Homes in Alameda's Gold Coast are famous for decorations celebrating holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

Many of the homes are spectacular visions of a bygone era of large families and competition for residental splendor.

Alameda once hosted a large Naval presence. The aircraft carrier Hornet, remains docked in Alameda. It is open for tours of a vessel that participated in NASA space capsule recoveries.

Alameda even has a prestigious winery--Rosenblum Cellars. The walls of the winery are lined with ribbons from competitions. The wine writer, Robert Parker, and the Wine Spectator magazine have recommended numerous Rosenblum Zindanfels, Vigioniers, and adventurous varietals.

Tuesday morning is Farmer's Market Day in Alameda. Find it in acity parking lot within walking distance of Boxwood House. A wide selection of vegetables, fish, poultry, salad greens, and baked goods fill the square on the west side of Webster Street.