The Stanford Business Reporter

The Sony Metreon in San Francisco is the pick for best theatre. But given its distance from PA, others were oft mentioned, including the AMC Mercado in Santa Clara (with its stadium seating and student discount) and the Shoreline Ampitheatre (Shoreline exit off 101). The Stanford Theatre (221 University Avenue), home to many pre-1960s classics, is a favorite of many GSBers. It was also nominated. Votes were also cast for the popular Palo Alto Square Theatre (Page Mill and El Camino) that was closed this summer.

 

Located at 165 Channing Avenue, Watercourse Way (650-462-2000) was the top pick. With private hot tubs rented hourly, Watercourse Way is a great spot for massages, aromatherapy, and peace of mind. Honorable mentions: Lodge at Sky Londa (Woodside); Shibui Gardens (San Anselmo, Marin); Calistoga Inn, Calistoga, CA.

With so many tourist sites in San Francisco, it’s criminal to not visit them all during your two years as an MBA. The Rock (Alcatraz) was the favorite tourist destination, but don’t forget about Coit Tower, Lombard Street, the MOMA, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Fisherman’s Wharf (and the sea lions outside Neptune’s). Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a must, and once you’re on the other side of the bay, try biking in Sausalito or Tiburon.

 

Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur are the most popular destinations. In other words, anywhere on Highway 1. Also voted best day trip, the coastal road offers breathtaking views of crashing surf and rugged cliffs. And a great place to stop for the night is the Monarch Cove Inn in Capitol. Cliff-side, with a view of Monterey Bay, has 10-12 rooms, some with a private hot tub.

 

Monterey and Carmel, favorites in many categories, are the winners of best day trip. Also nominated were Point Lobbos State Park (a couple miles south of Monterey), Napa/Sanoma, Reno, Santa Cruz (Drive along Highway 1), and biking across the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

What to say? Everyone has their favorites. Readers voted for Mondavi, Ravenswood, Clos Pegase, Viansa, Berringer, French Laundry, Kenwood, Joseph Phelps, Cakebread, Stag’s Leap, Opus (book well in advance), Prager Winery and Port Works, Rabbit Ridge, Charles Krug, The Hero Collection, Matanzas Creek, Silveroak, Preston, Fisher, Ledson, V. Sattui (for lunch) and Sterling vineyards. A great way to spend a weekend.

 

We heard about many good ones. Here are a few notables: Yoshi’s (Oakland); Boom Boom Room (San Francisco); Rassela’s (SF); and Brio in San Mateo.

 

For every level hiker, Muir Woods offers great trails, beautiful views, and the most amazing redwood trees in the state. There’s a reason that over 1.5 million people visit the park annually. As John Muir himself said, "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world." Muir woods, about 30 minutes north of San Francisco in Marin County can be reached at: (415) 388-2596.

The 17-mile round trip hike from the valley floor of Yosemite National Park to the top of Half Dome is far from a walk in the park, but those who choose to undertake it are rewarded with a stunning view of the Valley and beyond. Plan for 10-12 hours to reach an elevation of 4,800 feet.

 

Skegg’s Point, formally known as El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, has something to offer any level of mountain biker. GSBers love its technical trails that run through a beautiful redwood forest.

 

We defer to Zac Nesper, MBA1, who advises: "Take Sand Hill to Whiskey Hill road over to Woodside. Go left on CA 84 until you reach Kings Mountain road. Go right and be prepared for a 45 minute of gut wrenching, heart pounding ride up the mountain. Once you reach Skyline, go left until you hit the parking lot at Skeggs point (Total climb=1800ft). Take a break, eat a power bar, and catch a beautiful view of the valley. Once you’re done, take Skyline back the way you came toward Half Moon Bay. Go Right on CA 92 until you hit Canada road and turn right. This is a beautiful area with rolling hills, water on your right hand side, and a great view of the mountains. Take Canada road back to Woodside and return the way you came. If you want a shorter ride, just go up to Skeggs and back or take Canada road to CA92 and return."

 

The real favorites are Bakers Beach, near the Presidio in San Francisco, Marin’s Stinson Beach, where many a GSB student has traveled 30ish miles to rent cabins and lounge in the sun, Grey Whale Cove (north of Half Moon Bay), and Miramar Beach, except during Half Moon Bay’s Pumpkin Festival.

 

Boreal and Heavenly are our picks. If signaling theory holds, Boreal must be the best place to learn; it offers a free follow-up lesson if you’re unhappy with your progress in the first. If you’re new to skiing or just need a refresher course, Heavenly’s 250 ski pros will guide you at every turn. With over 25 lifts leading to 80+ runs, new skiers will have plenty of opportunity to practice their parallel turns. At an elevation of 10,000 feet, you’ll have great views of Lake Tahoe – even if you spend most of your time sitting down.

 

The nearly unanimous winner: Squaw Valley. With over 4,000 acres of skiing and Black Diamond runs at every turn, it’s no wonder that Squaw valley was once the site of the Winter Olympics. If you’re not quite up to advanced status, don’t worry, squaw claims that 70% of its runs are designed with intermediate and beginning skiers in mind.

 

Sierra at Tahoe (Lake Tahoe, South Shore) is the winner. In addition to its 46 slopes and trails, Sierra has Snowboard Alley, a "Terrain-enhanced" park with shredders in mind.

 

Although there were several different locations cited by the GSB team, there was agreement that the best surfing in the Bay is in Santa Cruz. Three favorite spots: The Cowells (for beginners), Steamer’s Lane, and The Hook.

 

Sure, the well-kept greens, challenging holes, and occasional celebrities are some of the reasons Stanford is the top pick. But at $20 for a full round ($10 for twilight) it could also be the best bargain in the Bay Area. Take advantage of it while you can; fees go up to $100 once you graduate. Other notables after Stanford: Pebble Beach and the Presidio.

 

Perhaps not original, but we like the Dish. There is also Campus Drive Loop. Other nominees: Bear Gulch - Woodside and C parking to an 8am class at 7:57am.

 

No clear winner here. Popular recommendations include: trails off Shoreline Boulevard, Windy Hill trails, the HP run, from Campus to Alpine to Arastradero to Page Mill to Junipero Serra, and anywhere in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Or if you just can’t leave campus, there’s always Dish + Campus Drive Loop option.

 

A couple of thoughts: Around the Reservoir north of campus on I-280; Crystal Springs - Sawyer Camp Trail; and the Shoreline Trail in Mountain View.

 

Three way tie: Footlocker/Lady Footlocker (Stanford Shopping Center), Tri-City Sports; and Sport Mart (in San Mateo).

 

For snowboards and ski gear, we recommend Tri-City Sports (in Freemont) sells equipment at 50% off and carries the best brands. For Golf equipment, try Golf USA in Santa Clara.