Ellis Lake - Concord, CA

A small tribe of Chupcan people originally inhabited Concord, California, before Spanish explorers came to the area in 1772. The town's original name was Todos Santos, or All Saints, so named by Don Salvio Pacheco during a Spanish land grant in the 1830s. The population of Concord was 600 by the time it became incorporated in 1905.

The historic Keller House on Ellis Lake was built in 1902, and several community agencies hold meetings and gatherings there. The Keller family owned a large ranch on the outskirts of town in the late 1800s.

The Concord Jazz Festival serves as the major arts festival and an annual event for the city. Several live jazz acts perform at the Concord Pavilion every summer. The first festival occurred in 1959.

A few national chain restaurants mix with several local eateries along Willow Pass Road just north of Ellis Lake. Immerse yourself in several ethnic cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Bavarian and Asian. Try several American restaurants too, including bistros, barbecues and sandwich shops.

Several bars just to the south and southwest contain nightlife options if you want to relax after a long week of work. Vinnie's Bar & Grill has live music every Friday and Saturday night. E.J Phair Brewing Company & Alehouse has live music every Friday during summer months.

Patrons voted La Tapatia Mexican Cuisine the best Mexican restaurant of the East Bay in 2013 and 2014. Owners pride themselves on serving authentic Jalisco cuisine, including fajitas and enchiladas. Indulge in one of more than 100 brands of tequila during happy hour. El Grande burritos come with chicken, pork or beef alongside rice, cheese, beans, guacamole and sour cream. Order the famous sizzling fajitas with carne asada, chicken or shrimp. The combination fajita contains all three meats, while the vegetarian fajita has grilled zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and green and red peppers. Try traditional Mexican breakfast foods any time of day, especially the pozole made with pork, hominy, green cabbage, radishes and onions. The spicy pozole also includes oregano and hot peppers.

Enjoy Afghan-style halal food at Chopan Kabob . The bonjan borani appetizer contains sliced eggplant cooked in a tomato and herb sauce, and mint yogurt tops this succulent dish. Chicken karahi arrives at your table with chicken breast sautéed alongside diced tomatoes, garlic and herbs. Vegetarians enjoy ordering dall, a savory dish of mashed yellow lentils simmered to a velvety texture with garlic and herbs. Each house special comes with Tandoori flatbread, fresh chutney and salad. Drink dough, a beverage made from chilled yogurt and mint.

DJ's Bistro cooks fine European favorites, such as different varieties of goulash and schnitzel. Indulge in some of the imported beers on tap from Germany and the Czech Republic. The Jaeger schnitzel features breaded pork loin in mushroom sauce served with spaetzle and red cabbage. Hungarian goulash contains beef chunks in paprika sauce and spaetzle. The huge Moravian roast has a pork leg with sauerkraut and bread dumplings.

Vinnie's Bar & Grill on Mt. Diablo Street has billiards, darts, food, happy hour specials and live acts two nights a week. The place opens from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight every Sunday. Live music starts between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Jam night occurs Wednesday nights, and comedy night takes place the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Take country dance lessons every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Virtually every street has walkable sidewalks. Bicyclists have an easy time along Detroit Avenue and through Ellis Lake Park. Cars park on the sides of streets, so cyclists should watch for cars darting into traffic. The Contra Costa Canal Trail, just south of the neighborhood, features a concrete path for bicycles.

Plenty of free public parking exists along streets and in parking lots for businesses and apartment complexes. Take Clayton Road west to Highway 242, and then get on Interstate 680 to head towards Oakland. If your car breaks down or you need a ride in a pinch, several taxi companies or Uber drivers can pick you up.

A BART train station sits just east of Ellis Lake. Trains depart the station every 30 to 40 minutes and take you to San Francisco International Airport and downtown Oakland. County Connection bus drivers stop along Clayton Road as part of Route 20. Buses arrive and depart every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays. Buses go to the BART station and other parts of Concord.

Ellis Lake Park encompasses 10 acres of grassy turf, while a paved walking/cycling path winds around the lake. The waterway serves as a home to waterfowl, turtles and a river otter.

Meadow Homes Park, adjacent to the elementary school, contains a spray park you can use to cool off during hot summer days. Play soccer or football on the multi-use sports fields, or reserve either of the two picnic areas for family gatherings. Bring your leashed pooch along for some puppy playtime as you walk, jog or cycle with the kids.

Concord parks host several private events every year. Several classic car show vendors use the parks every summer, allowing enthusiasts to show off their muscle cars and vintage vehicles.

Living costs slightly less in Concord as compared to downtown Oakland, mainly due to cheaper housing options. A one-bedroom apartment typically runs $1,051 per month.

A pint of beer at a local watering hole averages $4.50. Fare for the BART train to Oakland costs $3.90 for a one-way ticket. A gallon of gas usually costs 23 percent more than the national average.

Nearby shopping malls contain plenty of high-end and high-value national chains for consumers to enjoy. Retail centers sit along Willow Pass Road, while two huge shopping malls exist just to the west of Ellis Lake closer to I-680. You can spend whole days at Willows Shopping Center and Sunvalley Shopping Center.

Las Montañas Supermarket represents the closest grocery store, just north of the neighborhood. The Concord Farmers' Market runs year round on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Plaza Home Furniture on Willow Pass Road sells individual pieces and sets for the living room, dining room and bedroom. Purchase items for kids, and find the perfect mattress set for your night time slumber. The store features classic and contemporary designs. Plaza Home Furniture has been family run for more than 15 years.

Employees and owners at Marie Louise Beauty Salon make everyone feel welcome. Visit the salon if you want braids or a stylish hair weave.