The Wildcat and the Happy Hound

Its easy to spend half a day at the park when you have a steam train you can ride, a 100 -year old beautifully painted carousel, in addition to a large park with lots of play structures. For an alternative to a park picnic, head to a nearby long-standing hotdog/burger place which has served generations in the Los Gatos area.

To park at Oak Meadow Park, I suggest driving down Blossom Hill Road to the Roberts Road entrance. There is another small parking lot that is closer to the play area, but it is tiny and often full. Parking is $7. There is a short path that leads from the edge of this parking lot, over the railroad tracks and a small bridge, to the center where you buy tickets. Tickets are $2 for the train or carousel (2 years and under are free) and they open at 10:30am. The train ride is about 15 to 20 minutes long. There is also a snack shack near the ticket booth to cool down with a snow cone or other treat. Then continue past the carousel and over a small hill to the playground area. More details about this park can be found in the mini-trips here.

When you are ready for lunch, only a mile and a half away lies the Happy Hound. From the parking lot turn left onto Blossom Hill Road. Go about one mile (passing Hwy 17) and turn left at Camellia Ter. Take a left on Farley then an immediate left on Los Gatos Blvd. The restaurant is about two blocks further. There is a very small parking lot, but there is also parking along the street. You place your order at an outside window, and the seating can sometimes be limited. But its great food at a good price, and the place has that old-fashioned burger stand feel. A fun place to refuel.