My top picks: Savory Kitchen - learn to cook your meal from top chefs. This was such a fun experience, and one I highly recommend. We had a blast drinking wine, cutting, chopping, grilling. Brush up on technique, and learn new tips, all while sipping expertly paired wine with friends.
First to Market - This place is OMG good. Drinks were worth the trip here alone but it only got better from there. Very unique combinations and pairings recommended by an expertly trained staff. Much of the food and drinks are locally sourced and influenced. TIp: You must and I mean must try the Sugar Cream Pie if it is on the menu- you will thank me later.
Scott's Seafood - Stellar food and views to match. Eat outside on the 6th-floor deck and just breathe it all in. 
San Pedro Square Market- this is must experience for any traveler to San Jose. 21 different restaurants make up this gourmet food stop- grab one, two or three of your favorites and head out to the tables under the sting lights and listen to some live music. This place stays busy at night, but not so busy that you are waiting on long lines and can't find a table. Lively, delicious and fun. It's like a food truck gathering, but better. And, don't miss the desserts- three words, candied bacon s'mores. And, the peanut butter cookies were to die for. YUM. (Tip: While you're there be sure to check out the Peralta Adobe in the center of the courtyard eating area. The market kind of built up around this protected . It is the oldest structure in San Jose. Very Cool).
Breakfast
La Lune Sucree: Fab little breakfast spot owned by a local couple. Great for quiche, crepes, and coffee.
Fountain Restaurant at the Fairmont - great option for breakfast. TIP: to avoid the typical hotel buffet breakfast order off the menu. I am still craving their Super-Food Scramble - eggs, kale, avocado, chicken sausage, and pomegranate seeds. Yum.
2. Weather and Scenery In one word, perfect. Located in a gorgeous valley, sunny over 300 days a year, no humidity, slightly cool in the mornings and slightly cool in the evenings - perfect for this Florida girl looking to escape the humidity and flat lands without sacrificing palm trees. 
3. Accommodations Fairmont Hotel Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, this large hotel encompassing 2 towers is the perfect place to stay in San Jose. It has very clean and nicely decorated, modern rooms, a great lobby bar, pool deck, and a fantastic breakfast. Located across the street from both the Tech Museum and the San Jose Museum of Art and a couple of blocks from the Convention Center as well as the City National Civic. Walk from here to all of the fantastic downtown restaurants reviewed above as well as the Stage Theater, reviewed below.
4. Things to Do
Winchester Mystery House - You cannot, cannot miss this. Purchased in 1884, this was the home of the incredibly eccentric heir to the Winchester (as in Winchester rifle) fortune who suffered the tragic loss of both her child and husband. According to the Winchester Mystery House tour guide (and website), the story is that Mrs. Winchester consulted a medium who explained that "the untimely deaths of her daughter and husband were caused by these spirits, she instructed Mrs. Winchester "to move west and appease the spirits by building a great house for them. As long as the construction of the house never ceased, Mrs. Winchester could rest assured that her life was not in danger. Building such a house was even supposed to bring her eternal life." So she set out for California, and purchased a farmhouse that was continuously under construction for, get this, every day for 38 years (until her death in 1922). The result was a seven-story mansion (now 4 due to damage from the 1906 earthquake) with 160 rooms, staircases, and doors that lead to nowhere, three kitchens, 40 bedrooms, and 13 bathrooms. The ground floor alone covers 25,000 square feet. Believe me, this is more than a roadside attraction and is definitely a must-see.
Shopping at Santana Row - often described as San Jose's answer to Rodeo Drive, Santana Row is the place to go for a shopping fix or to grab a bite outdoors and people-watch. Great shops, a good vibe, and killer food. There is also a movie theater and on Tuesdays, they have a mommy and me event for the little ones! 
San Jose Stage Company This impressive little theater is a gem in San Jose. If you are into theater be sure to catch a production at this gem. We saw their incredibly professional production of Bonnie and Clyde the musical - it was so good I bought a book about Bonnie and Clyde to read on the way home. I highly recommend catching a performance here.
If you're into music and /or theater make sure you check to see who or what will be playing at the City National Civic, The California Theater, The Montgomery Theater, or The Center for Performing Arts. We happened to be in town when Ringo Starr and his All Starr band were playing at the
There are several major museums and you can't go wrong with any of them: San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose Museum of Art, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium. Tip: at the SJ Museum of Art grab a backpack and a giant clipboard for the kids (at the little kiosk across from the entrance) - enclosed activities encourage them to interact and create their own art. Super cool.
The author was a guest of Team San Jose for three days in July 2014. A version of this story was originally published on July 31, 2014.
