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A major city such as San Jose, California, is full of hidden gems waiting for you to discover, and here at Lexus of Stevens Creek, we're on a mission to help the people of our community have the time of their lives in the city. Today, we're sharing the best dessert spots in the area. Though, please note it's almost impossible to list all the good dessert places in San Jose in a single post. more CA Bakehouse Image by David Blaikie is licensed with CC BY 2.0 CA Bakehouse is a renowned and well-established bakery in San Jose. It’s carried on the Lam family baking tradition since 1996, when the family opened their first bakery, Le Monde. The bakery quickly rose to fame for being the first shop in America to offer the green waffle. Years later, they opened another store, Century Bakery, and although it's since been rebranded to CA Bakehouse, the store still preserves the old recipes. Here, you can find traditional pastries, mochi cakes, Chinese- and Portuguese-inspired tarts, choux pastries, kaya croissants, honeycomb cakes, and the original green waffles, of course. You can place orders online or go to the store, though if you're thinking of placing a large order (such as for 100 almond choux buns), it’s better to email or order online. Charlie's Cheesecake Works If you're a cheesecake lover or just craving cheesecake, Charlie's Cheesecake Works is a leading cheesecake supplier and retail outlet that has operated since 2002. It supplies over 35 hotels, cafes, restaurants, independent grocery stores, and delis so you may have already come across its products. It’s known for using top-quality IQF fruits, all-natural real California cream cheese, and real vanilla (made in-house). Charlie's Cheesecake Works offers a wide selection of cheesecake options, including the cherries jubilee, amaretto, bambinos, raspberry white chocolate, Silicon Valley Classic, caramel, Charlie's poppers, key lime, and cappuccino. What's more, if you don't like your cheesecake, you can return the unused portion for a refund or replacement — no questions asked. Hanabi World-class dessert chef Sunny Yan is the mind behind Hanabi. Her culinary journey started at Kendall College in Chicago, and she later honed her skills at the Michelin-starred Madera restaurant of Rosewood Sandhill Hotel & Resorts. It's no surprise that Hanabi Bakery's mission is to create Michelin-worthy desserts for all its customers. Its handcrafted menu selections are made with all-natural, premium ingredients, so it's safe to say you're paying for top-quality desserts. The bakery also offers catering services for teatime, family gatherings, business events, picnics, and happy hours. Its menu options include delicate desserts (perfect for everyday indulgences), healthy and gluten-free (dairy-free coming soon) options, special treats (such as diamond hearts), and galaxy mirror glaze (updated according to the current month's zodiac sign). Crumbl Cookies If you're into cookies, you must try Crumbl Cookies at least once in your life. Crumbl is in over 300 bakeries in 36 states nationwide, which makes it the fastest-growing cookie company in the nation. The fact that it only started operating in 2018 makes the company's success even more impressive. And although Crumbl is now a big brand, it’s still a family-owned business that supports thousands of local franchise owners, bakers, and managers. Its award-winning milk chocolate chip cookie is the business's staple, closely followed by its chilled pink sugar cookie. Despite having a weekly rotating menu, the cookies in the range before are semi-permanent, so they're almost always available. Other flavors include dulce de leche, chocolate cupcake, s'more, and triple berry cobbler. Hanabusa Café Japanese soufflé pancakes are a rare find, but it's even rarer to find high-quality ones. However, thanks to Hanabusa Café, you can now enjoy fresh Japanese soufflé pancakes served with fresh fruit, homemade sauces, syrups, and whipped cream. The team at Hanabusa works hard every day to offer customers a handcrafted selection of authentic Japanese pancakes. What's more, you can see how it makes your pancakes in real-time. It has a straightforward menu of four items: the original pancake (a fluffy soufflé pancake topped with homemade cream and fresh fruit), the chocolate pancake (a fluffy soufflé pancake topped with homemade chocolate and fresh fruit), the matcha pancake (a fluffy soufflé pancake topped with homemade matcha sauce and fresh fruit), and the cookies & cream pancake (a fluffy soufflé pancake topped with homemade cookie cream, Oreo cookies, and fresh fruit). whaT's More Cake whaT's More Cake is a business that offers nature-inspired artisan cakes. So if you're someone who loves eating well-crafted desserts with lots of details, this spot is for you. It all started when Trizia, after graduating college, decided to pursue her baking dreams and open a bakery. Initially, she only sold cookies and crepe cakes, but as the business grew and clients asked for more designs, she expanded the business and started offering more options. Years later, Trizia met Michelle, and together, they became the backbone of whaT's More Cake. The menu features a wide selection of options, so it's better to call and inquire about your favorite flavor or the type of cake you have in mind. As long as your idea is nature-inspired, they can make it happen. Anton SV Pâtisserie Anton SV Pâtisserie is a boutique confectioner that takes wholesale orders and sells online. It focuses on creating handmade mille crêpe cakes with at least 20 paper-thin crepes perfectly layered with cream and seamlessly balanced with the right amount of sugar. This confectioner has been around since 2012, and its cake recipes are authentically French. Items on the menu include black sesame mille crêpe cake, hazelnut strawberry crêpe cake, mango panna cotta, and matcha mille crêpe cake. There you have it — the best dessert spots around San Jose, California, for you to indulge in delicious pastries and sweets in the city. We want to remind you that Lexus of Stevens Creek is here to help everyone in San Jose enjoy the best car-related services, so if you're ever in need of a fine dealership, come to see us, and we'll help you out.

San Jose, California, is a large city just south of San Francisco with beautiful weather and lots to see and do. With a diverse culture and an incredible history, it should come as no surprise that people come from all over the country and the world to experience what it has to offer. Whether you're a local on the hunt for off-the-beaten-path options or a visitor looking for some unique things to do, the Lexus of Stevens Creek team has put together this list of fun things for you to do in San Jose. more Ainsley House Location: 300 Grant St., Campbell. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Originally the third home of canning pioneers John Colpitts Ainsley and his wife Alcinda Ainsley, the Ainsley House is now a museum offering tours of its historical interior. It was built in 1925, and its interior is full of objects and furniture from the past. Although this building was moved from its original location to where it sits today, it's still a beacon of history that needs to be preserved. A tour of the home will take you back in time, and you'll learn about the family who lived here and the time period. There's a small fee for the tour, but it's worth it. 49ers Museum Location: 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara. Hours: Weekends during the 2022 football season, but the exact times vary. If you're a 49ers fan, then the 49ers Museum is a must-visit location while you're in San Jose. It's located inside Levi's Stadium, and you must have a ticket for the game to enter. There's an additional fee to enter the museum, but it's nominal. You can purchase your ticket in the lobby. The museum opens three hours before kickoff time when there’s a game on, and you may need every minute. With 20,000 square feet of area to explore, there's a lot to see and learn. It features 11 unique exhibits that take you through the team's past, present, and future. Triton Museum of Art Location: 1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The Triton Museum of Art, which opened its doors back in 1965, was the area's first non-university art museum. It moved to its current location in 1987, and today it welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually. With frequently rotating exhibits, there's always something new to see when you visit. Admission and parking are both free, so there's no excuse not to stop in and see what's on display. The museum also hosts events, workshops, and classes to help expose the local community to art. Through the diverse collections, you'll gain a better understanding of the San Jose community and the wider world. Rancho San Antonio Preserve Image by Y S is licensed with Unsplash License Location: Various trailhead access points in Cupertino. Hours: Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Image by Y S is licensed with Unsplash License Protecting nature for the people of San Jose to enjoy is just part of what the Rancho San Antonio Preserve is all about. If you like hiking, viewing wildlife or learning more about your natural surroundings, head to Rancho San Antonio Preserve. With over 25 miles of trails, you can come back here again and again and still have somewhere new to explore. This preserve protects nearly 4,000 acres and adjoins the county park that comprises 165 acres. On the trails, you may spot deer, turkeys, lizards, rabbits, snakes, and a variety of birds. Thanks to the efforts of the rangers and visitors, you'll also see many native plant species that are thriving in the preserve. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Location: 748 Story Road, San Jose. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Both kids and adults love visiting the 16-acre Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, where you can see a variety of cute and interesting animals. There are also family-friendly rides that provide a little excitement to your day, and when you need a break, grab a book from one of the story stations located throughout the park to read quietly on a bench while you rest. You can also meet various themed characters, enjoy shows and performances on the Crooked Meadow stage, or even watch a puppet show. It's a blast. Alviso Marina County Park Location: 1195 Hope St., San Jose. Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, Monday through Sunday. Along the Alviso slough, you'll find the 20-acre Alviso Marina County Park. It's adjacent to the salt ponds and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge marshes, making it the perfect launching point for your outdoor adventure. You can put your boat or kayak in the bay and explore the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail or stick to land and walk along the boardwalk trails. You'll have the opportunity to see the wildlife that calls the area home. Consider registering for the free interpretive boat tour to learn more about the changing landscape. Entry to the park is free, as is parking and use of the boat launch. You can learn a lot by exploring this outdoor area that's close to home but makes you feel miles away. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Location: 1660 Park Ave., San Jose. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more about the Ancient Egyptians right here in San Jose. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses tons of artifacts from several Egyptian time periods. With pottery, statues, mummies, and dioramas that depict life in ancient Egypt, there’s so much to see here you may have to visit more than once to take it all in. You can also attend a workshop to further your knowledge about this interesting time in history. We hope you get a chance to explore these exciting San Jose places, as we’re sure you’ll have fun and learn something, too. If you know of any other fun things to do in the area, contact us so we can check them out and add them to our list.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires doing things such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a well-balanced diet. As part of your well-balanced diet, you must make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the best ways to eat the greens you need each day is to get a tasty salad with a variety of ingredients. In San Jose, California, you can find several salad shops offering an array of menu items that’ll satisfy your cravings. Here's a list of the top salad shops in San Jose that you don't want to miss. Tomato Thyme Image by Anna Pelzer is licensed with Unsplash License Since 2003, Tomato Thyme has been serving fresh, homemade meals that satisfy young and old alike. They make everything from scratch, including the salad dressing, so you can be sure you're eating the freshest food in town. Their house salad is a customer favorite and includes lettuce, tomato wedges, pepperoncini, cucumber, croutons, and red onion. Another popular choice is the beet salad, which has arugula, frisee, goat cheese, red onions, orange, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a balsamic glaze. If you want something with fruit, try the pear salad that comes with a tasty pear vinaigrette. Location: 1560 Hamilton Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Oasis Deli Although the Oasis Deli serves more than just salad, it's worth coming just to order one. They have seven different salads on the menu, and each one is unique. Try the Fancy Chicken Salad if you want a little protein mixed in with your veggies. It comes with romaine lettuce, chicken salad with cranberries, carrots, croutons, tomato, cucumber, and a delicious Dijon mustard dressing. You can also try the Asian Chicken Salad or the Quinoa Salad if you want more than just veggies in your salad. Depending on how hungry you are, you can order a small or large portion. Location: 1737 N. First St., Suite 130. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Mendocino Farms Whether you're vegetarian or vegan, or you need gluten-free options, Mendocino Farms is the place for you. One of their popular vegan and gluten-free salads is The Impossible Taco Salad. This one comes with plant-based Impossible chorizo, house-made superfood krunchies, chopped romaine lettuce, curly kale, succotash with roasted corn, black beans and jicama, red onions, cilantro, grape tomatoes, avocado, and house vegan chipotle ranch dressing. If you don't have any dietary restrictions, you might want to try the Thai Mango Salad or Mama Chen's Chinese Chicken Salad. They also have a kid's menu so that you can bring the whole family. Location: 3090 Olsen Drive. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Grace Deli & Cafe A cozy place that immediately makes you feel at home, Grace Deli & Cafe provides an excellent selection of fresh salads and sandwiches that are highly rated by customers. The Oriental Chicken Salad will tantalize your taste buds, and the vegan V-Garden Salad will fill you up. Get the vegetarian garden salad with your favorite dressing if you want something simple. Sometimes, you need more than just a salad, and Grace Deli & Cafe has palate-pleasing sandwiches, wraps, and melts that’ll leave you wanting more. Get up early so you can see what's on the menu for breakfast. Location: 303 Almaden Blvd., Suite 160. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Veggie Grill With an extensive menu of plant-based options, you're sure to love what's available at Veggie Grill. If you'd like a nourishing mix of kale, baby spinach, cabbage, carrots, marinated quinoa, dried cranberries, avocado, sunflower seeds, almonds, spiced pepitas, and red beets all tossed together in a mango-lemon vinaigrette, then go ahead and order the Super Greens + Quinoa Power Salad. You can choose from two satisfying Caesar salads: Classic or Power Greens. They also have veggie burgers, bowls, and wraps that offer a healthy alternative to meat-based foods. Enjoy your meal on the heated patio. Location: 3055 Olin Ave., Suite 1030. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Salad Farm Nobody does fresh and healthy like Salad Farm. In fact, they'll toss your salad right in front of you. That's how fresh they guarantee your food is. You can get more than just salad here, as they have over 40 menu items. However, they do have some of the best salads around. You'll want to try the California salad with crisp romaine hearts, seasonal fresh-cut fruit, rice noodles, sweet raisins, roasted walnuts, and Hass avocado, served with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing. Consider adding chicken for just a little more flavor. Seafood lovers might enjoy the seared tuna, salmon, or shrimp and avocado salads. Location: 55 River Oaks Place, Suite 50. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Chop Stop Are you looking for an excellent place to get a quick meal that's also healthy, nutritious, and filling? Then you need to head over to the Chop Shop. This small chain has a patented chopping method that allows them to serve high-quality salads in just a few minutes. This means you can spend your lunch break enjoying your meal instead of waiting for it. Each salad they serve uses the house mix, which includes iceberg lettuce and spinach. Try the Greek, Cobb, or Roasted Garlic Chop if you want to sample some menu favorites. Location: 1704 Oakland Road. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This is our list of top salad shops in San Jose that we're sure you'll love. If you know of another salad shop in the area that we missed, contact us so we can try it out and possibly add it to our list. Eating healthy is important, and we just had to share these places that make it easy and delicious.

Have you been searching for that perfect piece of furniture to put in the living room? Or perhaps you’re in the market for some unique home decor. You may have been looking in the wrong places, and where you need to go is a local antique store. Our valued customers who are lucky enough to live in the beautiful city of San Jose, California, are in luck, as there are many interesting antique stores in the area that are sure to have just what you’re looking for. Check out this list of the best antique stores in San Jose. Antiques Colony Image by S O C I A L . C U T is licensed with Unsplash License As the anchor store for San Jose’s Antique Row, the Antiques Colony is one of the largest antique stores in the San Francisco Bay area. It houses an outstanding collection of everything from vintage accessories to old jewelry and more. If you need a stylish mid-century modern piece, check Antiques Colony. There’s no better place to shop for European antiques than this fun and expansive antique store. Anyone who’s restoring an old home will want to search here for furniture and decor that will make it feel authentic. You can see most of their offerings by visiting the store, which is open every day except Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inquire about having your antiques delivered or shipped right to your home. They have a layaway program for those who see something they want but need to make payments to purchase the item over time. If you have a vintage radio that doesn’t work, you can bring it here for repairs. Additionally, they do lighting repairs, so you can get an old lamp restored and working again. Location: 1881 W. San Carlos St., San Jose. Phone number: 408-293-9844. Fat Willy’s Antiques While doing work on a road crew at the age of 21, Bill, the owner of Fat Willy’s, needed a nickname like the rest of his co-workers. So, his boss started calling him "Fat Willy," and that’s who he’s been ever since. However, he moved on from the road crew, and for over 45 years, he’s been collecting antiques. Now, you can take part in his hobby-turned-profession when you stop by Fat Willy’s Antiques in Los Gatos. Here, you’ll discover some exceptional antiques and home decor that you can take home and add to your collection. You’ll find unique and unusual items straight out of history. Whether you need a 19th-century statue to put in the entryway or an early 20th-century sofa for the living room, Fat Willy’s has you covered. From wall art to bedroom furniture, you can’t go wrong when you search here for what you need. Location: 14 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. Phone number: 831-801-9553. Sina’s Antiques and Fine Arts With a focus that leans more toward art, Sina’s Antiques and Fine Arts is the place for avid collectors. They have several collections, including jewelry, coins, weapons, and art, in which you can find pieces that are hard to come by or not available elsewhere. Vintage toys, such as old metal trucks and toy soldiers, are always a good find. Those interested in collecting old money may want to check out the banknotes and coins from the US and around the world. An array of fine jewelry, from vintage designs to modern and custom-made pieces, is also available. You can visit Sina’s Antiques Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to see everything they have to offer. Stop in frequently, as the selection is constantly rotating, and you never know what you might find. Location: 130B N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. Phone number: 408-909-7462. HMS Antique Trunks In the past, travelers needed a place to keep their belongings while they made their way by land or sea. For most, this place was a well-made trunk. In fact, many people brought a trunk with them when they immigrated to America or made their way from one coast to the other. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that San Jose has an antique store dedicated to selling and restoring these old trunks. At HMS Antique Trunks, you’ll find a wide range of old trunks that have been brought back to like-new condition. By using old photos and catalogs, the owner can make each trunk in his collection as close to its original form as possible. If you’re interested in owning a piece of history as well as a quality item you can potentially use, then peruse the trunks offered by HMS Antique Trunks. Location: 1881 Lakebird Drive, San Jose. Phone number: 408-691-4264. Mid Century Maddist A little more upscale, Mid Century Maddist allows viewings of their collection by appointment only. Of course, if you’re looking for an artful piece of history that’s also functional, it’s worth making an appointment. Since 2011, the owners of this antique store have been collecting mid-century modern furniture pieces and working with skilled craftspeople who share their passion for restoring these pieces so you can take them into your home and enjoy them for years to come. Their thoughtfully curated collection contains furniture offerings from America, Denmark, and Scandinavia. You’ll find that each piece of furniture in their collection is unique. They encourage you to ask questions about the piece you’re interested in and see it for yourself, as these items are restored and may have historical wear and tear. You can be sure that they’ll disclose all the information available on each piece to you. Inquire about delivery and shipping so you can receive your antique furniture as soon as possible. Location: 6985 Via Del Oro, Suite B3, San Jose. Phone number: 408-455-6837. There you have it. Lexus Stevens Creek’s list of the best antique stores in San Jose. Have you been to any of these locations? Do you have a favorite antique store in the area? Let us know, so we can visit and possibly add it to our list. We love exploring the city and finding new and interesting places to tell our customers about.

You can optimize the performance of your luxury vehicle in a few different ways. One is by choosing tires that match your needs. You could replace aging tires with identical ones, but tires that better suit your needs could easily fit your budget. Here's how to find the best tires for your Lexus vehicle. Visit The Lexus Tire Center When Should Tires Be Replaced? Lexus Wheels Time and mileage are the key factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your tires. Tires degrade over time and with exposure to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and other hazards, making it wise to replace them after five years regardless of mileage. Tires with damage from road hazards need to be replaced right away, no matter how far they’ve driven. Mileage guidance varies depending on driving habits, miles driven, and tire specifications. Some tires can reach 60,000 miles, depending on their specifications. Performance tires have a shorter life span in exchange for road-hugging ability. Uniform Tire Quality Grade specifications for treadwear, traction, and temperature are stamped into the side of tires and provide specs indicating their life span. The higher the treadwear rating, the longer the projected tread life. Traction ratings show-stopping ability in wet conditions, with ratings from highest to lowest specified as AA, A, B, and C. Temperature ratings show durability in extreme heat, with the ratings from highest to lowest indicated as A, B, and C. What Types of Tires Are Available? When looking at replacement tires for your Lexus, you have four types to choose from: Touring and All-Season Touring and all-season tires perform well in dry, wet, and winter conditions and have a longer tread life than other tires. While they serve your car well throughout the year, they don't give the stopping power and traction that snow tires can provide. Performance Performance tires give a better grip and higher speed ratings, offering better handling in both wet and dry conditions and a sporty feel. Performance tires have a shorter life and reduced quality of ride. All-Terrain All-terrain tires can tackle off-road conditions, are durable, and perform well in winter. The tread wears at an acceptable rate, but all-terrain options give less comfort and make more noise on the road. Snow and Winter Snow and winter tires are pliable and give good traction due to specialized rubber formulations designed for low temperatures. Tread patterns maximize handling and stopping ability on icy roads. Tire size is another crucial factor to consider to ensure you have the performance and speedometer accuracy you need. Numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tire show key specifications: Type: P stands for passenger and appears on most tires. Width: Given in millimeters, this indicates the measurement from side to side. Height: This is the height-to-width ratio, or aspect ratio, with lower numbers indicating a faster response when turning. Construction: R is for radial, showing it’s constructed of rubber, fabric, steel, and polyester. Diameter: This indicates the rim size in inches. Load index number: The carrying capacity, with higher numbers indicating a higher capacity. Speed rating letter: This denotes the maximum speed and goes up to 186 mph for high-performance vehicles. An example tire that fits a 2020 Lexus 350 is the P235-65-R18-106T. Should I Replace My Tires With the Original Equipment? It may be tempting to replace your tires with the original equipment your Lexus came out of the factory with. Original-style tires will work fine, but you may want to consider an alternative to those stock tires that were purchased in bulk by the manufacturer based on price and general specifications. Look at other brands and tires that may be better suited to your specific needs. How Do I Choose the Best Tire? Balance performance and budget when choosing replacement tires. For example, let's look at a pre-owned Lexus RX 350 and consider the sample options for budget, mid-range, and higher-priced tires. Budget For 18-inch tires, budget-friendly offerings include the Laufenn S Fit AS, which gives a comfortable ride and a long life span. This model performs well in wet conditions but is only rated fair for snow and winter driving. For 20-inch tires, the Kumho Crugen HP71 gives a comfortable ride and a long life span. This model works well in light snow but isn't recommended for heavy winter conditions. Mid-Range For 18-inch and 20-inch tires, mid-range offerings include the Continental CrossContact LX25, which is highly rated by consumers and gives an extended tread life. This tire has excellent ratings in wet conditions but is only rated fair for snow and winter driving. This mid-range tire is recommended because it balances price and performance. Higher-Priced For 18-inch and 20-inch tires, higher-priced offerings include the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady model. This tire has a special rubber compound for winter driving but still offers a comfortable ride in all seasons, providing great performance all year round. Tires Are a Key Maintenance Item Neglecting necessary maintenance or ignoring warning signs that something is amiss can lead to being stranded or needing significant repairs to correct an issue that could have been an easy fix if caught early. Deferred maintenance can also lead to accidents. Tires need to be in good shape to maintain the safe operation of your vehicle. There are signs of potential problems you can often spot when driving and issues you can see when inspecting your car. Neglected tires can lead to blowouts, poor steering, and reduced gas mileage. Watch for wobbly or uneven performance that could indicate worn tires. Be sure to have tires rotated as recommended by your owner’s manual and keep your tires properly inflated. Watch for wear like thinning tread or cracks, as well as bulges on the tread or sidewalls. Even new tires can have issues, including road damage or air leaks that can cause excess wear or flats. Maximize tire life by maintaining the tire pressure that’s specified on the inside of your driver’s door, noting that the tire pressure stamped into your tire is a maximum pressure amount. Rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles helps maximize the life span and encourages even wear. Front tires tend to wear faster on front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. Lexus Tire Sale at Lexus Stevens Creek of San Jose, CA If you’re considering options for the best tire for your Lexus, check with the maintenance experts at Lexus of Stevens Creek. We will help you find a balance between budget, comfort, and weather performance. During our October tire sale, you can purchase more tires for your money. For Lexus models, if you buy two tires, you save $50, and if you buy four tires, you save $100. This sale is the perfect opportunity for you to upgrade to top-quality tires. Contact our service and parts department for details. Visit The Lexus Tire Center

Why drive all the way to Napa Valley in your new Lexus from Lexus of Stevens Creek to enjoy tasting famous wines when you can take a short drive to the outskirts of San Jose instead? San Jose is surrounded by topography and geology that allows for the cultivation of incredible grapes for winemaking. At Lexus of Stevens Creek, we took a look at the local vineyards and identified the best vineyard getaways that deliver on their promise of a great time, great wines, and a great road trip that offers you the best driving experience in your new Lexus. J. Lohr Image by Dale Cruse is licensed with CC BY 2.0 Jerry Lohr left the family farm in South Dakota in the 1960s and took a chance growing vines in the Central Coastal region of California. He selected land with a certain type of soil that was ideal for growing different types of grapes that could be used to produce quality wine. During the 1980s, he discovered that the soil of Paso Robles was perfect for growing varieties of Bordeaux grapes. He focused his efforts on developing vineyards filled with red grape varieties and built a winery and barreling facilities nearby. All J. Lohr's red wines come from the Paso Robles vineyards, but it also bottles Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé. J. Lohr offers guests a tasting experience that includes seasonal and winery-exclusive wines at the Paso Robles location and in San Jose. Reservations are required, and it's suggested that guests plan for a 60-minute experience. Wine tastings are available Thursday through Monday at Paso Robles and Thursday through Sunday at the J. Lohr San Jose Wine center. Loma Prieta Winery Loma Prieta Winery is a boutique winery located in Los Gatos, California, specializing in Pinotage. The winery produces around 3,000 cases of wine each year and was originally founded by Paul and Amy Kemp in 2003. The couple originally produced Pinot Noir but changed course when Paul discovered Pinotage. He proceeded to acquire as many grapes as he could and tore out his Merlot and Cabernet vines. The Pinotage grape is a hybrid developed in the 1930s and is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The winery produces Pinotage across its 52 acres in Los Gatos while also manufacturing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet, and Petite Sirah. It's currently owned by Chris Arriaga and his daughter Samantha. The tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons year-round. It's also open on other days, depending on the season. When you visit the winery, you'll be greeted by the sight of Loma Prieta to the southeast and a view of the Monterey Peninsula. There's also a regulation bocce court available for guests to try their hand at the game. It's a wonderful place to experience beautiful views and a type of wine that changes the Pinot Noir game. La Rusticana d'Orsa Drive up to the gates of La Rusticana d'Orsa and you'll swear you've been transported to Italy, not the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyard and winery are owned by Frank and Marilyn Dorsa, a couple who have dedicated their lives to creating an Italian villa and a vineyard and winery that produces five grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. These grapes are blended to create an award-winning red table wine. The vineyard holds different wine tasting events throughout the year, including an annual release party of the latest vintage of its signature wine. Each event has its own theme, such as painting while drinking wine, and is held on the winery's beautiful grounds. Guests can walk around the property to experience the beautiful gardens and view the vineyards as they sip the signature wine. Big Dog Vineyards Big Dog Vineyards are a relative newcomer to the area and the only winery located north of San Jose in the Milpitas Hills. The vineyard itself was established in 1997, while the wine and tasting room opened in 2009. It's a boutique winery that focuses on small-batch wines pressed by hand. The vineyard produces red and white wines, including a Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine that uses only Chardonnay grapes and the traditional French méthode champenoise. Other wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The vineyard also offers a selection of dessert wines. Even though the winery produces a large range of wines, it only puts out around 100 cases of each vintage. Guests can make a tasting reservation to try out menus that include a classic mix of red and white wines, all whites or all reds. Events with live music are held most weekends, and a weekly event known as Sunset Fridays is held so guests can watch the sunset while tasting the wines on offer. Alamitos Vineyards Alamitos Vineyards is located in the lower reaches of the mountains in San Jose and is a relatively new winery. One of the principals of the winery was inspired to get into the business by his grandfather's career as a vintner in Portugal. The vineyards are operated by individuals who have a passion for making wine while applying the latest scientific agricultural techniques to the vines. This yields grapes that embody the passion of the growers and the latest in science to enhance the taste of the wine. Alamitos Vineyards is a boutique winery that creates small batches of wine that include Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Touriga, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery focuses on grape varieties that grow well in the local soil and can tolerate the microclimate. We feature a large inventory of brand-new Lexus vehicles at Lexus Stevens Creek for your consideration. You can check out our selection of new vehicles and our inventory of used cars online. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you procure your next Lexus and enjoy the pleasure of a luxury vehicle as you drive around the local vineyards.

Are you looking for something fun to do this Halloween? Well, San Jose has a variety of events happening throughout the city, and we've compiled a list of the best of them so that you can have a blast this October. From family-friendly events to spooky haunted houses and costume contests, there's something for everyone. So, get your costumes ready and join us for a haunting good time. ZombieRunner Halloween Run Image by William Warby is licensed with CC BY 2.0 Runners, get ready to dust off your Halloween costumes and hit the Coyote Creek Trail. The ZombieRunner Halloween Run is a fun event for the whole family, and it's a great way to get some exercise in before all the holiday feasting. The best part is that you can run in your Halloween costume, and there's even a prize for the best outfit. The run starts at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 30 and lasts until 4 p.m. Register online now and join us for a ghoulishly good time. Halloween Edition Beerwalk The annual Halloween Edition Beerwalk is coming up soon. This year, the event theme is " Beerwalk Returns", and it will be held in Japantown San Jose on Oct. 29. From 8 p.m. to midnight, you’ll have the opportunity to sample unlimited tastings from 12 different breweries. In addition, the Beerwalk’s organizers encourage you to come in your Halloween costume and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to try out new beers and meet fellow beer lovers. So please mark your calendar and join us for a fun-filled afternoon of beer sampling. The 5th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl San Jose’s fifth Annual Halloween Bar Crawl is quickly approaching. The event will take place on Oct. 29 and will be held at The Brit - Sports Bar & Grill. From 2 p.m. to 9:59 p.m. you can enjoy drink specials at all the participating bars, a costume contest, and awesome after-parties. The organizers expect close to 1,000 people to attend, and the grand prize for the costume contest is $1,000. Professional photographers will be on hand to take pictures, so you can capture the memories of your night. This is one Halloween event you don't want to miss; it's a great opportunity to drink, dance, and socialize with friends. So put on your costume and join us for a spooktacular time. Pumpkins in the Park Bring the whole family to Guadalupe River Park for a day of pumpkin picking and fall fun. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 8 Guadalupe River Park transforms into a pumpkin patch. Family-friendly activities on offer include an obstacle course, inflatable slides, and community booths. And, of course, no trip to the pumpkin patch is complete without a visit to the pumpkin carving station. Don't forget to take a walk through River Park, where you'll learn about the history and ecology of the park. So come on down and enjoy a day of festive fall fun. A Boo-tiful Downtown Halloween The Downtown Los Altos Business Association is excited to present its annual A Boo-tiful Downtown Halloween event on Oct. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. Downtown Los Altos transforms into a Halloween wonderland with trick-or-treating, costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and more. Veteran's Community Plaza will be the site of the main stage, where there will be fun Halloween-themed entertainment for the whole family. So come on down and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of Halloween activities. San Jose Happy Hour Halloweekend Bar Crawl San Jose, let's get freaky. Join us for a spooktacular San Jose happy hour Halloweekend bar crawl on Oct. 22 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. We'll be turning the streets of San Jose into one big Halloween party, with drink specials, live music, costume contests, and more at participating bars. Bring your friends and come ready to have a blast. The sexiest and scariest costumes will win prizes, so bring your A-game. And don't forget to enjoy some of the spooky treats that participating bars will have on offer. It's sure to be a night you won't want to miss. Cars & Coffee Showcase Halloween Edition The popular Cars & Coffee Showcase is back, and it's Halloween edition this time. On Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., come down to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds and check out some amazing cars. In addition, there will be a Halloween parade contest for the best-decorated car. A $5 entry fee gets you access to the showcase, and all proceeds go to the little league fundraiser. Each vehicle and vendor will be handing out goodies, so come on and enjoy some coffee and a festive morning of car show fun. And don't forget to dress up in your Halloween costume. Haunted House Workshop With LEGO Are you ready to get spooky with some LEGO bricks? Then join Play-Well TEKnologies for a LEGO Haunted House Building Party in Mountain View Community Centre. You'll use your imagination to create a spooky structure out of LEGO bricks; add some ghosts, goblins, and other creepy creatures to give your haunted house some character. Then put your creation on display for all to see. This spooky workshop is perfect for kids of all ages, and it's a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. The Haunted House workshop with LEGO will be open on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, and it's sure to be a hauntingly good time, so bring the whole family along. Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start planning your costume and making plans to attend all the fun Halloween events happening in San Jose. From pumpkin picking to beer tasting, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, make sure you check out all the events happening in San Jose and have a fun and safe Halloween. Looking for a new car to take you to all the Halloween events happening in San Jose? Then come down to Lexus of Stevens Creek and check out our wide selection of new and pre-owned cars. We'll help you find the perfect car for your family to trick-or-treat in style. And don't forget to take advantage of our special Halloween financing offers. Happy Halloween from all of us here at Lexus of Stevens Creek Do you have any favorite Halloween events in San Jose? Please let us know. And don't forget to share this list with your friends to help them plan their perfect Halloween in San Jose.

For many years, Lexus of Stevens Creek has been offering drivers the finest vehicles and auto services in and near San Jose, California. Today, we're proud to be the number one new and pre-owned Lexus dealer in Northern California in terms of sales volume. Our success wouldn't be possible without the support of our customers, and it certainly didn't happen overnight. Let's go back in time to see how Lexus of Stevens Creek has evolved over the years. Last 20 Years of Lexus of Stevens Creek Lexus of Stevens Creek Soon after its founding in 1989, Lexus of Stevens Creek began enjoying great success. By the year 2002, our dealership had been selling more new and pre-owned Lexus vehicles than any other dealer in the Bay Area for 12 straight years. Additionally, we had the honor of being the leading pre-owned Lexus dealer in Northern California for the previous three years. Back then, we were generating gross sales of more than $120 million and hiring over 100 employees. The same year marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Lexus of Stevens Creek. We joined the Penske Automotive Group through an acquisition, becoming the sixth member of the family of dealerships. This acquisition was particularly significant as it represented the group's first foray into the automotive retail market in Northern California with the esteemed Lexus brand. Penske Automotive Group appointed Patrick Kane as vice president and general manager of Lexus of Stevens Creek. At that time, Kane had over 15 years of experience in automotive sales and management with the group. Before assuming this position, he was serving as the general sales manager of Longo Lexus, one of the largest Lexus retail dealerships in the United States. Soon after he took the helm at our dealership, we began to build a strong online presence. As a Penske Automotive dealership, Lexus of Stevens Creek prospered in the following years, thanks to the patronage and continued loyalty of car buyers in the Bay Area and beyond. To show our appreciation for our customers and local community, we began partnering with several non-profit organizations in 2010. From organizing donation drives to providing scholarships, we've engaged in various charitable activities to give back to the local community. To date, we've donated more than $800,000 to non-profit organizations in our area. Examples of our community involvement include: Donation drives: Our dealership hosts a donation drive to support a different non-profit organization every two months. To encourage our customers to participate in this program, we offer anyone who contributes a 10% discount on their service bill. In 2018, we donated thousands of items to the needy, including food, clothes, toiletries, and toys. Teen Volunteer Fair: This annual fair takes place in September at our dealership. Each year, more than 1,000 students attend the event to look for community service opportunities with different non-profit organizations. Saturday Fundraiser: Held monthly, the Saturday Fundraiser gives high school students an opportunity to earn $500 for a club or sports team by working four hours at our car wash facility. Volunteer Scholarship: In 2019, 17 students with exemplary academic ability became recipients of the Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Awards. We awarded a total of $10,000 to the top five winners. Complimentary event space rental: Our dealership offers local non-profit organizations complimentary use of our premises for a wide range of events, including fundraisers, board meetings, and training workshops. Community service: At Lexus of Stevens Creek, we encourage our staff members to do their part to make a difference in the local community. Over the years, we've helped those in need in many ways, including preparing food for the homeless and making blankets for chemotherapy patients. With our extensive community involvement and unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity, Lexus of Stevens Creek has won the hearts of many car buyers in the Bay Area. This has helped us achieve greater success and growth in recent years. In 2019, we became the top-selling dealership for both new and pre-owned Lexus vehicles in Northern California, according to sales data from Lexus. In addition, we're home to the largest Lexus inventory in the region. Thanks to your support and loyalty, Lexus of Stevens Creek has come a long way over the past 20 years. Enjoy an Unparalleled Dealership Experience at Lexus of Stevens Creek At Lexus of Stevens Creek, we continue to uphold the core values that have been integral to our success all these years. Our commitment to excellence compels us to go the extra mile in everything we do, from providing the best-quality vehicles and auto services to delivering top-notch customer service. We also strive to conduct business with utmost integrity and transparency in an effort to earn your trust and loyalty. Our goal is to make you feel like a part of our family. When you come to Lexus of Stevens Creek to purchase a vehicle, you can rest assured you'll be able to shop easily and confidently. Our sales professionals are specially trained to provide a pressure-free and comfortable shopping experience. They'll be happy to give you any information or advice you may need to choose the right vehicle, but they won't rush you into making a hasty decision. We encourage you to shop at your own pace and test drive multiple models if necessary. While we still do many things the old-fashioned way, our dealership works hard to stay abreast of the rapidly changing automotive retail trends and technologies. We continuously improve our website and invest in the latest computer systems to make the car-shopping process quicker and more convenient. You can now do most of your car-buying activities online to save time and hassle, including getting a trade-in value and applying for financing. At Lexus of Stevens Creek, we believe that our reputation precedes us. With our solid track record of offering high-quality vehicles and services, competitive prices, and outstanding customer service, you can count on us to meet and exceed your expectations. If you have any inquiries regarding our dealership, don't hesitate to contact us.

San Jose is a city known for its diversity and bustling nature, and its food scene is no exception. Below, you can explore some of the best food trucks in San Jose, California, so that you can know where to stop the next time you want a quick bite to eat. Los Tres Hermanos Image by The DLC is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0 Los Tres Hermanos is a food truck in San Jose that serves Mexican food. It serves a wide variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and nachos. If you want a light meal to enjoy on your lunch break at work, you can order a couple of regular tacos, which feature corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, radishes, lime, and your choice of meat. There are also veggie tacos available that include whole beans and rice. If you want something a little heavier, you can choose from menu items like the Regular or Super burritos, the Super Quesadilla, or the Skillet Mixed Fajitas Plate. We also recommend the fries and nachos, as these side items come packed with ample toppings and flavor. For example, you can get the Super Nachos that come with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, your choice of meat, refried beans, and nacho cheese. Other options for your main meal include shrimp ceviche, Mexican hot dogs, breakfast burritos, and chicken nuggets. Cali Cruisin Cali Cruisin is a food truck found roaming the streets of San Jose, California, to serve American comfort food. Customers sing this truck's praises for its famous fries that are freshly cut and feature mouth-watering Cajun seasoning. You can order the fries as is or order them topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Other staples available for sale on the Cali Cruisin food truck include the Philly and Chicken cheesesteaks, both of which come with thinly cut meat, melted cheese, mayo, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms between a French roll. If you would like to forgo the meat, a vegetarian option is available with the Veggie Cheesesteak. Cali Cruisin also has a few menu items that take inspiration from traditional Louisiana cuisine. For example, you can order a Popcorn Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwich with battered and deep-fried popcorn shrimp, tartar sauce, Roma tomatoes, and lettuce on a French roll. Customers also rave about the Clam Po-Boy and Chicken Po-Boy sandwiches. Fresh Catch Poke Fresh Catch Poke is a food truck in San Jose that serves Hawaiian food. One of its most popular entrees is the Tuna Poke Bowl. This dish comes with ginger, imitation crab salad, and seaweed salad. You also have your choice of two Japanese soy sauces: Ponzu or Shoyu. Other tasty entrees available for purchase include the Deep Fried Tofu Poke Bowl, the Salmon Poke Bowl, and the Kalua Pork Bowl with mango salsa and macaroni salad. If you prefer something more familiar, you can order the Fish & Chips Basket or the Butterfly Shrimp Basket. If you want something light to eat or to add something extra to your main meal, there are several sides available for purchase at Fresh Catch Poke. You can get a bowl of rice, macaroni salad, regular fries, Cajun fries, or 10 pieces of Lumpia Shanghai with carrots, onions, and pork. Note that you can get an extra scoop of fish with any poke bowl for a small additional charge. Lemongrass Lane Lemongrass Lane is a Cambodian food truck that cruises along the streets of San Jose. A few appetizers you can order from this mobile restaurant include lemongrass beef skewers, lemongrass chicken bowls, and meat-based and vegetarian egg rolls. After eating an appetizer, you'll want to go up to the window again to order your main meal. Entrees from Lemongrass Lane include the Chicken Curry Rice Plate, the Vegetarian Red Curry, the Lemongrass Tofu, and the Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry. Make sure you stay for dessert, as Lemongrass Lane offers a sweet bowl of mango with sticky rice, served with delicious coconut cream. BBQ Kalbi BBQ Kalbi is a San Jose food truck that serves Korean BBQ. Start your meal with a mouth-watering appetizer like the Korean BBQ nachos or gyoza, which are fried dumplings with vegetables and meat. For your main meal, you can get an entree like the Korean BBQ Burrito, Kimchi Fried Rice, Korean BBQ Tacos, or Bibimbap Fried Rice. One of our favorite menu items is the shareable Korean BBQ Deluxe Plate, which comes with your choice of tofu, pork, beef, or chicken and bulgogi, gyoza, japchae, and rice topped with a fried egg. Cookies N Cream Cookies N Cream is a food truck in San Jose with an emphasis on desserts, so it's the perfect mobile restaurant to visit if you have a sweet tooth. You can order a wide assortment of sweet goodies, such as cups of ice cream, waffle cones, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and Italian ice cups. Cookies N Cream has classic ice cream flavors like Vanilla Bean, Cookies and Cream, and Very Strawberry. You can also shake things up with unique ice cream flavors like Ube, Mango Madness, and New World Order. The Waffle Roost The Waffle Roost is a San Jose food truck that lets you enjoy breakfast anytime. You can get one of several signature chicken-and-waffle combinations, including the spicy waffle sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, serrano peppers, and crispy melted cheese. If you prefer more traditional waffles, you can get Belgian-style waffles with dark chocolate chips and almonds, powdered sugar, bacon and caramel, or caramel and sea salt. The Waffle Roost also serves sides that rotate daily, including collard greens, cheddar mac and cheese, and french fries. If you want to explore all of these food trucks in San Jose, you'll need a reliable vehicle to take you on each culinary journey. Feel free to visit our dealership at Lexus of Stevens Creek so that you can browse our new and pre-owned vehicle inventory and drive off our lot with a vehicle that fits your lifestyle preferences and available budget.

With summer in full swing, you might be on the lookout for fun weekend activities for the family. Getting out of the house and enjoying an activity together can be a great way to make some memories together. Whether your family is big or small, we know you'll enjoy these five family-friendly events coming up in San Jose. Santa Clara Fairgrounds Music Series Image via Flickr by voyages provence Santa Clara Fairgrounds hosts a weekly music series from July 13 to Sept. 28. Every Wednesday evening you can enjoy a performance by a new talented band. Take a look at the roster with your family, then choose the perfect event to strap on your dance shoes and boogie the night away. You can enjoy refreshments from food trucks and booths that sell soda, water, wine, and beer. Upcoming musical acts include Ohio-based groovy Latin rock group The Everyday People on July 20 and the classic rock band The Usual Suspects on July 27. In August, you can enjoy country rock group Country Cougars Aug. 3, classic rock from Daze on the Green Aug. 10, Motown and pop-rock songs from Smokin' Slice of Mojo Aug. 17, the rock and soul group The Houserockers Aug. 24, and the Santana tribute band Zebop Aug. 31. Upcoming September bands include The Touch of Class Band, The Hitmen, Soul Kiss, and Bump City Reunion. Location: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate C Entrance, 344 Tully Road Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesdays July 13-Sept. 28 Phone Number: 408-494-3100 Starlight Cinemas Outdoor Movies A movie under the stars can be a great way to enjoy the summer weather with your family. Thanks to Starlight Cinemas and the San Jose Downtown Association, you can enjoy a selection of family-friendly movies throughout the summer for free. If you arrive early, the kids can enjoy group games before the show. Adults can also enjoy a beer garden or grab food from the on-site food truck. You can also bring snacks, a picnic blanket, and lawn chairs for maximal comfort. If you'd like to engage in some fun pre-movie activities for the family, plan to arrive around 7:30. The movie will start at dusk, approximately an hour later. Upcoming films include Disney's "Zootopia" on July 30th and "Sing 2" on Aug. 20th. Location: St. James Park, N 2nd Street Hours: 7:30 p.m. 10 p.m. on select event days Phone Number: 408-279-1775 San Jose Giants Baseball Game Baseball is a time-honored summer family tradition. This summer, you can buy your peanuts and applejacks while cheering on the San Jose Giants. Home games are currently scheduled for Aug. 9-21 at the Giants' home stadium right here in San Jose. You can also time your visit to the stadium with special events and promotions. For example, thanks to Excite Credit Union, you can enjoy an extra special game, complete with fireworks, if you come on a Friday night. Other promotions include Dia De Los Churros, Rotten Robbie Thursdays, and bobblehead giveaway days. Location: Excite Ballpark, 588 E Alma Ave Hours: See the San Jose Giants' schedule Phone Number: 408-297-1435 Happy Hollow Zoo Programming Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is an ideal family destination for outdoor adventures that can connect you and your family to the joys of the natural world. You can check out exhibits featuring your favorite animals in their habitats. You can also go for a stroll in the scenic park, catch a ride on classic fair attractions like Danny the Dragon or the Keep-Around Carousel, and learn about the incredible conservation work that Happy Hollow contributes to. If you're looking to schedule your day around an event, you're in luck, as Happy Hollow offers a wide array of fun programming. This includes keeper chats, where you can learn about different animals directly from zookeepers, and animal meet and greets, where you can meet your favorite furry friends up close and personal. You can also enjoy the iconic Happy Hollow Puppet show, one of the oldest puppet theaters in California. The current show is Old King Cole. You can catch it most days at noon, with an additional 2 p.m. show on weekends. Location: 748 Story Road Zoo Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays Phone Number: 408-794-6400 San Jose Public Library In-Person Shows The local public library is a great resource for family-friendly fun. In fact, there are two fantastic upcoming family in-person interactive shows. On Friday, 5 Aug., from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can attend " Happily Ever Laughter: Pirate." This adorable show features a friendly pirate who leads activities, songs, and dances with audience members. This show may be best for children ages two through seven. If you're busy Friday afternoon, you can attend the " Silly Circus Tooth Fairy Show " at the Evergreen Branch Library from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. the very next day, on Saturday, 6 Aug. This fun and silly show is perfect for kids ages five through 12 and their families. Join our protagonist Bri Cabtree on her circus-themed adventures. Location: 4001 Evergreen Village Square (for "Happily Ever Laughter"), 2635 Aborn Road (for "Silly Circus...") Hours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 5 (For "Happily Ever Laughter"), 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Aug. 6 (For "Silly Circus...") Phone Number: 408-808-3093 (for "Happily Ever Laughter"), 408-808-3060 (for "Silly Circus...") We hope you're feeling inspired by this guide to five fantastic family-friendly events coming up in San Jose this summer. Did we miss the most exciting local event on your family calendar? You can let us know by sending us a message online or giving us a call at 669-231-0397. While you're at it, we'll be happy to assist you with any car-related questions you may have before you head out to your next event. You can browse our wonderful collection of new vehicles, check out our available pre-owned cars, or schedule a service visit.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is the largest city within the Bay Area, offering everything from architectural landmarks and a historic district to major scientific and technological districts. It hasn't always been like this, though. The city has a long history full of culture, innovation, and serious growth. Our Lexus of Stevens Creek team would like to provide you with a brief history of San Jose and why we're proud to represent the area as your premier Lexus dealership. An Early History Long before the Spanish came to California, thousands of Native Americans called the San Jose area their home. A permanent European presence only came in 1770 with the founding of Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo and the Presidio of Monterey 60 miles to the south. During expeditions to explore the Sacramento River Delta and the East Bay,  an explorer named Don Pedro Fages passed through the area. Fages went on to become the Lieutenant Governor of the Californias under Gaspar de Portolá. The founding of Mission San Carlos led to a 1775 expedition north of Monterey, where Juan Bautista de Anza traveled with a smaller group. His mission was to prove that there was a land route from Mexico to upper California, which he was able to prove. While he did leave the area before any actual settlements were erected, his name can still be found throughout the city. Downtown San Jose, CA by Eric Fredericks with license CC BY S-A 2.0 The Founding of San Jose On November 29, 1777, Jose Joaquin Moraga founded the pueblo of San Jose in honor of Saint Joseph. It was the first upper Californian pueblo that was not associated with a military post or a mission. The current intersection of Taylor Street and Guadalupe Parkway is where the original pueblo was located. In 1797, the pueblo was moved to what is now the Downtown San Jose area in what surrounds the Pueblo Plaza. In the following years, Mexican Rancho Land Grants secured the lands now considered San Jose, California. The First Major California Mining Operation In 1845, Andres Castillero began a mining operation in south San Jose. The area was rich in ore and was used to produce mercury. In 1846, the name was changed to the New Almaden mine and quickly became a significant source of mercury. This was used to create amalgam, which was used during gold mining. The New Almaden mine surrounding the hills of San Jose became more lucrative than any gold mine in California and was the largest mercury mine in North America. The First Incorporated City in California The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo at the end of the Mexican-American war ceded California to the United States in 1848. By 1850, California was officially a US state, with San Jose as its capital and first incorporated city. Soon after, in 1857, the first higher education public institution was founded and quickly relocated to San Jose. It became known as California State University and is the oldest state school. Becoming Silicon Valley After World War II, veterans and soldiers began settling and building in San Jose. With this population increase came the production of ports for goods and labor. Several major industries found in the area were military-based electronics and aerospace companies, thus beginning the shift from farming to boosting plant growth with electricity. An early silicon transistor company spawned a series of high-tech companies within the area, leading to a reputation for being innovative. This led to the area being referred to as “Silicon Valley” by journalist Don Hoefler. William Hewlett and David Packard created the iconic Hewlett Packard namesake here in Silicon Valley in 1939. Since then, it has been known as an area where humble origins could blossom into something huge. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak anchored the term Silicon Valley into place when the first Apple computer was created in a local Los Altos garage. About San Jose Now San Jose is currently the largest city in the Northern California area, with an estimated population of 1 million. It's the third-largest in the entire state, behind Los Angeles and San Diego, and the tenth-largest in the entire United States. Rated as one of the best places to live in California, San Jose is home to young professionals and families thanks to the abundance of career opportunities and highly rated school districts. And from historical landmarks to beautiful outdoor areas to unique activities, there is plenty to do here in this lovely city. Interesting Facts About San Jose There are several interesting facts about the San Jose area besides those mentioned above. Check out some of them below: Before San Jose was a part of Silicon Valley, it was known for its family farms and vineyards. Whether it be vegetables, orchard fruits, or tree nuts, the area was known for its agricultural sector as well as canning, packaging, and shipping of the products. In 1914, the Grand Prix was awarded to the Saratoga La Cresta Vineyard. It was the first American vineyard awarded this coveted prize. The city is full of history and museums such as the Computer History Museum, Winchester Mystery House, and the Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway. Many celebrities hail from San Jose, including Scott Weiland, Kate Walsh, and Dustin Diamond. Lexus of Stevens Creek is proud to be able to serve the residents of San Jose, California. Our historic city is home to rich culture, beautiful weather, and advanced technology. If you live in the San Jose area and need a new car, stop by to see us today at 3333 Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose. Our showroom is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday for your convenience. Call us at 669-231-0397 or complete our secure online contact form to get started today.

When choosing to switch from a gas to an electric vehicle, many people wonder when and where they can charge their new vehicle. Of course, not every electric car owner can equip their home with a Level 2 charging station right away, which leaves the option of public charging stations. Like many other drivers, you might be wondering, “Where can I charge my Lexus in San Jose, California?” If that's the case, you're in the right spot. The Lexus of Stevens Creek team wants you to know where you can find charging stations in and around San Jose. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in San Jose, California Although many electric vehicle owners charge at home, sometimes it's not an option or is simply overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Public charging stations are often located where traffic is highly concentrated, and vehicles tend to be parked for longer periods. These locations may include office buildings, airports, shopping centers, and major highway corridors. There are just over 1,000 public charging stations in San Jose, California, with over 100 free charging stations, making it simple to plug-in without hassle. You can also find a total of 228 DC fast chargers in convenient locations throughout the city so that you can get a quick charge and get back on the road. Image by Ivan Radic is licensed with CC BY 2.0 Santa Clara Valley Water District - North The Santa Clara Valley Water District - North offers charging stations for electric vehicles for $0.19/kWh. There are 11 ports total with solar-powered chargers, which are activated using an access code. The Santa Clara Valley Water District-North is located at 5750 Almaden Expressway near Coleman Road. They ask if you join the waitlist and are unable to come, then to please remove yourself to allow others to charge their vehicles. Eastridge Center Shopping Plaza Electric car owners can find another convenient EV charging station at the Eastridge Center. Volta Network maintains this station, with two charging ports near the shopping center entrance and two more in front of a department store. Each charger has a two-hour limit. The Eastridge Center is located at 2200 Eastridge Loop, Suite 2062. You can take the time your EV is charging for shopping at any of the stores, go out to eat at several restaurants, or charge while you visit the gym. Fast Charging at Walmart Supercenter Walmart offers a public, 24-hour charging station for electric vehicles at 777 Story Road in San Jose. Level 3 DC Fast Charging is available at $12 per hour. You can also visit the Walmart located at 5095 Almaden Expressway for conveniently fast charging 24 hours a day. Memberships are available starting at $6.99 per month if you're interested. EVgo maintains this charging station. This quick charging station offers the convenience of Walmart, so you can do your grocery shopping or connect to free Wi-Fi to browse the web. Westfield Valley Fair - Monroe Parking Structure You'll find many convenient charging stations at the Westfield Valley Fair Monroe Parking Structure. You can quickly charge your vehicle using one of the 11 Level 2 charging stations on level one or the seven charging stations on level two for $0.35/kWh. There's also a rooftop charger available if you're unable to find space on the two lower levels. Use the Monroe entrance at 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard for easy access. While you're charging, you can browse the mall, visit stores such as Macy's or Nordstrom, or go out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory. Santana Row - Winchester Parking Garage Located at 330 S. Winchester Boulevard, you can take advantage of one of the 16 public charging stations at the Santana Row Winchester Parking Garage. These Level 2 chargers will cost guests $0.59 per kWh, or just $0.49 with a Blink membership. Using the Best Buy entrance for easier access to the pull-in charging stations is recommended. River Park Towers Parking Garage Four EV chargers are located at the River Park Towers Parking Garage at 333 Woz Way in San Jose. There's no overnight parking, and the stations are only available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Incremental rates are $1.50, but you can also opt for monthly rates if you purchase online ahead of time. Please note that this facility is also closed for charging on the weekends. Kaiser San Jose Medical Center If you're visiting the San Jose Medical Center, you can charge your electric vehicle while you wait. There are stations on the fifth and tenth floors with one handicap space available. The charge at one of their 11 Level 2 stations will cost you $1.35 per kWh. The Kaiser San Jose Medical Center charging stations are at 250 Hospital Parkway. City of San Jose Electric Vehicle Charging Stations San Jose has received several grants to support the purchase of electric vehicles in the area. There are currently 53 different EV charging stations in operation, most of which are located primarily in downtown parking garages. These locations include the Market and San Pedro Square, City Hall, the Convention Center, Third Street, 2nd and San Carlos, and 4th and St. John. There are also charging stations on Santa Clara St. and Woz and Almaden Boulevard. Rates for charging at one of these stations will cost $1.25 per session and $0.25 kWh during the day. Between 9:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., you'll pay just $0.20 per kWh. Reach Out to Lexus of Stevens Creek for More Information After learning about all of the charging options available in San Jose, California, reach out to the Lexus of Stevens Creek team for more information if you're ready to move to electric. A team member would be happy to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our showroom, or set you up with a test drive in any of our electric models. You can reach us by phone at 669-237-0397, complete our secure online form, or stop by at 3333 Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose.