and replaced annually (tip: use a Sharpie to write the purchase date on the inside of the panel/cover). Cleaning Products: They may not have an expiration, but they start to lose effectiveness after 6 months or more of non-use. Anti-bacterial ingredients will lose effectiveness after about one year. And don&#8217;t forget to replace baking soda in your fridge every few months! Spices: While they won&#8217;t spoil, spices will lose their flavor over time. Use this rule of thumb: whole spices will stay fresh for about 3-4 years, ground spices for about 2-3 years, and dried herbs for 1-3 years.   Image courtesy of PatPitchaya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Some Dates to Follow

Ever wonder what the difference is between a “sell-by” date stamped on your food and a “best-by” date? I wonder about these things sometimes, and I figure I can’t be the only one. Here is a quick primmer on some common items and expirations to help you get your dates in order. Thank you USDA and WebMD for the information! Who knows - you may be able to reduce some of your household waste!

Food Stamps: Sell-By is for the store and lets them know how long to keep the item on the shelf; the food remains edible for a period after the date. Best-By is a recommendation for best flavor or quality but not a food safety warning. Use-By is again a recommendation for peak quality but not a safety warning. 

Dairy: Generally speaking, milk is good for a week past the Sell-By date, and eggs for 3-5 weeks after you bring them home. Poultry and seafood should be cooked or frozen within 1-2 days of bringing it home, beef and pork 3-5 days. 

Home Safety: Fire extinguishers may be built to last from around 5 to 15 years, but need to have their pressure gauge checked at least annually.  Smoke detectors last 10 years and need their batteries checked and replaced annually (tip: use a Sharpie to write the purchase date on the inside of the panel/cover).

Cleaning Products: They may not have an expiration, but they start to lose effectiveness after 6 months or more of non-use. Anti-bacterial ingredients will lose effectiveness after about one year. And don’t forget to replace baking soda in your fridge every few months!

Spices: While they won’t spoil, spices will lose their flavor over time. Use this rule of thumb: whole spices will stay fresh for about 3-4 years, ground spices for about 2-3 years, and dried herbs for 1-3 years.  

Image courtesy of PatPitchaya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Take Five: Outdoor Dining  With the weather warming up and summer vacation looming, you might find yourself looking for opportunities to get outdoors. Hiking, swimming, and biking all fit the bill - and when the day is done you can keep the vibe going with an outdoor dining area.  Outdoor dining in the yard has been a trend for some time now, and creating your own space couldn&#8217;t be easier. If fact, it doesn&#8217;t even have to be confined to the backyard! Get creative - do you have an unused driveway or parking area? Space in front of the house that can be hedged in and used? Find a comfortable spot and start to dream.  Here are 5 ideas to get you started - see what inspires you! Terrain: Dirt and grass are fine, but there are so many other options that might fit the style of your dining area even better. Consider pavers or pea gravel (feels nice on bare feet!), a deck made from reclaimed wood, or Mediterranean tile. Whatever you choose should help define the dining area as separate from the rest of the yard. Table: Of course it should be sturdy and as large as your space permits. Look for durable options such as concrete or iron for a unique and lasting look. Place it near a shade tree or add shade elements such a tent, cabana, or umbrella. Lighting: Accent lighting can highlight the design or garden elements of the outdoor dining area while providing light for late dinners. Stay away from flood lights or other overly bright sources, and add candles for their soft, warm light. Prep Area: You will thank yourself later if you can find a little counter space for prepping food or setting up a buffet. And if you want to go all out, this area could include a sink, a small refrigerator, and cooking/grilling station. Dramatic Elements: And finally, don&#8217;t forget a few unforgettable features like a fire pit, soothing water fountains (that can help block out street noise if your outdoor dining area is in front of the house), or a collection of wind chimes.  Image courtesy of Nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Take Five: Outdoor Dining

 With the weather warming up and summer vacation looming, you might find yourself looking for opportunities to get outdoors. Hiking, swimming, and biking all fit the bill - and when the day is done you can keep the vibe going with an outdoor dining area. 

Outdoor dining in the yard has been a trend for some time now, and creating your own space couldn’t be easier. If fact, it doesn’t even have to be confined to the backyard! Get creative - do you have an unused driveway or parking area? Space in front of the house that can be hedged in and used? Find a comfortable spot and start to dream. 

Here are 5 ideas to get you started - see what inspires you!

Terrain: Dirt and grass are fine, but there are so many other options that might fit the style of your dining area even better. Consider pavers or pea gravel (feels nice on bare feet!), a deck made from reclaimed wood, or Mediterranean tile. Whatever you choose should help define the dining area as separate from the rest of the yard.

Table: Of course it should be sturdy and as large as your space permits. Look for durable options such as concrete or iron for a unique and lasting look. Place it near a shade tree or add shade elements such a tent, cabana, or umbrella.

Lighting: Accent lighting can highlight the design or garden elements of the outdoor dining area while providing light for late dinners. Stay away from flood lights or other overly bright sources, and add candles for their soft, warm light.

Prep Area: You will thank yourself later if you can find a little counter space for prepping food or setting up a buffet. And if you want to go all out, this area could include a sink, a small refrigerator, and cooking/grilling station.

Dramatic Elements: And finally, don’t forget a few unforgettable features like a fire pit, soothing water fountains (that can help block out street noise if your outdoor dining area is in front of the house), or a collection of wind chimes. 

Image courtesy of Nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hot Diggity Dog I do enjoy being a dog lover and the companionship my dogs, past and present, have brought to my life. And I guess I am not alone along the SF Peninsula! In honor of May being &#8220;National Pet Month&#8221; the SF Chronicle has posted a list of the top 10 dog-friendly cities in the nation. I am proud to report that San Francisco came in as the #5 &#8220;urban dog paradise.&#8221;  I personally feel that honor belongs to the entire SF Peninsula. Throughout the years I have worked with many clients who rank dog-friendliness on their list of needs when looking for a new home in a new neighborhood. With so many trails, parks, and natural areas in our lovely cities I can usually meet that need pretty easily! If you are looking for a place to take Fido this weekend, here are a few dog-friendly destinations. Many of them include separate fenced-in areas for smaller dogs, benches, shade areas, and fresh water. San Mateo - Feel free to take off your dog&#8217;s leash and let him run at one of San Mateo&#8217;s many dog parks, such as Shoreline Park on 3rd Avenue and Seal Point Park on 3rd Avenue.  Half Moon Bay - Enjoy some beach breezes with your pup at Half Moon Bay&#8217;s Coast Side Dog Park at Wavecrest Road and Highway 1.  Foster City - One of many, the Foster City Dog Park on Foster City Boulevard is a family favorite with nearby parks for the kids to play at too. Palo Alto - Hoover Park on Cowper Street is sure to please any dog looking to run some laps and get in a few games. Belmont - Another Peninsula favorite, Cipriani Dog Park on Buena Vista and Monserat Avenue offers a grassy place to run in the sun. No matter what kind of park you might be looking for, I can tell you what you&#8217;ll find in the many fantastic neighborhoods along the SF Peninsula. Give me a call and we can check them out together this summer! Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hot Diggity Dog

I do enjoy being a dog lover and the companionship my dogs, past and present, have brought to my life. And I guess I am not alone along the SF Peninsula! In honor of May being “National Pet Month” the SF Chronicle has posted a list of the top 10 dog-friendly cities in the nation. I am proud to report that San Francisco came in as the #5 “urban dog paradise.” 

I personally feel that honor belongs to the entire SF Peninsula. Throughout the years I have worked with many clients who rank dog-friendliness on their list of needs when looking for a new home in a new neighborhood. With so many trails, parks, and natural areas in our lovely cities I can usually meet that need pretty easily!

If you are looking for a place to take Fido this weekend, here are a few dog-friendly destinations. Many of them include separate fenced-in areas for smaller dogs, benches, shade areas, and fresh water.

San Mateo - Feel free to take off your dog’s leash and let him run at one of San Mateo’s many dog parks, such as Shoreline Park on 3rd Avenue and Seal Point Park on 3rd Avenue. 

Half Moon Bay - Enjoy some beach breezes with your pup at Half Moon Bay’s Coast Side Dog Park at Wavecrest Road and Highway 1. 

Foster City - One of many, the Foster City Dog Park on Foster City Boulevard is a family favorite with nearby parks for the kids to play at too.

Palo Alto - Hoover Park on Cowper Street is sure to please any dog looking to run some laps and get in a few games.

Belmont - Another Peninsula favorite, Cipriani Dog Park on Buena Vista and Monserat Avenue offers a grassy place to run in the sun.

No matter what kind of park you might be looking for, I can tell you what you’ll find in the many fantastic neighborhoods along the SF Peninsula. Give me a call and we can check them out together this summer!

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Time for Summer Fairs! It’s time! Summer fair season is upon us. With their regional assortments of fried food, competitions, carnival games, and shopping, county and state fairs seem to offer a little something for everyone. Deep fried, chocolate-covered bacon anyone?  Northern California is rich with county fairs and many are on their way. In fact, if you mapped it out in advance, it is possible to attend a fair almost every weekend until Labor Day! Now, I just can’t take that much deep fried goodness, but if you are up for the challenge here is the info you need for the next 12+ weeks! Calaveras County Fair &amp; Jumping Frog Jubilee * May 16 - 19 in Angel&#8217;s Camp, CA * Adult tickets are $8 purchased online ($10 in person) * A California classic! San Mateo County Fair * June 8 - 16 * A reasonable $7 for adults during pre-sale through June 7 ($10 during fair) * Special Promotions are available - check the website Marin County Fair and Exposition * July 3 - 7 * Adult admission of $16 includes carnival rides, exhibits, firework display, and concerts California State Fair * July 12 - 28 * Adult admission $10 advance purchase - find special promotions on their website Santa Clara County Fair  * August 1 - 4 * Pricing to be announced Monterey County Fair  * August 28 - September 2 * Adult tickets $7 in advance Image courtesy of Geww / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Time for Summer Fairs!

It’s time! Summer fair season is upon us. With their regional assortments of fried food, competitions, carnival games, and shopping, county and state fairs seem to offer a little something for everyone. Deep fried, chocolate-covered bacon anyone? 

Northern California is rich with county fairs and many are on their way. In fact, if you mapped it out in advance, it is possible to attend a fair almost every weekend until Labor Day! Now, I just can’t take that much deep fried goodness, but if you are up for the challenge here is the info you need for the next 12+ weeks!

Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee

* May 16 - 19 in Angel’s Camp, CA

* Adult tickets are $8 purchased online ($10 in person)

* A California classic!

San Mateo County Fair

* June 8 - 16

* A reasonable $7 for adults during pre-sale through June 7 ($10 during fair)

* Special Promotions are available - check the website

Marin County Fair and Exposition

* July 3 - 7

* Adult admission of $16 includes carnival rides, exhibits, firework display, and concerts

California State Fair

* July 12 - 28

* Adult admission $10 advance purchase - find special promotions on their website

Santa Clara County Fair 

* August 1 - 4

* Pricing to be announced

Monterey County Fair 

* August 28 - September 2

* Adult tickets $7 in advance

Image courtesy of Geww / FreeDigitalPhotos.net