April 2013 found us celebrating Lee's birthday in beautiful San Francisco. Could not have picked a better week, the weather cooperated until our last day.
We arrived on Saturday evening. After a long day of travel, we decided to have dinner and head back to our B&B to rest for the activities ahead. We had an appetizer at the Grove, a neat little eclectic restaurant. We then headed to the Tipsy Pig for dinner. I had a wonderful Guinness Brined Pork Chop which was delicious. Lee, not so lucky. She ordered the Chicken Pot Pie, recommended by our server. Two or three bites and she was done. Obviously the Rosemary seasoning was overwhelming. Poor baby. Our server offered to bring her something else, but Lee declined. They were nice enough not to charge us for her dinner.
We stayed at the Union Street B&B, very quaint and comfy. A wonderful breakfast was served each morning between 8-10, and if desired, a call to the desk and breakfast would be brought to your room. Not your run of the mill fare. Each morning a different twist. Omelets, French Toast, Pancakes, Poached Eggs; along with fresh squeezed orange juice, a fresh fruit bowl, toast, cinnamon rolls, and freshly baked homemade fruit beards. Coffee and a variety of hot tea were offered as well.
An afternoon snack of cheese and crackers were placed in the sitting room, and in the evening complimentary red and white wine were offered.
Our room, The Wildrose, was spacious and clean. A table with a fresh fruit plate, glassware, a pitcher of water, and chocolates greeted us. Yes we will stay here again if we find ourselves in San Francisco.
Day 1, Sunday: After breakfast we head out. A walk down Fillmore and we were at the bay. I believe the area is referred to as Crissy Field Center. The Marina, Fort Mason, Crissy Field, and Fort Point make up the area. A two mile walk from Fillmore to Fort Point will bring you under the Golden Gate Bridge. A very popular area for joggers, walkers and beach goers. A marathon was held that morning which added to the crowds. We walked leisurely and enjoyed the scenery.
From here we headed to the Japantown for the Cherry Blossom Festival. We took the bus up Fillmore, much too steep to walk. Walked a bit into Japantown and then found a spot to watch the Grand Parade. Quite interesting to say the least.
After the parade we headed towards the B&B stopping for lunch at Harry's Bar. Could not believe we had to wait like thirty minutes for a table. After we were seated we realized the reason for the wait. Harry's serves a brunch from 11-3 each Sunday, along with bottomless Bellini's! Lee had a salad and soup and a Bellini, and I indulged in spicy hot wings. After our lunch we walked down Fillmore, you see why we didn't walk up, back to our B&B to rest a bit before dinner.
We enjoyed dinner at a local favorite, the Balboa Cafe. Although it was Prime Rib night, Lee opted for the roasted chicken, while I enjoyed oysters on the half shell and halibut. After dinner we strolled Chestnut Street and headed to our room where freshly baked creme puffs awaited. Our first day completed.
Day 2, Monday: Breakfast done, we were on our way. Our plan was to head to the Wharf area. Somehow we caught the wrong bus and found ourselves on the far side of town. So we had to back track. Mass transit is great if you know where you're going and what mode of transportation you need to travel. Looking at the map we figure it out. Got on the bus in the right direction this time, we choose to get off and ride the cable car to the wharf. Our second mistake of the day. The cable car stop is only three or four blocks from where the bus dropped us. Easy peasy; look at the above photo again, yup, this time we were going up!!!! Finally to the cable car stop and almost got on going the wrong way.
About two and half hours from the time we left the B&B and we are at the Wharf. Should have been twenty minutes max!!! Tonight we have a tour to Alcatraz, so we walk the wharf to find our departure pier, then we head to lunch. Of course Lee wants to go to Little Italy for Italian, a short walk up Stockton, all up hill, and we are there. I have to admit, half way there, I had to stop and buy a bottle of water, these hills are killing me.
Lee decides on a little restaurant named L'Osteria del forno. A little mom and pop place with maybe six tables inside and two or three on the sidewalk. The beer was cold and at that point that's all I cared about! Handmade Ricotta Ravioli was the lunch feature. We ordered a slice of pizza to share and we both opted for the lunch feature. Not sure how they make the ravioli pasta, so light and buttery, it was absolutely marvelous.
We double check the map before we leave the restaurant. Ask where to catch the bus, cool, it's like right down the street at Washington Square. Point of interest: the cathedral that overlooks the park is where Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio got married in 1954.
On the right bus, headed in the right direction, life is good!
We make it back to the wharf area. Still have an hour and a half or so before our tour, so we stroll Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 39. Stop in at one of the many restaurants for a quick snack just before we head to Pier 33 to catch our tour ferry.
On board the ferry headed to Alcatraz, "The Rock", one of the most talked about high-security prisons. Alcatraz touts a long history. From the "Evil Island" label in 1775; to a Military Garrison in 1846; is still home to the oldest lighthouse, erected in 1846; to a prison holding Civil War prisoners in the 1860's; to the Federal Prison Alcatraz, 1934-1963; to the Native Indian occupation from 1964 through 1971; to a national recreation area in 1972; and finally it's designation as a National Historic landmark in 1986.
Our tour included a ferry ride around the island, so we got to see it from all sides; an audio tour once inside; access to the hospital and morgue, not offered during the day tours; special program presentations; and the slamming of the cell doors, the last sound heard each night by the inmates.
A very interesting and somewhat eerie tour. Just the thought of being a resident there is mind boggling. Not all inmates had access to windows. It was said, inmates weren't sure if not having windows was better then being able to see everything you knew you could never have.
As it grew dark and lights were lit, the solitary of the island could be felt. As I think about it, not only were the inmates shut out from society, the officers and their families were as well. Finally on board the ferry to freedom! Once back to the pier, a bit of confusion finding our bus stop, on the bus on our way back to Union Street. Day two is done.
Day 3, Tuesday, Lee's Birthday: Looking forward to this day, we have tickets to see the SF Giants play the Arizona Diamondbacks this evening.
We start the day in the Wharf area. Lee wanted to do a tour of the Ferry Building. Today referred to as the Ferry Building Marketplace, this historic building played an important role in San Francisco's history. Opening in 1898, the building was used by many, especially during the era of the Gold Rush. One could only access SF via the water and the ferry building was where they entered the city. If interested you can read it's history here: Ferry Building Marketplace
The tour is one of many offered by City Guides (Link) A volunteer staff conduct the tours free of charge. Our tour began at the base of the stairs leading to the second floor. We are joined by our guide Jan Emmelman-Zablah. She began the tour by walking us across to the plaza in front of the building.
She began her history lesson. I have to admit, her presentation was very interesting. From the Gold Rush, to the fire and earthquake of 1906, to the controversy of it's need, to the preservation of the building today. Lee and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and recommend it. I find when visiting any city or country, learning a bit about it's history gives me a new found appreciation for it.
Tour done, it's lunch time. Here's a twist in this birthday trip. Although it was Lee's birthday, her gift was to treat me to some good sea food! Hey, I argued a little, but she insisted.
The Ferry Building today houses a an array of vendors and businesses. Across from SF's financial district, it is the "go to" lunch place for many. One of the restaurants is Hog Island Oyster Company. Lee read many reviews about this place and decided this was where I needed to have lunch.
I felt bad, while I ate oysters on the half shell and steamed mussels, Lee enjoyed fresh squeezed lemonade and bread! After my lunch, we walked the shops in the ferry building. Lee reading all the menus as we walked. We happened upon a cheese store, The Cowgirl Creamery. Samples were offered and explained. We settled on two cheeses, purchased a small slice of each, with the intent of it being our game snack. Next door a bakery, can't have cheese without bread, so we purchased a couple of sour dough rolls. More walking and more menus.
After a bit Lee decided to eat at the Cowgirl's adjoining lunch counter, The Cowgirl Sidekick. She ordered a salad and a bowl of tomato soup, I sat patiently. After lunch it was sweet time. Lee loves a bite of "sweet" after almost any meal. We stopped in a chocolate shop and Lee made her choices.
We hang out for a while enjoying the sights and sounds of area. The guy in the cheese shop recommended we get to the game early due to added security measures. So we head towards AT&T Park around 4 with plans on having a light something before going into the park. We catch the cable car and get dropped off right in front of the park.
We head across to MoMo's, a landmark restaurant in SF. Named for the owners grandmother, MoMo. ID's were checked at the door. Asked if we had reservations, we said no. The hostess told us she could seat us inside, but she would need the table by 5! Our server told us many folks come there to watch the game and that reservations are made as soon as the Giants schedule is released. The menu had many choices, we chose pizza and wings!
Dinner done, off to the the park. Getting there early, we were fairly close to the front of the line. Gates opened, security checked our bags, tickets scanned, and we found ourselves inside. Go Giants! Lee once again got us great seats on the first base line.
For some reason our karma wasn't working. Usually when we attend a home game, the home team wins. No such luck for the Giants. A steady breeze pushed in a chill off the bay so we decided to leave at the top of the seventh. The Diamondbacks went on to win 6-4.
Out of the stadium, now it was "find our bus stop." Seems this is the hardest thing to figure out. What corner of what intersection do you catch the bus? Finally we figure it out, get on the bus, and make it home! Another long fulfilling day, day three is done.
Day 4, Wednesday: Today is our last full day here. The weather has turned, misty and cool. Gladly Lee planned an inside day, the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Golden Gate Park. Breakfast done, out the door we go.
Slight detour today. My iPad charger stopped working, bummer. By a stroke of luck there is an Apple store a block from the bus stop:) Yay me! New charger in hand, it's off to catch our bus.
The bus ride takes us through Presidio, to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, and then into the city. Almost missed our stop to get off.
A short walk and we arrive at the CAS. We get our tickets and go in. Too much to write about, so here is a link if interested: California Academy of Sciences
There is just so much to do and see in here. We watched the film "Fragile Earth" which was amazing. This is a great place for children to learn, a huge bio-facts area where children can see and feel; a rain forest; an aquarium; a coral reef; and so much more. We stayed about four hours.
Had the weather been better, we would have walked through the Tea Garden and the Botanical Garden, but it was misty, wet, and cold. We headed to our bus stop. Back to our room for a short rest before dinner.
No big dinner this evening. We started out towards Izzy's Steaks and Chops, but we didn't have a reservation and the wait would be thirty minutes or so. We walked Chestnut Street, read all the menus, but nothing enticed us. So we ended up at Amici's East Coast Pizzeria. Not even close to as good as the pizza we had in Little Italy, but it was okay. Dinner done, back to the room to pack. Day four has come to an end.
Day 5, Thursday: Long travel day ahead, not sure how the ATC furloughs will affect our flights. Lee scheduled a shuttle to pick us up so no confusion today of where to catch what!
A very nice breakfast, check out, and en route to SF International. Lee checked us in online and printed our boarding passes, so all we had to do is check our bag. Through all the security stuff and to the gate. Flight on time to Dallas. An early landing in Dallas gave us a little breathing room to get to our connecting gate. Board says flight departs on time. About twenty minutes before scheduled boarding, it's announced our flight is delayed and the gate has changed. No problem, it's all good. Although we departed about thirty minutes late, we landed in Little Rock pretty much on time. Flight only took forty-four minutes!
Our neighbor was waiting for us. Claimed our bag and headed home. Travel is fun, but there really is no place like home. All in all we had a great trip and Lee had a good birthday. On to the next adventure!
Photos of our trip are located here: San Francisco 2013
Day 3, Tuesday, Lee's Birthday: Looking forward to this day, we have tickets to see the SF Giants play the Arizona Diamondbacks this evening.
We start the day in the Wharf area. Lee wanted to do a tour of the Ferry Building. Today referred to as the Ferry Building Marketplace, this historic building played an important role in San Francisco's history. Opening in 1898, the building was used by many, especially during the era of the Gold Rush. One could only access SF via the water and the ferry building was where they entered the city. If interested you can read it's history here: Ferry Building Marketplace
The tour is one of many offered by City Guides (Link) A volunteer staff conduct the tours free of charge. Our tour began at the base of the stairs leading to the second floor. We are joined by our guide Jan Emmelman-Zablah. She began the tour by walking us across to the plaza in front of the building.
She began her history lesson. I have to admit, her presentation was very interesting. From the Gold Rush, to the fire and earthquake of 1906, to the controversy of it's need, to the preservation of the building today. Lee and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and recommend it. I find when visiting any city or country, learning a bit about it's history gives me a new found appreciation for it.
Tour done, it's lunch time. Here's a twist in this birthday trip. Although it was Lee's birthday, her gift was to treat me to some good sea food! Hey, I argued a little, but she insisted.
The Ferry Building today houses a an array of vendors and businesses. Across from SF's financial district, it is the "go to" lunch place for many. One of the restaurants is Hog Island Oyster Company. Lee read many reviews about this place and decided this was where I needed to have lunch.
I felt bad, while I ate oysters on the half shell and steamed mussels, Lee enjoyed fresh squeezed lemonade and bread! After my lunch, we walked the shops in the ferry building. Lee reading all the menus as we walked. We happened upon a cheese store, The Cowgirl Creamery. Samples were offered and explained. We settled on two cheeses, purchased a small slice of each, with the intent of it being our game snack. Next door a bakery, can't have cheese without bread, so we purchased a couple of sour dough rolls. More walking and more menus.
After a bit Lee decided to eat at the Cowgirl's adjoining lunch counter, The Cowgirl Sidekick. She ordered a salad and a bowl of tomato soup, I sat patiently. After lunch it was sweet time. Lee loves a bite of "sweet" after almost any meal. We stopped in a chocolate shop and Lee made her choices.
We hang out for a while enjoying the sights and sounds of area. The guy in the cheese shop recommended we get to the game early due to added security measures. So we head towards AT&T Park around 4 with plans on having a light something before going into the park. We catch the cable car and get dropped off right in front of the park.
We head across to MoMo's, a landmark restaurant in SF. Named for the owners grandmother, MoMo. ID's were checked at the door. Asked if we had reservations, we said no. The hostess told us she could seat us inside, but she would need the table by 5! Our server told us many folks come there to watch the game and that reservations are made as soon as the Giants schedule is released. The menu had many choices, we chose pizza and wings!
Dinner done, off to the the park. Getting there early, we were fairly close to the front of the line. Gates opened, security checked our bags, tickets scanned, and we found ourselves inside. Go Giants! Lee once again got us great seats on the first base line.
For some reason our karma wasn't working. Usually when we attend a home game, the home team wins. No such luck for the Giants. A steady breeze pushed in a chill off the bay so we decided to leave at the top of the seventh. The Diamondbacks went on to win 6-4.
Out of the stadium, now it was "find our bus stop." Seems this is the hardest thing to figure out. What corner of what intersection do you catch the bus? Finally we figure it out, get on the bus, and make it home! Another long fulfilling day, day three is done.
Day 4, Wednesday: Today is our last full day here. The weather has turned, misty and cool. Gladly Lee planned an inside day, the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Golden Gate Park. Breakfast done, out the door we go.
Slight detour today. My iPad charger stopped working, bummer. By a stroke of luck there is an Apple store a block from the bus stop:) Yay me! New charger in hand, it's off to catch our bus.
The bus ride takes us through Presidio, to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, and then into the city. Almost missed our stop to get off.
A short walk and we arrive at the CAS. We get our tickets and go in. Too much to write about, so here is a link if interested: California Academy of Sciences
There is just so much to do and see in here. We watched the film "Fragile Earth" which was amazing. This is a great place for children to learn, a huge bio-facts area where children can see and feel; a rain forest; an aquarium; a coral reef; and so much more. We stayed about four hours.
Had the weather been better, we would have walked through the Tea Garden and the Botanical Garden, but it was misty, wet, and cold. We headed to our bus stop. Back to our room for a short rest before dinner.
No big dinner this evening. We started out towards Izzy's Steaks and Chops, but we didn't have a reservation and the wait would be thirty minutes or so. We walked Chestnut Street, read all the menus, but nothing enticed us. So we ended up at Amici's East Coast Pizzeria. Not even close to as good as the pizza we had in Little Italy, but it was okay. Dinner done, back to the room to pack. Day four has come to an end.
Day 5, Thursday: Long travel day ahead, not sure how the ATC furloughs will affect our flights. Lee scheduled a shuttle to pick us up so no confusion today of where to catch what!
A very nice breakfast, check out, and en route to SF International. Lee checked us in online and printed our boarding passes, so all we had to do is check our bag. Through all the security stuff and to the gate. Flight on time to Dallas. An early landing in Dallas gave us a little breathing room to get to our connecting gate. Board says flight departs on time. About twenty minutes before scheduled boarding, it's announced our flight is delayed and the gate has changed. No problem, it's all good. Although we departed about thirty minutes late, we landed in Little Rock pretty much on time. Flight only took forty-four minutes!
Our neighbor was waiting for us. Claimed our bag and headed home. Travel is fun, but there really is no place like home. All in all we had a great trip and Lee had a good birthday. On to the next adventure!
Photos of our trip are located here: San Francisco 2013
