Mission-Foothill - Hayward, CA

The Hayward Hills were originally held by Mexican nobility prior to the gold rush era. Roughly 2,700 acres of hills, canyon and flat land eventually became Hayward and Castro Valley. The hills above Mission Boulevard have evolved from rough canyon to sophisticated residential neighborhoods and the businesses that cater to them. In addition, California State University East Bay is prominently featured on the hillside above Mission Boulevard.

The Off the Grid Mobile Food Trucks experience is held every Monday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. at Watkins Street between B and C Streets. The Chabot Visual and Performing Arts Center at Chabot College is the community venue for stage entertainment including dance, ballet, theatrical and musical performances. Pricing is reasonable, so you can enjoy diverse entertainment at budget-friendly prices. The Zucchini Festival is an annual event held at Kennedy Park.

Mission-Foothill has a lively downtown district. The majority of restaurants and watering holes are located in the handsomely renovated downtown area extending from the town hall on B Street to Mission and Foothill Boulevards. B Street at Mission Boulevard is a tree-lined street that hosts the 12-screen Century movie theater, antique shops and several restaurants with outdoor seating. Street parking is available, but space is limited, so take advantage of the eight parking lots and two covered parking structures provided by the city at no cost. Visitors should also know this area has free Wi-Fi.

Local residents enjoy one of the first brewpubs established in America. Buffalo Bill's Brewery on B Street opened in 1983 and is a mainstay of area nightlife. Newcomers can order a flight of beer to sample eight different brews created on the premises. Once you select your favorite brew, you can order a plate of Kobe sliders or a great buffalo chicken sandwich and dig in. Just a few blocks up on A Street, you will find Buon Appetito, a charming restaurant offering contemporary Italian cuisine featuring homemade pastas and breads baked daily. Regulars love the Margherita pizza hot from the oven. Buon Appetito has five Best of The Bay awards, including Best Romantic and Best Date Restaurant.

Another favorite is Val's Burgers, an old-school diner. Val's is about five minutes from downtown at the top of Kelly Street and has been serving Papa Burgers "as big as your head" for generations. It takes cash only, so hit the ATM before you go. Don't be surprised if there's a line; this is a great little diner and worth the wait.

While there are many other places to eat, drink and enjoy, you should know where to get the best donuts for your coffee. Fairway Park Donuts and Ice Cream on Mission has super-size glazed donuts with a cult following. They go fast, so get there early: They open at 5 a.m. and sell out daily.

If you're driving around town, you will find ample parking available at most shopping centers. Excellent bus transportation is available through AC Transit (Alameda-Contra Costa Counties Transit System), and there are two light rail BART stations (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Mission-Foothill/Hayward is central to Alameda County and has immediate access to several major freeways as well as the Hayward Executive Airport. San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose airports are easily accessible by car and public transportation.

The Hayward Area Parks and Recreation District (HARD) maintain over 60 acres of park land, and Mission-Foothill parks include walking, hiking and biking trails in well-tended grounds. Eden Greenway Dog Park on Contessa Avenue is a large fenced canine play area partitioned for large and small dogs. Amenities include water fountains and bowls, shaded benches and trees. This dog park was created by citizen initiative and has strong community support. Area parks are free of charge and very kid-friendly. Most parks feature picnic tables and barbecue pits and can be reserved for your event by calling the parks department. Kids of all ages especially enjoy Kennedy Park for the picnic area, petting zoo, train ride and merry-go-round. The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center and Sulphur Creek Nature Center have programs for kids and adults about local flora and fauna. The Hayward Japanese Gardens is a tranquil three-acre park with a koi pond, a tea house and viewing pavilions. Japanese and native California trees are set among paths laid with rocks and plants arranged in traditional style.

The cost of living for Mission-Foothill is equal to the Hayward city average and ranks higher than the state average. A typical gourmet coffee will cost about $5 a cup, and a beer or ale at a local pub will be between $6 and $7 a glass. On average, a one-bedroom apartment will rent for $1,600 per month. Public transportation is the most affordable way to travel or commute, especially since access is so convenient and affordable.

Hayward's own Southland Mall Shopping Center has 136 stores and services with ample parking and access to public transit. Macy's, Kohl's, JCPenny and Sears are the anchor stores. Established in 1960, The Book Shop remains a favorite spot for readers of all ages. Providing new, used and rare books, as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff, this independent book store continues to be a staple of the community.

A farmers market is held every Saturday morning rain or shine at the plaza outside the town hall. This weekly event showcases local growers and vendors of baked goods, flowers and crafts. The farmers market is a good source for organic fruit, vegetables and eggs. Major chain grocery stores include Safeway, Lucky and FoodMaxx, while Mi Ranchito Mexican Market and Chavez Market provide Hispanic specialty foods and products.