“The culinary array of our restaurants have dubbed Morgan Hill the dining destination in south Santa Clara County.”

Odeum’s chef Sal Calisi (right) has earned one Michelin star for his cooking mastery. Photo by Marty Cheek

By Krista Rupp

Krista Rupp

With back-to-school season underway and Labor Day around the corner, we know the end of summer is near. Offering a “laid-back” getaway with incredible weather and outdoor experiences, there’s no need to say goodbye to summer just yet in Morgan Hill.

Our town is full of leisure amenities and opportunities waiting to be discovered during a daytrip, weekend getaway or staycation. Don’t believe us? Invite your best friend from San Francisco, your in-laws in San Jose or your beach-loving buddies in Santa Cruz to visit Morgan Hill. We guarantee they’ll be surprised by everything we offer, and you might be, too.

For the wine enthusiast, a visit to any of Morgan Hill’s 10 wineries, minutes from downtown, is a must. All located on the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, we boast high-quality and award-winning wineries such as Guglielmo Winery, P and V Winery, Morgan Hill Cellars and more. Enjoy your Cabernet or Pinot Grigio alongside live music and other special events hosted at many of our wineries and vineyards.

However, no wine adventure would be complete without equally delicious food to accompany it. Thankfully, we have more than 100 restaurants throughout the city of various creative cuisines, including the hip Mo/Hi Social at Granada Theatre which was recently named one of nine Bay Area restaurants with awesome alfresco dining. For a more casual feel, don’t miss our various food trucks with South Bay followings pulling up to the local tap houses.

The culinary array of our restaurants have dubbed Morgan Hill the dining destination in south Santa Clara County, providing delightful outdoor settings and the quality you’d expect from the city without the hassle. Whether starting your visit with wine or food, you’ll be sure to finish the night satisfied.

For those planning a staycation or weekend getaway, kick off your morning on day two with coffee and pastries at GVA Cafe or Lawson’s Bakery followed by some of the region’s premier recreation including hiking, mountain biking, golf and more. Adventure lovers will enjoy Northern California’s largest state park, Henry W. Coe State Park, or Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Cyclists should keep an eye out for group rides with Bike Therapy, voted one of America’s best bike shops three years in a row and those looking for a more relaxed adventure can check out the Putt Putt Mini Golf Course in downtown Morgan Hill.

Planning is a must so don’t forget to check the calendar for various open-air activities and events to include on your itinerary. A stop by the year-round Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market with up to 35 vendors or a tour through a working ranch or farm are low-key adventures which appreciate our agricultural community.

Special events include our free Friday Night Music Series continuing through Oct. 8, a brand-new Vine to Wine event celebrating California Wine Month which takes place Sept. 12 and Wednesday Night Outdoor Movies which wrap at the end of August.

Krista Rupp is the executive director for Visit Morgan Hill.