By Tiffany Balthazar
April 2017 | 2017 Spring Newsletter
Winter storms have come to an end. Now is a great time to enjoy some fun warm-weather activities. Savor the milder spring sun, blossoming trees, flowers, and gentle warm breezes, while enjoying fun, relaxing activities— either on your own or with loved ones. Low-cost and free activities are available in the community to help you enjoy the sweet, springtime weather.
Santa Clara County has many well-kept and accessible public parks. Exploring these green spaces (in your own neighborhood or in larger county parks) provides the opportunity for fresh air and beautiful views of nature which showcase the changing seasons. The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden offers a lovely setting; relax on a bench near a serene fountain while surrounded by redwood trees and many types of sweet smelling roses.
The Kelley Park Japanese Friendship Garden offers another lovely area for reflection and peace. The tea house, waterfall, bridge, and pond filled with colorful koi fish provide the perfect environment to stroll through the gardens or enjoy a picnic. Admission is free; parking costs $10.00, and the garden is conveniently located near the #73 bus route.
If you seek a cooler environment out of the sun, viewing a movie mid-day may be an option for you. Many movies (including new releases, blockbuster hits, and international films) are shown at earlier times in the day, offering cheaper, matinee ticket pricing. Who says you can’t enjoy a movie before your dinner?
Looking for healthy fresh foods? Check out one of Santa Clara County’s many farmers’ markets. These outdoor markets offer farm-fresh produce and treats, and often live music, homemade crafts, and even free vendor samples. To find a market near you, visit ag.santaclaracounty.gov/farmersmarket.
Craving a little art and culture? Visit Kaleid Gallery on S 4th Street. The gallery offers artwork featuring local artists. On the third Tuesday of every month, Kaleid Gallery hosts ‘2 Buck Tuesdays,’ offering live performances, art demonstrations, workshops, and live painting – all for free. Miniature versions of artwork are also available for purchase for only $2.00.