What's New In San Jose
WHAT’S NEW IN SAN JOSE
SAN JOSE, CA (August 19, 2010) – It’s been a big summer for Team San Jose, from launching a new corporate brand and innovative destination website (www.sanjose.org) to being the first destination management organization in Northern California to earn the coveted Destination Management Accreditation Program endorsement from Destination Marketing Association International.
AIRPORT
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) just completed a $1.3 billion modernization that has made it one of the greenest, most convenient airports for visitors. Just five minutes from downtown, SJC is more user friendly inside and out. SJC now has state-of-the-art TSA security check-point screening technology and the most advanced baggage screening in the nation, making reducing travel stressful. Waiting lounges are larger with more comfortable seats, featuring free wifi, and public art installations make the airport more aesthetically pleasing. Most of the 40 shops and restaurants are new, with more than half having a local or regional connection, giving the experience a special local flavor. Public art Eco-aware travelers will be happy to know that the airport has extensive sustainable design and operations. Outside, roads are wider with better signage and SJC now boasts the most convenient rental car center at any airport – all companies are located on one building right across the street from terminal B. Longer curbs make drop off and pick up for taxis and buses easy and fast, with the average traveler in a taxi within five minutes of exiting baggage claim. SJC recently announced new flights by Volaris to and from Guadalajara in April. Alaska Airlines recently announced new service to and from Kauai (March 2011), Los Cabos (November 2011).
SAN JOSE CIVIC
The historic San Jose Civic is in phase two of an $11 million upgrade to make it a must-play theater for artists and a state-of-the-art venue for concert goers and convention delegates, including new fixed 21-inch wide seating with plush saddle-leather chairs featuring cup holders and arm rests. Team San Jose, which runs the San Jose Convention Center and theater facilities, recently partnered with Nederlander to provide groups with more entertainment options, including customized concerts at the historic theater.
HOTEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Doubletree Hotel San Jose announced a way for guests to get more from their travels this fall. As a Hilton HHonors™ member, guests can earn double their HHonors™ points with every stay now through September 30, 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel San Jose. Guests can choose between doubling their points or miles. Those who are not currently HHonors™ members can sign up today at www.hhonors.hilton.com. To reserve this package call 1-800-222-Tree or visit online at www.sanjose.doubletree.com (click on hotel specials link).
The Fairmont San Jose recently launched Party on the Paseo, held every Saturday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and featuring live swing music and themed weekly appetizer and drink specials from Bijan Bakery, Mccormick & Schmick's and The Grill on the Alley. The hotel also opened a new sushi bar in their lobby and added to their array of ongoing entertainment, such as nightly live music, movie parties, sports broadcasts and Dancing with the Stars Fridays. Visit www.fairmont.com/sanjose for more information.
The Hotel De Anza in downtown San Jose will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary on October 31. In honor of this special anniversary, this stylish and historic boutique hotel is offering guests who mention the 20th Anniversary when making a reservation during the month of November a complimentary commemorative bottle of wine during their stay. Visit www.hoteldeanza.com or call 800.843.3700 for additional information.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row is offering a "Stay 2 Nights, Get 3rd Free" package over Labor Day weekend.
Guests that book two nights September 2 - September 6 receive a third night FREE. The package includes
stylish accommodations for two, deluxe continental buffet breakfast at CITRUS restaurant and cocktails for two at the ultra-hip Vbar. Rates begin at $199 per room, per night, double occupancy, exclusive of tax and subject to availability. Complimentary night can be applied to current stay or used for a future reservation (gift certificate to be provided by hotel at check-out). For reservations or more information, call toll free 866.842.0100 and mention the Stay 2 Nights, Get 3rd Free promotion or visit www.hotelvalencia-santanarow.com/offers. Online Promotion ID is PROHOL.
The Wyndham Hotel San Jose will begin phase one of a multi-million dollar renovation August 23, 2010, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The renovation will include renovating 50 percent of their guest room inventory as well as remodeling and expanding the 9th floor Club Lounge and three of their one-bedroom suites. Additionally, the fitness center will be updated and relocated, the pool and patio area will be renovated, and the building exterior and port-o-cochere will be enhanced. For more information visit http://wyndham-san-jose.pacificahost.com/.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Opera San José is launching its 27th Anniversary Season with the West Coast premiere of Anna Karenina, a modern American opera by composer David Carlson with libretto by Colin Graham. Eight performances are scheduled from September 11 through 26 at the California Theatre. Opera San José will present Anna Karenina with a new scene added by the composer following the opera’s 2007 world premiere in Florida. Tickets are on sale at the Opera San José Box Office, by phone at (408) 437-4450 or online at www.operasj.org. Anna Karenina is sponsored by a grant from the Carol Franc Buck Foundation and is made possible, in part, by a Cultural Affairs Grant from the City of San José.
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) recently launched three new photography exhibitions on view through Sept. 19, 2010: "Exposed: Today's Photography/Yesterday's Technologym"; "Captured" Photography's Early Adopters - a selection of vintage photographs; and "Liz Skeketee: Reconstructed Memories." Also on view through Sept. 19 is “Bernie Lubell: Conservation of Intimacy," an interactive installation presented in partnership with the 01SJ Art Biennial. ICA celebrates its 30th anniversary this October with its Annual Art Exhibition and Auction -- the ICA's most important fundraising event of the year featuring more than 150 works by some of the hottest contemporary artists in the region. The Exhibition Opening and Silent Auction takes place on Oct. 1 and on Oct. 23 there will be a Live Auction and Gala Event. Tickets on sale August 23. For more information visit www.sjica.org.
On August 21, 2010, the San Jose Museum of Art premieres the first major museum survey devoted to the art of Leo Villareal, a pioneer in the use of LEDs and computer-driven imagery. Leo Villareal features sculptures and expansive installations by the artist, as well as video documentation of his architectural, site-specific works. Villareal creates immersive experiences for the viewer. Comfortable couches within the exhibition invite prolonged contemplation of his evocative, mesmerizing manipulations of light. His kaleidoscopic works, often inspired by natural phenomenon such as clouds and sunsets, have been compared to a “holodeck Giverny” (New York Times), or “fireworks, flashes of lightning, even fireflies” (Art in America). The exhibition traces the artist’s work over the past decade. The exhibition and accompanying catalogue come as Villareal’s popularity and reputation in the art world reach new heights, as evidenced by recent public commissions at the National Gallery of Art and the Tampa Museum of Art. SJMA is organizer and first venue for this nationally touring exhibition. Runs through January 9, 2011. For more information visit www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.
SHOPPING
Located 20 minutes south of San Jose off Highway 101, Gilroy Premium Outlets®, featuring 145 stores, recently announced new stores, such as Aeropostale, Lacoste, Lucky Brand and Catherine's. Opening soon are Esprit, Juicy Couture and Toys “R” Us Express (scheduled for September) and True Religion (scheduled for October). For more information call 408.842.3732 or visit www.premiumoutlets.com.
WINERIES
Regale Winery and Vineyards opens this August as a new exclusive corporate and social event venue in the foothills of Silicon Valley. The stunning property features an estate winery reminiscent of Old-World Italy and intimate garden vignettes featuring fountains, a spiral herb garden, fireplaces, a bocce ball court, and a traditional wood-fired oven. Many of Regale’s signature event packages and team-building activities utilize these focal points, such as their wood-fired pizza parties and traditional Tuscan-themed Italian dinners. Regale is open for public tasting every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm and serves their Estate olive oil alongside their line-up of wines. They also have an exclusive wine club that features member-only special events centered on food, music, and wine. To book an event or for more information, visit www.regalewine.com or call 408.353.2500 x 103.
Windy Oaks Estate Vineyard & Winery in the beautiful valley of Corralitos, just 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz, is offering private vineyard tours of their stunning 15-acre estate vineyard through summer and up to and including harvest in October. A walking tour for 2-6 people is just $25 per person, and includes wine tasting and light snacks. Add a gourmet box lunch on the vineyard ridge and it is just $35 per person. Must make a reservation in advance. Contact Judy Schultze at 831.724.9562.
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Team San Jose (TSJ)
Team San Jose, Inc. is an innovative partnership unifying the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotels, arts, labor and venues to deliver an exceptional visitor experience and serve as the gateway to San Jose as a destination. Our company manages the San Jose Convention Center and Arts and Entertainment venues including the California Theatre, the Center for the Performing Arts, Montgomery Theater, Parkside Hall, San Jose Civic and South Hall. For more information about San Jose and Team San Jose, please visit the new www.sanjose.org.
