The San Jose of yesteryear -- a sleepy town of orchards, crops, and cattle called the Valley of Hearts Delight -- is long gone. Founded in 1717, and hidden in the shadows of San Francisco, San Jose is now Northern California’s largest city and the tenth largest city in the United States. Today the prosperity of Silicon Valley has transformed what was once an agricultural backwater into a thriving network of restaurants, shops, a state-of-the-art light-rail system, a sports arena (go Sharks!), and a reputable art scene. And despite all the growth, a number of surveys declare it one of the safest and sunniest cities in the nation.

While some San Jose residents mourn the continuing loss of open space and grittiness to the onslaughts of new construction and gentrification, others seem puffed up with understandable pride at the city’s energetic new look and feel. First-class restaurants, an upscale state-of-the-art light rail system, a flourishing arts scene, a dazzling sports arena, and, most recently, an exquisitely designed multiuse shopping complex all contribute to the city’s revitalization, furthering its emergence from the long cultural shadow cast by San Francisco, its cosmopolitan neighbor to the north.

For more info contact the San Jose Visitor Information Bureau (150 W San Carlos St and 333 W San Carlos St, Ste 1000; 408/977-0900; www.sanjose.org).