So where is Concord? To some, it’s one of those drive-by exits off the highway on the way from here to there. But to DogTrekkers who make time to linger, it’s a destination in itself, with miles of scenic breweries—and, yes, so many great Mexican food places that the city’s marketing gurus have crafted a new campaign dubbed ‘’The Taco Trail.”
Concord has long been home to deliciously authentic, family-owned taquerias and restaurants. The “trail” encompasses 40 establishments offering specialty and signature tacos including al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, crispy fish, grilled tilapia, vegitariano, and even filet mignon.
Many locations have dog-friendly outdoor tables and all offer takeout, but check before you go. When you discover a new favorite, be sure to take a photo and tell everyone about it at #concordtacotrail, #visitconcord and #concordeats.
There’s much more to explore in and around Concord, so fire up your sense of adventure and let serendipity be your guide. To work off a burrito fix (or prepare for one), hop on a different kind of trail within the East Bay Regional Park District. The patchwork of trails within easy striking distance of Concord includes Lime Ridge Open Space, held jointly by the cities of Concord and Walnut Creek and laced with 25 miles of developed pathways. And then there’s Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve near Antioch, a 5,375-acre oasis as interesting for its coal-mining history and artifacts as for its 64 miles of pet-friendly trails meandering over a hilly, oak-studded landscape.
Naturalist/conservationist John Muir raised a family in Concord, and today, the John Muir Land Trust protects a growing collage of ranches, farms, parks and shorelines that encompass more than 2,300 open-space acres, all open to the public for recreation and education. Of special interest to DogTrekkers: Fernandez Ranch, between Hercules and Martintez, where dogs under reliable voice control can be off-leash so long as they steer clear of equestrians and other trail users.
And keep an eye on openings/closings of open-space areas managed by the East Bay Municipal Utilities District. Among those especially suited to DogTrekkers: Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area and San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area.
