About Jamie A
In addition to writing and taking photos during her trips, Jamie loves to find hidden gems, cheap eats, and kitschy Americana attractions. She hails from Oil City, Pennsylvania, went to college in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, studied abroad in Norwich, England, and moved to Boston in May of 2007. She also enjoys writing poetry and lyric essays, reading lots of books, being a foodie, listening to girl group tunes from the 1960s, crafting, and dinner parties with her friends.
Blog posts written by Jamie A
January 22nd, 2008 by jamie a
Latte Heart from Ritual Coffee Roasters Photo uploaded by Shannon Clark
Why not get out and do something new this Valentine’s Day? Skip the traditional chocolates and flowers, and head out on the town for a night of fun with your loved one or with a group of your friends to celebrate each other.
If you’re a foodie who’s just aching to try out a new restaurant, this listing of spots all around San Francisco from OpenTable.com are offering special promotions for the holiday. From prix-fixe seven course meals to live jazz bands, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.
There’s also a myriad of special Valentine’s Day cruises from Hornblower Holidays, offering dinner & dancing on the open seas!
If you’re on your own or with a group of single friends this Valentine’s Day, never fear! The Professionals Guild is hosting their Un-Valentine’s Day Singles Party at the Golden Gate Yacht Club. The event is on February 2nd and will run from 8 pm to midnight, complete with mixer games, great dance music, free appetizers, a salsa dance lesson and a no-host bar.
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January 21st, 2008 by jamie a
Sushi in San Francisco Photo uploaded by Rick Audet
If you’re a foodie and love trying new restaurants, get ready for Dine About Town! From January 15-31, the 7th year of the festival is underway.
There’s a giant list of restaurants, from new American cuisine to Vietnamese fare, offering special 3-course lunches for $21.95 and dinner for $31.95. Reservations are recommended, so hop on to the site and search by cuisine, neighborhood or your favorite restaurant and give them a call.
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January 15th, 2008 by jamie a
Opus One, Napa Valley
Photo uploaded by yajico
Budget Travel magazine recently published, “Napa: Top Tips from 38 Readers,” all about wine tasting in the gorgeous Napa Valley. With the Wine Country Explorer Pass, you can put these tips to use with an all-access pass to Napa’s best offerings.
Napa is a world-famous wine producing region, ranking among Italy and France for their amazing wines. There are more than two hundred wineries currently in the region, making it a very popular vacation destination in California, second only to Disneyland.
Here’s a toast to you, winos, and have fun in Napa Valley!
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January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
Whale Watching in Monterey Bay, San Francisco
Photo uploaded by erikogan
If you’re looking for a memorable experience for you and your family on your next visit to San Francisco, there’s nothing better than a whale watch. Right now is prime whale watching season, as they are migrating through the area to and from Alaska. I haven’t been whale watching in San Francisco, but I have been on a tour from Cape Cod, and I can definitely say that it was one of the best vacation experiences I ever had, full of excitement and wonder.
Included with the , is full service and family-friendly, touring the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. With experienced skippers and a great fleet of boats, they pride themselves on knowing the seas like no one else in the area. Here’s their page of FAQ’s to answer any questions you may have about length of tour, what to wear, or weather conditions.
Before you head out for your adventure on the high seas, Chris has also put together a facts page about the whales that can be seen on the tours and the differences between all the species. Be sure to read up and get to know these amazing creatures.
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January 11th, 2008 by jamie a
Dragon at the Chinese New Year’s Parade in San Francisco
Photo uploaded by Dawn Endico
If you’re in San Francisco this January or February, you should certainly head over to the oldest Chinatown in the United States to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Along with dazzling arrays of food and fun, a parade will be held on February 23rd (5:30 - 8 pm) as the crowning event of the celebration.
The parade is the largest of its kind outside of Asia, complete with a 201 foot-long Golden Dragon, carried by a team of over 100 men and women. The dragon is crafted out of rattan, bamboo, colored lights, silver rivets, and white rabbit fur. There will also be fireworks, acrobatics, the newly crowned Miss Chinatown, high school bands, and many elaborate floats.
If you love flowers and other exotic plant life, there’s also the Chinese New Year Flower Fair, held on February 2 & 3. There will be gorgeous peach blossoms, orchids, narcissus, tangerines, chrysanthemums, and snap dragons for sale, along with a Children’s Fair.
From January 23- 26th, you can also catch the Chinese New Year Spectacular, who “…bring (their) audience the essence, the true spirit of the Chinese culture expressed in the forms of classical performing arts, giving people a deeper understanding and connection to the Chinese culture.”
To learn even more about Chinatown and the Asian cultures of San Francisco, check out our blog post entitled
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December 18th, 2007 by jamie a
Union Square, San Francisco
Photo uploaded by Faye Yu
For couples on vacation together, these restaurants in San Francisco are perfect for some romance. Treat yourselves and indulge in that fact that you’re together in a new and exciting city!
At Cafe Jacqueline, a traditional little French spot, enjoy a souffle prepared by Jacqueline herself! The wine list is full of treats you probably don’t have at home, so be adventurous and order something you’ve never tried. It’s also a great spot for sweets, with an extensive list of dessert souffles like strawberry and chocolate.
For some Italian fare, take a stroll over to Acquerello, known for their lighter takes on traditional Italian food. The decor is dramatic, yet warming, and the seafood is a favorite of the locals. A great spot for special occasions, treat yourselves to dinner here during your visit.
If you’re in the mood for some modern American delights, Firefly is a wonderful choice. Located in a two-story house-esque building, it’s relaxed and welcoming. With innovative takes on fried chicken, grits, corn on the cob, and meatballs, you’ll feel right at home here. No pretentious attitudes here, the chefs at Firefly just use their culinary genius to make you (and your date) happy!
If you’ve already had dinner, but you’d like some drinks, check out The Hidden Vine Wine Bar. Nibble on some goodies from the cheese tray while the waitstaff helps you pick out the perfect drink for the evening. Cozy, charming, and laid-back, this is a great spot to wrap up a lovely evening.
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December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in San Francisco for the holidays, here’s a list of activities that will be open on both Christmas and New Year’s Day to keep you busy.
Take advantage of the great weather and rent yourself a bike from . Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and then take the ferry back for an exciting day.
Experience one of the world’s great collections of wax figures at the . From the Chamber of Horrors to the Chamber of Religions, you’re sure to find many of your favorite icons.
From penguins to coral reefs, there’s tons of natural wonders to explore at the . Get some hands-on experience with anemones and hermit crabs at the tide pools and be sure to check out the daily penguin feedings!
Located in the stunningly beautiful Golden Gate Park, the is a must see for any horticultural nut.
For even more wonders of nature, the immerses you in 7,500 plant varieties from all over the world.
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November 27th, 2007 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by tukaintheusa
Attention chocoholics! From old-fashioned Ghirardelli to the modern Scharffen Berger, San Francisco can fulfill your wildest chocolate dreams.
Founded in 1852 by Italian immigrant Domingo Ghirardelli, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company went on to become America’s longest continually operating chocolate manufacturer. Starting with the finest in carefully selected cocoa beans, they roast the beans in-house in order to ensure their signature flavor. To savor their luxurious intense dark chocolate or their smooth and creamy hot chocolate blends, visit their main location in Ghirardelli Square, which was declared a San Francisco landmark in 1965.
For the more modern palate, Scharffen Berger, another great chocolate establishment, was founded in 1996. Using only a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, an electric mixer, and a hair dryer, John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg made their first batch of chocolate. Specializing in the finest blends of dark chocolate, Scharffen Berger even offers free public tours of their amazing factory!
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November 26th, 2007 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by gwdexter
Start your holiday season off with a bang by enjoying the Embarcadero Center ice rink, which is now open for the season. From November 7 through January 15, you can don your skates and round the rink to your heart’s content.
While you’re at the Embarcadero Center, you can also visit over 100 shops and restaurants as well as the five-screen cinema, which shows the best in independent and foreign language films.
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November 9th, 2007 by jamie a
See Jyet Kauswer with Pork at Burma SuperStar
photo uploaded by Rick Audet
No matter what cuisine strikes your fancy, this guide to restaurants in San Francisco will keep both your stomach and wallet happy!
For a traditional American brunch, check out Delancey Street Restaurant. Dine on delicious Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict, with most breakfast prices ranging from $7-10. The portions are known for being generous, so come hungry!
At Marina Subs, the subs are so big you can even split one with a friend! Known for heaps of fresh avocado and “special sauce,” you can get your order to go and enjoy it near the water.
In the mood for a unique hot dog? From duck to wild boar sausage, Rosamunde Sausage Grill is the place to try a dog like you’ve never had before. With toppings like sauerkraut, wasabi mustard, and curry ketchup, make yours a one-of-a-kind treat.
Enjoy a tea leaf salad, fiery chicken with tofu, and cardamom cinnamon rice all at Burma SuperStar. Call ahead to reserve a table at this happenin’ place and bring along a group so you can all order different dishes and share! Be sure and top off your dinner with some lychee sangria or ginger lemonade.
If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, Axum Cafe is a perfect introduction. Try out the Vegetarian Platter to share and get a little taste of everything, then pair it with some of their delightful on-tap beers or Tej honey wine.
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