f you would like to enjoy the local surroundings there is a listing of events and scheduled activities for every month of the year in the greater Santa Cruz Mountain region at Santa Cruz Wine Country.
Should you want to head inland, pay a visit to the quaint yet sophisticated town of Saratoga just a 25 minute drive, or a little further to Palo Alto, Portola Valley or Atherton. You will find a list of things to do including the Stanford concert series or Stanford athletic events at the Mid-Peninsula Calendar of Events.
Memorial day weekend can be celebrated at the Boulder Creek Arts and Wine Music Festival for three days with a parade on Saturday. Vendors from all over the country line the streets to bring you creative designs in art, jewelry and textiles along with a dozen local wineries including David Bruce, Algren, Byington, and Bargetto, just a 15 minute drive from the Villa. The town celebrates the fourth of July with a festive parade and carnival followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the beach in Santa Cruz. On the night of Halloween, the locals and visitors fill the streets in costume and enjoy a colorful celebration on the town while the shops stay open late to hand out treats.
Don't miss the outdoor summer concerts in the most lovely settings at both Villa Montalvo and the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, only a 30 minute drive. Book early as the tickets sell fast and you will be surprised at the talent they bring in! Past artists appearing at the Winery include the Doobie Brothers, Natalie Merchant, Stan Getz, and Chris Isaak.
The full moon in August is the day of the Swanton Pacific 100 mile Endurance Race on The Skyline to the Sea Trail. Local riders usually set up a water stop where the trail crosses the driveway next to the big dead log. It's a fun place to watch the horses and riders come through at about 8-9am. If you bring a bag of carrots you'll make lots of 4 legged friends.
The Pebble Beach Concourse de Elegance draws car enthusiasts from all over the states the third week of August. This is the most impressive antique car show one can attend on the west coast. About a 90 minute drive down the coast to Pebble Beach from the Villa.
Fall brings lovely warm days and the 23rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival at Capitola Village Saturday & Sunday, September 10-11, 2005; 10:00 - 6:00 pm
There is always something special to do nearby in San Francisco an hour drive from the Villa via Skyline Blvd.
