Morgan Hill, California is a city like no other, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, agrarian, and industrial influences. Marked by the symbolic red Poppy Jasper embedded in the Downtown Morgan Hill staircase, this vibrant community simultaneously captures antique charm as well as modern beauty. Deepening the lore, there is a legendary tale that a once existed elbow-to-elbow bullfight took place atop Murphy’s Peak, now referred to as El Toro Mountain.
Morgan Hill, California is a vibrant and unique community in the south of Silicon Valley. It boasts a variety of restaurants, wineries, farms, and natural settings, as well as being home to numerous high-tech companies. With its agricultural and industrial roots, Morgan Hill has an interesting history that has contributed to making it the place it is today. For those who are curious about this remarkable city, here are 9 Things to Know About Morgan Hill!
The Legend of El Toro Mountain
El Toro Mountain, or Murphy’s Peak, is prominent in the valley between the Diablo and Santa Cruz mountain ranges. This majestic sight has been mistaken as ‘Morgan Hill’ for many years, however, there is a legend that a bullfight once occurred at the top of this peak. Unfortunately, the trail is not open to the public due to it being on private property – but there are plenty of other great trails around Morgan Hill to explore!
Celebrating Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper
The Morgan Hill area is renowned for its unique form of Jasper, the bright and colorful Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper. This rare stone is characterized by distinctive orbs of red, orange, yellow, and brown which form a beautiful pattern. The community celebrates this special stone with the annual Poppy Jasper International Film Festival every April. To add to the festivities, the Downtown Morgan Hill parking garage staircase is enclosed in glass panels displaying the vibrant colors of Poppy Jasper. When illuminated at night, the panels cast an amber glow onto the 3rd Street plaza, creating a dynamic scene that brings joy to all who witness it.
Celebrating Morgan Hill’s Mushroom-Farming Heritage
Morgan Hill, known as the “Mushroom Capital”, celebrates its rich mushroom-farming heritage with an annual Mushroom Mardi Gras. South Valley Mushroom Farm has been growing mushrooms in the area since the 1960s and today operates a farmstand and apiary. Monterey Mushrooms, the largest commercial grower of fresh mushrooms in North America, is based in north Morgan Hill and ships 200 million pounds annually – a remarkable accomplishment! The city proudly honors its mushroom-farming legacy with the annual celebration.
Andy’s Orchard
Morgan Hill, located in the Santa Clara Valley AVA, is renowned for its renowned stonefruit orchards. Home to Andy’s Orchard, which boasts one of the largest collections of premium heirloom stone fruits on the West Coast of the United States, and U-Pick Orchards, which hosts an eagerly anticipated annual “pick-your-own cherries” event, Morgan Hill is proud to be a leader in cultivating this diverse range of crops including cherries, apricots, plums, citrus, nuts, and olives.
Explore the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail
Experience the Santa Clara Valley AVA and its 35 wineries, from the Eastern Santa Cruz Mountains to the foothills of the Diablo Range. This region was originally home to wild grapes, also known as Vitis California, which is why many features in southwestern Morgan Hill are named “Uvas”. The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail offers a unique experience with its combination of microclimates and varietals from both coastal and inland influences. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and focus on quality, where you can feel the old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center
The Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center and the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center are renowned for their impeccable facilities and family-oriented culture. The former is made up of 12 fields and hosted the CrossFit Games in 2021, while the latter houses a record-breaking pool that hosts major Western swim meets, as well as Akuna Artistic Swimming led by a former Olympian. Both sports venues are conveniently located across the street from various lodging accommodations, making them all the more accessible to athletes from Northern California.
Thriving Cycling Culture in Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill is proud to be the home of the headquarters of Specialized Bicycle Components, a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of bicycles, cycling equipment, accessories, and apparel. This local success story has helped foster a thriving cycling culture in Morgan Hill, with residents and visiting employees alike enjoying its beautiful winding backroads and rugged trails. The Amgen Tour de California even chose Morgan Hill for two of its stops. Bike Therapy, Morgan Hill’s downtown bike shop, has been recognized with Platinum in the Bicycle Retailer “Best Bike Shop” awards for consecutive years, while also being lauded for their community cycling advocacy and coordination of free group bike rides.
A Culinary Destination for Every Taste
Morgan Hill is quickly becoming one of the Bay Area’s premier culinary destinations, boasting more than 100 independently owned restaurants. From casual dine-in eateries and food trucks to upscale venues and hip pop-ups, there’s something for every taste. Diners can enjoy a diverse range of cuisines as well as locally produced wine, beer, hard ciders, and handcrafted cocktails. This makes Morgan Hill an ideal spot for any proud foodie – offering up a unique dining experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
Weekend Warrior Itinerary
Explore the possibilities of Morgan Hill with one of our exciting itineraries! The Weekend Warrior Itinerary offers a perfect getaway for family and friends, while the Opt Outside Itinerary allows visitors to breathe in fresh air and take in the views without competing with crowds. Indulge in delicious food and drinks with the Wine & Dine Itinerary or create lasting memories with your loved ones with the Family Fun Itinerary. Morgan Hill has something for everyone!
Morgan Hill is an enchanting place that offers so much for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to tech geeks. Its history, colorful nature, and amber glow create a warmth within its walls, residing deep in the heart of South Silicon Valley. With its vibrant culture, proud locals, and the presence of El Toro dominating the valley view; it truly encapsulates ‘The Good Life in The Valley of Heart’s Delight’. From a day in the vineyards to Jimmy Smith’s or the San Martin Garlic Festival, our conclusion can only be, that Morgan Hill will become your home away from home faster than you think!
