Hi There, I have a days on either end of a conference in San Jose that I'd like to put to good use. Any suggestions in the city and close by? Like museums, galleries and kitsch. Thanks!! Rob

In San Jose there's a tech museum and a modern art museum both right in the center of town. Up in Palo Alto (about 20-30 min, if you have a car) there's the newly reopened Stanford Art Museum which is certainly worthwile along with a tour of Stanford. Palo Alto also has nice small restaurants.

What kind of things do you like? Kam has some good museum suggestions, but if you'd rather see mountains or oceans you can go over to Santa Cruz--if it's not rush hour it wouldn't take more than an hour. There's also lots of wineries in the surrounding area (J.Lohr right next to Downtown San Jose, and many many wineries in the Santa Cruz mountains). If none of these sound appealing, post more about what you like and I'm sure there's something around to please.

Monica, The winery thing is appealing as is Santa Cruz. I like anything that's "local" say older towns or local history. Thanks to both of you. Rob

I live in Los Gatos which is in the San Jose metro area. San Jose is not exactly a tourist destination. However I strongly recommend the High Tech Museum in downtown San Jose. It is very interesting and is truly unique to San Jose and this valley.

Downtown Los Gatos is an interesting place if you like to wander around. As others have suggested, Santa Cruz is a good choice.

Rob:

Once you are in San Jose, your hotel can give you directions to Santa Cruz and also the wineries off of Bear Creek Road. Alternately, you could go to J. Lohr (off of the Alameda) and get a map to the other wineries there--they're part of the Santa Clara Valley Winegrower's association. You could do the wineries and Santa Cruz on the same day. One nice way to get there is to go 17 to Summit Road, and then go left on Summit to the Burrel School winery on your left, in an old schoolhouse. They can tell how to get to Santa Cruz on Old Soquel Road (I think that's what it's called) which is a nice drive through the SC mountains. If you have two days, you know you can easily make a day trip to San Francisco as well, right?

If you love kitsch, you must see the Winchester Mystery House!

You have to go to Fry's Electronics store if you're into computers or electronic toys. Plus, it's free as long as you don't buy anything (doubtful). It's like Mecca in the electronic world.

The wineries are really terrific, but I am going to caution you as I think they are only open on the weekends, at least that's been our experience. Two of the most fun are Bonny Doon up in the mountains and Ridge which is more accessible. Check with the concierge of your hotel and call to confirm that they are open. The Wincester House is a great kitch item. There's also a place near Sta. Cruz which purports to defy gravity. Can't come up with the name--someone will know.

Isn't that place in Santa Cruz the Mystery Spot? Worth it just to get the bumper sticker that you can proudly display when you get home, I would think! And my husband suggested Fry's too--we've actually seen tour buses there, believe it or not. Oh what a sad state of affairs....

Monica, you're correct. It is called the Mystery Spot. Would also agree with Fry's---it's like a good hardware store was to my father's generation! For us women, however, it's a great mystery!