Darhil Crooks
San Jose, California
Quicksilver Park
Anyone who lives in California will tell you that one of the best perks of the state is the near-universal fast, easy access to the great outdoors. Just south of San Jose, a local favorite is Quicksilver Park for its abundance of epic views, fresh air, and variety of hiking options – short or long, steep or flat, there's something to suit whatever you're feeling. The park is named for the former mercury mine on which it sits, making it additionally attractive to the geology-loving endorphin seekers among us.
Nirvana Soul
A new, Black- and female-owned spot on San Jose’s First Street, come to Nirvana Soul for great coffee, great snacks (do not sleep on the waffles), and a great vibe. The shop was founded with a commitment to the community it serves and features a rotating collection of art on display from local creators – check out the current exhibition that’s a celebration of Black History Month.
San Pedro Square
San Pedro Square is a great spot to grab some food, grab a drink, watch a game, or play some cornhole – or, ideally, all of the above. A food court serving everything from tacos to momos, coffee to cocktails, the market is a no-brainer for lunch, dinner, or something in between. Check their Instagram or website for a calendar of upcoming live music, or stop by on a Sunday, when the vibe is sociable and the al-fresco seating is irresistibly inviting, the perfect place to lounge the afternoon away.
Needle to the Groove
For all of the music heads. One of my favorite spots for a dig. The crew at NTTG has a great selection of new and used vinyl (plus a few tapes).
The most important thing to keep in mind when you’re forming an opinion on San Jose is to do your best not to compare it to San Francisco. The larger of the two cities (the third largest in California) is all too commonly judged in relation to SF instead of as a standalone entity, and that’s a pity: California’s oldest Spanish settlement is rich in history and is culturally thrilling, too – if you know where to look. It’s tech-y, it’s it’s wealthy, it’s a bastion of Silicon Valley living. It’s also much more than the sum of its parts.
Darhil Crooks is a creative director at Apple, based in Cupertino, California. Prior to Apple, he was creative director at The Atlantic Magazine in Washington DC; previous to his time at The Atlantic, he served as creative director of Ebony Magazine in Chicago. He also served as art director at Esquire Magazine and Men's Journal in NYC. He studied graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He's lived in a lot of cities, but he now calls San Jose home with his wife, two kids, and their dog, Shadow. When he isn't working you can catch him biking around the South Bay or at one of the city’s local record shops.