Filoli, the impressive historic estate and garden on the Peninsula, is bursting with new sights and activities that will make visitors want to return. And for those who haven’t yet been there, summer is a good time to get acquainted.
Expanded hours are offered from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 19, during special Summer Nights programming.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation owns the Woodside property, a 654-acre retreat built in 1917, surrounded by open fields and redwood trees and covered with flowering gardens and water features. It’s easy to understand why it was built to be summer escape from San Francisco’s cold weather. The fog usually stays above the Santa Cruz Mountains that tower over the verdant Valhalla.
Filoli also played a role in diplomatic history in November, when President Joe Biden held a summit here with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“This is such a beautiful place to gather,” said Susan O’Sullivan, chief external relations officer, at a recent event to kick off summer activities.
Among the expanded seasonal offerings are opportunities to swim in Filoli’s pool, an expanded night-time visit program, guided tours and concerts. A new hiking trail has been added; and the Lamchin Interpretative Center, which focuses on indigenous Ohlone natives, opened in June. A ticketed Art Walk featuring paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and more by over 40 local artists is July 27-28.
Filoli got its name from the first letters of “Fight, Love, Live,” the motto of original owner William Bourn. The centerpiece of the property is a three-story furnished Georgian-revival style mansion with 56 rooms. Some visitors, however, surpass the house in favor of wandering its surrounding 16-acre formal flowering gardens and greenery.
Filoli’s familiar brick façade was used in the opening shots in the 1980s TV Show “Dynasty,” and it has appeared in numerous movies.
Summer Nights was expanded from one night to two due to popular demand, according to O’Sullivan. Pool parties, with somewhat limited access, are offered this summer for the first time ever.
On select days, guided two-mile, 90-mintue two-mile sunset hikes are offered for $75, which includes admission.
Summer Stage concerts, for $55, include:
Aug. 16: Bluegrass Night with Never Come Down
Aug. 17: Alt Pop with Paravi
Aug. 18: Jazz & Swing Night with Alex Manham & Orchestra
Aug. 20: Rock Mariachi Night with The Outlaw Mariachi
Aug. 25: Bluesy Rock Night with Wreckless Strangers
Aug. 26: Latin Jazz Night with Trio Paz
Dining and beverage options at Filoli include the Quail Cafe, the Vegetable Garden Bar (with live music) and local food trucks. Picnics are encouraged.
Filoli is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays through Sept. 19, at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. Admission is $38; membership is $125 annually. Visit filoli.org.
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