Alcatraz
Living in NYC and having to constantly deal with tourists (especially in the summer, argh!) I have no desire to advertise the fact that I am not a local whenever I travel. So, when my Mom and I were planning our trip to San Francisco and she insisted we visit Alcatraz, I feel a little queasy. I started to change my tune when I mentioned our trip to friends and the general consensus was that the excursion was amazing (I even got a seal of approval from an actual local). Alcatraz didn't disappoint. This island in the San Francisco Bay originally served as military fortification in the 1850's, then an incarceration facility for Spanish-American war prisoners, then later and most famously, a federal maximum security prison from 1934-1963. I found the audio tour very interesting and informative and felt like I could actually imagine what it would of been like being imprisoned on "The Rock". The stunning views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge from the ferry are breathtaking. The gardens, wildlife, and sea breezes make it so much more than a touristy jaunt. Make your reservation early, the tours are often sold out for weeks (the ferry and audio tour is included in the price). Weather changes drastically from moment to moment on the ferry and on the island, wear your layers. Comfortable shoes are a must as the island's a hike, just leave your fanny pack at home. Now go be a tourist proudly!
https://www.alcatraztrips.com/
Colibri Mexican Restaurant
I am proudly Mexican (thus the Lopez) and when I head back to California I consume mass amounts of my people's cooking. New York's Mexican food just doesn't do it for me. On this trip, my good friend Hanna (who I know from my days in LA) now lives in San Fran and suggested we meet at one of her favorites in the Union Square area. Colibri, or hummingbird en espanol, represents. Owners Eduardo and Sylvia Rallo hail from Cuernavaca, rich with it's Aztecan heritage and influenced by it's Spanish and French settlers. Authentic=extraordinary. We noshed on freshly made guacamole and house made tortillas, while sipping hand crafted blackberry margaritas. For entrees we all had fish. My scallops were melt-in-your mouth good with classic mexican flavors like Mole and Guajillo chile. Simple and perfect were the churros we had for desert. For just under $30 per entree, you too can make it taste like home.
http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com/index.php
The Ritz Carlton
Once we had decided to take a short jaunt up to the Bay area, we set out looking for a hotel. In my search I realized that most 5 star hotels were offering fantastic recession deals. This is how we ended up at the Ritz. Glamourous, luxurious, a classic, the Ritz in Nob Hill is a neighborhood institution. The room was pristine and ornate, my bed made me want to sleep for days, but the stand out quality is the customer service. Every employee performed above and beyond any expectation I could muster. They were friendly and attentive from the check-in to the house keeping. So, this is what luxury is all about. I found my deal through hotels.com and right now they're offering a promotion if you stay 10 nights you get one free. Happy travels!
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanFrancisco/Default.htm
http://www.hotels.com/
Ferry Building Marketplace
The historic Ferry building opened in 1898 and was the transportation focal point for all travelers arriving by train from the East bay and Marin. In the 1930's the ferryboat was the only way travelers and commuters could reach the city of San Francisco. Architect A. Page Brown was influenced by Spanish arches and overhead skylights. Concealed by the Embarcadero freeway for 35 years, the Ferry Building and waterway were once again visible after an earthquake caused extensive damage to the highway's structure and it was torn down. Today the Ferry building has gotten a facelift and provides a distinctive space that brings together the area's agricultural wealth and acclaimed food preveyors under one roof. Reminicent to New York's Chelsea market, the Ferry Building has the freshest farm produce as well as many of my favorite fine food brands: Blue Bottle Coffee, Cow Girl Creamery, Ciao Bella Gelato and Boccalone Salumeria. I fantasized about living nearby and heading to the market weekly to gather these refined ingredients to bring home to my victorian home's modern kitchen. The marketplace is also the home to 3 restaurants including a wine bar. Great place to stop, shop, and sip.
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/
International Orange
International Orange is the official paint color of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's also the site of an incredible day spa and yoga studio in San Francisco. On my brief visit to the area I just stopped by and took in a quick look of the place, but it's #1 on my list to go to next time I visit. I am always inspired by temples of relaxation and wellness like International Orange. They offer an extensive schedule of classes (mostly vinyasa) done in a pristine sanctified studio. The Orange spa offers wellness treatments that take exceptional care of the body and mind at prices that won't break the bank. This includes memberships that offer monthly treatments and unlimited yoga all for less than the price of 2 massages. With membership you also receive 10% off your retail purchases which includes their own line of products and you can even share your membership with a guest. Now how can we get them to migrate east?
