As the third largest city in California, San Jose offers lots of great activities, fun things to do with kids, but it also has great shopping opportunities.

Shopping in San Jose – Boutiques:

When you are visiting San Jose, whatever the purpose of your trip is, you might want to take a quick shopping break. In that case you might be looking for a more personal experience, such as boutiques and small stores instead of the big typical mall. Downtown is a popular shopping destination as it offers a large selections of small boutiques with more original items and more unique collections, not like the items you usually find in every single malls around the US! As it is in the center of San Jose the small and nice boutiques, other businesses and restaurants in the surround area, make the experience easy and convenient.
Now if you want to have a different shopping experience in San Jose, more relaxing than the busy downtown, but still want the boutiques and not the mall system,

Santana Row will give you one of the best shopping days you’ll ever get! This is the top notch shopping area, not for its luxurious boutiques, but for the surroundings. Parks, restaurants, entertainment and many diverse boutiques from items for the house to clothing… you can really plan quite a busy day there while finding what you are looking for.
On the other end, if you are looking for a classy, chic, luxurious type of shopping in San Jose, such as Beverly Hills type of shopping, you will love Saratoga Village. This elegant neighborhood is usually referred to as the sophisticated community of San Jose. Among delightful boutiques, you will find salons and spas, as well as fine dining restaurants and a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Shopping in San Jose – Shopping Malls:

Though boutiques are a great way to discover the city while shopping, you might be cramped on time and would rather find a mall and do all your shopping quickly, having it all in one place. San Jose has many different options for this as well, the best are:
- The Westfield Oakridge Mall in San Jose is a very convenient one stop shopping destination, with all the usual stores you find in malls across the country, kiosks, restaurants and more!
- El Paseo de Saratoga, is not like the typical mall (as a one large building kind of mall) but more like a large shopping area where you can find everything you would find in a mall, with larger stores and more options. Among the usual stores, you can find more specific stores such as home décor, REI, bookstores and specialty boutiques. You also have a large selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as a movie theater. This can be a full day plan, and if you are traveling with kids in San Jose it can be a fun shopping/movie day to keep them busy!

- The last Shopping Mall to mention in San Jose is the Westgate Shopping Mall which offers pretty much the same options as the first one mentioned, but with a lot more parking, which might be convenient and time saving during busy shopping season!

So as you can see, you have lots of options for shopping in San Jose, with diverse styles and locations to find something to please everyone. Find the best hotel for your stay  and come discover the Silicon Valley and the beautiful city of San Jose, CA.

Win a Rental Car for Valentine’s Day!

Leave a comment on this post and win one of 3 rental cars for 3 days each on Valentine’s Weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

Fox Rent A Car wants to spread the love and celebrate Valentine’s Day with you! We give away 3 rental cars free of charge for the Valentine’s Day Weekend at any of our 11 locations. Just leave a comment on this blog post with a short description (up to 50 words), how you would use one of our rental cars to make this Valentine’s Day weekend the best experience for you and your partner. What could be more romantic than a road trip with your significant other? Driving on winding roads, stopping at romantic destinations and enjoying some quality time with your loved one. What do you have in mind? Share your ideas with us!

Requirements of participation:

1. Participants cannot be employed by Fox Rent A Car

2. Leave a comment on this blog with a short description (30-50 words), how you would use a rental car to surprise someone for Valentine’s Day

3. Promotion ends on February 5, 2010 at 12.00 PM PST

4. Participants will be notified by email on February 8, 2010 and have to respond within 24 h with their complete contact information. If we do not receive a response within this given period, we will select another winner.

5. Winners will be selected for originality and creativity by the Fox Rent A Car Marketing Department and therefore may be subjective.

6. Available Cars: Economy through Fullsize, Compact, Intermediate and Standard SUVs

7. Fox Rent A Car will give out 3 rental cars to selected winners for a rental period of 3 days. (Fees, taxes, and optional insurance are not covered by the promotion and have to be paid by winner)

8. Pick up date must be anytime from February 11-14, 2010 at any of our Fox Rent A Car locations.

9. Fox Rent A Car Policies apply.

What are you waiting for?

Share your idea and win a free rental car for Valentine’s Day Weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

San Jose, California, is best known for Silicon Valley, IT and of course, entrepreneurship conferences. But it is also the third largest city in California, so there is quite a large list of attractions and sights to visit. However, if you are traveling with children in San Jose, they might not be interested in the same attractions then you are, so you might want to find fun attractions for the whole family. Here is a list of ideas on what to do when traveling with children in San Jose.

Traveling with Children in San Jose - The World’s Largest Permanent Outdoor Monopoly Board:

Do you and you kids like to play board games? Then why not enjoy the great weather in California and play Monopoly outside! Just next to the Children Museum, in the middle of the Guadalupe River Park, you can find a huge Monopoly Board painted on the floor with large dice to play. Reservations might be required.

Traveling with Children in San Jose - Gilroy Garden:

Amusement parks are always a good way to spend a fun afternoon with children. Gilroy Garden is not exactly in San Jose, but steps out of the city, in Gilroy. This amusement park is built with a horticultural theme. It is much more than just a rides and attractions park; it also has a gigantic greenhouse!

Traveling with Children in San Jose - The Winchester Mystery House:

The Winchester Mystery House is one great attraction that adults and children will both enjoy. This eccentric mansion of 160 rooms was built with an incredibly weird blueprint! Doors opening on walls, rooms that you can enter through one door but not get out through the same door… More than just visiting the mansion with a guided tour, you can also take a tour of the gorgeous garden and finish with the museums. It is a really funky house worth the stop!

Traveling with Children in San Jose - The Jungle:

On a rainy day, an indoor entertainment center is always a good idea! The Jungle offers diverse playrooms, a build your own stuffed animal center, as well as a great food court. Your children will be exhausted after running around having fun.

Traveling with Children in San Jose  - Raging Waters:

Nothing’s better than a water park on a hot summer day! No matter if you have younger or older kids, Raging Waters is a perfect place for everyone to have fun. The park is full of rides and slides. So pack your bathing suits and sun lotion and come get refreshed by a splash of water!

Traveling with Children in San Jose - Happy Hollow Park and Zoo:

Zoos and parks are always popular activities to plan for a great afternoon of fun with children. From the petting farm to puppet show and of course rides and all the animals, you and the kids won’t have time to get bored! Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a zoo and an amusement park all in one, which is very convenient and assures you a great diversified adventure.

Traveling in San Jose with children can be a really fun experience with entertaining activities. So plan your trip now! Reserve your hotel and remember to always start a full day with a good breakfast!

If you are going to Silicon Valley, knowing what San Jose has to offer in attractions, restaurants and such will help you plan a great trip.In this article, you will find out more about the best hotels in San Jose, California. So here are some of the best hotels suggestions in San Jose.

The Best Hotels in San Jose – Category Family

If you are traveling with children, you want to find a hotel that is close to the attractions San Jose offers and child-friendly. The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose  is located downtown and is just steps away for the Tech Museum, diverse outdoors activities and other great attractions. It will simplify things for you and your children will be happy to not have to walk far or drive forever after a long day of fun!

The Best Hotels in San Jose – Category Budget

The Towneplace Suites by Marriott offers you the best quality for an affordable price in San Jose. If you don’t want to spend you vacation budget on your hotel room, this is the best hotel for you. Towneplace in San Jose offers clean and comfortable rooms for a low price. The staff is very friendly and will do the best to accommodate you and make sure you are satisfied. It sells out fast, so  make reservations ahead of time!

The Best Hotels in San Jose – Boutique Hotel

Moorpark Hotel is one of the best hotels in San Jose for its location, service and prices. The rooms are clean and the bed very comfortable. The design and decoration is very modern, urban and lofty. The Moorpark Hotel is located in the heart of Silicon valley, so whether you are there for business or pleasure, you will get to your destination quick and easy. Another cool thing: The hotel donates $ 200/year per guest room to non-profit organizations in the community.

The Best Hotels in San Jose – Category Luxe

San Jose also offers you the choice of elegance, comfort and fine service in luxurious hotels. The Dolce Hayes Mansion is situated on a private estate. You will feel like in an oasis, while still in the center of San Jose. The location is perfect: close to the airport, but also easy access to Carmel and other beautiful places in Northern California. If you want to play golf during your vacation, you will enjoy this San Jose luxurious hotel, as it is close from the most played and famous golf courses in San Jose.

Of course there are a lot of different hotels choices in San Jose and you might find some that are more convenient for you. Those are the most recommended for their service and quality. Have a great stay in San Jose.

Northern California Guide for Thanksgiving Restaurants

Thanksgiving is coming soon! Have you planned your Thanksgiving dinner yet? If you are in Northern California or planning a getaway weekend for the occasion, why not go out to celebrate. Here is a guide for great Thanksgiving Restaurants in the bay area.

San Francisco Guide for Thanksgiving Restaurants

If you don’t know San Francisco, or even if you do, it can be difficult to know where to celebrate Thanksgiving. So, to help you out here is a list of Restaurants in San Francisco with special Thanksgiving menus.

Restaurants with a Thanksgiving menu under $40: A great Thanksgiving Restaurant option is Americano Restaurant in Hotel Vitale. They serve a 3 course menu buffet style, with original and tasty dishes, and of course, some good old Thanksgiving turkey!

Restaurants with a Thanksgiving menu under $70: One Market, an excellent restaurant in San Francisco serves a 3 course Thanksgiving dinner with 3 choices per course, and the authentic Thanksgiving turkey, but also diverse dishes for people who prefer something different!

Restaurants with a Thanksgiving menu under $100: One of the most famous restaurants in San Francisco is Carnelian Room. Come enjoy a fine dinning 7 course menu in one of the best restaurant in town. Be sure to make reservations!

San Jose Guide for Thanksgiving Restaurants

San Jose and surrounding cities are part of one of the biggest metropolitan areas of California. There are some good choices in the Silicon Valley for a nice Thanksgiving dinner in a  Restaurant. Here are a few ideas to save you time!

Restaurants with a Thanksgiving menu under $40: what about a French touch to your Thanksgiving dinner? A great Thanksgiving Restaurant in San Jose is Left Bank, a French restaurant. Here they serve a fabulous four course dinner with a great selection of wines to accompany the dishes.

Restaurants with a Thanksgiving menu under $50: In Los Gatos you can find a great Thanksgiving Restaurants serving an amazing 3 course menu at California Café . And if you really don’t want to cook but still eat at home they even offer a Thanksgiving take out menu!

Restaurants with a Thanksgiving menu under $60: Arcadia, is a modern American cuisine restaurant in San Jose, serves a delicious 3 course Thanksgiving dinner. It is a really nice restaurant, very modern, with top-notch service.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to take full advantage of the city while you’re there. San Francisco and San Jose have wonderful sights to discover!

Find the Best Souvenirs in San Jose, CA

We’ve all gone on vacations, visited a new place and bought souvenirs that we kept for a while, let collect dust and finally throw away or put away in a junk box. So why not buy useful souvenirs instead, the kind you hang on a wall, or actually use every day, or at least local and not made in China? Here is a list of fun and cool places where you can find the best Souvenirs in San Jose, California.

Visit the Farmer’s Markets

The farmer’s markets are always a great place to visit to find original souvenirs. You shop among locals. Most of the time street performers, or live music is played, so it is always a great experience. In San Jose the Friday Farmer’s Market downtown, on San Pedro Square, can be a great place to look for souvenirs. It offers many booths with jewelry, clothing, and crafts. Farmer’s markets are not just about fresh produce! Another interesting Farmer’s Market on that takes place on Sundays, is in Japantown, just off Jackson Street. If you don’t find anything on the market, you might find it in the little shops along the street.

Find Crafts and Arts

Arts and Crafts are always great souvenirs! A great off the beaten path experience, where you can find original souvenirs in San Jose, is the Glass Institute. You can visit the gallery and learn about Glass Art. You can shop til you drop in the gift shop and find a colorfull vases with fun shapes, glasses, bowls and much more. If you are visiting San Jose the last week of November, the Harvest Festival with Arts and Crafts Expo takes place at the Convention Center. You can find artisans presenting everything, from jewelry to ceramic, clothing to home decor. There is always a possibility to find great useful or fun souvenirs there as well.

Check out Swap Meet

Every city has it, but every city offers different opportunities. If you want to look for souvenirs a little different from the ones you find at the touristy gift shops, why not check out the Swap Meet!? Just like the farmer’s market it is another opportunity to shop where locals shop and get a feel about the life in San Jose. It is a fun family time, where you can shop for arts and crafts, find collectibles and so much more. So come check out the San Jose flea market off Berryessa Road, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, all day long!

Remember souvenirs are what you want them to be. Souvenirs from San Jose don’t have to be the little plastic knick-knack found at the souvenirs shop, just because it is called a souvenir! Souvenirs are what remind you of your vacations, visit, and fun adventure where ever you went. It can be a hat, a painting, a pair of shoes, a photo frame or even a record you had searched for all those years! Have fun bringing home souvenirs that you will always keep!

Cheap Show Tickets

So many shows to see, so little time and often a budget that doesn’t allow it… but there are many options online and offline that offer show tickets for a bargain! Whether you want to see a Musical, a Play or rock out at a concert, here is a list of places and websites where you can find cheap show tickets, last minute and whenever you plan your trip!

Cheap Show Tickets in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas you have the choice between 2 main ticket booths to find cheap tickets for shows. On the strip, Vegas Tix 4 Less and Tix4Tonight have desks where you can buy last minutes tickets for Las Vegas shows and sometimes even for half the price you would pay at the box office. Tix4tonight has quite a few locations, so you don’t really have an excuse not to take your girl on a big night out! You can find them in the Showcase Mall, the Hawaiian Marketplace (in front Polo Towers), in front of the Riviera Hotel on the North Strip, the Bills Gambling Hall and Casino, the Four Queens Hotel on Fremont Street -Downtown (it closes at 7pm) and in the Fashion Show Mall across the Wynn Hotel. Vegas Tix 4 Less offers on top of its desk inside the Showcase Mall, a sidewalk kiosk in front of the mall. Another good way to find cheap tickets for shows are the package deals offered by your hotel. Check with Casino Perks as well to find out about “2 for 1″ coupons and save even more.

Cheap Show Tickets in Los Angeles

A great source to find discount tickets to shows in Los Angeles inGoldstar. Although this is an online service you can find cheap tickets to different events, and at a better rate then anywhere else. Another website you should check out is Theater Mania. As this is LA, you won’t find any actual ticket booths in the city. Also be aware of people on Sunset Blvd that want to sell you tickets. A lot of them try to cheat tourists off and sell faked tickets.

Cheap Show Tickets in Oakland

If you don’t mind buying tickets online, ticketloot is a great way to find cheap tickets for shows in Oakland.

Cheap Show Tickets in Orange County

Backpage allows you to find last minute tickets, that are sold by people. Sort of like the Craigslist of Tickets, if you want.  Sometime you can find good prices, if people make the show and don’t want to lose the money completely. Be careful: Do not buy online, this is not a secure website. It’s from people to people.

Cheap Show Tickets in Phoenix

Showup allows you to find discount tickets for shows, and tells you how many are left. They mostly have Art and cultural oriented shows.

Cheap Show Tickets in San Diego

The Art Tix Booth in the Horton Plaza Mall, downtown San Diego is a great place to find cheap tickets for shows, whether it is dance, theater, music, art or performance tickets. You can only by these discount tickets (usually half price) the day of the shows though. It is closed on Mondays, so make sure to check out this kiosk on Sunday if you want to see a Monday show. Note: Atlas Tickets is a great source to check out for last minute or “hard to get” tickets, but you have to pay the regular price!

Cheap Show Tickets in San Jose

For San Jose , like Oakland, Ticketloot is a good source to find cheap tickets for shows.

Cheap Show Tickets in San Francisco

Tix Bay Area, on Union Square, offers half price tickets. You can only go to the booth the day of the show to get half price tickets, though. You can also check out online to see the tickets they offer for the day of the show, but if you do buy it online you have to pick up your ticket at the booth one hour before the show starts. This booth is only open until 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday and until 3pm on Sundays.

Cheap Show Tickets in Salt Lake City

Ticketzoom, Oakwebworks and SongKick are the best online options to find cheap show tickets in Salt Lake City.

Cheap Show Tickets in Seattle

The best way to find cheap tickets in Seattle is through Ticket Window. You can find half price tickets for shows happening the day you visit the booth. Pay in cash and save on service fees. You can also check out the venue online.

You have now a few websites and addresses where to find cheap tickets for shows in different cities. I hope you get to see the show you want at the price you want!

Up Coming Trade Shows in Northern California

Art, wine tasting, sightseeing and scenic drives are great things to do in Northern California. But Northern California is also one of the most buzzing business environments in the world. Hundreds of inventions come from Silicon Valley every year and the largest companies of the world are based in the are in and around San Francisco and San Jose. Check out the trade shows going on in Northern California in the end of  2009:

San Francisco Conventions, Trade Shows and Exhibitions

All year, San Francisco is home of numerous trade shows, conventions, and conferences, one as interesting as the next.
From Oct 3d to Oct 5th, the San Francisco Cash and Carry Show takes place at the Concourse Exhibition Center. This trade show represents the Gifts and Handycrafts industry. Exhibitors show everything, from jewelry to decorative accessories, from furniture to apparel, or cosmetics to toys.
The International Contract Services Expo-USA is a global trade show representing the pharmaceutical outsourcing businesses from all over the world. It is a great place for suppliers and manufacturers of the pharmaceutical industry to meet between Oct 13th and Oct 15th.
The Localization World Silicon Valley trade show introduces you to the tools needed for a domestic company to become a global enterprise. Through conferences and exhibits, on the 21st and 22d of October, professionals can learn about innovations available to businesses to go international.
The VoiceCon conference will be in San Francisco between the 2d and 5th on Nov. Conferences and Exhibitions (on the 3d and 4th only) concentrate on IP and the latest communication technologies. During this conference you can learn how their use can be beneficial to your business
The Great Bridal Expo is a one day event – Nov 14th – to find everything for brides! If it is not for business that you are visiting Northern California, you might be interested in this event. It is the best place to find what you need for your wedding plans!
The Gem Fair is a trade show open to everyone. It represents the gem and jewelry industry and offers classes and demonstrations between the 20th and 22d of November to learn everything about beads and more.

San Jose Convention Center

San Jose Fall Home Show, is the largest Architecture and Designing trade show. Between Oct 16th – Oct 18th, you have the chance to discover the latest in everything for your home and interact with manufacturers for advice. If you are remodeling, decorating or even landscaping you cannot miss this!
On November 1st you can attend the Latin Expo, an education and training industry exhibition. It is a great opportunity to learn about the programs proposed by different institutions of the industry.
If you are visiting San Jose and want to bring a very special gift, the Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show might be your chance to find it. From November 27th to November 29th artisans, artists, and galleries come together for three days of entertainment and fun to present the products.
The Photovoltaics USA 09 is one of the most important trade show about solar energy, renewable energy, and the latest innovations of technologies available to businesses (from December 1st to  December 4th).
The last trade show of the year is the BIOMEDevice show on the 9th and 10th of Dec. You can learn about all the new advances of the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Suppliers are presenting you the tools you need to assist your business and help you grow.

These are the trade shows you can find for the rest of 2009 in Northern California. If your industry does not come up here, check out what is going on in Southern California, which offers a great selection of trade shows as well. Stay busy and enjoy!

4 Best Breakfast Restaurants in San Jose

So you are out of your daily routine, away from home visiting San Jose, and really want to find the best breakfast restaurants in town… will you seriously go to the closest Denny’s that you can also find at home? I didn’t think so! Don’t get me wrong, Denny’s is not a bad place, they offer some good stuff that fills you up. Especially when you are traveling, you should consider trying something more local, that you can’t have at home! But you have no idea where to go… that’s why you need to keep reading! I am giving you the inside scoop on the 4 best breakfast restaurants in San Jose!

Bill’s Cafe
If you are debating on the time line for breakfast or brunch and really want a buffet, this is your place! This breakfast restaurant offers you a great setting, with a charming patio to enjoy a reasonably priced breakfast… or brunch. Quality over quantity? Who said you can’t have both?  At Bill’s Cafe you can! You will have a hard time deciding what you want most from its appealing menu … yummy crab cakes benedict or rather a stack of honey oat pancakes???

Penguin Froyo
If you are looking for a little different breakfast experience,  I recommend this french style breakfast restaurant. Even though it might look like more of an ice cream shop than a breakfast restaurant, Penguin Froyo is the place for Crepes in San Jose! You will get fast service from friendly staff. And you even get to watch them make your crepes fresh right in front of you! Enjoy your breakfast at Penguin Froyo.

Rose Donuts Cafe
From the best breakfast restaurants in San Jose, Rose Donuts is here for early risers. Don’t let the outside fool you. This breakfast restaurant might not be large, but their menu definitely is! You are served fresh orange juice, warm fresh pastries… and even though it is a Donut place you should consider trying their burrito! The prices don’t match the portions, so even though you probably want to order the whole menu, consider coming back instead to try more dishes.

The Burrito Factory
Another great place in your search for breakfast restaurants in San Jose is the Burrito Factory …. That is, if you are looking for an amazing burrito of course! This place is small in size but big in taste! I especially recommend the Friday only shrimp burrito. Weekend might be crowded so come early.

So how appealing does Denny’s sound to you now??? You are ready for something new and different… and maybe healthier… so enjoy trying the different breakfast places in San Jose!

Read more about San Jose here…

Things to Do in San Jose

What do you know about San Jose, California? It is the third largest city in the State of California and the capital of Silicon Valley. Okay, so what are the things to do in San Jose? Isn’t it amazing that even though San Jose is much bigger than San Francisco, nobody really knows about any attractions or things to do in San Jose? But San Jose has a lot to offer, not just for Entrepreneurs and Tech Geeks, but for everybody. Here are some suggestions of things to do while you are visiting San Jose.

Henry W. Coe State Park – Nature Stop
The Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest State Park of California and a great stop for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or fishing…You will enjoy the calmness of the park and can enjoy a nice stroll through its canyons. The park looks different in every season, so it is worth checking it out several times during the year.

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles – Art Stop
San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textils is famous for its impressive exhibits of quilts coming from the entire world and its textile Art.You can discover pieces from the 19th to the 21st century. If you are into fabrics and handy crafts, this is the place to be!

Children’s Discovery Museum – Kids Stop
If you are traveling with children you will enjoy this museum as much as they do! The exhibitions invite you and your kids to participate, so don’t be scare to let them touch, feel, play and learn! If you are visiting San Jose for a couple days, avoid to pick the weekend for this attraction, as it is very crowded.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium – Cultural Stop
Have you ever visited the Temple of Amon without flying to Egypt? Well now you can! The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a great opportunity to discover and learn about Egyptian culture and artifacts without even leaving the country! You will forget you are in San Jose and enjoy a perfect replica of the Egyptian style buildings and gardens surrounding you.

Indian Restaurants- Food Stop
San Jose is well known for its Indian population, and therefore also for its Indian restaurants. You should make sure to have a lunch or dinner plan on your things to do in San Jose list. One of the best rated restaurant is the Rangoli India Restaurant. You have an extensive menu choice and can enjoy a great service and authentic Indian cuisine.

Cisco Center – Business Stop
If you are visiting San Jose on a business or leisure trip, you should think about visiting the Cisco Center. The Cisco Center is a great networking place where you can take advantage of the Briefing Center to set up appointments to learn from their experts. They also have a very cool virtual assistant that talks to you on a monitor! He or she can help you book your flights, make dinner reservations and print out your boarding pass. But be aware: He or she can see you see you!

Now that you have a few tips on the things to do in San Jose, you just have to plan your trip! Have fun!

Read more about San Jose here…