There’s a lot to love about central San Jose, especially near Santa Clara University (that’s my bias: I grew up near there) There are lovely neighborhoods with classic architecture such as The Rose Garden and Shasta-Hanchett. There’s a lot of good eating and entertainment in that part of the valley so close to downtown San Jose too, including Greenlee’s amazing cinnamon bread (you must try their highly prized cinnamon bread), fun & upscale Santana Row.
It might be too easy to miss a local, but low key landmark where you can find hand made chocolates: Schurra’s in San Jose – right on the Alameda, perhaps 2 miles from SCU and one or two from downtown San Jose proper. Schurra’s has been a part of central San Jose for 100 years – it was founded in 1912 and managed to survive the Great Depression and now appears to be thriving through our Great Recession.
Step into Schurra’s and breathe deeply. The smell of the rich chocolates is almost intoxicating! There’s a huge variety so there should be no trouble finding something for everyone in your party! There are chews, truffles, creams and nuts. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate. Dried fruits. Gift boxes galore. Holiday specials. You name it, they seem to have it.
There’s even a little cooler full of ice cream, too.
So hop on your bike, walk or drive your car and visit this very cool old icon of San Jose. It’s goodness that harkens to a bygone era when this valley was known for it’s produce and not its high tech, when it was called The Valley of Heart’s Delight. Take a nibble…or two…. Enjoy a taste of living history! (While you’re in the neighborhood you ought to go to Greenlee’s too and get some of that cinnamon bread for later! It’s practically across the street and is another historic business in Santa Clara County.)
Schurra’s 840 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 289-1562
Related:
Out near Los Gatos, another great shop to visit is Chocolate Dream Box. I wrote about it on my Live in Los Gatos blog. Check it out! Or in Santa Cruz, swing by Mackenzie’s.
