Parking Services, An Advantage or Detriment for Travel Visitors?

I have been thinking about today's topic for quite some time.  I have many acquaintances (online and offline) with people in local city and community governments, tourism bureaus, city information centers, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.  And, of course, everyone's first goal is multiplying incoming visitors to their communities and businesses.  

Yet, I have seen more and more city parking meters over the past two or three years, pay parking services (private and public), and parking control strictly reinforced now by communities.  Does it make sense to spend dollars on fabulous travel marketing ideas when we nickel and dime our visitors that do come with parking management restrictions?

Parking Meters, Parking Control

Why should I explore your local community if I have to pay extra to use parking garages and or dig for extra change to park for a half hour at a parking meter? 

Do you pay more to park your car in an attraction or event venue parking lot than you pay for the actual ticket?

And, why do hotels and restaurants now add parking fees to their guest's room night or dinner?  

What happened to complimentary parking?

Parking Meter History

Okay, after my quick research using the History Channel website and Wikipedia, I found parking meters were actually invented in Oklahoma, USA, in the 1930s to eliminate the traffic congestion because of the rising number of automobiles.  And, retailers actually liked parking meters because the meters provided a fast turnover of people with cars stopping at their stores – which seemed to increase their storefront revenues.

Parking Control

What is the current purpose with parking management?  Is this a way to eliminate the traffic congestion, or is this a tax for the local government and extra business income? 

When I drive into my favorite local community on a day trip, I really want to spend the day without hassle.  I, too, want to save as much money as possible.  I would like the option spending the extra $10 - $20 that from parking my car on my lunch or purchases.  

Yes, I enjoy going with a group tour, which my coach driver will manage these details.  They have the same concern, which may increase the price of your tour ticket.  

My last thought, what do these parking meters and parking garages actually do to the skyline and sidewalks in your community? 

Parking Meters along Sidewalks

Are we attracting or chasing away our tourists and visitors from our communities, offsetting those valuable tourism advertising dollars we spend? 

What do you think?  Parking management, advantage or detriment?  Share your comments here.

Visiting local communities across the world ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Image Credits:  

Parking Meters Taken in Ardmore, Pennsyvania US 4/6/2008, Jeremy Tenenbaum (typicalgenius), Creative Commons Flickr

Parking Meters on a sidewalk, The Fun Tour Guru

Famous Address: 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, California

From searching for a lunch place to Apple Computer. My interesting day trip today. 

The story I planned to write today was to introduce readers to a south bay location of a popular San Francisco restaurant - in Cupertino - inside our local Whole Foods Market.  It is the popular vegan restaurant, Cafe Gratitude. 

On My Way To Lunch

This restaurant has been on my list of things to do for awhile. It is unfortunate to receive the information that Cafe Gratitude in the south bay, along with other locations in the Bay Area, have been closed. 

After a quick search, I found several articles of the recent closure.  Please plan ahead and call to see if your location has closed yet. I will not comment as to what happened because I do not know details.  Perhaps the Undercover Waitress will dig a little deeper into the why of the closure and what happened as this is a favorite place for many to eat.

I will recommend, like I been saying all of this time, use your iPhone to call or email a local person, like me, to verify if establishments still exist, hours, and addresses.  Especially in Silicon Valley, as there is an ever-changing business transition almost overnight which seems to happen often.  It saves time as you plan your day itineraries.  Or, even let me assist with the planning.

Tribute to Famous Silicon Valley Address 

 

Yes, I am able to change plans in the moment!  I decided December 31 is a great day to stop by the famous "1 Infinite Loop" and pay tribute the company everyone knows very well. It is the home of iPhones, iPads, iMAC Computers, etc. and the story of two entrepreneurs named Steve.  

The next question I receive is, where is Cupertino, CA?  People see this location marked on their Apple equipment and don't recognize this Bay Area city.  I didn't measure the mileage, the main Apple Campus is quite large as you drive around the whole loop.  

You will find several smaller Apple campuses throughout Cupertino. This area is quite active during the work week and a rare sight without people wandering about.  It will be interesting to see the new campus they have been planning.

   

My favorite resource telling the Apple Story is Apple Confidential, by Owen W. Linzmayer.  People still ask me if they may have my copy, with a 1999 copyright. (Of course, it is not for sale... yet)

• Remember, research and make plans of what you want to do. 
• Be flexible, if the place or restaurant you want to see is closed, there may be something around the corner to see.  
• And, call a local person to verify information first.   

Apple Company Store, 1 Infinite Loop

Insider Information:  Visit the Apple Company store which is open Monday - Friday, during business hours, it is fun to browse. 

Yes, I have been by the Garage where Apple Computer was started. Does anyone want me to go by and get a picture of it?  Hint: It is somewhere in Los Altos, CA. 


Its never to late to start new things ~ do it now. 

Happy New Year! from The Fun Tour Guru

One Week Remaining in 2011, What Will You Do?

I am in slow motion today, yet I want to publish this before Christmas Day.  

This week I have some extra time and I started my search of something to do over the holidays.  I missed the opportunity of taking a trip because of my focus with my full time work. I am grateful to have this modest income now, with work selling to groups which I really enjoy, and it is even with a great company.

Now, I sit in my chair staring at my blank monitor. I am trying to think of what to do on this last week of the year, 2011. Yes, I admit, the Fun Tour Guru who shares fun things to do off the beaten path is blank.  

I start scrolling through several of my favorite articles and websites. I search through many different local organizations for gatherings, to no avail. I don’t feel the charge I used to have as I read through traditional holiday happenings or with chances of getting free tickets this year.  I keep looking. 

I remember the things I found to share with my readers this year like one-time events to electric cars on our streets.

Yes, Another California Sunset and Kites Flying in the Distance

I was able to share our California sunset with my brother and his wife after spotting whales in Monterey Bay.

I have had fun stepping outside the box and sharing news of events which I don’t usually partake of.  I may not be an “avid” fan of everything I see and do, (yes, I used that infamous word writers hate) it was very fascinating to spend time around these unusual events for one day. I found the Annieglass Art Studio in Watsonville, new wineries, and mingled with the Santa Cruz Mayor and public during the Classic Woodies event. As a volunteer, I drove guests in miniature GoCars through San Francisco who were in town for the International Pow Wow (US Travel Association) after taking one of my own groups on a tour in March. (The crooks and curves of Lombard Street will never be the same!)

Favorite posts of mine last year ~ How to Travel to other Local Regions during the Off Season and sharing a Shortbread cookie recipe from Scotland . I had an impromptu introduction of a well known hospitality industry icon, CEO and Author, Chip Conley, whom (or is  it who) I follow.  And, I was inspired by and talked to Tory Johnson, at the Spark and Hustle LA event. It is never to late to start again.

 

How do I end this year? 

I finally find the website tugging at me.  And, it is a familiar one. Broadway San Jose. I read through the musical shows and there is one I have never seen and is in town next week.  Yes, when I used to volunteer as a regular on the SVCA (Concierge) Board, and we would receive tickets randomly, to different musicals.

This time it is different.  I clicked the button and purchased a ticket as a gift to myself to see CATS.  I remembered one of my friends telling me many years ago, "the benefit of buying a single ticket to shows is getting fantastic seats in the front rows of the theater." It is only 10 miles away in downtown San Jose.  Remember, you don’t talk to people during the show. You have friends to see during the intermission.  Pick an afternoon matinee to attend. And, go.

I purchased my ticket and will get to see Cats, as a ViP, in a front row seat.  This is a good tip for everyone,  as solo travelers, and you find old acquaintances to bump into or meet new people.  Practice going solo in your home town and when you make plans for your special long vacation trip next year, you will have some techniques worked out.

For me, it is not always about going on the most trips, or the cheapest, or even free items you might find.  Follow your instinct and choose something that intrigues you and purchase a gift to yourself. Save your money and treat yourself. This special item will be different for everyone. What will you DO on the last week of this year?

If you are in San Jose, will I see you at Cats next week?

Happy Holidays! And, Merry Christmas! ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Something New for Silicon Valley Tours

I know I have been absent for a short time. Please forgive me. I do want to send a thank you to all the readers that have been visiting this blog in November. I appreciate the traffic, and it is a great feeling that I don't even need to announce my posts. 

Anyway, my next trip out and about I need to drive to Menlo Park and check out the new Facebook campus. Below is a link to the Mercury News article (12/08/2011) about a permanent feature on their campus now. 

Aha, something to add to sightseeing tours in Silicon Valley, Facebook's 'Like' sign in Menlo Park becomes permanent.  Link to picture in the Mercury News

Post here if you want to go see it!

Finding the unusual in Silicon Valley, The Fun Tour Guru

A Free Thanksgiving Gift to Everyone from Silicon Valley/San Francisco

A USA Holiday 

"Tis the night before Thanksgiving. With a hustle everywhere.  Yes, people are on the go, actively stirring in places like grocery stores, airports, shopping centers, and kitchens. They are finalizing plans for a huge feast and fun activities with friends and family tomorrow.  And some may even be volunteering to help others in need. "  ~me

I want to write something different tonight as I wish everyone a fabulous Thanksgiving this year.  When I saw this house in Silicon Valley decorated for Thanksgiving, I knew immediately this is a "sign" this year.  Let's not wait for the December holidays.  We need this now.

It is time to join together and give a free gift to everyone. I know this has been an action-packed, suspenseful year for everyone. We are all busy. No time to call people.  No time to write letters. But wait! Let's find the time to do something for someone.

Stop and shake someone's hand. Call someone. Around the world.  Please let me know with your comment below what you are doing. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Friends. Family. Everyone! Not in USA? I hope you have wonderful week.

Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road. Let's have fun now with our journey through life!  The Fun Tour Guru

*******

Architecture & Artwork, Santana Row, San Jose, CA (Silicon Valley)

Looking closer at buildings sometimes bring fascinating finds. These are two pictures I caught up close in one of our favorite San Jose CA modern, upscale hangouts and shopping neighborhoods, Santana Row.  Sometimes we need to stop, look and admire the beauty on our local streets.

Would you like to go on a walking tour with me?   Food and wine tastes, art, and stories... that is all I have.

Garlic embedded on new buildings - Valley of Hearts Delight, San Jose CA History

Look up & find these 'Shapes of Moons' Art Work

Out and around ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

Both pictures taken by me, a few years a part. One is a from film, the other digital.  

Electric Car Found in Silicon Valley October 2011

The day is here.  This is a sight that one doesn't see very often. I found this car in the parking garage of Domain Hotel in Sunnyvale on my daily path.

I admit I am not that technical.  I will leave it to my readers to share more details here, like what type of car? (other than a shiny, red car)  So many questions like where are charging stations?  

I hope this is the new sign from one our newest employers, Tesla Motors, here...... in Silicon Valley. Although it is not only here, it is many places now.

Electric cars, the new way of thinking! Please, share comments with us.

Another unusual find, or is it so unusual?  The Fun Tour Guru