| Related Articles: Attractions, All |
Exploring Willow Glenby Staff on Mar 13, 2009Social scientists write books to guide urban planners who painfully try to re-create what comes to Willow Glen’s Lincoln Avenue naturally and effortlessly: a pedestrian culture with neighborhood shops and interactive vitality. While other business districts spend a billion or more to become designer label retail ghettos or claim “Don’t tase me bro” notoriety, the WG mantra seems to be, “Why can’t we just get a latte?” Or make that an antioxidant energy boost. A knife and fork burrito. A freshly-glazed ceramic dinosaur. A children’s book. A weathered garden ornament. Or an infinity tub. Willow Glen pretty much has it all. Old Italians discuss the state of the world while ergonomic three-wheeled baby strollers steered by Blackberry-texting ninjas whiz down “the Avenue.” Yes, that’s what locals call it. (It was known as Willow Glen Road until Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.) Willow Glen incorporated as a town in 1927. Although San Jose insists it annexed it as a neighborhood in 1936, residents of the Glen regard that place as just another city to the north. In retrospect, the post-Prohibition strategy has served Willow Glen well. By outsourcing its government, it has remained a well-guarded secret. It is not just another exit on the freeway. In fact, there is no exit. If you meet a local, do the secret handshake. Then whisper “95125,” and they may tell you how to get to Willow Glen. It’s worth it. by Staff on Mar 13, 2009 |
 Willow Glen is officially part of San Jose, but it's definitely its own place. |
|
|
