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Great EscapesFive places that make you feel like you’ve left San Joseby Kristine Bautista on May 13, 2010
CENTRAL San Jose Municipal Rose Garden Naglee Avenue and Dana Avenue 408.277.5422 It’s not quite Versailles, but one need not travel quite that far to find a nice little garden escape. Bring a blanket, pick up a picnic lunch from Zanotto’s down the street and admire the rare rose species that adorn the sun-drenched lot. But watch out! $500 fine if for picking the roses. NORTH Alum Rock Park 16240 Alum Rock Avenue Enter the world of Narnia at the state’s very first municipal park: Alum Rock. There are many secrets to be found at this park, including mineral springs, caves and the infamous “Eagle rock.” Wildlife is plentiful in this area so don’t be surprised if you run into the occasional hawk or deer. EAST Penitencia Creek Park and Trail 3050 Berryessa Road 408.277.2757 Low key place with a lagoon looking duck pond and runner friendly trails. Expansive area to fly kites, have a picnic or throw a Frisbee after work. It’s a happy community park, with just the right amount of people. SOUTH Almaden Quicksilver County Park 21785 Almaden Rd 408.268.3883 Cross wood bridges and navigate narrow turns as you venture into a different world. Mostly undeveloped, the park boasts many beautiful valleys and big views of the city. For more than 100 years, the place was a mercury mine, and there are still some artifacts hidden away on the property, if you’re up for a little adventure. WEST Los Gatos Creek Trail 1250 Dell Avenue The 9.7 mile stretch is a bustling connection line but dodging people can sometimes be nicer than dodging cars. Mostly paved, this trail runs from San Jose to Los Gatos, under cottonwoods and through parks, and makes a bucolic mid-day escape. Another plus: a connection to the Guadalupe River Trail is being finalized, adding to the web of foot highways that quietly traverse our city. by Kristine Bautista on May 13, 2010 |
 Alum Rock was the first municipal park in the state of California. |
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