The word is out. People now know where Danville, California is, thanks to the landing on the Hudson River by local resident and national hero, "Sully" Sullenberger.

Sullenberger may have retired from U.S. Airways as a commercial pilot this week, but Danville is still on the map.

So, before the swarms of tourists start trampling down Hartz Avenue, I thought I'd take advantage of a break in the rain, and check-out the digs in my backyard. 

As a single mom on a budget, I decided to save a few hundred bucks and forego the  vacation to San Diego to see Shamu, again, or to Disneyland to wait in notoriously long lines.  My two boys, aged 14 and seven, and myself, were about to have "a staycation."

I gotta admit, it's pretty fantastic to live in Danville, a town that boasts some of the best parks and hiking trails in the golden state. So get ready to come with me, and pack those mental bags, to destination, "Paradise."

Saturday:

Downtown
We start on a Saturday morning around 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Lunardi's. 

We join the dozens of other late-risers for a journey along the Iron Horse Trail. After untangling three bikes from the trunk of a VW bug — which is quite a feat in and of itself —we join other bikers along the oak tree lined path.  Skaters, runners, and like-minded people push strollers along the once railroad track converted-trail, which stretches 20 miles in either direction.  As the kids enjoy peddling their bikes, I enjoy people watching as we head downtown.

One reason I am so proud of being a Danville resident is the way the downtown is designed.  City planners and architects definitely knew what they were doing.

Restaurants and cafes have outdoor patios and greenery. Downtown walking paths are lined with flowers.  It's not unusual to run across dozens of familiar, smiling faces, along with their canines —for which we stop for each and every time —learning their names, their breeds, and any other facts the owner wishes to share.  In Danville, there is definitely a down-home feeling. 

We go to the Farmer's Market, where I buy heirloom tomatoes.  I am now addicted to the caprese salad served at downtown restaurant, Mangia Mia, and attempt to make my own at home. As I select my tomatoes, my kids munch on mini-donuts that fly out of a conveyor belt faster than can be consumed.   "Only three each," I say, as we head to Valley Medlyn's for a late morning breakfast, where the homemade bread and butter melts in your mouth.

 
After breakfast, we walk to the Danville public library, where we each checkout a book.  Next it's across the street to Domenico's Deli, where we grab the best sandwiches in town.  You must try one of the many specials on their chalkboard of delights. You won't be disappointed!

San Damiano

We head up Prospect Avenue to the San Damiano Retreat Center.

A former monastery nestled in the hills,  San Damiano has several paths that give you a bird's-eye view of the San Ramon Valley.  The retreat center is used for conferences and spiritual retreats, and silence is observed, so it's a great way to get away from the city.  Courtyard gardens and fountains are coupled with a labyrinth. You can either walk the meditative path, or sit on a park bench next to the peaceful and serene gardens,  listening to the birds.

Blackhawk Plaza

That evening, we walk around the grounds of Blackhawk Plaza.  

We say hello to the swans, and feed the ducks that live in the creek, fed from a waterfall that sits below the Blackhawk museum. The creek is wedged between the bustling shops, such as Anthropologie and the new independent bookstore Read, where whimsical sculptures seem to leap from the waters.  The Italian-inspired architecture is divine.  The aquatic landscape boasts two restaurants I can't wait to try … Coa and Stomp Wine Bar.  My friend and I once tried the third restaurant located there,  Laurus Bistro and we were quite satisfied.
 
Next stop, Cinemark Blackhawk Theater, a place I've found to be the least expensive movie theater in the area.  The boys run into friends from school and we end the evening at Baskin & Robbins where we see more friends.

Sunday

Snake Park

First stop, Bagel Street Café for our morning energy boost: "Lizard Drinks" (SoBe drinks with pictures of lizards on the bottle, and "Everything" bagels toasted with cream cheese.  We then go fishing at the local creek behind Snake Park, inside Diablo Vista Park. The boys catch bass, while I take pictures with my iPhone that my oldest son posts to his Facebook page. Proof, of their catch of the day.

As I indulge their fishing quest, they stick with me as I struggle up the hill that we have so aptly named "Coronary Hill," because I just might have a heart attack after that climb.  However, the hike to the top is worth it, as it boasts some of the best views of Mt.Diablo and the surrounding areas.

Piatti

We drive to Piatti for lunch and sit in the courtyard.  The boys eat pizza, while I enjoy a salad with blue cheese and pomegranate seeds.  I am amazed at how relaxed I feel by the surprisingly nice weather, mind you, this has been one of our rainiest seasons, and the sounds from the fountain put me in a zen-like state. As a third grade teacher and single mom, I treasure these moments.  It's the simplicity of it all, the close-to-home appreciation of what surrounds us.  This is truly a vacation.

Home

When we return "home," the boys want to visit the creek by our house and swing on the rope.  Even I take a turn, remembering that San Ramon Regional Hospital isn't too far away. 

I make sure I have cell service, and away I go… "Woooeee, " I scream. 

When I return to the edge, I watch my kids scream with delight as the worries and stresses of everyday life — the recent death of my mom, worrying about my dad, driving my kids to endless sports practices and games, and the financial uncertainty of our school district — slip away. 

With a smile, I remember life's simple pleasures. All in my own backyard.