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The West Coast of America has plenty of forests, deserts, mountains, valleys, and other natural beauty, which is why there are plenty of state and national parks from one end of California to the other. For those starting out in San Jose and the local area, you can enjoy several state parks just a short drive away in a Ford vehicle. Henry Coe State Park The Henry W. Coe State Park is a short drive east from Morgan Hill and other towns along US-101. Coe Park covers 87,000 acres of California wilderness, and it's open year-round to hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. You won't have any trouble finding places to hike, either, because the park contains 250 miles of hiking trails and ranch roads. The park even has an old hot springs resort on the southwestern edge, but unfortunately the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Resort is still in the middle of a big restoration project. more The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Head straight south to Santa Cruz, go east to Aptos and go north to make your way to the Forest of Nisene Marks. The forest doesn't see too many visitors each year since most people in the area want to enjoy the beaches, but that's perfect if you want to see some great spots without worrying about sharing the moment with a big crowd. You can only take bikes or horses on certain tracks, but you can hike through most of the forest and admire the young and old redwoods that fill it. Big Basin Redwoods State Park The Big Basin Redwoods State Park is straight southwest of San Jose, and it's easy enough to find by following Big Basin Way (CA-9) out from the city limits. The park has its own highway because it's the oldest in the state, established in 1902, and the reason it's the oldest state park is because that big basin contains the largest group of old-growth coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Bay Area residents have been visiting this park for over 100 years, and the park allows biking on all fire roads and hiking throughout the park. Castle Rock State Park Castle Rock State Park is so close to San Jose that you have to pass it on your way to the Big Basin Redwoods. The park covers much of southwest of San Jose, including Castle Rock itself. The peak gets its name from the great view you can get of all your surroundings, and you can get to the peak on a day trip thanks to a one-mile trail loop you can take from the main parking lot. Plenty of Ford vehicles can be your ticket to seeing the best side of nature, especially when you live near so many great state parks and forests. The southern Bay Area offers mountains, valleys, and forests full of ancient and new redwoods, and the only question is which state park you should visit first when you decide to take a day trip. Photo by MiguelVieira | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

2019 will be an exciting year for Ford aficionados. With the return of the Ranger and the releases of the updated Edge and Focus, there is a lot to look forward to. Here's what we know so far about these four 2019 Ford models. 2019 Ford Ranger Drivers have waited seven long years for the return of Ford's midsize pickup truck. Now fully retooled and reimagined, the Ranger will hit the North American market sometime in early 2019. It will feature a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four engine and Ford's new 10-speed automatic transmission. It will be available as a super cab or super crew, each with four full-size doors. Inside, the vehicle seats five passengers and has waterproof storage underneath the back seats. Driver-assistive technology features include pre-collision assistance, blind-spot detection with trailer coverage, and lane-keep warning and assist. There are also plenty of options available for off-roading. more 2019 Ford Focus The 2019 Ford Focus has been redesigned with more comfort, connectivity, and driver-assistance technology. It's available as a five-door hatchback, five-door wagon, or four-door sedan. Available trims are the ST, RS, and Titanium trims, each of which offer various levels of options and upgrades. The Focus will come standard with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost I3 gasoline engine with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. A longer wheelbase is said to give the car more interior space, making it more roomy and comfortable for drivers and passengers alike. The Focus will arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2019. 2019 Ford Edge Ford will debut its new CoPilot 360 driver-assistive technology suite in its midsize SUV, the 2019 Ford Edge. The package includes the blind-spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, a rearview camera, and a lane-keeping system. Available upgrades include adaptive cruise control with lane centering or stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and enhanced active park assist. The Edge will feature a 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine delivering 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and sport-tuned suspension for an amazing ride. 2019 Ford Transit Connect The 2019 Transit Connect will be available for either commercial or personal use. With seating for up to five passengers in the short-wheelbase model or up to seven in the long-wheelbase model, there's plenty of room for the whole family. Seating can be configured to accommodate a mix of passengers and cargo as well. Driver-assistive technology on the Transit Connect includes pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and side-wind stabilization, which helps to keep the vehicle from veering too far over in a sudden gust of wind. Available options include lane-keeping assist and enhanced active park assist. Whether you're in the market for a car, truck, SUV, or van, Ford has some exciting models debuting in 2019. With all-new driver-assistive technologies and fuel-efficient engines, there's plenty to look forward to in the new model year. Be sure to ask your dealer when these vehicles will be available near you. Photo by F. D. Richards | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Ice cream in the United States is almost as old as the country itself. The first ad for the sweet treat was published in the New York Gazette in 1777 and first President George Washington reportedly spent $200 in ice cream on the summer of 1790. History lessons aside, whether you're a classic vanilla or chocolate fan or into more far-fetched flavors, it's not hard to find a place in San Jose with your very favorite. Take a look at our suggestions of where to find the best ice cream in San Jose. Treat Ice Cream Company If you don't feel like spending too much time deciding what flavor to get, you know you've come to the right place when you enter the Treat Ice Cream Company. Sometimes, less is more. more For chocolate ice cream fans, there are at least five different variations on the menu, but the Brownie a la Mode and the Cookie Mint Krunch are the house's favorites raking in the highest praises from customers. Address: Downtown at 11 South 19th Street Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cre'Me Paris To say that Durian fruit is an acquired taste is an understatement. Unless you've lived in Southeast Asia all your life and are used to it, Durian's smell and flavor are hard to overcome (and forget). However, at Cre'Me Paris they've turned what's probably the world's least favorite fruit into an ice cream flavor. If you're brave enough to try it, dig in. If not, there are plenty of other creamy options to choose from. Address: East San Jose at 2200 Eastridge Loop Hours: Monday through Wednesday and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Willow Glen Creamery Sometimes you don't want complicated flavors. All you want is a giant dose of ice-creamed sweetness. Well, that's exactly what you get at Willow Glen Creamery. This locally owned business blends its own frozen yogurts in the store every day, with locally sourced ingredients. What's customers' favorite frozen yogurt flavor? Surprisingly, vanilla. If you think this is the blandest ice cream flavor of all times, pay a visit to this place and it will change your mind. Address: Willow Glen at 1100 Lincoln Avenue Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Sweet Rendezvous Slightly hidden in a little corner, this is the kind of ice cream you'll only find by chance or if you're really looking for it. That's part of the Sweet Rendezvous' charm. Don't overthink what to order, just follow the employee's suggestions. They never get it wrong.  And forget popular flavors. Everyone's favorite thing about this place? The free teaser scoop of any other flavor you want to try beyond the ones you just ordered. Address: Blossom Valley at 668 Blossom Hill Road Hours: Every day from noon to 9 p.m. Ice cream at these spots in San Jose is so delicious that it'll be hard to choose just one spot...or just one flavor! Photo by Maria Eklind | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Not sure if the 2018 Ford EcoSport is your kind of car? We break down each of the features of this crossover SUV to show you there's one perfect model for each type of driver. Find out why Ford calls it a big upgrade in a small package. Safety- and Budget-Conscious If you have small kids, your top priority is to get the safest and most comfortable family car you can afford. Besides, why invest more in a car now when you know you'll probably be worried about getting ink stains on leather seats every other day? more The 2018 Ford EcoSport S model is ideal for you. Standard features include, among others, a rearview camera (it's great to know you don't have to pay extra for such a useful tool), side airbags on front and back rows, and a LATCH system to ensure the little ones are secured. Comfort-Loving Commuters The SE model is built for the driver who doesn't mind paying a little extra money for comfort. This is even more important for people who spend a lot of time on the road. If to you your car is practically your second home, then you'd love these standard features in this model. The list includes electric automatic temperature control, two smart-charging USB ports, a power moonroof, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Active and Outdoorsy You often decide weekend road trips on the spur of the moment, and they tend to include hiking for hours or kayaking in a peaceful lake. Does this sound like you? Then the SES model is right up your alley. Reliable and sturdy, the SES performs well, even when you change your mind about what road to take, thanks to the standard Intelligent 4WD System and traction control. Other standard features that come in handy include fog lights, roof rack crossbars, and hill stop assist. Carpool Karaoke Aficionados James Corden fan or not, you're that driver who uses every minute of their commute to sing your favorite songs. Extra bonus points if there's a traffic jam. For you, a car has little to do with the driving experience. You don't care about engine horsepower, but you need the perfect sound system to reach those high notes. The entertainment system that comes standard on the Platinum model is out of this world. We could list all the features, but all it takes is saying it includes the B&O PLAY Premium Audio System, nine speakers, and a subwoofer. Unique and Customized If you prefer a unique car that reflects your personality, you can always build your own model. Browse the 2018 Ford EcoSport page where you can see all the standard features that come with each model and the available upgrade packages. And if you're indecisive between two models, click the comparison tool and select the option only to show you the differences. You can compare up to three models at the same time, or you can count on our experienced staff to show you the different specs in person. Photo by techAUcomau | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Ella Fitzgerald sang, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," and there isn't a better time in the year to wind down and enjoy some cool events in the city. Whether you're on vacation or are getting ready for the weekend, here are five summer events where you can soak in the sun and relax. Music in the Park No matter how big or small the bands are on stage, the Music in the Park summer festival is all about good music and good fun. There are plenty of food and drink options available at the venue, so all you need to bring along is your good mood. For extra comfort, blankets and low-back chairs are allowed in the area. more The event happens every year from June to August at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Jazz takes over the city for three days in August with famous and up-and-coming artists performing on 12 different stages. Plaza de Cesar Chavez has been the festival's central venue since its inception in 1990. Despite its growth, the atmosphere is still very much like those early days in San Jose, where you can listen to live performances of jazz, fusion, and funk. Tickets are available as single entries, starting at $15, or as 3-Day Passes, starting at $50. The event kicks off on Friday, Aug. 10, at 5:30 p.m. and continues through the weekend, with stages opening at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sunset Thursdays Who says summer fun only happens on weekends or on vacation? Every Thursday evening, from June to August, San Jose locals gather at Plaza de Cesar Chavez from 5 to 9 p.m. to enjoy live music, play lawn games, and taste the best dishes of the food trucks available that day. This event is open to the public and free to enter. Follow the organizer's Facebook page for up-to-date information on live acts, food trucks, and upcoming events. July Passport Celebration Day For wine enthusiasts, Passport Celebration Day is the one event in the year they most look forward to. These special Passport holders can visit over 50 participating wineries throughout the year, during opening hours. But, on specific dates, four times a year, wineries are open for tastings and other experiences all day long. The passport costs $65, and the July event falls on the 21st, beginning at noon. It takes place at participating Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries. Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Tennis fans flock to attend this week-long women's professional tournament, the first sports event of the U.S. Open Series. Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, and Williams sisters Venus and Serena are some of the names on the list of former champions of this nearly-50-year-old tournament. From July 30 to Aug. 5, all tennis roads lead to San Jose State University. Ticket prices vary according to location. Finals Weekend ticket packages start at $300. Weeklong Championship Series ticket packages start at $850. Individual tickets start at $31. Each day begins at a different time, so be sure to check the schedule to arrive on time. Throughout the summer, there are all kinds of events for all tastes and budgets. The one thing they all have in common? They are all meant for you to have fun. Photo by Toolstotal | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The 2018 Ford Escape is redesigned for improved productivity and comfort. Drivers also now have the option to choose between four different trim levels. These are your 2018 Ford Escape buying options. S Trim Model The 2018 S Trim model is available in a four-door front-wheel drive system. It features a 2.5-liter I-4 engine with 168 horsepower. It comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels. There are an available eight exterior color choices to choose from including blue metallic, cinnamon glaze metallic, ingot silver metallic, lightning blue metallic, shadow black, oxford white, magnetic metallic, and white gold metallic. more Just because the S Trim level is the standard Escape model does not mean that you have to go without convenient technology luxuries such as the rearview camera and roll stability control system. The interior of the S model includes cloth bucket seats, a six-way manual driver seat, and single-zone climate control. Safety features include interior airbags, the belt-minder feature, and an advanced brake assist. SE Trim Model The 2018 Ford Escape SE gives drivers two powertrain choices. You can opt for the standard front-wheel drive 1.5-liter I-4 system with 179 horsepower or the 4x4 1.5-liter I-4 engine that also produces 179 horsepower. The SE model comes with 17-inch sparkle wheels and upgraded fog lamps. Both trim levels have an available 10 exterior colors to choose from with an added white platinum and ruby red metallic tinted colors. An optional upgrade on the SE model is the partially covered leather seats with dual-zone climate control. Additional SE model upgrades include the voice-activated SiriusXM system and Sync 3 Connect. Safety features include the addition of the safety canopy system and the SOS post-crash alert system. SEL Trim Model The 2018 SEL Escape trim model includes the same engine and exterior color options as the S trim model. The SEL has larger 18-inch bright aluminum wheels. It also comes standard with the Sync 3 system that improves convenience, safety, and navigation with voice-activated commands. The SEL also features a few exciting upgraded safety features. The reverse sensing system alerts you to potential obstacles with an audio alert. The intelligent four-wheel drive system and adaptive cruise control further improve safety on all road conditions. The interior is more modern with leather bucket seats and a 10-way power adjustable driver seat. Titanium Trim Model The 2018 Titanium Trim model is the fully-loaded version of the Escape. It has two drive options including a front-wheel drive system with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 245 horsepower or a 4x4 EcoBoost engine option. There are an available nine exterior color options to choose from. The Titanium also includes an upgraded 10-speaker sound system and an 8-inch touch-screen driver infotainment system. The seats are fully leather with memory power settings. There is also a remote start system, smart charging feature, and voice-activated navigation. Safety features include the LATCH system, belt-minder, and the safety canopy system. There are many options available to customize the 2018 Escape to best fit your driving needs. Come by The Ford Store Morgan Hill to see the current inventory of 2018 Ford Escapes. Photo by The National Roads and Motorists' Association | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

About 25 years ago, antiquing was all the rage. Flea markets, hole-in-the-wall antique stores, and estate sales filled with young adults looking to fill their home with rare items were quite the norm. Then came the mass-production phase ushered in by Target, IKEA, and other brands. Affordable furniture became the new trend, but ultimately the short lifespan of cheaper materials brought about a newfangled interest in antiques. Fortunately, San Jose has one of the best antiquing scenes in the country thanks to the famed Antiques Row and other stores. Here are a few places in which you can find a one-of-a-kind item. Briarwood Antiques & Collectibles Located on Antiques Row at 1885 W. San Carlos St., Briarwood Antiques & Collectibles is one of the oldest antique stores in San Jose. An old bakery houses this antique store, adding to its charm and providing an excellent backdrop for your shopping excursion. more Over 30 dealers exhibit an array of items such as apparel, jewelry, furniture, antique signs, and more at Briarwood. The large variety of dealers ensures that you will be provided with different and new merchandise every time you visit the store. There's a reason this antique mall was voted as one of the 10 best places to shop in San Jose. Briarwood Antiques & Collectibles is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Colony Antiques Located two doors down from Briarwood at 1881 W. San Carlos St., Colony Antiq ues is the largest antique store in San Jose, offering an assortment of furniture, art, clothes, and vintage toys. The store has 50 dealers and covers over 9,000 square feet — you could easily take days to peruse its contents. What makes Colony Antiques even more impressive, is the range of styles you can find in its stores. Boasting everything from European furniture to Asian pottery to ephemera from yesteryear, there's something for everyone's style. Colony Antiques is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whatnots & Doodads Not sure what you're looking for? Head on over to the aptly named Whatnots & Doodads. Voted the best antique store in San Jose in 2012, this collective of 23 dealers is always stocking that unique piece for your home or an excellent gift for a loved one. What separates them from the pack is the dealer wish list. If you can't find an item here, their dealers will put it on their watch list. When they find it, they'll contact you and arrange a purchase and pickup. There's no easier way to find something you've wanted for your home. Whatnots & Doodads is located at 1330 Lincoln Ave. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The store is closed on Mondays. From fancy chandeliers to beautiful oak armoires, San Jose's antique markets have everything you could ever want. All you need to do is exercise a bit of perseverance in your search, and you'll end up with decor that's the envy of all your friends. Photo by docoverachiever | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The Fusion and Taurus are two of the most popular Ford cars on the road today. Which Ford sedan is a better buying option? This guide will help you evaluate the best car choice for your driving needs. Interior A comfortable and functional interior is important to most drivers. The 2018 Ford Fusion comes with a leather interior and a driver-inspired cockpit. The Ford Taurus also has a leather interior but with the addition of SHO seating and trims. Both cars are fairly roomy for a sedan, but the Fusion has approximately 16 cubic feet of interior cargo space, whereas the Taurus comes with a bit more at 20.1 cubic feet. more Exterior The biggest differences between the 2018 Fusion and Taurus would fall into the exterior design category. Although at first glance it might be difficult to distinguish one from the other, you can notice a significant difference once you get closer. The Ford Taurus, for example, has a longer body style and is approximately one foot longer in length than the Fusion. The Taurus has a cleaner and more sleek exterior design, while the Fusion features sharper angles and aerodynamic-inspired lines. The Taurus also has the exclusive SHO grille which sets it apart from the Fusion. Finally, the Fusion has an available power moonroof upgrade. Performance The 2018 Ford Fusion comes standard with a 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that produces 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The 2018 Ford Taurus features a standard 3.5-liter VCT engine with 288 horsepower with 254 pound-feet of torque. Both cars come standard with an all-wheel-drive system that is ideal for handling all road conditions. The standard model Taurus produces an added element of power and control. Technology Both the Fusion and Taurus are Ford vehicles, meaning technology properties are going to be somewhat similar. Both vehicle choices have the availability of the Sync 3 system, which gives you hands-free access to phone calls, text messages, and turn-by-turn navigation. Both cars also have FordPass, a mobile experience for locating parking, locking and unlocking your car remotely, and comparing fuel prices. One significant difference, however, is that the 2018 Ford Fusion is available in a hybrid model. The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid uses advanced smart gauges and an EcoGuide to optimize the efficiency of the drive by providing improvement tips. It also features an all-electric drive mode, leading to better fuel efficiency in the Fusion. Safety Because both vehicles are Ford made, we can also expect the included safety features to be similar. Both cars come with optional adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, cross traffic monitor alert, and a large selection of additional safety features. Both Ford options are considered to be a safe choice. You cannot really say that one or the other is better. Each car has its own set of advantages and appeals to a different driver. Come by The Ford Store Morgan Hill to see the current inventory of the 2018 Ford Fusion and Ford Taurus. Photo by The Webhamster |Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

San Jose is a hilly city in Northern California. It is often known for its warm weather and consistent sunshine. You might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite TV shows and movies were set right in San Jose. Flubber We all remember Robin Williams and his comedic scientific role in "Flubber." The 1997 movie was a remake of "The Absent-Minded Professor" from 1961. Williams lived in nearby San Francisco, which could have influenced the film's location. There are actually a few different scenes in "Flubber" that are shot in actual San Jose locations. more The "Flubber" main characters live in a house in the Rose Garden district of San Jose. Some home scenes are also shot on University Avenue nearby the house. Many of the academic movie scenes are also shot right in a classroom at San Jose State University. Silicon Valley Silicon Valley is often known as the technology hub of Northern California. It has produced some of the leading technology designers and companies of today. It is no surprise then, that many of today's tech-based movies and TV shows, including "Silicon Valley" are also filmed here. "Silicon Valley" follows the life of a computer programmer that wants to reinvent the internet. Other scenes in "Silicon Valley" are filmed throughout the Bay area, including in Los Angeles and Palo Alto. Additional tech shows filmed in the San Jose Silicon Valley area include "Betas," "MythBusters," "The Social Network," and "Steve Jobs." Beverly Hills Cop III It does not matter that it took it until the third installment of "Beverly Hills Cop" to film in San Jose, many locals were excited at the additional filming location. This 1994 movie featured Eddie Murphy on an action-packed experience as a Beverly Hills Cop. One particular scene in the movie portrays him dangerously hanging from a large Ferris wheel called the Spider. The actual Ferris wheel filmed was called The Triple Wheel and was a part of Paramount's Great America Park. Although you can no longer ride The Triple Wheel, you can still see it in "Beverly Hills Cop III." Winchester You might not yet recognize this movie name because it was just released this year. Much of the filming of the thrilling horror movie "Winchester" took place right in San Jose. The movie is claimed to be inspired by true events and involves the mysterious events at a local haunted house. The haunted house is a prison for ghosts seeking revenge on the Winchesters. Not only does the haunted house reside in San Jose, California, but you can also book a tour. Sarah Winchester is a real person and the house is a real place. You can tour the 110 rooms of the large mansion, which includes mysterious items like a window on the floor, doors that open into nothing, and the number 13 randomly scattered around the house. You do not have to head to Los Angeles to see the film sight of some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Many of them were filmed right here in the city of San Jose, California. Photo by the_tahoe_guy | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Constructed over nearly 40 years, the Winchester Mystery House is one of the most intriguing architectural masterpieces in the country, yet its story doesn't end there. When the owner Sarah Winchester began a never-ending project to expand the home, stories of her obsession became rampant, leading to talk of ghosts and a prolonged public curiosity with the building. Today, the historic home is open to the public, giving you a chance to see the bizarre structure in person. Here's a guide to help you on your visit. The Background Located at 525 South Winchester Blvd. in San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House was the creation of Sarah Winchester. As the heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, Winchester moved to San Jose from Connecticut shortly after the death of her husband and child to build a new home. Legend has it that a medium channeling Sarah's late husband told Sarah to build a home to ward off evil spirits who died at the hands of Winchester rifles. more Construction began in 1884 and, by some accounts, didn't stop for the next 38 years. In total, the mansion has 160 rooms, 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, two basements, and tons of architectural oddities. Strange Additions While parts of the home appear normal, other areas of the mansion are strange. To some historians, these places were built to ward off paranormal activity or hide Sarah from spirits. Some of the strange additions to the home include a door that opens to a 15-foot drop into the yard, a door with an 8-foot drop into a kitchen sink, a cabinet that goes through 30 rooms of the house, Tiffany-style windows that don't get any sunlight, 47 fireplaces with just 17 chimneys, and several secret passages. The number 13 and spiderweb-influenced architecture occur throughout the home as well and are said to have been some of Sarah's preoccupations to keep away spirits. In Film In 2017, the filming of the movie "Winchester" starring Helen Mirren began in the Winchester Mystery House. Mirren plays Sarah Winchester, and the film depicts her life spent in efforts to escape the spirits of people who died at the hands of a Winchester gun. This loosely autobiographical film received mixed reviews, but the mansion as a backdrop provides a stunning visual spectacle. The Tour If you want to visit the mansion and get the most out of your trip, choose from one of four tour options. The basic mansion tour takes you through 110 of the home's 160 rooms, including the seance room, Sarah's bedroom, the $25,000 room, and more. Starting at $20, this ticket also offers admission to the gardens and two on-site museums. The Explore More Tour provides access to some areas of the home never before seen by the public. The Halloween Candlelight Tour and the Friday the 13th Flashlight Tour are also excellent options for a bit of a thrill as you explore the home at night. For an unforgettable visit to one of the country's most interesting, elaborate, beautiful, and yet strange homes, make sure to schedule a visit to the Winchester Mystery House. Photo by mindgrow | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

When you hear a screech, clank, clatter, or other noise emanating from your car, it's always a cause for concern. Even diligent and scheduled maintenance isn't always enough to stave off problems, but sometimes a fix is cheaper and easier than you may think. Tune-ups are an awesome way to restore top-notch performance to your vehicle and eliminate any sounds or other issues with your car. Before you take your vehicle to the shop in panic mode, here are a few signs that your car might need just a tune-up. Rough Idling and Late Acceleration If your entire car starts to shake when you're at a stop or if pushing the accelerator to the floor results in a late burst of speed, it could be time for a tune-up. There are many reasons for these problems, but a clogged fuel filter, faulty spark plugs, or a soiled air filter are the main offenders. During a tune-up, all of these parts are cleaned or replaced, eliminating the car shakes and providing a better overall performance. more Massive Drop in MPG After driving your car for awhile, you're familiar with about how far you can go on a tank of gas. If this fuel economy starts to drop without reason, it's a sign you need to schedule a tune-up service. Typically, a dip in fuel economy will happen gradually, and you may not even notice it at first. However, if you find yourself at the pump more often, the fuel filter, O2 sensors, and air filter need attention. Once you've changed these components, you should notice your mpg returning to normal or even improving. Check Engine Light Comes On The check engine light is on your instrument cluster to notify you when something's not quite right with your car. Instead of covering it with a piece of tape or ignoring it, take your vehicle to the mechanic. These technicians can run a diagnostic test on your vehicle to determine the source of the problem. Sometimes, a tune-up can eradicate the problem and turn off the annoying yellow glow of your check engine light. Loss of Speed Delayed acceleration is a definite sign you need a tune-up, and if your car suddenly becomes a bit sluggish, it's yet another reason to consider a tune-up. Faulty distributor points, clogged fuel injectors, and old air filters are usually the sources of the problem. During a tune-up, these items are replaced, which leads to an increase in speed and acceleration. Unusual Sounds If you begin to hear new, unusual sounds coming from your car, a tune-up could be in store. Engine noise and transmission grinding are two of the most problematic sounds, and without proper care, they can lead to bigger, more expensive problems. The crazier or louder the noise, the more likely you need the help of an expert mechanic. Routine maintenance and oil changes keep your car running smoothly and limit potential problems, but scheduling a tune-up every 45,000 miles or at the first sign of trouble is always a sound decision. Photo by stephenhanafin | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

With average highs in the mid-80s and temperatures often soaring into triple digits throughout the summer, San Jose's weather can be almost unbearable at times. While staying in air-conditioned indoors is always an option, cabin fever slowly creeps over you, causing irritability, listlessness, and a diminished morale. Fortunately, San Jose has more than enough water parks to keep you entertained and cool. The next time you're in the mood, check out these local places to beat the heat. Aqua Adventure Water Park Located 20 minutes north of San Jose in Fremont, Aqua Adventure Water Park is a splish-splash extravaganza for the entire family. Designed for younger children up to teens, the park has several water features to help you cool down. more Take a float on the 200-yard Round About River, go for a dip in the Oasis Pool, or get your thrills on four winding, heart-pounding slides. Children 7 and under will love the Lil' Squirts play area and Bucket Bay, featuring an 800-gallon bucket that douses you with water every 5 to 10 minutes. Tickets are $19.99 for guests over 48 inches and $14.99 for those under 48 inches. Fremont residents save a dollar per ticket with proof of residency. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day with hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Some days also have family fun offers, which keeps the park open from 4 to 8 p.m. Raging Waters San Jose Covering 23 acres, Raging Waters San Jose is northern California's largest water park, providing a summer's worth of fun. If you're looking for a thrill, try one of their nine water slides, including the famed Bombs Away. This ride invites you into an enclosed capsule, and when the operator pulls the lever, the bottom falls out, sending you on a 200-foot, looping flume. When you want to relax or take a break from the slides, Raging Waters has many other options including a lazy river, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, an activity pool, and Pirate's Cove, featuring water cannons, a 40-ship mast, cargo nets, and more. Tickets start at $37.99 for adults, $27.99 for guests under 48 inches, and $27.99 for seniors 60 and up. However, a season pass is just $42.99, paying for itself after just two visits. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and hours vary, so make sure to call ahead or check the website for more information. California's Great America Just 15 minutes northwest of San Jose, California's Great America in Santa Clara is perhaps best known for its roller coasters, but Boomerang Bay is quickly gaining popularity as its most-visited attraction. Included with admission to the theme park, Boomerang Bay features a lazy river, wave pool, swimming pool, water slides, and a spray-ground. The park is open from May through October, although Boomerang Bay may close due to cold weather. Tickets start at $39.99. Cooling off this summer has never been as much fun as you'll have at these San Jose area water parks. Be sure to make a splash today. Photo by danxoneil | Licensed under cc BY 2.0