Four reasons to share your hometown pride this holiday season

Morgan Hill residents already know how special our town is. Nestled just south of San Jose, it’s where tech culture meets agricultural charm, creating a distinctive blend of comfort and discovery. As the holidays approach, it’s time for us, as locals to share our favorite spots and experiences with friends, family, and visitors. Let’s put Morgan Hill on the map — one recommendation at a time! Here are four reasons why we should all champion our hometown as the ultimate hidden gem destination.

Our accessibility makes us an easy sell

Morgan Hill’s proximity to major hubs like San Jose and San Francisco makes it a breeze for out-of-town guests to visit. Whether they’re flying into SJC or SFO, or road-tripping through the state, Morgan Hill is worth the stop. Let’s encourage visitors to cruise down U.S. 101, where El Toro Peak signals they’ve left the hustle and bustle behind. With cozy hotels and a compact downtown just minutes from farms, wineries, and nature, exploring our town is as seamless as it gets. As ambassadors, let’s share the message: Morgan Hill is not a place to pass by — it’s a destination worth staying for.

Our culinary scene is a treasure

From farm-to-table cuisine to innovative cocktails, Morgan Hill’s food culture is rooted in local collaboration. We have eateries that proudly partner with local farms, wineries, breweries, and purveyors to craft memorable experiences and unique eats. Invite guests to savor these stories of connection over seasonal flavors and toast with a local wine or craft brew. Whether it’s a festive brunch, family dinner, happy hour, or a quick bite, our restaurants offer something for every occasion. The food scene is one of our town’s brightest stars — let’s encourage others to experience it for themselves!

We’re a haven for farms and wine lovers

Morgan Hill’s agricultural heritage shines year-round, and now is the perfect time to enjoy it. Share your favorite spots, like Andy’s Orchard for fresh persimmons and dried apricots, the Morgan Hill Farmers Market every Saturday, or a local tree farm for holiday fun.

For wine enthusiasts, our tasting rooms offer award-winning vintages in relaxed, picturesque settings — right in town or just a short ride away. With options like the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley, exploring the valley’s wine region has never been easier. Let’s help guests find their favorite bottle and show them the warmth of our winemaking traditions.

We offer locally curated shopping

Holiday shopping is an experience all its own. Encourage guests to skip the crowded malls and enjoy Morgan Hill’s twinkling, tree-lined streets and convenient shopping centers instead. Our independent shops, boutiques, and artisan markets make finding meaningful gifts easy and enjoyable. Events like Sidewalk Saturdays and Local Makers Markets, filled with handmade goods and one-of-a-kind treasures, are perfect for exploring with visitors. Have you visited Cura Contemporary yet? The name means “to help or care,” and this new fine arts center makes art approachable for all.

As, we have the privilege of living in a community filled with beauty, history, ingenuity, and charm. Let’s celebrate that by sharing our favorite places and activities with others. Whether you’re hosting family from out of town or talking up our city to friends, your enthusiasm can inspire others to visit and experience the magic of Morgan Hill for themselves. After all, who better to showcase our town than the people who know it best?

Krista Rupp is the executive director of Visit Morgan Hill.