Monday, December 6, 2010

What Holiday Activities are there to do in Silicon Valley in December?

Yes, Silicon Valley transitions into our own winter wonderland with our traditional activities through the local town communities for people to enjoy with families and friends.  You may get a list of things to do from my Silicon Valley Tourist Information guide.

If you live in surrounding regions, remember it is an inexpensive train ride into downtown San Jose (Capital Corridor) and stay at one of the hotels located along the light rail in Santa Clara and San Jose.  Many of our hotels and motels have shuttles - ask them if they pick up from the train station.

Your weekend plans might include one day of riding the train into San Francisco to window shop on Union Square and then on the second day ~ explore favorite local places in the south bay. 

Your favorite Silicon Valley town has special holiday celebrations during this time.  

Los Gatos, Santa Clara, San Jose are my recommendations.  


All things new in Silicon Valley this year, or are they old? 

If you are looking for something a bit different to add to this winter wonderland, drive out to San Jose’s village – New Almaden – and see the historical 150 year old Casa Grande and Mining Museum – newly renovated mansion and museum AND the French restaurant, La Foret.




Casa Grande and Mining Museum

Our Silicon Valley hikers already know this area because of Almaden Quicksilver County Park.  There are many historical remnants along these trails to discover. We are so fortunate and a huge thank you goes to the to the Santa Clara County Parks – this region has been saved with their efforts. 



I saw the announcement of the grand re-opening November 13, 2010 Event for Casa Grande in the Mercury News – and of course, what did I do?  Yes, I went to see it. New Almaden has a historical presence from the Quicksilver Mines (Cinnabar) and was valuable during the Gold Rush Days because the element is used to extract gold and silver.

I cannot begin to tell you all of the amazing local history stories in this short article - I suggest that you call one of our active local tour guides for a walking tour for more in depth information.

Winter is perfect time to visit - please contact the venues for actual times they are open.



Casa Grande and Mining Museum
21350 Almaden Road
408-323-1107

La Foret Restaurant

Next, I found this extraordinary french restaurant to have dinner or Sunday Brunch right down the street from Casa Grande.  It used to be a 1848 creek side boarding house - now La Foret Restaurant, a historic building which sits on the banks of flowing stream – the setting reminds me of a European restaurant in the Tuscan hills that I went to on one of my trips.




  Update: the Chef retires. Congratulations to this great Chef. And the last day of service is planned for Sunday, March 26, 2017. Please follow there website for additional notices. 
 
The restaurant is listed with the 50 best French restaurants in United States and open for dinner on Christmas eve and day. 

When do you want to meet me for lunch? 

La Foret
(408) 997-3458
San Jose CA 95120

Every week I venture out, there is always something new on street corners of this area. Or, are these old places?

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Happy Holidays ~ to everyone! The Fun Tour Guru



1 comment:

  1. Awesome ideas Donna! I also love driving through Los Gatos for their annual Christmas lighting displays.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you with your interest!