San Ramon, CA is not the most exciting city in America, but it definitely has its own charm. Growing up there was more unique than anywhere else, and this list has been comprised of things only true San Ramonians would understand:
1. Going to 24 Hour Fitness on Norris Canyon and running into every person you know and their mother.
I do not exaggerate this in the slightest. I cannot remember a time I went to 24 Hour Fitness without running into someone that went to my high school, someone I worked with, or some friend I had not seen since preschool. Yes, you could never go to 24 looking bad, because chances are you are going to see someone you know... and gosh, they can't see you sweaty!
2. Vitality Bowls basically became everyone's favorite place for anything.
Post workout meal? Vitality Bowls. Catch up with an old friend? Vitality Bowls. Too lazy to make food? Vitality Bowls. Meeting spot for your entire office to discuss business matters? Vitality Bowls. As overpriced and slow as they can be, I must admit, I have tried many açaí bowls and nothing compares to theirs. Touché, Vitality Bowls, touché.
3. In-N-Out after any kind of event was like a high school bar where they served milkshakes and double doubles instead of alcohol.
I am pretty sure the only reason we ever went to In-N-Out was because I a) really wanted a milkshake or b) it was the only place open past 9 p.m. Not only was it the only late night place close by, it felt like anyone who was anyone went there. Especially after games. I will never get tired of hearing about food fights between the rival schools of Danville and San Ramon. Ahhhh, memories.
4. Las Trampas inspired everyone to be adventurous, and of course, to capture that adventurous spirit.
Did you even like Las Trampas if you didn't post a picture to every social media account you had? Jokes aside, Las Trampas was and is a beautiful place to explore, and has plenty of great hikes for everyone of any activity level. It's definitely one of the coolest finds in San Ramon.
5. The Alcosta Strip Mall.
The only thing that hasn't changed is the Starbucks (another place to run into everyone you know). I personally find the changes in the mall to be fun! I am always unsure of what they will put in next. The Asian market has now become a Walmart Neighborhood Market, and there's now a Smoke Shop next to a Vietnamese restaurant... But how can we forget Mexxi's?! Probably the best Mexican food you can find in the Tri-Valley! Unfortunately, I am not close with the owners, but I have been going there since I was a kid, and the owner/husband is always working the register. I love that they work so hard and stick to their roots, and I don't know anyone who doesn't love their food.
6. Adventures on the Iron Horse Trail.
Kind of sounds like an Oregon Trail spinoff. The Iron Horse Trail was the place to be! You could kind of go anywhere on it, either walking, running, or biking. I remember walking on it with my friends to CVS to get candy back in the day and thinking I was so cool. I am sure it was not so fun to walk home on, but it was pretty awesome every once and while. The Iron Horse Trail is also unique because it goes through a lot of the big areas in San Ramon, meaning everyone could use some way or another.
7. Many people have described San Ramon as a "bubble", but we all love the bubble.
The bubble shaped us. The bubble gave us access to so many great places the Bay Area has to offer! A quick 20 minute drive north and you can end up in Walnut Creek for shopping, food, or movies. The Lamorinda area had so many beautiful trails and places to explore, and we're less than an hour away from Berkeley, and an hour away from San Francisco. San Ramon is a central location for just about anywhere you want to go in the East Bay, and offers so much for its residents.
I am proud to say I grew up in such a safe, happy community, with some lovely people and I am always grateful for the wonderful opportunities living in San Ramon offered to me, even if our logo involves a crow.
