Bonnett - Campbell, CA

Bonnett was originally part of the 1777 settlement that spawned the first town in Nueva California. This area held claim to fame for farming, but also served to bolster Spain's military installations.

Eventually, Bonnett became a suburb popular with workers commuting to the city. As the local economy shifted away from agriculture and into manufacturing, defense contractors sprang up around Bonnet. Since then, Bonnett has housed people working in Silicon Valley.

Lori Krein Studios provides classes in painting, drawing, and other arts as well as parties for birthdays and girls' nights out. Innerart Studio also has art classes, and Silicon Valley Open Studios provides materials, studio time, and exhibition space.

For a more artsy scene, check out Bonnett's closest annual event. Los Gatos Fiesta des Artes happens every August with food, wine, beer, and live music. Over 150 artists exhibit their work in an outdoor setting.

Since Bonnett comprises such as a small area, most of its restaurant choices fall outside its boundaries. Some of your choices include Latin American, Peruvian, Southern, Vietnamese, Mexican, Persian, Greek, and vegetarian.

Isafhan Kabob has Iranian and Persian specialties served in a quiet, casual setting. From the creamy hummus to the chicken and filet mignon combo plates, this place has something to satisfy every appetite. Locals say not to miss the kubideh, a seasoned meatloaf-like dish on a kabob grilled to perfection. Try some bread with feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh greens on the side for something truly yummy.

Tu Mero Mole serves hearty, tasty, and generously portioned dishes that make them a local favorite. Diners love the tacos al pastor as well as the cochininta yucateca, which they say reminds them of their grandmother's kitchen. With service this friendly and an environment so comfortable, you'll be coming back again and again.

Maya's Cafe keeps its dining room packed thanks to unbelievable fresh warm tortillas and Latin American dishes inspired by its many cultures. A Honduran seafood soup provides a spicy kick with tons of seafood, and chicken and cheese pupusas borrow from the Salvadoran tradition. Reasonable prices and a laid-back ambiance allow you to relax and enjoy your meal.

Nowhere Bar & Grill combines drinking, burgers, and pizza in a dive bar atmosphere. The Cardiff Lounge supports DJs spinning house music all night long in a loud, active environment.

The Bonnett neighborhood of San Jose provides many ways to get around, whether you're going into the city or doing errands in the area. Most residents depend on their cars to get around, thanks to easy accessibility to Routes 17 and 87. If you choose to drive, you'll find parking inexpensive and easy to locate.

Those who prefer to take public transportation have many choices, including Amtrak, Caltrain, ACE, and other light rail systems. These connect commuters with San Jose and other cities up and down the West Coast, in addition to the end of the BART line in Fremont. Several bus lines also run routes around Bonnett.

Hailing a cab on the street in Bonnett proves next to impossible, but arranging a pickup through a local cab company or Uber will get you where you need to go.

Bonnett is home to one park, the Stojanovich Family Park. This park features some unique playground structures, such as a "tin can" and "apples" for climbing. It also contains picnic areas, open green space, and large rocks that kids can climb. Parking is an issue for this neighborhood park so rent an apartment within walking distance and utilize the sidewalks that lead to the park.

Just outside the neighborhood, Campbell Park is located along Los Gatos Creek and contains part of the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The park also offers a basketball court, horseshoe pits, a playground, picnic areas, and a water feature.

The Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival takes place in September at Almaden Lake Park. This festival features live entertainment, boutique wines from local vineyards, gourmet food trucks, a Kids Zone with crafts and games, souvenir wine and beer glasses, and more.

Bonnett's cost of living sits higher than both the San Jose and national averages, with a one-bedroom apartment in Bonnett renting for around $1,748 per month. It costs $2 to get from Bonnett to San Jose via VTA bus. A beer at a local pub runs you around $5 to 6, and gas prices sit about 19 percent higher here than the national average.

For crafty shopping, check out Cottage Crafts Boutique, selling art supplies and rubber stamps and featuring areas where local crafters exhibit their items for sale. From steampunk jewelry to handmade cards, everyone can find something here that suits their unique style.

Farther north in Campbell lies Urban Girl, with tons of cool accessories and jewelry, shoes, bags, and clothing for women. Locals love the personal touch here, and the staff packages gifts in cute wrapping paper for extra convenience.

Bonnett has several grocery store options, including large chains like Safeway and Lucky, but smaller purveyors like Lunardi's Market charm as well when it comes to produce, meat, and other grocery items.

Cambrian Park Farmers Market serves as the area's closest green market. Open on Wednesday evenings, this market carries all the fresh organic produce you want in addition to amazing artisanal foods like ceviche and crepes.