Published in the June 20 – July 3, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Entourage performs at the Friday Night Music Series.

Summer brings plenty of fun under the sun. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go far away to enjoy yourself. There’s plenty of summer activities to do in beautiful downtown Morgan Hill.

The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce offers its Friday Night Music Series, which performs free concerts at the Downtown Amphitheater through Aug. 17. New restaurants will be opening soon. There are shows at The Granada Theatre. And the Railroad Park is fun for families. Just down the road is the Aquatics Center to cool off on hot afternoons.

The Friday Night Music Series takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and is located at the Downtown Amphitheater. The event is family-friendly and is a fun, music-filled evening to dance, listen, and mingle.  Also available on-site are beer, wine, and food for sale.

It has been a long time coming but downtown Morgan Hill will be introducing four new restaurants for locals and visitors to enjoy. Located on Monterey Road and Third Street are Willard Hicks, Tac-Oh, Mo’s, and Opa!. Willard Hicks is a steakhouse that provides guests an experience that is inviting while offering dishes deliciously prepared on a wood-burning grill prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients. Tac-Oh, an upbeat funky taqueria serving Mexican cuisine, is known for food made 100 percent from scratch and their handcrafted cocktails. Big breakfasts, bigger burgers, and the biggest beers is what you can expect at Mo’s. This eatery brings a new breakfast and dinner experience and you won’t leave hungry. And to continue the celebration of new restaurants is Opa! Homemade Greek cuisine that is fresh and authentic. These eateries will have you coming back for more this summer.

With the new comes the historical — and that’s where we have The Granada Theatre.  Also located in downtown, you will find a historical building that was renovated and is used as a multi-purpose event venue. It regularly hosts shows coupled with dinner.

If you have been too busy to bring your kids to the new Railroad Park off Depot Street in downtown, summer is a great time to do it. With the variety of play areas for different age groups and the train playground, this is a clean and non-stop fun park for children. And because it is enclosed, parents and adults have the opportunity to enjoy themselves as well without the worry their child may run into the street. Not located in downtown but off Condit Road is the Aquatic Center, which is officially open. The Aquatic Center has two large water-slides, a water play feature, full-size competition pool, splash pad, and a warm instructional pool.

These are just a few examples of what to explore in Morgan Hill. Summer is a time to enjoy with family and friends, and if what was mentioned was not enough for you to explore, check out downtown and you’ll find there is always something going on.

Anna-Liza Anderson is a member of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association board.