NCRS National Convention
San Jose California July 12-17, 2009
Activities in the San Jose area
Japanese Friendship Garden Rated #1 for all San Jose things to do
Located in Kelley Park, this garden is modeled after Korakuen Park in Okayama, Japan, which is one of San Jose's sister cities. In a very peaceful, relaxing setting, enjoy the unique bridges, ponds and pathways that exquisitely demonstrate the fine art of classic Japanese landscape gardening. You can even feed the fish. You will always be immersed in a wide variety of colors, varying from wisteria lavenders to azalea pinks and depending on the season. Admission is free.
Winchester Mystery House
Sarah Winchester was heir to the Winchester repeating rifle fortune, and she was convinced that the spirits of all those killed with that gun were haunting her. To confuse the restless spirits, she constructed one of the oddest houses ever built and kept constructing it until the day of her death. The Victorian-style labyrinth that resulted features a door on the second floor that opens onto thin air, others that open onto walls, and stairs and corridors that lead to dead ends.
Tour admission prices: Main House: $17.95 adults; $14.95 seniors (65 and over); $11.95 children 6-12; under 5 free when accompanied by an adult.
Behind the scenes: $14.95 adults; $13.95 seniors; Children 12 and under not allowed
Open Hours: 9am-5pm Sun-Thu; 9am-7pm Fri-Sat
Alum Rock Park
16240 Alum Rock Ave.
San Jose, CA 95127
Tel. 408.259.5477
A natural, rugged getaway lies just minutes from downtown San Jose in 720-acre Alum Rock Park, San Jose's first and largest park. Visitors can enjoy many leisure activities, including bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking or taking a scenic hike. The park, named for a giant boulder once thought to be aluminum, is nestled within the Alum Rock Canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range. Dedicated in 1872, Alum Rock Park is California's oldest city park. A visitor center located in the mid-canyon provides maps, information and educational displays. Kids love playing in the stream which runs through the park or on the playground equipment, as well as visiting the Youth Science Institute, which houses a variety of live animals.
There are numerous picnic areas throughout the park. For group picnic reservations call 408.277.2757.
Park Hours: Daily from 8am until one-half hour after sunset.
Admission is free; parking $6; cash only.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
This huge, multi-domed church was originally built in 1877 and was restored to its original splendor in 1990. This is actually the fifth location of the parish seat; the first was built in 1803. The present structure is a monumental building. Incredible stained glass work renders the sanctuary into a lovely, almost mystical space when the sun causes the colors to play across the walls, pews and floor. Masses are held in Spanish and English. Admission is free.
San Jose Museum of Art
There is something for everyone here: contemporary art, lectures, concerts, tours, book signings, special events and even programs for children. The museum has been host to many outstanding traveling shows and has been a champion of local artists. The museum bookstore offers a nice selection of usual museum merchandise, such as books, tote bags and greeting cards. The museum cafe, under the direction of celebrity chef Kevin Baker, offers a wonderful rotating menu of seasonal delights.
Municipal Rose Garden
Thousands visit this park each year to view the beautiful varieties of roses in a profusion of colors and types. A very colorful location, the park also includes a few fountains and a reflecting pool, making it a great spot for a quiet stroll even if you aren't a rose aficionado. Take a look at the map of the place, which lists names of all the varieties of roses.
The Tech Museum of Innovation
201 South Market St., San Jose
408.294. TECH, (408) 795-6100
Chock-full of unique hands-on exhibits, this cosmopolitan museum in the heart of downtown San Jose singularly focuses on how technology functions and is changing every aspect of the way we work, live, play and learn. The exhibits explore every possible application of technology: science, medicine, astronomy and much more. Definitely check out the spectacular IMAX theatre or attend some of the educational workshops, snack at the café, or drop in on the bookstore, which features several volumes related to Silicon Valley culture. With a park across the street, The Tech Museum of Innovation is a great place for kids and adults.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States--including objects from pre-dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era. Sure, it's not the British Museum, but thousands of visitors flock to this place every year, mostly to see the mummies and well-displayed dioramas of ancient Egyptian civilization. The museum even offers tours of a mock Egyptian tomb. There's a gift shop and a cafe on site. The museum and its gardens are located in Rosicrucian Park, which dates back 75 years and is within walking distance of San Jose's Municipal Rose Gardens. Where else in San Jose are you going to see a mummified baboon? Open Tuesday-Sunday (408) 947-3600.
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
520 S. First Street, San Jose, CA 5113; Tel. 408.971.0323
The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is the country's original quilt museum, and it's one of San Jose's most interesting attractions!
The museum has a permanent collection of 450 quilts and hosts special exhibits about the history and craft of quilts. Textile art transcends cultural, ethnic and age boundaries and encompasses both traditional and contemporary forms.
Founded in 1977, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles promotes appreciation of quilts and textiles as art and provides an understanding of their role in the lives of the people who make quilts and textiles.
The Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association was incorporated in 1986 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, operated under the guidance of a community-based board.
The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is wheelchair accessible. It is open every day except Monday. Closing time is 5pm, except on Thursdays, when it is open until 8pm. Admission is $5 (Students and seniors, $4.) Children 13 and under are admitted free. On the first Thursday of each month, admission is free for all!
The museum, formerly located on Paseo de San Antonio, moved to its current First Street location in September 2005.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
(408) 298-5437
Serving the needs of children, families, and schools as a center for learning and discovery, this museum in downtown San Jose features interactive hands-on exhibits, programs, puzzles, games, classes and much more. The giant 52,000 square foot purple building sits in Discovery Meadow Park and also houses a museum store where kids can choose from among several toys and gifts, and a cafe where parents can grab an espresso. A fun place for the whole family, where touching the exhibits, making noise and running around is actually encouraged. If you're visiting San Jose with kids, this place is a must. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
Cinnabar Hills Golf Courses
23600 McKean Road, San Jose CA
Peacefully tucked in and around the hills, a short drive south of fast-paced Silicon Valley, Cinnabar Hills Golf Club blends championship-caliber golf with spectacular views. San Jose's first public course to open in 30 years was designed by award-winning architect John Harbottle III. Each hole has been crafted to maintain the natural slope of the area and to protect the wildlife residing here. Hundreds of old oaks were incorporated into the layout and seedlings from those oaks were nurtured and planted to further enhance the landscape. Inspiring the golf club's logo, red-tail hawks can be seen flying over the course or even perched in a tree. Named for the rich, red ore mined here during the 1800's, Cinnabar Hills offers golfers three distinct nines: the Canyon, the Lake and the Mountain.
San Francisco Bay Cruses
Embark on one of the Bay Area’s most gorgeous and memorable voyages around the San Francisco Bay. Attractions and sightseeing all in one.
Getting a good look at the mighty skyline of San Francisco is easy when yacht sailing in the bay. Capture picture perfect moments of the Golden Gate Bridge while sailing under it and discover the San Francisco Bay unlike any other way. From iconic symbols of Northern California to curious marine life like dolphins and seals, this is one experience you are sure to remember for a life time.
First time visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area should not pass up the opportunity to sail around the bay in a yacht. It is amazing how much sightseeing you can accomplish while touring the San Francisco Bay in a yacht. Get up-close and personal with world-famous San Francisco landmarks including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf all in one trip.
Think Escape has full-day and half-day tours available and operates by appointment only. All trips include hors devours and beverages, docking for lunch and champagne with chocolate at sunset. Email Think Escape for appointments, pricing and availability
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel. 831.423.5590
California's oldest amusement park is about as original--and memorable--as boardwalks come. The only major seaside amusement park on the Pacific Coast, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk blends old-time nostalgia with modern thrills. You can buy a bag of salt-water taffy, get your fortune told in the old-style arcade, take a road rage-releasing ride on the bumper cars, or test your mettle on the giant wood-framed roller coaster, The Giant Dipper, whose unforgettable dips rival any extreme adventure in new theme parks. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk features a carousel and little cars and airplanes for the kiddies as well. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, as you'll be steps from a sandy, swimmable Santa Cruz beach. The Boardwalk is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends fall through spring.
