Cool Deals and Events Make Summer Vacations in San Jose Hot
Summer Bargains make Silicon Valley your Gateway to Fun in the Sun

SAN JOSE (May 8, 2009) –San Jose’s visitor industry is making it easy for travelers to get the most out of their vacation, with summer deals and events that make Silicon Valley a great destination offering a wide range of entertainment and recreation for all ages.  

“Although there’s plenty to keep you busy right here this summer, our central location gives travelers great access to the best of the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas – giving recession weary travelers incredible value and inspiration,” said Dan Fenton, president & CEO of the San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Hot Hotel Deals

What’s better than designing a personalized package at the Sainte Claire Hotel? “Design Your Stay package”, starting at just $159, is perfect for those looking for a way to take advantage of all San Jose has to offer tailored to fit your needs. The "Design Your Stay" package includes: deluxe guest room accommodations, welcome amenity upon arrival and wireless internet. In addition to these features, guests may also select any two additional features: early check-in (10 a.m.), late check-out (4 p.m.), in-room dining certificate ($25 value), a gift certificate to Il Fornaio restaurant ($25 value), a $25 gift card to the Westfield Mall, valet parking or a $25 gas card. For more information, please call 408-295-2000 or visit www.thesainteclaire.com.

With summer rates starting as low as $186, enjoy a weekend stay at the San Jose Marriott and choose from a number of local museums to take home a bit of South Bay culture. This special offer includes getting a credit for four tickets to the museum of your choice, one night’s accommodation for two adults and two children and valet parking at the hotel with in-and -out privileges. Museum ticket procedures: Upon checking out of the hotel, present up to four museum stubs and an $8.00 USD credit will be posted to your account for each ticket presented. For museum listings, please visit www.sanjose.org/visitors/ then click on “Things To Do” and then “Museums.” For reservations, please call 408-280-1300 or visit www.sanjosemarriott.com.

Make Dolce Hayes Mansion your home away from home this summer. Stay any number of nights starting at $129 and stay the same number of nights for our Friends & Family rate of $59. Offer Includes: complimentary use of on-site recreation including fitness center, outdoor heated pool, whirlpool and free parking. Must stay entire nights booked. Promo Code: Sizzle. Rate: starting from $129/night. Offer valid through 9/7/2009. For more information, please call 408-226-3200 or visit www.dolce-hayes-mansion-hotel.com.

The Dolce Hayes Mansion is making it easier to go green and help the environment during these upcoming summer months with the “It’s Not Easy Being Green” package. Using the hotel’s online ‘Guest Calculator’, go online to calculate the carbon used during your stay Dolce Hayes will pay $10 per night to offset your carbon footprint so you save money while helping the environment stay green. Rates start at $169 per night. To go to the ‘Guest Calculator’, please click here: http://www.planitgreenmeeting.com/

Add a little mystery to your stay when you book the Doubletree Hotel San Jose’s “Winchester Mystery House Package” including a deluxe overnight stay, starting at $119 per night, and two admission tickets. In 1884, the Winchester Rifle heiress, Sarah L. Winchester, began a construction on this Victorian mansion. It is filled with so many unexplained oddities, that it has come to be known as the Winchester Mystery House and an architectural marvel. Tour through 110 of the 160 rooms and look for the bizarre phenomena that gave the mansion its name; a window built into the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, a chimney that rises four floors, doors that open onto blank walls, and upside down posts! Additional tickets can be purchased directly from the Winchester Mystery House.  To reserve this package Call 1-800-222-Tree or visit online at www.sanjose.doubletree.com.

Spend your holidays in style this Memorial Day and Independence Day with “stay two nights and get the third night free” packages at Hotel Valencia Santana Row. This special holiday promotion includes a stylish guest room for two, deluxe continental breakfast at Citrus and two complimentary Vbar cocktail coupons. Rates from $189 per room, per night, double occupancy, exclusive of tax and subject to availability. Complimentary night can be applied to current stay or can be used for a future reservation (gift certificate to be provided by hotel at check-out). For reservations, click here and enter the promotional ID: PROHOL, or call toll free 866.842.0100 and mention the Holiday Promotion Package. Holidays include: Memorial Day Package Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25 Promo Code: PROHOL; Independence Day Package Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5 Promo Code: PROHOL.

The Clarion Hotel San Jose Airport is offering the “Raging Waters Package” to help visitors cool down this summer. Package includes: two adult tickets, courtyard king, double/double or queen/queen rooms, free all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet, complimentary access to outdoor pool, miniature golf putting green (putters provided), wireless and direct internet access and 10 percent off at the Island Grill. Prices are $129.99 plus tax for a courtyard king or courtyard double queens with four occupants maximum per room. Please dial (408) 392-2419 for package reservations Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm or leave a voicemail and we will get back to you the same day or next business day. www.clarionsj.com.

Park your car, stay the night and leave the rest to us! Starting now through September 30, 2009, the Wyndham Hotel San Jose welcomes guests to leave your car with the hotel for up to seven days at no additional charge. After a full week, the charge is only $5 for each additional day. Wyndham staff will transport you to Mineta San Jose International Airport and pick you up when you get back. Park, Stay, Fly—no worries! In the heart of the Silicon Valley, the Wyndham San Jose hotel stands at the crossroads where high tech meets spectacular entertainment, less than one mile from the Airport. To book: please visit www.wyndham.com or call 877-999-3223 and mention this offer to your Wyndham representative.

Sizzling Summer Action

Get Inspired by San Jose Cultural Activities

The Tech Museum of Innovation presents The Tech Awards Gallery: Technology Benefiting Humanity, the museum’s first permanent gallery in four years, will showcase compelling stories positively impacting the world impact in terms of technological innovations, including education, equality, health, economic development and the environment. Museum tickets start at $8. Visit us online at: www.thetech.org.

The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) offers a full summer season of events, programs and exhibitions for visitors of all ages and interests. Check out these highlights: Art Fun-- Monotype Marathon Print Exhibition and Auction runs from July 1 – July 18 with auction on July 18; The Novice Printmaking Workshop takes place on July 11;  Art Experiences -The ICA’s three galleries present some of the most compelling art in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, multi/new-media and sculpture. Don’t miss the July7th exhibition opening of Green that presents fresh perspectives from emerging artists on the issues of global warming, energy and water conservation. And, Night Moves, after-dark programming in the ICA’s front windows offers a spotlight on video art and entertainment.  South First Fridays: A free art and entertainment street party held on the first Friday of every month in the SoFA district. The ICA stays open from 6pm to late. Visit the ICA online at www.sjica.org for complete exhibition, program and events information.

Summertime Sporting and Theme Park Action

If you’re looking for fun and affordable family entertainment, the San Jose Giants have you covered. Come out to historic Municipal Stadium with tickets starting at just $10 a seat and discover what a record number of fans experienced the last three seasons. The San Jose Giants should have one of the strongest teams in their history in the 2009 season. In addition to fun activities, contests and a chance to see future stars, the best BBQ in baseball is right here in San Jose. Visit newly renovated Turkey Mike’s BBQ and taste what many believe is the best ballpark cuisine in the country. For more information or tickets for the 2009 season, please call (408) 297-1435 or visit www.sjgiants.com.

The San Jose Earthquakes are back and ready to shake it up this summer. The professional soccer team calls Buck Shaw Stadium at Santa Clara University home this season. With tickets are as low as $20 per person, come catch a match this summer by visiting www.sjearthquakes.com.

Raging Waters, Northern California’s largest waterpark, offers 23 acres and a million gallons of family fun and attractions. For entry fees of just $23 for kids and $29 for adults, the park features thrilling, high-speed slides, like Dragon’s Den and Shotgun Falls and family attractions like the 350,000-gallon Wave Pool. The park opens for all the summer fun on May 9 through the beginning of September. To learn more, call 408-238-9900 or visit www.ragingwaters.com

California’s Great America, Northern California’s best choice for family fun and adventure, is getting ready to open their gates. The amusement park has the most thrill rides in Northern California but also hosts live shows, live shows, a Kidzville town built just for kids, and Boomerang Bay, an Australian-themed Beach Club full of water rides and ways to cool off in the summer heat. The park is open daily starting June 6. Admission prices start at just $54 for adults and $46 for regular admission. For more information and a full park schedule, please visit www.cagreatamerica.com.

Cool Summer Events (some are free)

What could be better than an opportunity to taste all 70 Santa Cruz Mountains Wines in one location? On May 17, 2009, the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Express will have wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres to accompany a silent and live auction at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, CA. Guests will have the opportunity to ride the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Railway. Auction items include rare wines, getaways to world-class resorts, and overseas trips, unique private winemakers' dinners and much more. Cost: $55 in advance, $65 at the door, $20 for all children under 12 years of age. Call (831) 685-8463 or logo onto www.SCMWA.com for list of participating wineries and other event information.

FanimeCon 2009: May 22-29, 2009. Northern California's largest anime convention returns to San Jose over Memorial Day weekend. In the heart of Downtown San Jose, the conference by fans, for fans celebrates anime, manga, and a wide variety of related arts. With live concerts, engaging panels, thrilling competitions, non-stop video screenings, and guests from around the world, there's something for everyone. Early registration for the full weekend is $60. Contact: www.fanime.com.

DINE DOWNTOWN Restaurant Week: June 3-13: For 11 days, and for the first time ever, more than 25 downtown restaurants invite you to dine in Downtown San Jose. The week is packed with promotions and specially crafted menus that showcase each restaurant's unique flavor and flare. The event begins June 3 with $3-or-less sampler plates at the City Bites Kick Off Sampler Event.  Explore Downtown's culinary diversity at prices that will leave you satisfied long after the meal is over. Three-course dinners range from $20, $30 to $40 at more than 25 Downtown restaurants.. Participating restaurants include A.P. Stumps, Billy Berks, Il Fornaio, Morton's The Steakhouse and many more. Reservations recommended. For the full list, please visit www.sjdowntown.com/dinedowntown.html.

This June, the Santa Cruz Mountains Vintners’ Festival 2009 will be in full swing. This two-weekend event includes attractions such as tasting of special wines, food, music, art exhibits, winery tours and barrel tasting. This is your best opportunity to purchase our great wines. Various area winery and restaurant locations to be determined.  Dates: June 6- 7 (Western side) and June 13-14 (Eastern side). Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Call (831) 685-8463 or check our website www.SCMWA.com for list of participating wineries and other event information

San Jose Pride: June 13-14, 2009: A rainbow of events—including a parade plus food booths, live music, and entertainment in Discovery Meadow. Ticket prices for 2009 to be available soon. Contact: 831/338-2578 or www.sjgaypride.com.

Hot San Jose Nights: July 9-12, 2009. San Jose’s Car Show comes this July hosted by Mike Hennessy and “Car Guy Channel” TV show. Cars and trucks 25 years or older will be on display along with a drive-in movie at the Capitol 6 Drive, a show-n-shine, live music, beer garden, a sock hop and charity dinner at Club Auto Sport. Registration  and event schedule are available online. General admission events at South Hall at just $10 per day, with 4 day passes available online for a limited time. Children 11 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Contact: www.hotsanjosenights.com.

AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival: August 7-9, 2009. Celebrating 20 years of this festival in one weekend, with more than 80 performances on 10 stages throughout Downtown. Sample a buffet of jazz tastes— Blues, Latin, Salsa, Big Band and more. The music lasts all day with lots of activities after dark. Tickets for 1 day of the festival are only $15 ($10 on Friday). All 3 day tickets and VIP tickets are available. Contact: 408/288-7557 or visit http://www.jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org/

San Jose International Mariachi Festival: September 23-27, 2009. This event is a fiesta for the eyes and ears, showcasing both mariachi’s energetic music and its vivacious culture. This year’s festival will be Latin contemporary and traditional music takes over the Mexican Heritage Plaza and stages in Downtown San Jose, with performances by Grammy winners and top bands. Target will sponsor this year’s festival and a free outdoor performance at the Feria Maricachi, held 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 27 in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Also this year, “ A Convert Tribute to Cesar Chavez” featuring Los Lobos, Carlos Santana and a special surprise guest. This tribute will be held Sunday, September 27 at 8 p.m. at the San Jose Event Center. Festival tickets go on sale in mid-May. Contact: 408/928-5501 or www.sanjosemariachifestival.com.

Complimentary To-Do’s

Starlight Cinemas: June 10-August 26, 2009. This traveling cinema series lets you take advantage of San Jose's warm, summer nights and enjoy a movie under the star-studded sky with good company. Movies begin at dusk so come early for the best seat. BYOCB: Bring your own chair or blanket. Explore one of three downtown neighborhoods each week and meet the people and businesses that give downtown its character:San Pedro Square:
Every second Wednesday (June 10, July 8, August 12 European-style café seating beckons. Come early, have a seat, and stay awhile.  June 10 -Blazing Saddles; (
July 8 - Caddy Shack; August 12 - Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Historic District: every third Wednesday (June 17, July 15, August 19). Discover unparalleled entertainment and dining options tucked inside some of downtown's oldest and grandest buildings, plus transit services steps from the front door.
June 17 - To Catch a Thief;July 15 – Casablanca;August 19 - A Streetcar Named Desire. SoFA District: every fourth Wednesday of the month (June 24, July 22, August 26). An arts and entertainment hub and home of the growing late night gallery crawl, South First Fridays. The SoFA District is rich with options to stimulate your creativity.  June 24 - Mad Hot Ballroom;July 22 - Romeo & Juliet ;  August 26 - Shaun of The Dead.
        
Target Summer Pops: August 23-30, 2009. Target will sponsor a free Symphony Silicon Valley musical festival at the mall at the 4th Street and San Carlos at San Jose State University. Summer Pops kicks off at 7 p.m. with an evening of film scores by the legendary composer John Williams performed by Symphony Silicon Valley led by Maestro Bruce Hangen. Hangen will also lead a family concert at 3 p.m. where the first 1,200 children to arrive will receive free harmonicas and a quick lesson. The series continues with four more convert events. For the complete schedule, please visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/cityManager/releases.asp.

Music in the Park: June 4 –August 27, 2009. Free. The best music deal in town returns in summer 2009. Scion Music in the Park, a free concert series featuring big-name performers, will return to celebrate its 21st season at Plaza Park (at Market and San Carlos streets).  Held each Thursday (5:30 p.m. to 9: 15 p.m.), the series really heats up in July and August, attracting music lovers from all over San Jose and the South Bay Area. Food and beverages are available at the park. The Lounge in the Park, which is open to the public, will serve sangria, beer and wine. Check the Web site regularly for the complete 2009 schedule. Contact: 408/279-1775 or www.sjdowntown.com/Music_in_the_Park.

Tapestry Arts Festival: September 5 -7, 2009. Free. Try this recipe for excitement: take six square blocks of Downtown San Jose, fill it with five live music stages, several hundred artists, a home and garden show and free hands-on kids art space. Serve it up over a warm Labor Day Weekend (in previous years), and you get San Jose’s oldest and largest outdoor arts celebration. Enjoy the food, art, or the cutting-edge new ideas in the Design for Living Home and Garden Show. Or just mellow out by any of the five live music stages. Contact: 408/494-3590 or www.tapestryarts.org.

Downtown Farmers Market: located in San Pedro Square each Friday, 10 am-2 pm, now until December 18, 2009. The cozy outdoor market takes place each Friday along a charming block of San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets. (408) 279-1775 or www.sjdowntown.com.

Japantown Farmer’s Market: A year-round market of produce and hand-made goods.  8:30 am-noon. Jackson St. between Sixth and Seventh Streets. 408-298-4303.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library Tours: Welcome to the largest, all-new library west of the Mississippi, an innovative collaboration which has created an invaluable community resource open and free to all. A feast for the mind, as well as the eyes, the King Library boasts a collection of roughly 1.5 million items as well as delightful public art installations awaiting your discovery on every floor. Free tours are available every Thursday. 11:30 am.  150 E. San Fernando St. Free, 808-2181 or www.sjlibrary.org.

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art: Open 10 am-5 pm, Tues-Wed, Fri; 10 am-8 pm Thurs; Noon-5 pm Sat. 408-283-8155 or www.sjica.org.

Japanese Friendship Garden: An oasis in Kelley Park, designed in the fashion of the Korakuen Garden in Okayama. A large pond (full of koi happy to see visitors bearing food pellets available from the vending machines) is fed by several streams and waterfalls. Open daily 10 a.m- sundown; 408.277.2757.

Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton: The famed astronomical outpost is open to visitors 12:30-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. -5 p.m. weekends (closed for major holidays). Short guided tours of the main refracting telescope are available. Don't underestimate the time it takes to negotiate the extremes twists and turns of Mt. Hamilton Road to the observatory's 4,300-foot redoubt. 408-274-5061.

History San Jose at Kelley Park: This loving reconstruction of what San Jose looked like a century ago makes a perfect spot for a quiet lunch amid the Victorian architecture. There is no admission charge Tuesday through Friday, although there is a summer parking fee (but try around the corner on Phelan). The history park also sponsors free Family Sunday events. Tue-Sun noon-5pm, 408.287.2290, www.historysanjose.org.

Intel Museum: The Intel Museum showcases Intel's history through unique, educational exhibits designed to let you explore Intel's advanced technology and manufacturing first hand. The museum is 10,000 square feet of fun and interactive learning for children and adults. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. http://www.intel.com/museum/visit.htm.

For a complete list of events, check out the www.sanjose.org Web site on a regular basis.

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About The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB): The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB) mission is to enhance the image and economic well being of San Jose by marketing San Jose as a globally recognized destination.  The SJCVB offers visitors, meeting planners, and tour operators, a range of services to ensure a successful event and fun visit to San Jose. For a copy of the Official Visitors Guide, please contact the SJCVB at 1.800.SAN.JOSE (1.800.726.5673) or visit http://www.sanjose.org.