San Francisco culture
October 16th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by Tostie14
San Francisco is a city of artists, and the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival wonderfully captures the area’s creative spirit with performances ranging from Latin jazz and classical music to dance and spoken word. All events are free and now is the perfect time to catch an outdoor performance while the weather is still mild. The festival runs though October 28, so check out the schedule.
While in the area, you might also want to visit the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, ZEUM at Yerba Buena Gardens, Cartoon Art Museum, and the Museum of Craft and Folk Art.
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October 12th, 2007 by jamie a
photo uploaded by amyrod
It’s raining, it’s pouring—and you need a place to get away from it all. With this guide to rainy days in San Francisco, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy and stay dry!
Exploratorium: An art, science, and anthropological museum all in one, the Exploratorium is full of amazing hands-on experiences. It stimulates creative and scientific thinking as well as indulges the curiosity of both adults and children.
Cartoon Art Museum: The only museum in America dedicated to the art of the cartoon, this museum has been delving into the history of the art form since 1984. There are over 6,000 original pieces here, depicting the great talent and ingenuity of these serious artists.
From cheese, tiny cafes, tea, ice cream to the Scharffen Berger chocolate maker, the marketplace is a perfect place to while away a rainy day! Herb Caen, columnist for The San Francisco Chronicle said that “The waterfront without the Ferry Tower would be like a birthday cake without a candle.” A cherished landmark of the city, it has recently been restored to its original beauty and magnificence.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Just ask yourself: how many times in your life will you be able to tour a fortune cookie factory? This is a favorite kitschy spot for locals and tourists alike. In the heart of Chinatown, you can see fortunes being printed and then carefully folded into the traditional cookie. Be sure to grab a bag of warm cookies to enjoy on your way out.
Lovejoy’s Tea Room: For a cozy retreat on a cloudy day, this tea room is perfect to share a pot of black, green, or herbal tea in many different varieties. Get acquainted with the art of British high tea while enjoying tiny cucumber sandwiches and warm scones with Devon cream. If you fall in love with your teacup, you can even make an offer to buy it since all of the tea accessories are for sale.
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October 11th, 2007 by amy c
Thursday, October 11- Sunday, October 14:
: Enjoy the largest festival of its kind in California at the Festival Pavillion, Fort Mason, and Buchanon Streets. All day activities, performances, food, and drink as Germanic culture invades the city-by-the-bay.
Monday, October 8- Saturday, October 13:
: Don’t miss the last weekend to experience a one-of-a-kind showcase of hundreds of authors, many of which come from the bay area. Celebrate the bay area’s literary past as well as its present and future with talented writers of a variety of genres. Check the for specific events and readings to take place at various locations around the city.
Saturday, October 13- Sunday, October 14:
:Autumn and Halloween spirit will be brewing in this charming seaside town, known as the “World Pumpkin Capitol,” this weekend as thousands of pumpkins decorate the rolling hills, pumpkin carving demonstrations take jack-o-lanterns to whole new fright heights, and non-stop live entertainment takes to 3 different stages.
Saturday, October 13- Sunday, October 14:
: An event no art-enthusiast should miss! Artspan, located at 934 Brannon Street, invites the public to watch local artist work every weekend from October 6- October 28.
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October 10th, 2007 by amy c
Legion of Honor Museum
photo uploaded by Jose C Silva
Art is everywhere you look in San Francisco–from the many famous art museums that draw tourists and aspiring artists for a taste of history, to the unique architecture, to the unrecognized street artists who decorate the city with chalk murals and paintings. Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in a museum where the beauty of the architecture matches that of the exhibits, browse local art shows, or experience where art meets nightlife in a very different type of gallery, San Francisco has all the destinations that may inspire the artist or collector in you. Here are some of our picks of famous museums to quench your artistic thirst, whether it be for ancient, modern, contemporary, or surprising art.
Legion of Honor: Rodin’s Thinker statue proudly greets visitors in the Court of Honor at the Legion, a preview of the 4,000 pieces of ancient and European art in the most beautiful museum in San Francisco. Overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, the sweeping views and spacious building, reminiscent of 18th century French architecture, only add to the beauty of the fine art inside. Built to commemorate the California soldiers who died in World War I, the Legion has been a San Francisco icon since 1924. (more…)
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October 8th, 2007 by amy c
View of San Francisco skyline from Sausalito
uploaded by hsivonen
The major art museums of San Francisco like the Legion of Honor or de Young Museum are excellent ways to get a hearty helping of fine art. But for the art lover looking for a unique visual experience in a charming seaside town, Sausalito is the place to stroll as it is chalked full of blocks and blocks of inspiration.
A short, delightful ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, historical Sausalito is gaining recognition as the “art mecca” of the Bay Area. The small, visitor-friendly town oozes European charm with its crowded waterfront sidewalks and patio cafes—perfect for the art collector, artist, or casual viewer looking to experience art outside of a stuffy museum.
Local and international artists alike showcase photography, paintings, sculptures, and glass works at the 15 plus galleries that decorate the waterfront. Much of the art includes images of the bay area, offering an insight into the locations that captivate artists’ brushes, chisels, or lenses. Take in the Mediterranean flair and gorgeous views of the Bay Area as you visit some of these must-see galleries. (more…)
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October 4th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7
Wine lovers should not miss the annual Sonoma County Harvest, Fall Sensations. The fair celebrates the area’s world renowned agricultural tradition with more than 500 award-winning wines, fresh local produce, and tastes of drool-worthy cuisine prepared by famed California chefs.
Thursday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 9
San Francisco’s takes to the sea and sky as a parade of navy ships invades the bay and Blue Angels streak the sky in an exciting air show.
Saturday, October 6
Catch the Blue Angels Air show while enjoying fresh seafood at the annual at SF’s popular Chrissy Field along the Marina. The event offers a catered barbecue by local restaurants and activist booths, including environmental information.
Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7
Catch the last weekend of the Rembrandt to Thiebaud exhibition at the Legion of Honor.
Sunday, October 7
Castro Street Fair 11 am-6 pm–an uproarious good time among some of the quirkiest San Francisco characters. Non-stop dancing, food, and art!
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October 3rd, 2007 by jamie a
Vesuvio Cafe
photo uploaded by luisvilla
When thinking about places with a modern literary history to visit, there’s hardly a city in America that can compete with San Francisco as a beatnik’s dream.
Upon a visit to San Francisco, you might want to recreate a day in the life of one of the Beats, or simply walk where they walked and get inspired by the sights and sounds of such a vibrant city. To help out on the journey, here are some spots to check out in the North Beach neighborhood—including a unique hotel, the “best coffee in the city,” home of the $1.00 oyster, the nation’s original infamous independent bookstore, and a bar to satisfy the late-night poet.
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San Francisco?
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October 1st, 2007 by amy c
Ghirardelli Square, home to the world’s most delicious chocolate.
Photo uploaded by tmd
If I only had one day left in my hometown, San Francisco (may that never be the case), these would be my top picks for soaking up the beauty, history, culture, and delicious eats of the “city-by-the-bay.”
Stop #1: Marin Headlands
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge lie the rolling hills and dramatic cliffs of the Marin Headlands. It draws visitors and natives alike with its sweeping views of the bay and ocean, historic Army Barracks, and hiking trails. In one panoramic view you can see the glistening bay speckled with sailboats, the bright orange architecture of the bridge, a barge going out to sea, and crashing waves at the foot of a gleaming white city. On a clear day the entire bay area is visible, with the San Francisco skyline reflecting off the water. If you meet the characteristic fog, however, the view is just as dramatic, as it weightlessly seeps over the city, winding in between skyscrapers and over hills. You could spend an entire day snapping photos of the view, exploring the Army forts, or learning about the native species, such as the Sea Lions that nap on the rocks under the bridge from the Marine Mammal Center nearby. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the seamless union between natural beauty and man-made architecture.
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Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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Go San Francisco Card.
