San Jose native here.
Must say that there's already a meeting place established for those not going to the game (and are in the area - an unfortunate lot, I must say ;)) or for post-game. That location is Double D's in Los Gatos: http://www.yelp.com/biz/double-ds-sports-grille-los-gatos
(http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicv/vfiles19142.jpg)
San Jose is the 10th largest city in the nation and the 3rd in CA. It doesn't have a prominent downtown like most large cities do but suburban sprawl has clearly defined this city. It is diverse as diverse goes. Want Vietnamese food? You got it: Pho (noodle) houses abound. Mexican food? Sure. Everything from formal to fusion to street carts. Indian, Ethiopian...you name it. Except for good frozen custard and cheese curds. ;)
There are many locations that one should see when they visit San Jose. Many of these locations can be found in neighboring cities.
Let's begin with San Jose. Founded in 1777, it was the first capital of the newly minted state. A historical remnant from this period, Mission Santa Clara (http://www.scu.edu/mission) in nearby Santa Clara can be found on Santa Clara University's campus and the church and part of the surrounding garden and walls are open to visitors. It's about a 5 minute street drive from the HP Pavilion (http://www.hppsj.com) - take the Alameda.
San Jose is home to one of only three remaining Japantowns on the entire West Coast. Luckily, the Japanese-American families affected by the internment period of WWII came back to revitalize Japantown (http://www.japantownsanjose.org). It's home to a good number of Japanese restuarants, some serving sushi while others serve other Japanese fare. Some of my favorites: Gombei (http://www.yelp.com/biz/gombei-japanese-restaurant-san-jose), Minato (http://www.yelp.com/biz/minato-japanese-restaurant-san-jose), and Kazoo (sushi) (http://www.yelp.com/biz/kazoo-restaurant-san-jose-2) .
Many people outside of the Bay Area have heard about the Winchester Mystery House (http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/index.cfm) from ghost tales, books, and television programs. I've never been there (and I'm a native) but I'm sure you may enjoy it. It's a 15 minute freeway and street drive from the HP Pavilion. Since we're in that area, if you want to check out a nice little slice of "glitz" and/or you're bringing your significant other, hop across the street from the Winchester Mystery House to Santana Row. Hosting upscale stores and restaurants, Santana Row (http://www.santanarow.com) is where you go to go people watching. I think it's going to be packed during the NCAA tourney. If you want more shopping upscale and mid-range, walk across the street to Valley Fair (http://westfield.com/valleyfair). It's huge and is the main shopping venue in the Santa Clara County. Other shopping areas you'll need to drive to: Stanford Shopping Center (http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=841), Downtown Los Gatos (http://www.town.los-gatos.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=1367), Oakridge Mall (in San Jose, http://westfield.com/oakridge), and for the outlet minded - Great Mall (in Milpitas, http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1250) and Gilroy Outlets (at least 35 min drive...http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=23).
Not far from the HP Pavilion is the neighborhood of Willow Glen. A quiant main street lined with shops and restaurants. Pleasant straight walking to-and-fro here. http://www.willowglen.com
I missed a lot about Downtown San Jose because I truthfully don't frequent it much. But here's what I do know: walking distance from the HP Pavilion is San Pedro Square (http://www.sanpedrosquare.com). Not really a square, many restaurants line Santa Clara street and its side streets to cater to the downtown crowd as well as the yearly San Jose Shark fanbase and visiting fans.
The Tech Museum currently has The Star Trek Exhibition (http://www.thetech.org/) until April 11. They also have an IMAX showing 4 shows, one of which is Star Trek.
Some places to catch the brew...
Gordon Biersch - http://www.gordonbiersch.com/restaurants/index.php?pg=location&sub=loc&location_id=19
The Brit - http://www.britanniaarmsdowntown.com/main.html
Sorry, don't know much more than that! Yelp it, dammit. ;)
Great places to eat around the HP Pavilion area and greater Downtown:
- Henry's Hi-Life: http://www.henryshilife.com
- Il Fornaio: http://www.ilfornaio.com
- Fairmont Hotel's Grill on the Alley (http://www.thegrill.com/location677d.html) and McCormick Schmicks (http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com).
- Teske's Germania: http://teskes-germania.com
- Original Joe's: http://www.originaljoes.com
- Poor House Bistro: http://www.poorhousebistro.com
- For those Friday Fish Fry Folks, Race Street Seafood Kitchen: http://www.yelp.com/biz/race-street-seafood-kitchen-san-jose
There's a long list of things to do around here...it's just what you're interested in that I can possibly help you with.
Post it here and I'll try and give you my best answer! :)
BTW, it's projected to be in the low 70s on Thursday to Saturday. ;)
EDIT (3/16): San Jose Mercury News posted "The NCAA Fans' Guide to San Jose" (http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_14688195) (worth a glance)
Enjoy the panaromic view!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Panoramic_Downtown_San_Jose.jpg)
Thanks -- what is the time frame and best way to get to Napa (done it from SF, never from SJ). Is it a possible day trip for the Friday between games?
Quote from: Final Four or Bust on March 15, 2010, 12:04:38 AM
Thanks -- what is the time frame and best way to get to Napa (done it from SF, never from SJ). Is it a possible day trip for the Friday between games?
Consider this: You'll have to deal with commute in more than two directions. In other words, it will make for a LONG day even if you're driving carpool.
Found this for you (directions to downtown Napa):
From San Jose Airport (SJC)
* Take 880 North towards Oakland.
* In Oakland, take 80 East towards Sacramento.
* In Vallejo, take the Napa 37/Columbus Parkway exit and head west towards Napa.
* Take the Highway 29 exit North towards Napa.
* Follow Highway 29 to the First Street exit
* Turn right off the exit ramp and immediately right on California Blvd.
* Turn immediately left on Second St.
* Follow Second Street to Downtown.
* Once Downtown you can easily get around using the freeTrolley service (Click here for a schedule and map)
How far from there to Lafayette? Have family that live there and some available frequent flyer miles, so I'm considering making the trip.
Lafayette is just east of Oakland, I would guess about an hour without traffic woes if you can cross over the San Mateo bridge and avoid the bay Bridge.
If you're meeting in Los Gatos, you should get a cupcake at "Icing on the Cake", best cupcakes I have ever had although perhaps too much frosting if that is even possible.
Quote from: Muhoops85 on March 15, 2010, 09:37:39 AM
If you're meeting in Los Gatos, you should get a cupcake at "Icing on the Cake", best cupcakes I have ever had although perhaps too much frosting if that is even possible.
he's not joking!
Icing in the cake is a super bakery! The banana cake sells out fast and they have a wide array if cake, cake slices, cookies, and cupcakes! Runs out fast!
Thanks Sail. Obviously know where Lafayette is, just had no idea on what would be a reasonable guess on much driving back and forth I'd have to do both days.
Just a heads up...there are plenty of great wineries and vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains that surround San Jose. Really no need to drive to Napa. Plus Napa charges for tastings....Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards are normally free.
I recommend:
David Bruce Winery
Byington Vineyard & Winery
In Santa Cruz:
Bonny Doon Winery and Vineyards....tasting room is in Santa Cruz
and my favorite...along with the critics..
Soquel Vineyard & Winery
on the way to Soquel...there is Bargetto Family & Hunter Hill