Do you have a special local spot you go to when you need an escape from the bustle of daily life? For me, it’s the Spanish-influenced gardens and artisan shops at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. Every season brings different blooms and lush green vegetation thanks to our mild California climate.
I last visited the Allied Arts Guild in November, a quiet month for flowering plants (and visitors). Bright orange pumpkins, ceramic and clay pots filled with autumn blooms, and smiley-faced scarecrow girl dolls added seasonal cheer to the pathways and door stoops. Take a “walk” with me around the property for a view of the fall gardens and exquisite Spanish-Colonial architecture and doors.
Gardens
Court of Abundance
When in full bloom in the warm months of summer, marigolds, wallflowers, and nasturtiums fill the Court of Abundance garden with a golden glow. On this fall day, yellow daylilies added a whisper of color to the predominantly green landscape.
Rose Allee
A stone path lined with low hedges leads visitors past rose bushes in the shape of small trees which were dormant at this time of year. While I always enjoy the colors of summer, the monochromatic landscape of November felt especially peaceful. It was just what I needed that day.
Informal Gardens
Pops of color from the deep violet flowers of Salvia and rich pink Bougainvillea blooms were pleasant surprises as I walked around the informal gardens. Clay pottery accents strategically placed in the gardens added warmth to the sea of green flora.
Spanish-Colonial architecture & doors
The Archway Building
This building was an original 1800s farmhouse later remodeled to achieve a Spanish-Colonial appearance. The intricate ironwork on this building and door was forged on site.
The Sunset Room
This Spanish-Colonial building housed the original showroom for the Guild artisans. I’ve shown this gorgeous, carved teal door in a previous post but not the full building. Taking a few steps back better shows how the door fits in the overall design of the building.
Fun Fall Decor
This fun smiley-faced scarecrow doll sums up how I felt after spending a few hours in the gardens at the Allied Arts Guild.
Capturing Moments 
Wow what a beautiful, peaceful-looking place. Nicely captured 🙂
Thanks, Norm. Is sure is a beautiful place.
What a lovely local spot to have in which to enjoy tranquility. I too love that ironwork door with its carved grill.
Thank you for your comment! It sure is a lovely spot.
I tend to stop at a riverside park on my way to work when I need to escape the stress of the upcoming day.
At first I thought you meant the amusement park in Agawam, then I remembered you work in Hartford. I haven’t been to the park along the CT river in Hartford. Another place to add to my must-see next time I’m back in CT.
It’s funny you say that. About 25 years ago, Hartford police were dispatched to Riverside Park. A young officer drove to Agawam!
I tend to stop at Great River Park in East Hartford. However, there’s a river walk that connects them.
Haha! That was na embarassing mistake for the officer. I haven’t been to either park & need to check them out. Nice that they connect. 😊
It’s a bit of a hike. The short route is about 2.5 miles round trip. The longer loop is about 6 miles but it’s a fun urban hike.
Thanks, Dan. Good to know.
Beautiful! Can’t believe I never visited there when living in SJ.
Thanks, Carolyn. It’s hidden in a neighborhood in Menlo Park. We should go there for lunch next time you are in California.