About Susan J
Susan J., budget traveler extraordinaire, inherited her Yankee frugality from her mother and it has served her well on trips across the US and the UK. Whether scoping out the nightlife scene or searching for that perfect pair of shoes, Susan loves writing and travel. She has lived outside of Seattle, Washington, and in Boston, Massachusetts and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, where she made full use of her Go Oahu Card!
Blog posts written by Susan J
April 29th, 2008 by susan j
Castro Theatre interior photo uploaded by set3ve
Looking for something to fun to do in San Francisco? The San Francisco International Film Festival runs now through May 8 and features close to 200 films and live events with more than 100 filmmakers in attendance. The longest-running film festival in the Americas, the San Francisco International Film Festival attracts more than 80,000 film patrons annually.
This year’s lineup of films include works by Japanese director Hitoshi Matsumoto, Norwegian director Bård Breien, Spanish director Ventura Pons, and dozens of other film luminaries from around the globe. Screenings are at the Sundance Cinemas Kabuki, Castro Theatre (pictured above), the Pacific Film Archive Theater, and Landmark’s Clay Theatre. In addition, satellite venues are set up at the California Culinary Academy, Mezzanine, and Kanbar Hall.
For more information, check out the San Francisco International Film Festival’s official website.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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April 16th, 2008 by susan j
USS Hornet photo uploaded by Kevin
Coming up on Saturday, May 17, the USS Hornet will welcome Troopfest 2008 to its decks. Proceeds from the event will go towards packages to support United States troops overseas. Highlights of the event include a give hour classic rock concert played on the hangar deck. The concert will feature Greg Kihn Band, Midlife Vices, Cocktail Monkeys, Evolution: A tribute to Journey, Chris Jackson of 98.5 KFOX, and Grammy-winning musician Tony Lindsay.
In addition to musical performances, the event also includes tours of the USS Hornet (which is permanently moored at Pier 3), exhibit and sponsorship tables, and a raffle. Grand prize in the raffle is a 12-day cruise for two from Holland America Line.
Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth (5-17). A special military ticket is available for $15 with valid military I.D. Tickets are $5 more if purchased at the door. The adult ticket also includes a raffle ticket, and additional raffle tickets may be purchased for $15 each, or eight for $100. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 510-521-8448 x282. Free parking is available.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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April 14th, 2008 by susan j
Wine tasting photo uploaded by paulaloe
No visit to Northern California would be complete without tasting wine from a local vineyard. Napa and Sonoma Valleys produce some of the country’s best wine. Here, just north of San Francisco, you can tour a vineyard, taste some local wines, and relax at one of several spas.
If you’re in Napa Valley on a Saturday morning, then you’re in luck. Starting in June and running through October, Goosecross Cellars is offered a one hour Wine Basics Class from 10:30-11:30 am. Set against a gorgeous rose garden surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, the class teaches the basics of wine tasting in a welcoming and fun environment. You’ll learn about wine storage, proper tasting techniques, and other facets of wine. Please call 800-276-9210 or make a reservation online, as classes fill up quickly!
Of course, with a Go San Francisco Card you can also experience one of Goosecross Cellars’ “classic wine tastings and get 10% off wine purchases. The card includes tastings at several other local vineyards, including Franciscan, Simi Winery, and Taste Downtown Napa. Bottoms up!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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April 10th, 2008 by susan j
Golden Gate Bridge photo uploaded by TimAre
Last week, we wrapped up our series highlighting different neighborhoods around San Francisco. Here’s a recap in case you missed any of these article:
Mission District
Union Square
Castro
The Marina
Embarcadero
Pacific Heights
South of Market (SoMa)
Haight-Ashbury
North Beach
Chinatown
Is there a neighborhood we’ve missed? Leave a comment and tell us which one is your favorite!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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April 8th, 2008 by susan j
Olympic Torch relay in London, England Photo uploaded by unusualimage
This morning around 4 am, the Olympic Torch reached San Francisco. Earlier protests in Paris and London have prompted San Francisco officials to ramp up security at San Francisco International Airport and around the city. The relay is planned for an undisclosed route near Fisherman Wharf and San Francisco’s waterfront. Since San Francisco is the only torch top in North America, protesters from around the country are expected to turn out for the event.
If you are planning to visit San Francisco attractions in the Fisherman’s Wharf or Embarcadero areas today or tomorrow, please allow extra travel time due to the Olympic Torch relay. There will be street closures and delays to service on public transportation during the time of the relay so make plans accordingly. If you’re a Go San Francisco cardholder, and you’ve made a reservation for Alcatraz Cruises, please arrive at Pier 33 at the Embarcadero one hour before scheduled departure time.
If you’re attending the Olympic Torch relay as a spectator (or even a protester), then leave a comment and tell us about your experiences!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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April 3rd, 2008 by susan j
Chocolate photo uploaded by akaporn
If you dream of rich chocolate souffles and dark chocolate tortes, then mark Sunday, April 13 on your calendar for the second annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon. Highlights of the salon include chocolate tastings, demonstrations, chef and author talks, wine pairings, and more.
Participants include premiere chocolatiers like Cosmic Chocolate, Poco Dolce, Vermeer Dutch Chocolates, and, of course, San Francisco favorite Ghirardelli Chocolate. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children, and children under 6 are free.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then check out these other posts on dining in San Francisco:
Best Desserts in San Francisco
Sites We Like: tablehopper
Tartine Bakery
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 27th, 2008 by susan j
Sunset Cruise in San Francisco Bay Photo uploaded by Go Card USA
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without time to admire views of San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. To help visitors and locals appreciate the beauty of the Bay Area, San Francisco’s Red and White Fleet have offered cruises along the Bay since 1892.
This year the Red and White Fleet’s California Sunset Cruise celebrates 5 years of service. This relaxed, family-friendly cruise is one of Red and White Fleet’s most popular cruises. Don’t forget your camera, because you’ll want to capture the stunning views of San Francisco Bay at twilight. Other highlights include views of Alcatraz and a delicious buffet created by the renowned sourdough bakery, Boudin.
Red and White Fleet also offers a Golden Gate Bay Cruise and a San Francisco Explorer Cruise.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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February 15th, 2008 by susan j
Travel toiletries Photo uploaded by dlisbona
Since I’m eagerly anticipating a vacation later this week, this article over at Less than a Shoestring caught my eye. In it, a veteran traveler and blogger discusses ways to get around the TSA’s limit on liquids by using bar soap, solid shampoos, and other goodies in place of liquids. It sounds like a good idea, but I’m a little skeptical of washing my hair with something that’s shaped like a bar of soap. Anyone tried it? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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February 8th, 2008 by susan j
San Francisco Bay Photo courtesy of Red and White Fleet (used with permission)
What better way to see San Francisco than aboard a cruise ship in San Francisco Bay? Founded in 1892, the historic Red and White Fleet continues serving the Bay Area with cruises that offer picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Marin County, and more. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise departs daily from Fisherman’s Wharf, and there are special holiday cruises throughout the year, too.
Here are some of Red and White Fleet’s February cruises:
Wednesday, February 14, 5 pm
Sweet Valentine’s Cruise
Saturday, February 23, 2 pm
Chinese New Year Cruise
About.com’s Ingrid Taylor has also blogged about the Red and White Fleet here.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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January 17th, 2008 by susan j
Friday, January 18 (5 pm-10 pm)
The de Young Museum presents Friday Nights the de Young featuring live music, poetry, films, dance, tours, lectures, plus hands-on art activities for children and adults.
Friday, January 18-Sunday, January 20 (various times)
Lamplighter Music Theater presents a musical adaptation of the classic children’s story, The Secret Garden.
Saturday, January 19 (8 pm-10 pm)
The 24Hour Art Show is an annual gathering of Bay Area artists. The venue is announced on Friday, so text the phrase “24hour” to the number “41411″ to get the inside scoop.
Through Sunday, January 27 (various times)
The 7th annual San Francisco Sketchfest brings 17 days of comedy to San Francisco.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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