Published in the August 16 – August 29 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Whether your summer fun-in-the-sun time includes the traditional vacation to a place you already know and cherish, a new adventure to expand your experiences or just chilling out with absolutely no agenda, I hope you take some time to take a trip to downtown Morgan Hill before the landscape dramatically transforms.
Much of the construction now going on downtown should be completed before next summer. We look forward to the enhancements these projects will bring. With five major developments in progress, our community’s downtown district will be a radically different experience for visitors in the summer of 2018. But don’t wait a whole year … there’s plenty to see and do in downtown right now.
Start your morning with an exercise class at Orange Theory Fitness and move into your day with a great feeling you got a sweat-inducing workout. Grab a coffee and breakfast item at Coffee Guys next door and see why there is such a buzz over the Verve Coffee brand.
Pick up a map from the Morgan Hill Historical Society and stroll along Monterey Road and the surrounding streets to experience the historic buildings and sites in our downtown. Be sure to peruse the various public art throughout downtown. Enjoy lunch at any of our fantastic restaurants. And don’t forget we have Jonty’s, a charming Vietnamese eatery next to the train depot.
Shop at one of our unique boutiques for apparel, accessories and jewelry or pick up high quality hair and skin products at a downtown hair salon. You might even be adventurous enough to get a customized shampoo and blow out on the same day. Stop in at Running Shop and Hops or Trail Dust BBQ for an afternoon beer break. If you prefer wine, Bubbles Wine Bar is a fun place for some hang-out time with friends. The big oak tree at the Plaza on Third Street and the Pop Up Park on Second Street provide a relaxing spot to people watch, read a book or just contemplate life.
Downtown Morgan Hill is always a fun place to enjoy dinner with friends and family. With restaurants ranging from counter style quick service and open seating to full-service culinary experiences with fine wine selections, you are sure to find a meal that meets your budget. Finally, if downtown nightlife is your craving, the Granada Theatre has dinner shows, GVA Café has live music regularly, South Valley Civic Theatre opens “Follies” Sept. 8, the Friday Night Music Series at the Community and Cultural Center provides free entertainment suitable for all ages until Sept. 1. For those 21 years or older,The Hill and M&H Tavern are happy to serve your favorite cocktails in a traditional bar setting.
Isn’t it amazing that all of this is packed into six small city blocks? There’s even free parking all throughout the downtown corridor.
One of my favorite things about living in Morgan Hill is that we are a small city with a mighty impact. I work with people from all over the Bay Area and every time it comes up in conversation that I live in Morgan Hill, people are always complimentary about our city — and especially our charming downtown. And to think, they don’t know about all of this other cool stuff.
