Warning: a trip to the Lost Coast may result in the searching of real estate listings and local job sites. But unless you know your way around the teat end of a goat, how to efficiently and safely operate a chainsaw/backhoe/tractor, and are fine with five restaurants and three bars within a 40-mile radius of your home, then please think twice about pulling up stakes and moving five-plus hours from the city. Continue reading Journey to the Lost Coast
Labor Day weekend is usually a popular time for Bay Area denizens to gas up the car and head out to Yosemite National Park to camp, climb, hike or gawk at big trees. But with the Rim Fire raging on the park’s western edge, campers are no doubt thinking twice about making the trip, or researching campsites a safe distance away. Continue reading Everything you need to know about the Yosemite Rim Fire and more
I was going to suggest driving up to Lick Observatory to watch the Perseids meteor shower, but I saw they’re not doing anything special for the event, and then realized it’s best to just go to your nearest unclouded mountain for a good view. But this brought up the subject of a post I’ve wanted to do for a while: The Lick Observatory. If you don’t know, Lick Observatory is pretty significant in the world of astronomy, starting with this fact: world’s first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory. Continue reading Lick Observatory and the best show in the Bay Area
There’s no denying the curb appeal of San Francisco and the Bay Area. Check any “most beautiful cities” list like this one from Forbes, and you’re bound to find San Francisco prominently featured. But venture beyond the stunning cityscapes and you’ll find a wealth of picturesque open spaces and sprawling parklands that can make for a leisurely and memorable excursion. Here’s a list of some of the Bay Area’s most scenic drives: Continue reading The Bay Area’s most scenic drives
Tomorrow is the first Wednesday of the month, so you know what means: free entrance at the San Francisco Zoo! Yeah, that’s right. When was the last time you thought about the zoo, or made a visit, if ever? You wouldn’t be alone. There’s not many cultural t0-do lists of San Francisco that include the zoo. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. I mean, how often do you get to see a gorilla up close and personal? If you do go, I recommend taking a small child to enhance the experience, like I did on a recent visit. Continue reading A day at the easily overlooked San Francisco Zoo (and why you shouldn’t completley write it off)
Sandcastles 101
Once upon a time, I helped organize this very same AIA (American Institute of Architects) event, though in Miami. And if the event here is half as cool as what we had there, then Ocean Beach is the place to be this Saturday, especially on what promises to be a Miami-esque weekend. Be sure to check out other Architecture and the City events going on the rest of the month, such as the Angel Island Immigration Station Tour and the Sightglass Coffee Tasting + Tour. Continue reading 5 Things to do in the Bay Area this weekend (Sept 22-23)
Human Be-In 2012
I wasn’t around for the first Be-In in 1967, prior to the Summer of Love, so I wouldn’t mind checking out this one. Of course, times have changed a smidge, so this event will be smaller and absent any zeitgeist, and maybe a few other things, like the buckets of LSD poured on the proceedings. I like the fact that it’s not official (i.e., no permit), in the spirit of the original, while organizers are inviting all comers to “teach a workshop, facilitate a discussion, share a skill, play music, make art, cook a meal, or simply be.” Sat and Sun, 12-9pm, Frederick at Golden Gate Park. Continue reading 5 Things to do in the Bay Area this weekend (Sept. 15-16)
Sumo Wrestling Festival and Expo
This is such a unique sport, 400 lb. (give or take a few biscuits) men in loin clothes colliding like Mack trucks in the middle of a wrestling mat. The fact it’s huge in Japan only adds to the intrigue. Oh, and part of their weight gain regimen? Beer, lots of it. Sat 12-4pm Continue reading 5 Bay Area things to do this weekend (Sept. 8-9)
Labor day is a bittersweet holiday. Yes, it’s a three-day weekend, and who doesn’t love that. And yes, the weather is usually nice this time of year. But it also signals the end of summer and… what? another summer come and gone?.. with days getting shorter and cooler and the rains of winter around the corner. So I’m usually inspired to get out of town on this weekend and do something beyond the typical street fair, enjoy the last of summer with a bit of nature involved. Continue reading Things to do this Labor Day weekend
I’ve always enjoyed the rustic charm and woodsy setting of Carmel. With its country inns, seaside bungalows, Tudor style buildings and ye olde shoppes, it’s like stepping into a Harry Potter story (there’s a wand shop around here somewhere). And at two hours from San Francisco, give or take, it makes for an ideal weekend getaway destination. Continue reading Carmel is for the dogs… and the wine lovers
SFbaytripper 