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Every Thursday, Say Hello To America will be 
showcasing the voices behind official Twitter accounts of destinations all across the United States and the city they represent. This week, say hello to David Andre from @SantaClaraCA. David lived in Santa Clara for 10 years, although he now only works there. He has been working for the Convention and Visitors Bureau for over 20 years.
1. What time of the year is best to travel to Santa Clara?
Anytime of year is the best time, but particularly it is good to travel to Santa Clara on weekends because of the discounted hotel rates compared to mid-week. Also, late March – October is when the city’s premier attraction, California’s Great America theme park, is open.
2. How would you describe the people of Santa Clara?
Santa Clara is in the center of world famous Silicon Valley, yet the people who live and work here have a good sense of community. Back in 2001 Santa Clara was awarded an “All American City” award by the National Civic League using the slogan “High Tech, Human Touch (HT2).”
3. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about Santa Clara?
Favorite thing is all the exciting new developments happening in the city of Santa Clara now. The San Francisco 49ers will start playing its home games in Santa Clara this year at the new 68,500 seat Levi’s Stadium. It’s also been announced the stadium will host domestic and international soccer, the annual college football Fight Hunger Bowl each December, WrestleMania 31 in March, 2015, and Super Bowl 50 in February, 2016. All these events combined with California’s Great America theme park, Intel Museum, Mission Santa Clara de Asis, two art museums, great shopping, and exciting events make it a city on the rise in California. As a representative for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, there is nothing least favorite in Santa Clara.
4. What is Santa Clara’s most famous landmark or attraction?
Santa Clara’s most famous landmark is the new Levi’s Stadium scheduled to open in August, 2014.
5. Name one “secret” location that a traveler must visit.
The Mission Gardens at Mission Santa Clara de Asis at Santa Clara University. It’s free to visit and the gardens are beautiful year-round.
6. What is the best/easiest mode of transportation to get around the city?
Automobile is the best/easiest mode to get around the city followed by Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus.
7. Is there any festival or event in Santa Clara that a traveler should specifically plan a trip around?
There are many. To name a few, the Santa Clara International Swim Meet is annually each June; the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival is annually each September, the Fight Hunger Bowl college football classic is annually each December. WrestleMania 31 is March, 2015 and Super Bowl 50 is February, 2016.
8. What are the best family-friendly attractions that Santa Clara has to offer?
California’s Great America theme park, open late March thru October and the Intel Museum open year-round are both particularly family friendly and fun for all ages.
9. What is Santa Clara’s signature food that every visitor has to try?
Santa Clara is a diverse community. There is not one signature food in the city.
10. If I only had one day to explore Santa Clara, what MUST I see or do?
See the new Levi’s Stadium, visit California’s Great America theme park, stop by the Intel Museum, and stroll through the Mission Gardens at Mission Santa Clara de Asis.
Connect with the Santa Clara CVB
Website: SantaClara.org
Twitter: @SantaClaraCA
Facebook: Visit Santa Clara
Pinterest: Visit Santa Clara, CA
Youtube: Visit Santa Clara
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