I recently spent a lovely morning wandering around the historic downtown area of Pleasanton during my holiday in California.
It was late January, and the weather was cool and crisp, perfect for a leisurely stroll around the quaint little town.
I was immediately struck by the charm of the place. The buildings were full of character and history, and there was a great variety of small, independent shops and restaurants to explore.
I could see why this place was the backdrop for many movies and commercials.
Since it was a weekday morning, the streets were relatively quiet.
I grabbed a delicious bite at a local bakery. The pastries were fresh and tasty, and supporting a small business rather than a chain restaurant was nice.
Afterward, I made my way over to the local museum to explore and learn more about the town’s history. It was fascinating to learn about the town’s rich history and see the artifacts on display.
The pleasant weather encouraged me to walk around some more, and I found myself stopping to admire the area and people-watch.
One word of caution, though, the streets can get quite busy during peak hours, so driving requires careful attention. However, taking the time to walk around and explore on foot is definitely worth it.
Here are some photos of this quaint little historic town.
The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton
I visited a charming community art center named the Firehouse Arts Center, which was converted from a former fire station.
In addition to showcasing a variety of live performances, the center also had an adjacent Harrington Art gallery that exhibited a diverse collection of artwork. The gallery was open to all visitors.
The Fireman’s Bell is a large glass sculpture made up of 8,000 pieces of hand-cut glass of four different types. It was created by artist Jack Storms, who meticulously assembled and cut the layers to form the bell shape.
The sculpture is considered the largest artwork ever created by the artist.
Per PRLOG:
“The Fireman’s Bell was commissioned by the Harrington Art Project to be the cornerstone of the Firehouse Arts Center, originally opened as Pleasanton Fire House №1 in 1929. The glass bell is the replica of the original bell that was used to notify local residents in the event of a fire.”
The sculpture is truly a masterpiece, and it’s worth visiting the center just to see it.
The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton.
The Museum on Main in Pleasanton
I also visited the Museum on Main in Pleasanton. This small museum offers an enjoyable way to spend an hour browsing through old photographs, relics, and information about the area.
Despite its size, the museum is filled with fascinating artifacts and historical details about the valley that are sure to capture your interest.
A visit to this museum is a great way to learn about the region’s past and immerse yourself in its rich history.
The Museum on Main is located at 603 Main Street in downtown Pleasanton.
Here are some photos of this charming little museum.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, I had a fantastic time in Pleasanton’s downtown area. The variety of shops and restaurants, the beautiful historic buildings, and the friendly community all made for a memorable experience.
I highly recommend a visit if you find yourself in the area.
What is your favorite small town, and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
A version of this story originally appeared on Medium.
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