San Francisco, CA: Alcatraz Island

Touring the island prison of Alcatraz, you will of it's rich history as well as it's prime nesting habitat.

Civil War fortress, infamous federal prison, bird sanctuary, first lighthouse on the West Coast, and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement are a few of the stories of the Rock. In the early 1970's the National Park Service, Historic Preservation Division of the Denver Service Center, commissioned historian Erwin N. Thompson to write a Historic Resource Study of Alcatraz Island shortly after the island was transferred to Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

On January 4, 1895, the San Francisco Call published a story under the headline "A Batch of Apaches." The article stated, "Nineteen murderous-looking Apache Indians were landed at Alcatraz island yesterday morning." The article misidentified the 19 Hopi men who had been arrested at Orayvi the previous November. The article is filled with racial stereotypes of murderous and "crafty redskins" who refused to live according to the "civilized ways of the white men."

Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco’s (and California’s) most famous landmarks. Rich in history, Alcatraz is home to the famous prison that once housed the likes of Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Alcatraz also features a lighthouse and a historic U.S. military fort, plus one of the best views in the Bay Area--if it's not foggy. Catch a ride on Alcatraz Cruises and learn all about the Rock’s famous residents. You'll also find rotating exhibits, including information on historic events such as the American Indian occupation of Alcatraz in the 1970s, fascinating military history, and stories about the island's challenging living conditions. Audio tours are excellent.

The island is also an incredible spot to view nesting seabirds, allowing visitors a chance to see these beautiful birds much closer than normal. Be sure to bring your binoculars and peer at cormorants, pigeon guillemots, snowy egrets, gulls, and black-crowned night herons.

National Park Alcatraz Island
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 556-0560

Read More

Sausalito, CA: December Open Art Studios

On Saturday and Sunday, Dec 7 & 8, is the annual December Open Art Studio in Sausalito. There will be 80 studios open from 11am to 6pm for the public to view the work of local artists over the weekend.

"This year has been very productive and I will have more paintings available
than ever before," said Sue Averell, owner of Sausalito Artists @ Work located on the 2nd floor in Studio 235. Studio 235 is only one of the many studios open for the weekend.

The ICB Art Studios are home to almost 100 artists and offer visitors the opportunity to see inside the working studios of some of the Bay Area's most talented artists. Nestled close to the San Francisco Bay, toward the North end of Sausalito, is this landmark historic building, steeped in the area's ship building roots, and rekindled by the creative juices of a vibrant community of artists.

"I'm so pleased to be showing a large selection of Urban Landscape and Botanicals, two Seascapes, two pieces from my NEW Underwater Series and two from my NEW Inside Out Series," said Sue.

ICB Art Studios are located on the corner of Harbor Drive and Gate Five Road. There is plenty of free parking anywhere in the lot.

ICB Art Studios
480 Gate Five Road
Studio 235
Sausalito, CA
www.sueaverell.com
(415) 706 5051


View Larger Map

Read More

Pacific Coast Fog Fest: Pacifica, CA

Now in its 28th year, The Pacific Coast Fog Fest was created to promote the City of Pacifica and to celebrate its marvelous coastal climate and community. This 2-day event brings in over 150 arts and crafts booths, a parade, a Fog Jog, a photo contest, a family fun fest, a marching band competition, 3 stages of live music and plenty of food and drink to satisfy any taste. Fog Fest is always held the last weekend of September, along 8 blocks of Palmetto Ave, one block away from the ocean where the sun, sand and surf await. This year it will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days.

There will be five celebrity grand marshals for the Saturday morning parade,“Surf’s Up!” The parade will feature surf professionals of the magnificent waves of Mavericks and the movie “Chasing Mavericks.” Floats, marching bands, Nestle’s Nesquik Bunny are just a few things to also expect. This year Macy’s is our proud sponsor of the parade. Who better to have but the parade experts themselves?


Other highlights will include, a sand castle contest where spectators can watch as the sculptures come alive and even vote on their favorite; live painting of surfboards at our new Artist Café which will be raffled off; and don’t forget to try the signature drink, the Fog Cutter, always a crowd pleaser.

The Fog Fest is proud to give back to the community organizations that participate and also to the, "Gift to Pacifica Fund." Fog Fest strives to lessen its environmental footprint by moving toward zero waste. In addition, free secured bicycle parking is available. Locals are encouraged to ride a bike in with family and friends and, the staff will take care of the rest! What's not to like? Visit their website or follow the Fog Fest on Facebook for details.

View Larger Map

The Pacific Coast Fog Fest
September 28 - 29, 2013
City of Pacifica, Along Palmetto Ave.
Between Shell Street and Montecito Street

Read More

Sausalito, CA: Sausalito Artists at Work

Labor Day Weekend meet more than 20 artists as they work in their San Francisco bay side studios at the free Sausalito Artists @ Work event. While many artists around the country open their doors to the public, this event is different, as you will have the opportunity to see art being made. Observing art as it happens builds a connection between the viewer, the artist, and art object; offering the viewer insight into the motivations for the work.

Explore inside the ICB Art Studios August 31st, September 1st and 2nd from 11am to 6pm for this yearly event. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe each artist's unique approach to the creative process. Visitors will discover artists working in a variety of media including; painting, sculpture, stained glass and digital arts.

"A growing number of my collectors purchase pieces they have observed in process. I think many
people like to meet the artist in person before making their purchase", says Sausalito Artist @ Work, Sue Averell. Most of the Sausalito Artists welcome visitors throughout the year by appointment. If your Labor Day Weekend plans are full, contact the studios to schedule a studio visit with your favorite artists.

For the 6th year in a row Sausalito Artists @ Work open their studios Labor Day Weekend. The ICB Art Studios are a 10 minute walk from the Sausalito Art Festival and a 15 minute drive from San Francisco. Stroll the halls of the ICB Art Studios and discover artists creating new and fascinating works of art.

The ICB Art Studios are home to almost 100 artists and offer visitors the opportunity to see inside the working studios of some of the Bay Area's most talented artists. Nestled close to the San Francisco Bay, toward the North end of Sausalito, is this landmark historic building, steeped in the area's ship building roots, and rekindled by the creative juices of a vibrant community of artists.


View Larger Map

Sausalito Artists @ Work
Labor Day Weekend 2013
The ICB Art Studios
480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito
Saturday, Sunday & Monday
August 31, September 1, 2
11am to 6pm

Read More

San Francisco, CA: Pier 23 Cafe

Pier 23 Cafe is a unique waterfront restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, live music and beautiful views of San Francisco bay. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Pier 23 Cafe captures the heart and soul of a city obsessed with food. The large bay side patio allows patrons to soak up the California sun while enjoying creative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients and the entertainment of live bands. Night time outdoor dining in the heated tent is complimented by maritime activity and amazing views of Treasure Island and the Berkeley Hills.

Pier 23 Café has always been known as a unique waterfront restaurant in the San Francisco Bay area, and prides itself on offering new creative dishes for patrons while they enjoy a gorgeous view. For a cool, healthy treat, the new Butter Lettuce Salad is a great choice. Thin slices of cucumbers, mangoes and shards of watermelon radish, are tossed with red onion all served over butter lettuce and dressed with a coriander vinaigrette. For a spicier option, the new Seared Beef & Papaya Salad is not for the faint of heart. The chile crusted sliced beef is bursting with heat, but is relieved by the flavorful green papaya. Topped with pickled onion, toasted peanuts, and garlic chips that add nice crunch and layers of flavor that reveal themselves more with each bite.

Pier 23 Café encourages their friends to come down, enjoy delicious dishes and a live show, right on the waterfront. During the week, customers can enjoy some great jazz from artists like Marty Eggers or the Dick Conte Duo.

For a full list of events and details, visit http://www.pier23cafe.com/events.

 
View Larger Map

Read More

Pescadero, CA: Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel

Fifty miles south of San Francisco, you can relax in a hot tub with panoramic views of the Pacific, then fall asleep gazing up at one of the tallest lighthouses in America.

Perched on a cliff on the central California coast, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1872. This hostel offers comfortable, affordable lodgings in four houses set just beside the lighthouse. Guests enjoy cozy indoor lounges, fully equipped kitchens, cove beaches, tidepools, and an oceanfront boardwalk. Amenities include satellite Internet, free WiFi, and free parking, and they're proud to be a certified green business.

On weekends, free history walks guided by State Parks docents are available on the hostel grounds. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel is also a popular spot for whale watching, and a convenient base for exploring nearby coastside communities as well as the ancient redwood forests at Butano State Park, the bird sanctuary of Pescadero Marsh, and Año Nuevo State Reserve, breeding site of northern elephant seals.

Reserve your stay at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel today, and experience the nostalgia, romance, and adventure of this unique coastside destination.

For more information visit http://norcalhostels.org/pigeon


View Larger Map

Read More

Pacifica, CA: Pacific Coast Fog Fest

Born in 1986 and now in its 27th year, The Pacific Coast Fog Fest was created to promote the City of Pacifica & to celebrate its marvelous coastal climate & community. This 2-day event brings in over 100 arts; crafts booths, a parade, a Fog Jog, a photo contest, a family fun area, a marching band competition, 3 stages of live music, tons of food and drink to satisfy any taste and has been known to attract up to 40,000 festival goers each day. Fog Fest has free admission and is always held the last weekend of September, along 8 blocks of Palmetto Ave, one block away from the ocean where the sun, sand and surf await.

This year Pacific Coast Fog Fest is proud to announce actor/comedian, Rob Schneider, as Saturday morning parade's Grand Marshall. Also, the Pacifica will be celebrating a historical milestone; 30 years of Family Fun Fest, which promises extra surprises!

The Family Fun Fest was developed 3 years prior to the creation of the Fog Fest. The two merged together, creating a long lasting partnership. The Family Fun Fest has also laid down the foundation for which many festivals and events today have modeled their family fun zones after.

The Fog Fest is proud to give back to its community organizations that participate and also to the, "Gift to Pacifica Fund." Fog Fest also strives to lessen our environmental footprint by moving towards zero waste. This year they will provide bike valet securing. So, locals are encouraged to ride a bike in, with family & friends and, the staff will take care of the rest! What's not to like? Visit their website or follow the Fog Fest on Facebook for details.

View Larger Map

The Pacific Coast Fog Fest
September 29 - 30, 2012
City of Pacifica, Along Palmetto Ave.
Between Shell Street and Montecito Street

Read More

Napa, CA: Napa Winery Inn

The 59-room Napa Winery Inn, Napa Valley’s newest boutique hotel, opened its doors on July 1, 2012. The hotel offers guests an affordable Napa getaway and is centrally located just minutes from Napa’s best restaurants, wineries and attractions.

The Napa Winery Inn is affiliated with Choice Hotels as a Quality Inn. The hotel is centrally located within the heart of Napa Valley, just minutes from Downtown Napa, nearby Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.

The Napa Valley is home to some of the world’s leading cuisine, wine and experiential attractions. The Napa Winery Inn provides comfortable boutique hotel lodging, and a friendly staff provides services to enable guests to enjoy their Napa Valley experience at an affordable price.

“The Napa Winery Inn offers guests the whole Napa wine country experience, as it is close to downtown as well as other popular Napa Valley destinations,” said Rick Swig, the hotel’s principal owner. “The Napa Winery Inn is service-focused to ensure guests a rewarding visit to Napa at affordable room rates.”

The Napa Winery Inn is the convenient location for travelers with business in Napa, while it is the perfect destination for a weekend away, weddings, business meetings for up to 35 persons and other special events. For travelers wanting to experience America’s premier wine, food, arts and wellness capital, the reasonably priced Napa Winery Inn provides a comfortable stay within their budget. Breakfast is included with every overnight stay.

The Napa Winery Inn was acquired on May 1, 2012. Previously, the hotel operated as John Muir Inn. After an investment of nearly $1 million in improvements, the new boutique hotel now features a refreshed interior design with new beds and linens, furnishings, upgraded meeting space, artwork, flat-screen TVs and high-speed wireless technology, plus new landscaping around the swimming pool and the building’s exterior.

To make a reservation for an upcoming stay at the newest boutique hotel in Napa, call 1-800-522-8999 or visit the hotel’s web site at http://www.napawineryinn.com.

View Larger Map

Napa Winery Inn
1998 Trower Ave.
Napa, CA 94558

1-800-522-8999
707-257-7232
[email protected]

Read More

Sausalito, CA: Sausalito Artists at Work

Visit more than thirty artists at work in their beautiful, loft style studios; all under one roof. Purchase art from the local, talented, award winning artists. Why is this particular event different? You will have the opportunity to observe each artists unique approach to the creative process as it happens.

Sausalito Artists is a large group of talented, local artists. All of the studios are located in the historic Industrial Center Building. Nestled close to the San Francisco Bay, toward the North end of Sausalito, The Industrial Center building is steeped in the area’s ship building roots, and rekindled by the creative juices of a vibrant community of artists.

The 60th Annual Sausalito Art Festival is held September 1,2 & 3, 2012 over Labor Day weekend.

Sausalito Artists @ Work
Labor Day Weekend 2012
The ICB Art Studios
480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito
Saturday, Sunday & Monday
September 1, 2 & 3
11am to 6pm

Read More

5 Best Small Cities in California

What kind of imagery comes to people's mind when they think of California? Hollywood with its red carpet and movie stars? Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? These cities are famous for a reason - they're filled with unique things that make California what it is: great weather, beaches, great food, and a diverse community of residents.

Having said that, California is more than just Los Angeles and San Francisco. Don't miss out on these smaller cities that are filled with charm with beautiful sceneries to boot.

Santa Barbara

This coastal town between Los Angeles and San Francisco is worth visiting for its proximity to the ocean and the mountain. It's a renown playground for the rich and famous. Oprah is rumored to own a house in Montecito, a neighborhood of Santa Barbara. Just a short detour away off Highway 1 Santa Barbara makes a perfect stop for those doing a trip along the coast of California.

Cayucos

Also located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cayucos is a small beach resort town of 3000 residents. The name comes from the Chumash Indian's word for "kayak" or "canoe". Cayucos is a perfect base to explore the central coast of California including sights such as Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, as well as other small coastal towns such as Cambria and San Luis Obispo.

Solvang

Want to have a taste of Denmark while in California? Solvang is where you need to be. This town, 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, is filled with Danish characters - there are charming windmills, European style houses, and Danish restaurants. Visit the Solvang Shoe Store to get a pair of your own painted wooden clogs. The town is so small we recommend renting a bike to do your own exploring.

Napa

World known for its collection of wineries surrounding the area, the city of Napa is worth visiting. It makes for a perfect base to visit the natural hot spring in Calistoga. It's also a pleasant town to sit back and enjoy the nature while sipping on a glass of local wine. In order to see the wineries, there are many tours offered by local businesses. You can visit the wineries by jeeps, bicycles, motorcycles, and even limousines.

Mendocino

Mendocino is a city in Mendocino county and is a popular vacation getaway for the residents of Northern California. Known for its resident population of artists, the town has a large concentration of art galleries as well as trendy restaurants and shops. On top of the art scene, visitors can also go whale watching and do other beach related activities. The most scenic way to get to here is by following Highway One all the way from San Francisco.

California offers so much more than their famous big cities. If you have time to spare when visiting the state, venture out to these small coastal towns. You won't regret it. These smaller towns along the coast are worthy of visit for their laid back charms and natural beauty.

A local, a traveller, and a writer - Caro Hill's lives on the coast of California. She loves finding out new things to add to her list of what to do in Santa Barbara.

Read More

Sausalito, CA: 60th Annual Sausalito Art Festival, September 1-3, 2012

Nearly 300 award-winning artists exhibiting and selling more than 25,000 works of art from around the San Francisco Bay, and around the country will flock to the waterfront village of Sausalito, CA, Labor Day weekend, September 1, 2 and 3, for the 60th annual Sausalito Art Festival.

One of the oldest, most prestigious and most looked-forward-to Art Festivals in the country -- for 60 years the Sausalito Art Festival has set the standard for quality, variety, innovation and sheer scope of artists, as well as for a celebrated entertainment line-up, gourmet food and beverages and special exhibitions. The Festival’s ambiance electrifies the village of Sausalito for three days every year, transforming it into a “Camelot” of art and community.

Exhibiting artists have been selected by a rigorous jury process and will show a range of work including painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, glass, fiber and fashion, wood, photography, mixed media and more. The 60th annual Sausalito Art Festival will be held in Marinship Park adjacent to the Ferry landing, Friday and Saturday, September 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, September 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last year, more than 30,000 people attended the Festival, which is considered by artists, art collectors, Festival fans and the media as a must-attend event. Sausalito has long been regarded as one of the world’s great artist’s communities, and the Festival and community have co-evolved for 60 years, bringing world-wide attention, top artists, and international visitors to the area that is also known for its excellent restaurants, shopping and access to breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities.

The Festival is produced by the non-profit Sausalito Art Festival Foundation, and proceeds from the Festival support the local arts community in the form of student scholarships, grants to other non-profit arts organizations and community service programs. All food and beverage concessions at the Festival are operated by local non-profits that benefit from the proceeds of their sales at the Festival. Annual student scholarships are generated by the opening night gala silent auction, which raises more than $15,000 annually for education support.

Opening Night Gala and Benefit Friday, August 31

The 2012 Festival will kick-off with an opening night gala and benefit the night before the Festival opens to the public. Artists and guests will preview the art, enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing. Funds raised from the Gala will support a new pilot program, Artists Teaching Art. Tickets for the gala benefit are priced $250 each. Table sponsorships are also available.

About the Sausalito Art Festival

Over one million visitors from throughout the world have attended the Sausalito Art Festival since its inaugural event in 1952. Sausalito has been the focal point for artists for close to 200 years. Weekend painters first arrived by sailboat from San Francisco in the early 1800's to capture scenes of tall ships and nature against the majestic backdrop of the bay.

Sausalito was a major shipbuilding site during World War II. Workers came by the thousands to build the famed Liberty Ships on Sausalito's northern waterfront. At the end of the war, the idle waterfront became a magnet for poets, writers, artists, and film makers from throughout the world.

The rustic waterfront and growing houseboat colony all helped create a popular haven for a bustling artists' community. The growing camaraderie among nativeborn and newcomer artists created the foundation for the Festival. Sausalito artists staged their first festival on Shell Beach, September 6, 1952, in conjunction with a salmon festival and regatta. Shell Beach is now the site of the world famous Spinnaker Restaurant.

The Sausalito Art Festival is one of the first juried fine art festivals in the nation and in the 1970's, cash awards were instituted.

Its current location at Marinship Park, next to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Bay Model Visitor Center, was built and paid for by the Art Festival, the Rotary Club and several other non-profits and volunteers with donated money and labor in 1988 as a permanent home for the Festival. The new site allowed for direct ferry service,a shuttle system, more artists, entertainers, and higher attendance.

Under the Chamber's stewardship, the Festival has seen its greatest growth, gained national recognition as the #1 Outdoor Fine Art Festival in America, and has earned an international standing for excellence in the arts. It is now considered one of the "best" and "most prestigious" fine art festivals in the United States by both artists and collectors worldwide.

The Festival is a nonprofit fund raising Event that has benefited every civic and nonprofit organization in Sausalito with over 1,000 volunteers and over 270 of the nation's top juried Artists. It is produced by a dedicated group of artists and community volunteers. It The Sausalito continues its long-standing mission of supporting the arts and community nonprofit organizations through grant programs, artist awards, scholarships, and the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce Community Service Programs. Through this support, the Festival makes a significant investment in the future of its community, totaling over $500,000 in recent years.

Getting to the 60th Annual Sausalito Art Festival

There are many transportation options to the Sausalito Art Festival, including the Blue & Gold Fleet, which offers a combined ferry/Festival ticket package (http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com) and transports Festival-goers from Pier 41 in San Francisco directly to the Festival pier. Golden Gate Transit, will add extra ferries for the Festival, and sails to downtown Sausalito. Free shuttle buses will transport ferry passengers to and from the Festival. Golden Gate Transit’s bus service is also available; contact 415.455.2000 or http://www.goldengate.org for ferry and bus information. Additionally, free valet bicycle parking will be provided.For those traveling to the Festival by car, take Highway 101 North or South to the Sausalito/Marin City exit and follow the signs to the Sausalito Art Festival.

Tickets and information

View Larger Map

Tickets to the Sausalito Art Festival are $25 for general admission; $15 for seniors 62+; $5 for children ages 6 - 12; free for children under 6. Tickets are available for purchase beginning in July via www.sausalitoartfestival.org. Please note: Pets are not allowed into the Sausalito Art Festival.

For more information about the Festival, its artists and performers, the Sausalito Art Festival Foundation and much more, visit the Sausalito Art Festival website at: http://www.sausalitoartfestival.org.

To book hotel accommodations, contact: Melissa Land at (877) 294-3918, or [email protected].

Read More

Mountain View, CA: A Sweet Secret Vacation Destination

The quaint and lovely town of Mountain View, nestled in heart of California's Silicon Valley, is an attractive enclave teeming with numerous historical museums, excellent restaurants and unique shops. Mountain View is located 40 miles from San Francisco and only about 15 miles from the beaches of San Jose. The hotels in Mountain View California provide an excellent lodging experience. Many hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of historic downtown Castro Street, which accommodates pedestrian traffic for easy access to the many exceptional cafes, restaurants and eclectic shops.

One of the popular attractions to Mountain View is the Winchester Mystery House. The erection of the mansion began in 1884 by the widow of William Wirt Winchester, inventor of the Winchester rifle. Oddly, the construction the house continued non-stop for the next 38 years. Sarah Winchester believed that the guns her husband had invented were "terrible weapons" and that evil would befall her if she stopped building on the house. The once seven-story manor became four stories after the 1906 earthquake. Daily tours are available through what many believe is a haunted house.

The Children's Discovery Museum located in nearby San Jose is one of the attractions that makes Mountain View a family vacation destination. The museum features Lupe, the remains of a Columbian mammoth discovered in 2005 near San Jose. The museum also has the Art Loft, for interactive visual art creation, the Kid's Garden and many other assorted activities that will be sure to pique the interest of any child.

The Computer History Museum is another interesting attraction that is appropriately located in the Silicon Valley, essentially the birthplace of computer technology. The museum offers a comprehensive history, current day descriptions and exhibits that surround computer technology.

Another riveting and thoroughly interesting activity to enjoy is Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium. This museum contains the second largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the United States. From mummies to artifacts depicting daily Egyptian life, a visit to this exhibition is interesting and memorable.

Roaring Camp Railroads offers train rides from the spectacular Redwood forests to beach routes. The Redwood Forest route, which is driven by a narrow gauge, steam-powered engine, departs from the Santa Cruz mountains, and chugs its way through the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

View Larger Map

Mountain View, CA is the perfect place to book lodging because of its centralized location to all the wonderful activities waiting to be experienced in the area. Silicon Valley is the hub of all that defines the charm and treasures of northern California. The hotels in Mountain View, offer many amenities that serve to enhance a fun filled vacation.

For more information about the great city of Mountain View please visit hotels Mountain View California website. This hotel is operated by Hotel Managers Group a leading hotel management company in California.

Read More

Point Reyes, CA: Northern California's Summer Getaway

The long, lazy days of summer are finally here, and Point Reyes is kicking off a season of outdoor fun and events. Less than an hour from San Francisco, Point Reyes is an ideal destination for nature lovers, families and anyone looking to get out and about this summer.

Summer starts on Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, with the Point Reyes Open Studios semi-annual event. With over 20 artists planning to display and demonstrate their works, art lovers are invited to explore local studios and workshops and meet some of the finest painters, photographers, sculptors and other artists in the area. The free, self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying unique and wonderful art.

Next, on June 4-5, Western Weekend celebrates the ranching roots of West Marin with 4-H exhibits and homecoming queens. Western Weekend is a great way to get to know Point Reyes, highlighting the quirky and eclectic mix of the area. It combines the area’s cowboy history with great local food and artists. Those planning to come for just the day shouldn’t miss the parade at noon on Sunday at Point Reyes Station. It’s real local fun.

Another local summer staple, the Point Reyes Farmers Market, will be out in full force again this year. Beginning on Saturday, June 23rd, the market will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays. This is the only all local, all certified organic produce market in the wider Bay Area and features the best of what the region has to offer. In addition to fresh, delicious local produce, the market also features guest musicians, book signings and cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

View Larger Map

And as always, don’t forget about the wide range of outdoor activities available. 150 miles of trails greet hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike. Head over to the historic lighthouse or participate in one of the Ranger led programs. And with about 80 miles of shoreline, there's no shortage of beaches to explore or coastline to kayak.

For more information on Point Reyes attractions, activities and events, please visit http://pointreyesweekend.com.

Read More

Oakland, CA: Waterfront Hotel

Located on the resurgent Jack London Square, the Waterfront Hotel celebrates the beauty and charm of Oakland, CA, with its marina and San Francisco Bay views. The hotel's re-emergence brings class, fun and a vacation-feel to the Square.

The Waterfront has 145 spacious guestrooms, many with fireplaces and balconies and a Penthouse suite. The rooms also have plasma televisions that double as computer screens, iPod alarm clock docking stations, in-room honor bars and hotel-wide wireless internet. Guests also have access to the fitness center as well as the heated pool, which overlooks the Bay.

For visitors choosing to arrive via boat, the Waterfront Hotel is a few short steps from the Alameda/Oakland ferry. This easily-accessible ferry transports people to and from San Francisco and Angel Island and is convenient for San Franciscans interested in a calming, environmentally-friendly method to cross the bay.

Along with the guestrooms, the hotel has over 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Each meeting space is equipped with in-house advanced audiovisual capabilities, wireless internet and food is provided by the hotel's restaurant, Miss Pearl's Jam House. Not only is the Waterfront a great place for meetings, it is also a beautiful place for weddings. The bride and groom can choose to marry indoors or outside by the pool. For the special day, the hotel will provide brides and grooms excellent service to make wedding days memorable.

Continuing Joie de Vivre's approach in designing hotels, the Waterfront's design and experience is pulled from 2 specific magazines - Island and Fast Company - and five adjectives - soulful, (business) casual, festive, stimulating and adventurous. The Waterfront Hotel's personality gives the idea of a vacation in your own backyard, a persona portrayed through its nautical décor, amenities, services and restaurant. Each JdV hotel embodies the same process, therefore making all of our properties unique in their own way.

Along with the hotel's re-launch, its adjacent restaurant also "re-launches" itself, but in a different way. Miss Pearl's Jam House, once part of the Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco in the late 80's, moved across the bay to become the restaurant of the Waterfront Hotel. Miss Pearl's celebrates New World cuisine and Island sensibility. Celebrity chef, Joey Altman (who was actually the original chef of Miss Pearl's in 1989), returns to his old stomping ground, this time introducing the East Bay to the grown-up version of the once popular San Francisco eatery.

The new Waterfront Hotel is a key milestone in the ongoing renaissance of Jack London Square which is poised to become the East Bay's newest center of gravity for culture, cuisine and commerce. The Square is undergoing a three hundred million dollar redevelopment that includes restaurants, entertainment, new parking facilities, and 100,000 square feet of class A office space. The centerpiece of the project will be the 170,000 square foot Jack London Market, scheduled to open in Spring 2009. Located within steps of the new Waterfront Hotel, the market will be the largest of its kind on the West Coast. It will house over 70 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses and specialty products with an emphasis on local and sustainable practices.

View Larger Map

Waterfront Hotel
10 Washington Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 836-3800

http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/waterfront

Read More

San Francisco, CA: Segway Tours Through Downtown

San Francisco Electric Tour Company is the first company to offer tours of the San Francisco waterfront on the world's first and only self-balancing electric transport mechanism, the Segway.

Combining the unique transport qualities of the Segway with the beauty of San Francisco, these tours provide an entirely new way to experience the city by the bay. San Francisco Electric Tour Company pioneered the tour in San Francisco and was to do so.

"A city as unique as San Francisco demands a one-of-a-kind way to tour it," explained founder Brian Huber. "Segways are an incredibly innovative way to appreciate Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront. They're fun, they're safe, and ideal for families looking for new touring experiences."

First introduced in 2003, the Segway is an electric transport mechanism that is guided by the rider's natural motions for forward and backward maneuvering. It easily navigates most walkable areas, including paved surfaces, dirt roads, grass, and inclines.

"After a 20 to 30 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, riders explore the San Francisco waterfront for a full two and a half hours," Huber said. "The Segway expands the amount of ground a person covers from a few blocks to six to eight miles."

Tours begin at Fisherman's Wharf and cover the Cable Car turnaround, Ghirardelli Square, National Maritime Museum and the historic sailing ships, Fort Mason (former military base, now a historic landmark), Marina Green, Palace of Fine Arts (once the site of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition). Tours include views of Alcatraz, a WWII submarine at Pier 45 and Historic Piers. Refreshment breaks and photo stops are included.

View Larger Map

Guided tours depart daily at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 4:00 pm (4:00 pm departure available April until October only) from Fisherman’s Wharf. Fees are $65.00 per person (includes helmet and training) and reservations are required. Riders must be between 12 and 65 years of age; people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tours are limited to ten riders. Riders must be over 100 pounds and less than 250 pounds. Other custom tours are available for corporate and private groups. For more information, visit http://www.sfelectrictour.com.

San Francisco Wharf Tour Start and Training Location
757 Beach Street - Rear Parking Lot
San Francisco CA 94109-1218
(415) 474-3130
[email protected]

Read More

San Francisco, CA: Hotel Fusion & Infusion Lounge

The Hotel Fusion and Infusion Lounge have teamed up to create a '4D' experience that is unmatched anywhere else in San Francisco. Offering tempting Drinks, fine Dining, high-energy Dancing, and Dreamy accommodations, the stylish boutique hotel and adjacent award-winning restaurant and nightclub provide everything that's needed for a night of romance or revelry, all in one exciting location.

Reflecting the diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim, the Hotel Fusion is a rich blend of contemporary American and traditional Asian influences. The 124 guest rooms and suites each feature a soothing color palette with warm wood accents. Thoughtful in-room amenities include flat screen televisions, snack bar and mini fridges, in-room safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connections. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing personalized service, the Hotel Fusion is a fashionable, convenient, and affordable alternative to much higher priced options in the area.

On the subterranean level of the hotel is Infusion Lounge, the dazzling Asian-inspired ultra lounge and restaurant that Condé Nast Traveler named as one of the World's Hottest New Nightclubs. Exotic signature cocktails and premium sprits are skillfully prepared by expert mixologists, and Executive Chef Evan Turner has earned rave reviews and a distinguished OpenTable Award for his mouth-watering cuisine that blends fresh local ingredients with the flavors and intrigue of Asia and the Americas.

View Larger Map

In the club's North Lounge, glowing glass light towers illuminate an expansive dance floor where world-class DJs keep the party going with an electrifying mix of the latest dance hits. Chic fashionistas and international hipsters circle the block Tuesdays through Saturdays, but guests enjoying the 4D experience receive complimentary cover charge and avoid the wait outside.

Off-season rates at Hotel Fusion start at $129 per night and include special "summer and winter" getaway rates, available only by booking directly with the hotel. Call 415-568-2525 or toll free at 866-753-4244 for preferred rates or visit www.hotelfusion.com.

The Infusion Lounge website includes upcoming entertainment calendars, menus, and dining reservation information: www.sf.infusionlounge.com.

Hotel Fusion & Infusion Lounge
140 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 568-2525

Read More

The Plate Shop, Sausalito, CA, Locally Grown Dining

Focusing on affordable food and using locally grown ingredients, Plate Shop is an organic restaurant in Sausalito that specializes in authentic California cuisine. Having opened their doors last year, Plate Shop features an ever-changing menu based on the freshest ingredients that are available on a given day, unique local wines, a fully-stocked bar and more.

Plate Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and bar service. Each visit is unique, and diners will surely be surprised and delighted every time they visit Plate Shop.

As a testament to its passion for farm-to-table offerings, Plate Shop passed its one-year anniversary this past February. The first anniversary solidified Plate Shop’s status as a top organic restaurant, one which wants to keep people healthy and happy.

“All of our produce is organic, and the meat is from local small farms, grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free,” Kent Liggett of Plate Shop said. “We have a backyard garden that does supplement the kitchen, as well as chickens for eggs.”

As part of a year-long celebration, the organic restaurant will be offering a happy hour on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with $2 off all specialty cocktails available at the bar. Plate Shop offers an amazing selection of red and white wines and different specialty cocktails, including Pacific Rims, Bayside Flings, Shipyard Mules and Cable Cars.

View Larger Map

“This Sausalito organic restaurant has plenty to offer for everyone,” Liggett said. “Enjoy soup, salad, seafood, pork, beef, game and desserts when you visit our restaurant.”

Plate Shop Restaurant
39 Caledonia Street
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 887-9047

Hours:

Tuesday thru Thursday & Sunday: Doors open at 5pm kitchen opens at 5:30pm and closes at 9:00pm. Friday and Saturday doors open at 5pm, kitchen opens at 5:30pm and kitchen closes at 10pm.
Happy hour from 5:30-7pm Sunday through Thursday

Read More

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebration, May 27, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend in San Francisco will coincide with the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge. Under the theme “Bridging Us All,” the weekend long festival harkens back to the spirit of the Golden Gate Fiesta when the Bridge opened on May 27, 1937.

Highlights of the 2012 celebration include an historic watercraft parade, multiple music and dance stages, art installations, history and educational presentations, display of cars from 1937 to the present, and Bridge-related activities on Crissy Field and the Marina Green. These activities will be complemented by Bridge-themed events and performances at waterfront venues including Fort Mason Center, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39, among others.

On Sunday evening, May 27th at approximately 9:30 pm, the weekend celebration will conclude with a spectacular 75th anniversary fireworks display and grand finale.

In addition to The Golden Gate Festival, the year-long 75th anniversary features:

• 75 Tributes to the Bridge, a series of public programs being presented throughout the year by Bay Area museums, cultural centers, universities, arts organizations, children’s groups, and others.
• Construction of a new 3,500-square-foot Bridge Pavilion to serve as a welcome and interpretive center and to provide a museum store featuring a wide range of commemorative and interpretive Bridge merchandise;
• Renovation of the historic Round House into a program staging and visitor education center;
• Upgrades to the Bridge Café, including a new menu with locally sourced and sustainable items;
• A “green screen” photo area where visitors can picture themselves in dramatic and publically inaccessible Bridge locations, such as the top of the tower;
• New personally guided Bridge tours, including the first-ever night tours, utilizing the latest in audio technology; and
• Enhancements to the Bridge Plaza and the adjacent national parklands, trails and overlooks within Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

A full schedule of events can be found at: http://goldengatebridge75.org/celebrate/

Elevation Travel is ready to help you book your stay in San Francisco for this unique event: http://www.goelevationtravel.com/

Elevation Travel
(877) 294-3918
[email protected]

Read More

San Francisco's "Lands End" Unveils New Visitor Center

The National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, today unveiled the Lands End Lookout, the newest visitor center within the Golden Gate National Parks. Located along San Francisco’s rugged Pacific coast, the new 4,150-square-foot “green” visitor center sits directly above the former Sutro Baths at the northwest edge of the City, and features a museum store, café, and educational and interpretive exhibits highlighting the natural landscape and cultural history of this remarkable site.

Open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, the new Lookout presents visitors with stunning 30-mile views of the California coast, and provides the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural history of this beloved park site. The new Lands End visitor experience includes:

Interactive Displays and Panels: Visitors will learn about the coast’s geology, the original inhabitants of Lands End, the Yelamu (Ohlone) tribe, Adolph Sutro’s role in developing this part of the City in the 1880s, and the archeological remnants of an early amusement park. Educational displays also reveal the many animals and plants that call the area home, and why native plants and habitat restoration are key to the endurance of wildlife.

Interpretative Items and the Lookout Café: Visitors can take a peek into the future thanks to a fortune-telling machine from the Musée Mécanique, an old fashioned “arcade” at the nearby Cliff House, and choose from a selection of unique interpretative items for purchase. The new Lookout café features a selection of fresh, locally-sourced grab-and-go fare, including the It’s It, which was originally developed by George Whitney for sale at Playland At the Beach.

Sustainability and Design: Designed with the surrounding natural landscape in mind, architectural components of the new Lookout include reclaimed Redwood siding, natural ventilation and lighting, low-flow fixtures, native-plant landscaping and photovoltaic systems, and windows that showcase the panoramic view of Sutro Baths and the California coastline. The structure also offers storage space for the ongoing volunteer-driven stewardship efforts that will help sustain the maintenance and preservation of Lands End as well as the nearby California Coastal Trail.

Long before Europeans arrived in North America, Lands End was a seasonal home to the Yelamu Ohlone tribe. In the late 1800s, Adolph Sutro, a San Francisco entrepreneur, supported the building of the Cliff House Railroad to bring the general public to his ocean-side amusements—the Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights Gardens. In 1887, at Sutro's urging, Seal Rocks became a designated marine preserve—one of the nation's first. In its many reincarnations, the site has served as the Playland amusement park and a 1960s ice rink, but these early visitor amenities were destroyed by fire in 1966. In the 1980s, the land was purchased by the National Park Service and the recent improvements are the latest in a long line of innovative and sustainable projects made possible through their partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

View Larger Map

Work began on the visitor center in 2011, through a generous lead gift from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, with major support from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, and additional funding from the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund. The Lands End improvement project also received lead support from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund for upgrades to the USS San Francisco Memorial overlook and parking area, a new wheel-chair accessible trailhead and overlook at Merrie Way, renovations and extension of the Coastal Trail, expanded bicycle and vehicle parking, and restoration of coastal views and natural habitat largely driven by Parks Conservancy and NPS volunteers. Additional funding came from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation and the California State Coastal Conservancy.

http://www.parksconservancy.org/park-improvements/current-projects/san-francisco/lands-end-lookout.html

Read More

San Francisco Marriott Union Square Wins "Hotel of the Year" Award

San Francisico Marriott Union Square earlier this month won several awards at Marriott International’s Global Full Service General Managers Conference last month. The hotel was recognized as Hotel of the Year, which honors the best hotel in the Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand across the Americas, and won the inaugural BLT (Breakthrough Leadership Training) Excellence award, recognizing leadership and accountability, as well as financial excellence and operational excellence awards.

FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated, which owns the distinguished hotel located in downtown San Francisco, made the announcement.

“We could not be more pleased with the performance of the hotel since we completed its redevelopment. We are very proud of Oscar Rodriguez, the hotel’s General Manager, and his team, for this tremendous accomplishment. Their tireless efforts have made all the difference at this property”

The San Francisco Marriott Union Square is situated among San Francisco’s vibrant cultural offerings, legendary restaurants and world-class shopping. This distinctive upscale property is located at the corner of Sutter and Powell Streets in downtown San Francisco, within walking distance to the Financial District and Moscone Convention Center and directly on the historic Powell Street Cable Car line. The property opened in 2009 following an extensive redevelopment and rebranding.

View Larger Map

“We could not be more pleased with the performance of the hotel since we completed its redevelopment. We are very proud of Oscar Rodriguez, the hotel’s General Manager, and his team, for this tremendous accomplishment. Their tireless efforts have made all the difference at this property,” said Troy A. Pentecost, FelCor’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

FelCor, a real estate investment trust, owns 76 primarily upper-upscale, full-service hotels that are located in major and resort markets throughout 22 states. FelCor partners with leading hotel companies to operate its diversified portfolio of hotels, which are flagged under globally recognized names such as, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites®, Fairmont®, Hilton®, Marriott®, Renaissance®, Sheraton®, Westin® and Holiday Inn®, and premier independent hotels in New York. Additional information can be found on the Company's Web site at www.felcor.com.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square
480 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-8900

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfous-san-francisco-marriott-union-square/

Read More