Change comes and chains go, and most of the old retail landmarks along El Camino Real in Santa Clara have fallen. But the Moonlight Shopping Center still soldiers on, though with some changes.
The Cinema 150, where I saw “The Empire Strikes Back” way back, is gone and replaced by a medical building. The Moonlight Drive-In theater was bulldozed for condos. An office superstore replaced the S. H. Kress where my sister bought goldfish.
Other 1960‘s shopping centers on El Camino were remodeled, demolished, or sit largely abandoned. But Moonlight is still recognizable and hopping with a supermarket, major drug chain, service shops and restaurants for a variety of tastes.
This cache is located near the Moonlight Lanes bowling alley; which seems to be hiding itself behind the center to escape the view of the 21st century. The rear lot is normally pretty quiet except for the bowlers and snack bar customers. If you come here at lunch you may smell the burgers and fries. Stealth may be required at times, shoe rental is optional.
Updated 4/4/2012.The cache is now a micro, you'll need to bring a pen or pencil. It’s not on the ground, definitely not in ivy at time of hide.
Updated 6/16/2015.Three years in the old spot was pretty good, but it is now less desirable. Cache is now in a different place, and there's no chance of ivy. You still need to bring a pen or pencil.
Congratulations to kdka94086 for the FTF