Relatives just arrived from back East and you find yourself the tour guide again.
Just as you start to make online reservations for yet another Alcatraz trip, a giant plastic dome covers San Ramon. (Yeah, just like in "The Simpsons Movie" but don't worry, it's just an imaginary dome.)
Don't panic: You're not trapped, there's a world of fun that awaits you.
Here's a list of five (okay, I've crammed a few more than five) fun ideas of things to do and see in San Ramon, perfect for out-of-towners or an afternoon with the kids:
Katy's Corner – One of the best breakfast/lunch places around. Don't trust me? Drive by any Saturday and Sunday morning and be prepared to wait!
Booming with popularity, this restaurant has expanded to nearby Walnut Creek, too. Known for more than a dozen types of benedicts, their homemade potatoes and Hollandaise sauce are just two reasons to try this place.
Not for the diet-conscious (although it is possible to eat healthy should you choose), they are also known for Icelandic pancakes (served cold) and fresh berry crepes smothered in whip cream. It's a great place to start out any adventure!
Central Park – Yes, San Ramon has it's very own without the need of horse and buggy.
This park is a sport's enthusiast's dream. From tennis courts to hiking trail, this 35- acre park caters to all tastes.
You can also play a pick-up game of basketball or try your best Tony Hawk impression at the skate park. This is a great place to fly a kite and a launching point for many for the Iron Horse Trail, where you can bike, skate, run or roll in any direction for miles!
If you don't want to play, you can be a spectator to the many baseball or soccer games going on at any given time.
Central Park has much more than just sports: Art lovers can browse rotating exhibits at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery) housed in the community center located in the park.
And Central Park hosts several festivals, including the ever popular Art and Wind Festival.
For historic buffs, there is Forest Hill Farms, which can easily be visited after a trip to the San Ramon Farmer's Market (opening the first Saturday in May.)
This 16-acre farm is a great place to experience what life on a farm may have been like.
Tractor rides are given on Saturday or you can visit their tractor museum.
On the southern part of the property is the David Glass House, a Victorian structure that was relocated from its original site and will open for visitors on May 15.
Want to get away from it all but not drive too far?
The ride out Bollinger Canyon to Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park can feel like a time warp where you'd expect a couple barefoot kids in overalls waving behind their lemonade stands.
On the hike I took with my son, we encountered two newts, a dozen cows, and people riding horses. Also, on the way back home, we stopped to say hello to the emus along Bollinger Road.
Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center–What an amazing schedule of performances here.
You can listen to a symphonic band or laugh your head off at a night at the Improv. Are you a big 80's music fan? KC and the Sunshine Band appears on May 7!
Looking for a little adult time to dance to the 80s (and 70s, 90s, and "contemporary")? Head to ShBoom Night Club where you can boogie the night away.
Be sure to stop at Jack's first and order some appetizers to give you energy for the night!
Have more great places to suggest? We know you do. Don't be shy: Post your ideas in the comment space below to share with your fellow San Ramon neighbors!
