Showing posts with label willow glen san jose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label willow glen san jose. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Willow Glen Christmas Trolley Rides

It's getting to be that time of year again! Willow Glen is doing a holiday trolley ride through both the commercial and residential parts of Willow Glen to view all of the holiday decorations. The trolly is an old fashioned cable car that seats up to 32 people.

The rides take place from December 7-10 and December 14-21 from 5:15pm to 9pm. Each ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 for kids and $40 for Adults. The trolley boards in front of Bank of America at 1245 Lincoln Avenue. There is also plenty of free public parking in the Bank of America lot, courtesy of the Willow Glen Business Association.

If you're wondering why I'm posting this so early, well many of the dates have already sold out. Now would be the time to book your holiday trolly ride over here.


Monday, October 30, 2023

Trick or Treat in Willow Glen

Downtown Willow Glen is hosting their annual trick-or-treat event tomorrow from 11am-12:30pm for toddlers and 3pm-4:30pm for school-aged kids. Several stores along Lincoln avenue will be handing out candy at this time and will be fully decked out for Halloween.

Then after 5pm, you can take your kids into the Willow Glen residential neighborhoods which are one of the top areas to trick-or-treat in San Jose.


Friday, April 21, 2023

Viva CalleSJ Willow To Roses on April 23rd

Viva Calle SJ is one of San Jose's largest and most unique events. Miles of city streets will be completely shut down to let people walk, run, bike, unicycle, or skateboard down the streets of San Jose. 

Viva Calle Willow To Roses features multiple activity hubs which are basically festivals-within-a-festival that highlight the local area. This year the activity hubs will be at San Jose State University, Downtown Willow Glen, and the Municipal Rose Garden. You can expect live music, vendors, food, activities, bike parking, and good times at all four hubs. In between the activity hubs you will still find all sorts of interesting stops, hydration stations, and stores. Up to 100,000 people attend this event, but it never feels crowded given how spread out it is.

It's crazy to think that during this event it's feasible to walk from Downtown Willow Glen to Downtown San Jose, or vice versa since there is no beginning or end and the traffic flows in both directions. 

Viva CalleSJ 2022 takes place on Sunday, April 23rd from 10am to 3pm (streets are closed until 4pm). It is completely free and you can use the handy map below to locate the routes and festivities. For more info, head over here. Hope to see you there!






Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Sourisseau News: From Willows to Glen

Did you ever wonder how Willow Glen got its name? How long was Willow Glen an independent city before being annexed into San Jose? Watch the latest two-minute Sourisseau News video below to find out, along with all sorts of other interesting tidbits.

To see an archive of past videos, head over here.

Sourisseau News Willow Glen December from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.


Friday, June 17, 2016

Hicklebees Children's Bookstore hosts a summer reading road trip celebration

San Jose, CA (Press Release) - In an effort to get kids reading this summer, the Scholastic Summer Reading Road Trip RV will visit Hicklebees Children's Books on June 26th from 12:00-2:00pm. Kids and families will have the opportunity to participate in their very own “pop-up” reading festival, meet some of their favorite authors, and engage in fun reading activities. The RVs will visit 20 U.S. cities nationwide throughout the summer, traveling more than 10,000 miles to spread the message about the importance of summer reading to kids.

At the Hicklebee's Children's Books reading road trip stop kids and families will enjoy a fun day of free reading activities including:

  • An author visit and book signing from
    • Susan Katz , author of ABC School's for Me!
    • Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object
    • David Carter, author of Spot the Dot
  • An activity tent filled with reading activities
  • Giveaway tables and a prize wheel
  • Animated photo stations with Clifford the Big Red Dog® and Slappy from Goosebumps®
  • "Instaframes” picture stations for kids to show-off their “reading muscles”
  • Costume characters including: Clifford the Big Red Dog®

WHERE: Hicklebees Children's Books, 1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

WHEN:  June 25th

TIME: 11:00 - 1:00pm

To track the RVs and find local events, visit the tour schedule here: http://scholastic.com/summerroadtrip. Follow the Scholastic Summer Reading Road Trip live on social media via @Scholastic and #SummerReading.


Sunday, January 17, 2016

New Safeway Opens in Willow Glen

Safeway has announced that they are opening a new full-service store in Willow Glen this summer. The 23,200 SQFT store will be located at 1489 Bird Avenue, the former site of a Fresh & Easy. It will have both local and organic items, a full butcher block, full-service deli, and floral design area.

San Jose's new Safeway will generate 100 jobs and fill an important need for more groceries in the Willow Glen community.

Source: SVBJ


Friday, June 13, 2014

New Willow Glen Dishcrawl!

Dishcrawl is coming to a new San Jose neighborhood on June 18th at 7pm. This is the best way to try out several different restaurants in one night! After meeting up with other foodies, you will walk over to four different eateries and get a sampling of the food at each venue. To get tickets before it sells out, head over here.


INFORMATION

We're here to experience the true foodie side of Willow Glen that few people know! The saying goes, "Good things come in small packages." And that's what we have to say about this quaint but vibrant neighborhood. Join me, Amel and all foodies around to sample the best tasting cuisine that has always laid in our backyards.

I’m a Vegetarian: Vegetarian options are available, however we may not be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions. If you have any particular requests or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Beverage Policy: Drinks not inclusive of the ticket price. Drink specials and pairings may be available at discretion of the participating restaurant.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are taken only if given 48 hours advance notice. All Dishcrawl events are held rain or shine.

Questions?: Contact me! I'm Amel, your San Jose Dishcrawl Ambassador!  My email is Amela@dishcrawl.com.

About Dishcrawl: Dishcrawl is dedicated to re-imagining the way people think about food, drink, and their community. You can find local progressive dinners, exclusive chef encounters, and other fun food events in every city! From culinary experiences in real life to great stories about local culture online, Dishcrawl spans 250 cities across the US, Canada, and soon the UK. 
Make life more delicious and visit Dishcrawl.com.

It's a guessing game! We’re keeping the names of the restaurants we will be visiting a secret for now, but here and there we’ll give you some hints. Follow us on Twitter @DishcrawlBos and be the first to know!
Where to Meet UsAll ticket holders will be notified of meeting location via email, 48 hours prior to the event.  

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Table Distiller's Dinner

The Table is one of the hottest restaurants in San Jose. The concept is farm-to-table seasonal cuisine in a gastropub-style atmosphere in Willow Glen. They are branching out a bit and partnering with St. George Spirits to do a "Distiller's Dinner" featuring 4 courses, 4 spirits, and 4 cocktails.

These are the types of events local restaurants need to think about to help elevate our dining scene to the next level. We are missing a lot of the food pairing events that highlight both local chefs and the purveyors of fine liquids that make us happy. I'm glad to see an event like this at The Table.

The Distiller's Dinner is happening on Monday, March 10th at 6:30pm. For more information and reservations, you can head over to The Table's website right over here.





Friday, October 18, 2013

Jim Stump Expands The Table Restaurant and launches Stumpy's

After being open for only a year, Jim Stump--proprietor of AP Stumps and Los Gatos Brewing Co.--is already expanding The Table in Willow Glen. The restaurant has been booming lately and they are taking over 900 SQFT currently occupied by a neighboring dry-cleaner, where they will move their bar to. This also creates the opportunity for a massive outdoor patio (drawing below). Construction is slated for early 2014 with a 4-5 month build-out, just in time for summer.

Jim is also doubling down on Willow Glen with a second eatery called Stumpy's in the Garden Theater building. They will serve modern hamburgers and hot dogs in a small 700 SQFT space, but they are planning to convert two parking spots into an outdoor curb-cafe to make more available dining space.

Source: SVBJ
The Table will expand into the current Elite Cleaners space, which is on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street in San Jose's Willow Glen. The expansion will allow coveted outdoor dining space on the corner, which is currently a drive-up loading zone for the cleaner's.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

San Jose Is Getting a New Museum

This adobe home--which was built in the 1830s and is one of only two remaining adobe buildings in San Jose--is about to become a museum. The historic Roberto-Sunol Adobe & Laura Ville site located in Willow Glen is being donated by the Bruzzone family to the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County. They easily could have sold it, but instead they spent $50,000 renovating the site to help its transition to becoming a museum that will be shared with all of San Jose. The only other similar structure that exists is the Peralta Adobe in Downtown San Jose. For more information check out the source link below (it's a really interesting read).

Source: The Merc

Roberto-Sunol Adobe

Roberto-Sunol Adobe

Roberto-Sunol Adobe

Roberto-Sunol Adobe

Roberto-Sunol Adobe

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Willow Glen Town Square Grand Opening!

This Saturday is the official grand opening celebration of the Willow Glen Town Square. I really like what they did with this project. It's a three story building with medical and professional offices on the top two floors, retail on the ground floor, a community common area with a fountain (the "square") and two story parking in the back. Lou's Village, Crepevine, and Willow Glen Creamery are some of the eateries on the ground floor.


Some highlights of this event include:

  • Live music and entertainment
  • Face painters and balloon artists
  • Samples from local restaurants 
  • Raffles
  • Platter painting contest
  • Interactive characters
  • Giveaways
  • 2nd Harvest Food Drive 

The Petroglyph Cermaic Lounge platter painting contest will encourage local residents of all ages to paint their interpretation of Willow Glen Town Square. The entry fee is $10 and the winners will receive a $300 Apple Gift Card.

Sounds like a stellar event and a great opportunity to check out the new iconic project in Willow Glen.



Thursday, May 31, 2012

From Blight to Bright - A Cycle Centered Community Cleanup morning in Willow Glen


by 

Willow Glen Neighborhood Association to launch “from Blight to Bright”; a series of community led beautification projects
Community Cleanup to encourage local residents to walk to “The Avenue”

Photo:BikePortland.org
The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association is hosting the first in a series of community cleanup days this summer on June 9, at 9:30 am until 12:30 pm. This event seeks to highlight the importance of the growing residential communities to the north, along with the increased need for safe and clean areas to walk and bike. From Blight to Bright will include residents from the Elements Apartment Community along with participants in San Jose’s monthly Bike Party rides; helping to move tools and debris by bike.

“With budget cuts severely limiting city services, we felt the Willow Glen community should help out” said Richard Zappelli, Vice President of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and tireless community advocate. “We have received tremendous support from our members, the Elements Apartment Community, and our District 6 City Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio.

The bicycling community has also responded by offering some of their ‘work” bikes to help move food, tools, and debris. As many residents and visitors of Willow Glen are aware, “The Avenue” is clean and well landscaped due to the efforts of the Willow Glen Business Association and financial support from the Willow Glen Community Benefit Improvement District.


 
When: Saturday, June 9th, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: A 1,900 foot section of Lincoln Ave. from Coe Ave. north to Parkmoor Ave. (see map)
Meet at: The Elements, 1201 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA, for breakfast, tools and assignments. (see map)
Transit available: Light Rail line 902 at Race Street Station, VTA Bus 65 on Parkmoor. With a 12 minute walk from Stevens Creek Blvd. to the north, routes 81 and 23, and with a 24 minute
walk from Coe Ave. to the south via VTA route 64 (see map)
Tools: We will have some tools but feel free to bring your own brooms, hoes, and gloves. See registration via link below. Also if you have a bike trailer that would be great.
To register (to get a count for food and tools): Click here

For the full press release, click here.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Nothing Bundt Cakes Comes to Willow Glen!




Fresh from the Oven,
Nothing Bundt Cakes Debuts in San Jose
Local bakery brings unique dessert concept to Willow Glen area

San Jose, Calif., Aug. 22, 2011– One-of-a-kind Nothing Bundt Cakes − purveyors of nostalgic yet refreshingly modern Bundt cakes − is spreading its wholesome goodness to San Jose and the Willow Glen community. The newest bakery is located in Dry Creek Center at 1702 Meridian Ave. and will host several grand opening activities beginning August 24 and continuing for several days.
Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite – the Bundt cake - with a fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary and fun, customized to enhance any occasion. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers customers a wide range of cake selections, from Bundtlets – single serving cakes – to the larger Bundts that serve up to 18 people and tiered cakes, which serve up to 26 people.
Grand opening celebrations include:
·         Wednesday, Aug. 24
o   11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Ribbon cutting with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce with Nothing Bundt Cakes local bakery owners, Angela and Rod Simas
·         Thursday, Aug. 25
o   4 to 7 p.m. – Wine tasting with Mommy Juice Wines. Delicious Bundt cake samples will be available for guests to pair with their wine, as well as an assortment of fine cheese and artisan crackers
·         Friday, Aug. 26
o   10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Child Advocates of Silicon Valley Day, 20 percent of all proceeds benefit the organization
·         Saturday, Aug. 27
o   10 a.m. – First 50 customers to make a purchase receive free cake for a year

“We are excited to further enrich San Jose, Willow Glen and surrounding communities around our bakery by bringing Nothing Bundt Cakes to the neighborhood,” said Angela Simas, Nothing Bundt Cakes local bakery owner.  “Partnering with meaningful organizations here, including Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, furthers our commitment and dedication to the city in which we live and work.”
--more—
Fresh from the Oven, Nothing Bundt Cakes Debuts in San Jose
-- add one --
Made fresh daily using only the finest ingredients available, Nothing Bundt Cakes combines great taste and creative merchandising to appeal not only to taste buds but to all five senses. Customers are greeted by the smell of freshly baked cakes the minute they cross the store threshold. A soothing yet warm color palette meets the eye with whimsical furniture and hand-painted signage reminiscent of yesteryear but with a clean, fresh approach. The Nothing Bundt Cakes staff instantly makes customers feel right at home with a friendly welcome.
“We’ve learned that Bundt cakes hold a special place in the heart of consumers across the nation, as many folks can remember a loved one baking a special Bundt cake just for them,” said Dena Tripp, co-founder of Nothing Bundt Cakes. “Our franchisees are not only an integral part our growth strategy, but they are also an integral part of connecting to the community through the love of the handmade Bundt cake. We look forward to a successful partnership and becoming part of this city.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes is one of the nation’s few bakery/retail locations committed to the baking of Bundt cakes. The bakery specializes in offering celebration solutions for moments that matter and always enhancing their customers’ celebrations. Currently, there are 40 signed franchise agreements, with 31 bakeries already open across nine states. Founded in 1997, Nothing Bundt Cakes is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, please visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Downtown Willow Glen project is a GO

Today the San Jose City Council unanimously approved a mixed-use project at Lincoln Ave and Willow Street. You guys know I love bullets, so here are the specifics:
  • 41,000sqft 3-story building
    • 18,000sqft retail (restaurants and boutique shops)
    • 23,000sqft office space
  • Plaza with a fountain and plenty of seating
  • 108 parking spaces on the 2nd floor
  • Willow Street Pizza will expand its bar and outdoor dining patio into this project
  • Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt will be relocated into the new retail space (one of my favorite yogurt shops)
  • Construction begins in June, Completion in Feb 2012
  • $10m budget
For more information, have a gander at this San Jose Business Journal article.

Also, here is a little before and after:









Sunday, September 20, 2009

Downtown Willow Glen

While many cities our size have a single urban focal point, we're lucky enough to have 3: Downtown San Jose, Santana Row, and Downtown Willow Glen--all of which are in close proximity from one another. I know I post a lot about Downtown San Jose, but I'm going to start posting more about the other two urban centers along with potential future centers (North 1st St., The Alameda, Midtown, Evergreen, Alviso, Coyote Valley, etc.).

Willow Glen has always had a lot of charm and character, but also possesses an interesting history. It was incorporated into a city in the 1920s to prevent San Jose from running a railroad down Lincoln, the main street in what is now Downtown Willow Glen. By the 1930s, there were over 30 commercial businesses in Willow Glen, setting the stage for the walkable Downtown it has today. Then in 1936 in was annexed to San Jose in order to prevent having to build its own sewage system. Willow Glen was essentially built on a marsh, great for farming but it created some complications with individual sewage systems. Since San Jose already had a great city-wide sewage system, the least expensive solution to the problem was being annexed into San Jose.

Willow Glen continues to retain its unique character and Downtown Willow Glen maintains a very enjoyable atmosphere for dining, shopping, or just sipping on a cup of coffee. I'll even go so far as to say that for many years, Downtown Willow Glen was more of a downtown than Downtown San Jose. Below are a few photos that I took last time I was in Willow Glen (click to enlarge the benches):