Niles

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to sell and sign books at the annual Niles Wildflower, Art, Garden and Quilt Show. The rainy weather kept the quilts indoors this year but didn't dampen the spirits of the participants.

Niles is a bit of an anomaly in Silicon Valley, a true small town. It is tucked away against the hills and bordered by a creek and a railroad. The Niles Canyon Railroad runs on the weekends and special holidays. It's a popular attraction. You could easily spend the day on the Main Street of Niles. It is full of antique shops, wonderful restaurants, a quilt shop, as well as a longarm quilter.

if the allure of vintage furniture and Bronco Billy's pizza is not enough, Niles has a unique history. In 1912, the Essaney Film Manufacturing Company moved to town. They built a huge studio and stayed for several years, making hundreds of short films, many featuring Bronco Billy himself. In 1914, they hired their most famous employee -Charlie Chaplin. His most famous movie, The Tramp, was filmed in Niles.

If you're ever in our neck of the woods, I highly recommend a detour to Niles. You'll find pretty of friendly faces and lots of great history. Ride the railroad and walked where Charlie Chaplin walked.

Any hidden gems in your neighborhood?