Annie & Kent
Things To Do
Pho 90 Degree
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese beef-based noodle soup that is the ultimate remedy for sick or hungover souls. There are MANY delicious pho restaurants in the area and this is just one. Check out the mall area for some plant vendors, desserts, clothing, jewelry, and more!
Nam Vang Restaurant
*CASH ONLY* While it doesn't look like much from the outside or inside, this restaurant has a cult following in the local Vietnamese community. Annie is a huge fan of soups and noodles. The 'Hu Tieu Nam Vang Kho" (dry style) is the only dish you need in your life. Order it with Chinese doughnut on the side and make sure you dip it in the broth. You're welcome.
Huong Lan Sandwiches
San Jose, CA has one of the largest Vietnamese American communities in the United States, so we would be doing you a disservice if we didn't recommend the beloved bánh mì, or Vietnamese sandwich. Daniel Treiman (Saveur) describes it beautifully: "Originating on the streets of Saigon, the Banh Mi sandwich is a French-Vietnamese hybrid consisting of an airy baguette, sour pickled daikon and carrot, crisp cilantro, spicy chilis, and a cool sliver of cucumber surrounding any number of protein options, from sweet minced pork to fatty pate to sardines." Annie's family frequented this establishment for as long as she can remember, and they have a wide variety of ready-made options and snacks for those who are interested in exploring the cuisine, too!
The Happy Hooligans
Vegan comfort food to feed your soul. Worth a try for our vegan and vegan-curious family and friends.
New Krungthai
Our favorite Thai restaurant in town. Their fried pompano fish with mushroom garlic sauce is amazing. Highly recommend you save room for the mango and sticky rice dessert.
Ao Dai Bao Han
Come check out a Vietnamese dress shop and pick up some fresh, traditional attire for the Tea Ceremony or reception if you wish! They have outfits for both men and women off-the-rack and also have bespoke offerings for those who are local and would like custom-made threads for the occasion. Annie rented her Vietnamese wedding dress from here.
Winchester Mystery House
A bizarre and interesting historical landmark: the Winchester Mystery House. Schedule a tour or explore the exterior before/after visiting Valley Fair mall or Santana Row outdoor shopping.
Aqua Lab Aquaria
Come visit Aqua Lab Aquaria and see what Kent and the team have been building for all these years. Who knows, you might be inspired to start a new project!
Big Al's
Big Al’s is the premier family-owned & family-friendly Entertainment Destination. Integrated in to the fabric of local communities and with 45,000-70,000 SQFT of the latest arcade games, 18-42 bowling lanes, and the region’s largest HD projection screens (55’!) as focal points of stadium-style Sports Bars, Big Al’s appeals to families, sports enthusiasts, event planners and anyone looking for a great time with great food in a contemporary NW-style atmosphere. Perfectly suited for large groups, Big Al’s is also a favorite of corporate event planners, sports teams, community groups, and high schools.
Hakone Estate and Gardens
Hakone Gardens is one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the western hemisphere. We like to visit here to get in touch with nature and look for inspiration. There is a cute downtown area to explore and find something to eat nearby.
Plumed Horse Chocolaterie
A lovely chocolaterie with a wonderful story. I had the chance to chat with Angelica about how she switched careers from surgeon to chocolatier to pursue her passion and was immediately reminded of Kent and his entrepreneurial journey. Angelica's concoctions are a reminder that dreams do come true!
Dig Gardens
This place is amongst our favorite garden stores in Santa Cruz, CA. We usually cannot resist making at least one purchase every time we are here!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
One of the Nguyen family's favorite hiking spots and Annie's favorite state park. The park boasts a grove of magnificent and majestic coastal redwood trees, which ONLY grow on the northern Coast of California and Oregon. Check out Roaring Camp Railroad nearby which boasts authentic 1880’s steam locomotives operating on the park's Redwood Forest Steam Train excursion and 1920's era Beach Trains to Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and enjoy classic boardwalk attractions and fare. The boardwalk beach is easy to access from here. Other local beach favorites include: Natural Bridges, Seabright, and Capitola.
California Academy of Sciences
Kent volunteered at the California Academy of Sciences working on the cold water marine exhibits for a short stint. There is a world class aquarium, a biosphere, and some cool attractions. The museum is located in the Golden Gate Park which can be an all-day activity in itself. Fun fact: The San Francisco recommendations are all places Kent took us to explore on one of our first all-day dates. Go hard or go home!
Twin Peaks
One of the highest points in San Francisco with 360 views of the entire city. A lovely sight to behold if you are lucky enough to have clear skies. Don't forget to bring a jacket- it is always cold and windy up here regardless of season.
Flora Grubb Gardens
Beautiful plant nursery. Their outdoor area has some really cool displays, such as an old car overgrown with plants. What can we say, we love our plants!