Carole H.

Office Max

This store usually has what I need. They have good deals on paper sometimes, and I like browsing through the software. Back to School shopping can be difficult because they run out of things before the teacher gets you the list!

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Home Depot

I like shopping at the Home Depot. We have done a lot of remodeling and have bought many things there including flooring and fixtures. It's a good place to go for "one stop" shopping when you need hardware, paint, plants, etc.

PROS: Inexpensive, easy to find things
CONS: Sometimes they are out of things.

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad

My husband and I took our kids to the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad when they were little. We had such a nice, relaxing time. It is very beautiful country with redwoods everywhere. I recommend it for young families.

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Paramount Great America

I first went to Great America when I was in High School, and now I go there with my family. I really like the rides like Top Gun, Invertigo and Drop Zone. There is a very nice kid area with a lot of Spongebob kind of stuff. I don't like that they put a waterpark in there, but I guess some people do. My favorite ride is Delirium.

PROS: Fun Rides
CONS: Kind of dirty and marked with graffiti

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Winchester Mystery House

I have been to the Winchester Mystery House many times starting when I was a kid. It is a fascinating look into the past as well as an inspirational look at architecture. These tours offer history (Sarah W. was trapped during the 1906 earthquake) and some fun too. They offer flashlight tours on Friday's the 13th, and on Halloween. Very fun!

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Bret Harte Middle School

This school will be hard to rate because all three of my kids have gone there and have had some very good and some very poor teachers. I will mention a few that we really liked: Mr. Murray (6th grade core), Mrs. Blackwood (8th grade core), and Mr. Compton (TV Journalism). The TV Journalism Class is great. The Principle, Mr. McCloskey is very nice and helpful. The kids love him.

PROS: Some great Teachers and Administrators
CONS: Some bad Teachers and Administrators

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Country Inn Cafe

I go to the Country Inn Cafe with my friends all the time. They have really good breakfasts. They have a daily breakfast special that is very reasonable. Their omelets are very good!

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Elements Restaurant

This place started as "Umunums" and has changed to "Elements". The good news is that they now have a kids menu. This place has an extremely convenient location. The food is good, but not as good as some places in Los Gatos. I would go to Elements though because I can feel ok about my kids being home alone.

PROS: Great location, good food
CONS: Nothing else nearby to do

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Black Angus Steakhouse

This is a great place to go if you like steak. We go to Black Angus a lot with our kids. It isn't too expensive and they have a large selection of main courses and side dishes. They have a kids menu too. The "wagon wheel sampler" appetizer is really good. My favorite steak is the rib-eye.

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill

This is a very tasty fast food restaurant located in the Oakridge Mall next to Cold Stone Creamery. They have really good street tacos that are healthy and cheap.

PROS: Good, healthy, cheap food
CONS: Mall parking can be a pain.

Counts toward Almaden Cabana Club fundraiser!