Archive for 2008
February 13th, 2008 by amy c
Haight-Ashbury photo uploaded by wili_hybrid
In the mid-1960’s, the corner of Haight and Ashbury was one of the most famous intersections in perhaps the world, as young people flocked to the area in a search love and peace. The Summer of Love is still swinging in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, also known as the “global village.”
Only now, brightly colored Victorians, funky t-shirt shops, hookah bars, and psychedelic music and art meet hip-hop trends and the height of modern fashions. Trendy hipsters, accessorized urbanites, young professionals, and even those still living in the long-gone flower power era stroll down these few blocks of liberal quirkiness.
Whether you are looking for hot pink fishnets, a pair of fresh kicks, or a t-shirt souvenir of a neighborhood overwhelmingly “Californian,” Haight-Ashbury offers both a look into San Francisco’s hippie and Beat generation past as well as its trendy present. Located on the edge of Golden Gate Park, the Haight is the perfect place to glimpse San Francisco from a local perspective as San Franciscans from all backgrounds flock to these streets for a dose of urban diversity. (more…)
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February 11th, 2008 by amy c
Two worlds collide in the neighborhood of North Beach, depending on what side of the street you walk on, depicting San Francisco’s unique ability to combine the old with the new and quiet tradition with booming cabaret-style nightlife. Charming Italian restaurants complete with checkered tablecloths and a warm atmosphere that only first-generation Italian grandmothers can create meets blinking lights of dance clubs, live music in funky dives, and even strip joints on the corner of Columbus and Broadway.Whether you are looking for the perfect place for a romantic date, girl’s night out, or would like to discover the home of the Beatnik Generation and diverse cultures that make up the area, North Beach is a must-see neighborhood in San Francisco.
The streets alone in this neighborhood have a rich history. Grant Avenue, for instance, is the oldest road in San Francisco, which is also home to Chinatown. Italian and Chinese cultures combine in this neighborhood, but North Beach is mostly known as one of the best places to discover Italy and San Francisco’s literary history.
For book worms, or anyone looking to understand the allure of San Francisco to literary greats, such as Jack Kerouac or Allen Ginsberg, should check out The Beat Museum. The museum blends the history, literature, and Beatnik perspectives that ultimately changed America and the world—a perfect stop for history buffs and literary wizards alike. (more…)
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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.
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February 7th, 2008 by amy c
Chinatown photo uploaded by legge e mare
In honor of the Chinese New Year, we’re kicking off our series highlighting San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods with a look at its world-famous Chinatown…
San Francisco’s Chinatown has come to be known as “a city within a city” for its ability to transport you to another world. Not only is it the oldest Chinatown in America, but it is still one of the largest and most culturally authentic in North America. The best way to enjoy Chinatown is to just walk. By wandering aimlessly, you’ll be sure to pick up on the aspects of Chinatown that are uniquely San Francisco and those that attract billions of tourists each year.
The best time to explore Chinatown is Saturday afternoons when the live markets take over Stockton Street. Fresh produce, Chinese delicacies, and live animals turn this San Francisco Street into an Asian Mecca. Tourists should definitely stroll Grant Avenue if looking for souvenirs and the classic Chinatown experience.
However, a look into Chinese heritage is best found off the main drag, where you can try the best Dim Sum outside of Asia, learn how they make fortune cookies, and glimpse the inner workings of this amazing community.
For those of you looking for more advice than “walking aimlessly,” here are a few tips and must-see spots to experience both the classic and off-the-beaten-path Chinatown. (more…)
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February 5th, 2008 by jamie a
City Lights Books Photo uploaded by voxtheory
Cnn.com recently published a list of “Nine Bookstores Worth a Tourist Stop,” which includes the famed City Lights Books in San Francisco.
Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, it’s known as the center of the counterculture literary movement. City Lights Publishers were the first to publish Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl,” which landed Ferlinghetti in jail.
A hangout for beat poets and tourists alike, it’s a must-see for any bibliophile visiting San Francisco.
If you’d like to read more about the Beatnik influence on San Francisco, be sure and check out our “Beatnik’s Guide to North Beach” for even more places to visit.
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January 31st, 2008 by jamie a
Lemon Cream Tart at Tartine Photo uploaded by lil’bear
During your travels in San Francisco, you’re bound to need a little mid-day pick me up. For the best in gourmet bakeries, check out Tartine on 18th Street in the Mission District neighborhood.
Grab a delightful breakfast pastry, a hot pressed-sandwich, or a slice of pie, cake, or a delectable tart from their menu. Rita over at the Daily Dose Domino Magazine blog loved it, and we hope you do too!
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January 29th, 2008 by jamie a
Mustard in Bloom Photo uploaded by northbaywanderer
Mustard season in the Napa Valley brings an abundance of wine, food, and art from January through the month of March with the Mustard Festival. It celebrates the gorgeous yellow blossoms of the mustard plant, while supporting local farmers and wineries during the off-season.
Check out the full calendar of events for art shows, photography contests, seven-course gourmet dinners, and competitions galore. If you’re looking to stay in the area and enjoy this beautiful time of year, here’s a complete listing of special offers and discounts in conjunction with the festival.
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January 28th, 2008 by jamie a
Jazz Club in San Francisco Photo uploaded by Joe and Sarah
During your visit to San Francisco, why not enjoy a candlelit evening at one of the city’s famed jazz clubs? If you’re a fan of sipping drinks while listening to the smooth sounds of the saxophone, these clubs will be perfect for your night out on the town.
Start with Pearl’s, named “San Francisco’s Best Jazz Club” by the New York Times. With 14 shows a week, it’s a great place to catch the best in jazz. Advanced tickets are recommended, so just make sure to book ahead to secure one of their 25 beautiful tables. Enjoy their candlelit atmosphere while your cocktails are delivered right to your table.
There’s also Les Joulins Jazz Bistro, featured in the photo above, which resides in Union Square. In a bistro-style setting, this place is perfect for a cozy night full of French and Mediterranean cuisine, great music, and delicious drinks, making this a favorite spot in the city for 23 years.
Finally, there’s Yoshi’s Jazz Club, featuring two shows a night and amazing Japanese sushi. According to Fortune magazine, “Yoshi’s has the best talent, the best acoustics, the best atmosphere in the Bay Area.” Yoshi’s welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy great music in their 320 seat capacity jazz venue, which makes it a great stop on your trip.
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January 25th, 2008 by jamie a
Comparing Digital Cameras Photo Uploaded by Hamed Saber
If you love taking photos on your vacation and then showing them off to your friends and family, you should read a quick guide for making the most out of your photography efforts recently posted by GoGirlfriend.
Since I’m taking a photography class right now, this article is a great read. It’s also easy to understand, pinpointing ways that everyone can make their vacation photos more interesting, not just photographers who know all that camera lingo.
My favorite tips from the article are “Get Clicking,” because, like everything else, practice makes perfect! When you own a digital camera, there’s no reason to edit until you get home and look at them on the big screen.I’m sure that out of every 20 photos lies a truly wonderful one and you won’t know unless you keep your finger clicking.
I also enjoy “Get Funky,” which encourages all of us to be unique. Everyone’s got pictures of the beach, but how can you make yours special? Use light, crazy angles, and focus to make it your very own creation.
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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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