Thursday, October 13, 2011

If You're Going to San Francisco: Guest Post from Claire at Bicoastally

A warm hello to all of Leeann's readers!  I'm Claire, and I can usually be found at Bicoastally, but am happy to fill in for Leeann today while she's soakin' up some BBQ and country music in one of my favorite cities: Nashville!  I can't wait to hear her stories when she gets back.

Leeann and I were lucky enough to meet up in Berkeley earlier this year while she was on a trip up in NorCal.  We had such a blast, and Lord knows we'd tear up the town if we lived in the same city!  Leeann is a big fan of San Francisco, and asked me to post about the city I've been calling home for the past 8 years, so here goes:

I originally moved out to San Francisco back in 2003 to teach poetry at San Quentin State Prison (it's true).  Not only did I love my job, but I fell in love with the city, which made going to graduate school in San Francisco a very easy choice.  Here are some of the things that lured me in:


Baker Beach: one of my favorite places in San Francisco.  In the whole world, really.  Just look at it!  I grew up in Georgia, and we went to Florida beaches every year, but there's nothing like lying on a beach gazing at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.  Baker Beach is definitely one of my happy places.


One of the most famous intersections in the country, the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco is home to delicious ethnic cuisine, local bars & clubs, countless adorable boutiques, several tattoo parlors & art galleries, the famous Amoeba Music, and the eastern mouth of Golden Gate Park.  Tourists could easily spend a whole day walking up & down the six blocks that make up the Haight!


The Rainbow Salad from Burma Superstar on Clement St. and 4th Ave.  Seriously, it's that good.  As is everything on their menu.  Get thee to a Burmese restaurant, stat.  

(my photo)

The culture.  The above picture is of one of the zillions of hand-painted murals in San Francisco's Mission district.  They're so vibrant & beautiful & full of history.  The whole city's that way: parades, public art, demonstrations, decorated street signs, lanterns hanging in Chinatown, food trucks, street festivals . . . it's inspiring.

Not to mention it's in the 60's and 70's year round. ;)

So if you've been to San Francisco, what were your favorite neighborhoods and sights?  And if not, what do you love about your city?  Tell me!
at

20 comments:

  1. LindsayOctober 13, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    SF is next on my list!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MichelleOctober 13, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    I would loveeeee to go to SF! This makes me what to go even more! I live near NYC and I love the energy and all the fun things to do!

    ReplyDelete
  3. LaurenOctober 13, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I have yet to make my way out to CA, but I WILL - sooner rather than later. San Diego and San Fran are on my "must" list. This post just gets me more excited about it than I already was :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. KDC EventsOctober 13, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I have never been to SF and I am DYING to go!!!
    Denice

    ReplyDelete
  5. susan jakovinaOctober 13, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    I loved San Francisco!
    Everything about it ~ especially the welcome break from the hot southern Cali weather during our time there. We couldn't believe how much cooler it was. Perfection.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Life Through Preppy GlassesOctober 13, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    i definitely want to visit San Fran! Been to LA but didnt make it there.

    what do I love about NYC?? Theres too many things to list! haha

    ReplyDelete
  7. BonBon Rose Girls KristinOctober 13, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I want to go there even more now!

    ReplyDelete
  8. his little ladyOctober 13, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    ahh, i've never been but my husband might be getting a job there very soon. fingers crossed! this post just made me THAT much more excited!!
    xo TJ

    ReplyDelete
  9. Selma @ Crazy Little World Of MineOctober 13, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    I miss SF. Lived there for a while, and I loved the every day vibe. Hidden alleys downtown that lead to cute little cafes/restaurants, etc. LOVED it. Haight/Ashbury though is my fave area in SF. I also love the pier...just walking there overlooking the water over to the East...awesome!! :D

    Awwww need to go back SOON.

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  10. MicaelaOctober 13, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    oh claire-- do you know i still have dreams about The Rainbow Salad? SOOO GOOD! all the places we ate were delicious. That's what i loved about SF... easy to be a vegetarian and hello, the best wine anywhere.

    I'm so glad that I got to experience every bit of San Francisco with you. <3 I really can't wait til our next girls trip!!!

    such a great guest post that warmed my heart thinking back to our time together. love you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. ChristiannaOctober 13, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    I LOVE SF! I tend to visit a couple times a year! I'm a big fan of Height. But I find that every time I go back, I always find some new little corner. And I think above all, that is my favorite part of the city. That no matter how many times you visit, you always find something new and inspiring. It could be art, a street performer, a new place to eat, or an awesome house. Or even driving down a street, and laughing your head off cause you thought you might fall of the face of the earth, when you drive down the next hill!

    ReplyDelete
  12. MimiOctober 14, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    whenever we visit san francisco, fisherman's wharf is always on the list. as is chinatown. i haven't been there in a while, but i really want to go back to see the city again and also to visit my friends up at berkeley. :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Stages of Beauty Giveaway :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Claire KieferOctober 14, 2011 at 3:19 AM

    Awww, thanks for all the SF love, everyone! xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fabrizia SpinelliOctober 14, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Wonderful photos, I like them! I like your style!
    Take a look at my blog, and if you like it follow me, I’ll be waiting for you!

    Cosa mi metto???

    ReplyDelete
  15. Audrey AllureOctober 14, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Great tips! I love SF when I visited, can't wait to go back & discover more places :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Alicia@ eco friendly homemakingOctober 14, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    This is such a great post! We lived in the Sacramento area for over four years and would go to San Francisco often. We love Baker Beach. It has such a great view of the bridge. We live in the Nashville area and am so looking forward to hearing all about her trip here!

    ReplyDelete
  17. LeeshOctober 16, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Claire - SF is my favorite city. I have only been a couple of times but every time I go, I find some good food or a little pocket of the city I fall in love with. You have mentioned Burma Superstar before, the next time I go, I will have to try. Maybe if I am visiting, it will make more sense for you to take me to your favorite restaurant (then I can finally meet you).

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sierra October 16, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    SF is the best - I always love visiting and there is something about that place that is oh so magical.

    ReplyDelete
  19. JulesOctober 17, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I have always wanted to visit California and San Fran is a city that's definitely on my list. Baker Beach looks so beautiful and I could stare at the view everyday. The weather is also something I could deal with on a regular basis. Those temps sound perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  20. HollyOctober 17, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    i gotta go to burma superstar!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and commenting! I love making new blogging buddies :)