BrittanyMakes

I am a gal of many towns, which means it's very difficult for me to call only one town 'my own'.  I've lived all over California, as far north as Cloverdale, and as far south as San Diego.  I was raised in wine country – Petaluma, Sonoma and Glen Ellen.  I moved south to San Diego for college, and finally, last year, I moved up to the East Bay for a new job opportunity.  So, when Centsational Girl invited her readers to share a little favorite somethin-somethin about our own home town, I decided to write about the East Bay's secret little hiding spot – Lafayette, CA.

Lafayette is located right on the other side of the Berkeley and Oakland hills, through the Caldecott, a quick blink past Orinda, and minutes before Walnut Creek.  It's very easy to miss if you're not paying attention.  The moment you pull off the 24 (which is a very busy commuter freeway), you'll find yourself in the most adorable town.  I swear, Lafayette is like the East Bay's Sonoma or Napa, minus the vineyards of course.

Lafayette is home to cute mom-and-pop shops; family grocery stores selling local produce; a square for hosting farmers markets and art festivals; a reservoir for picnicking, jogging and kayaking; delicious boutique restaurants and cafes – this only makes up a short list of the wonderful places you can find in Lafayette. 

My favorite spot in Lafayette to spend 'me-time' is at the reservoir.  I'm a runner, and a jog around the reservoir is no easy feat.  It's quite hilly! For a good run I would leave my apartment, jog to the reservoir, run around the lake, then jog back home.  The reservoir itself is nearly 3 miles around, and as you can see… it's gorgeous!  There are hundreds of wild turkeys, cats, birds and deer.  Who would've thought this sits just over the Oakland hills?

I am a lover of pizza.  Good pizza that is, none of that Caesar's crap.  I love any thin crust pizza that is easily described as 'rustic' or 'crusty' or 'cheesy' or 'Italian'.  Lafayette is home to the BEST, most delicious pizza ever – Pizza Antica.  The menu consists entirely of handmade, American-inspired Italian food.  Oh my, my mouth is watering… The owners are pure culinary geniuses, they run a bunch of fine dining, four-star, awesome restaurants throughout the Bay Area.  If you live in the Peninsula, you must check out The Village Pub in Woodside.  The entire staff at Pizza Antica is so friendly.  The manager was so kind, he even let me take a few pics of the pizzas coming out of the wood burning oven.

One of the first sites you see when you step off the freeway is the Cross Memorial.  The crosses were first placed on this hill back in 2006 to recognize and memorialize the American soldiers that fought and died in the Iraqi war.  There is one cross for each of the troops who have died.  You can see in the photo below, there is a large sign displaying the total number of deaths. The site is absolutely heartbreaking, and will take your breath away.

I love sharing favorite places with people, family, and friends.  My BF and I pride ourselves in giving awesome tours of our home towns and favorite places.  I've decided that this post will be the first to a new series of posts called "Favorite Places".  I will be your virtual tour guide, suggesting places to visit, sites to see, food to taste, and more!  If you've ever been to Lafayette, please share your experiences!