Is there a "hidden gem" near you? Any cool place to dine or visit that isn't well known?

About a half mile down the river, built on the river, is a small "mom and pop" restaurant. It started out as a bait and tackle shop for local and visiting fishermen. Then the Mrs, started providing free coffee and little pastries for the customers in the early mornings. After many customer suggestions she started selling sandwiches and beerages. Over time the tackle and bait shop evolved into a "dining room". If you have ten customers in there is it overcrowded. Summer time they have picnic tables outside. The food is all home made and delicious. Nothing fancy. Just a meal along the river. It is a local "secret".

There is this small seafood restaurant off the side of the highway not really near much of anything, and it is set back enough that people drive right by never even seeing it. All the locals know about it though. The food is awesome and they make a special dish that has 5 different cheeses, shrimp, scallops, and lobster in it. OMG! Is it delicious!

The Wooden Spoon, and Harvey's Bakery and coffee shop.

La Festa is a great wood fired Pizza place as well.

We have a very small Mexican restaurant that's pretty well hidden. Their food is NOT TexMex but authentic Mexican food that you won't find at the majority of places.

The Wilderness Lodge is way off the beaten path tucked in the valley. Indoor and outdoor dining, good food and drink. Also last years winner of Wingfest.

Most people who visit Southern California miss seeing the Huntington Library in San Marino.  It has a wonderful museum, which is the home of  the paintings "Pinkie" by Thomas Lawrence and "Blue Boy" by Thomas Gainsborough.  The gardens are gorgeous, and a lovely high tea is served in the Rose Garden Tea Room.