Being an empty nester gives you a great opportunity to see the country and the world.
You’ve finally got the kids out of the apartment and living independently. But what do you do now that you don’t have to plan vacations around school schedules or research kid-friendly destinations?
Taking vacations without the kids can be an adjustment. Follow our tips below to plan a great trip and have a good time even though your little birds have left the nest.
San Francisco is an amazing city, with lots to see and do. But what are some great places to go if you have children? Below are some of the best places in San Francisco for kids.
Musee Mecanique
Located on Pier 45 at the foot of Taylor Street in Fisherman’s Wharf, Musee Mecanique is one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and arcade games. Every game is still in its original working condition, and you can play them! Admission is free every day.
Where: Pier 45, Shed A, San Francisco, CA 94133
CuriOdyssey
Formerly called Coyote Point, CuriOdyssey in nearby San Mateo is a place where kids can connect with the Earth and learn about the nearly 100 animals onsite—from golden eagles to rubber boas. They hold numerous activities throughout the year, and even host birthday parties. Find out more at www.curiodyssey.org.
Where: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
San Francisco Zoo
What child doesn’t love animals? Spend the day viewing hundreds of animals from all over the world. For hours and admission fees, visit www.sfzoo.org.
Where: 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, CA 94132
Go for a Cable Car Ride
San Francisco is famous for its cable cars, and even if you’ve lived in the city your whole life, your children will still get a kick out of taking a trip on a national landmark.
Where: Visit www.sfcablecar.com for route information.
Chinatown
Have fun and learn a little about Chinese culture at the same time. Tour the many little shops, watch fortune cookies being made, or check out the amazing, colorful kites at the Chinatown Kite Shop.
Where: Grant Ave. and Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94101
Pier 39
Near Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 offers several attractions that will interest little ones. Children can ride the double-decker Venetian carousel, view several free performances on the stage at the end of the pier, and watch sea lions sunning themselves in the small marina beside the pier. There’s also the Aquarium of the Bay (www.aquariumofthebay.com), a unique underwater attraction featuring 300 feet of tunnels where you can view over 20,000 marine animals from San Francisco Bay and other nearby waters.
Where: The Embarcadero and Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133
These are just a few of the many wonderful things you can do with your children in San Francisco. With a little research and creativity, you can find enough things to do in this amazing city to keep your kids busy every day of the year.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/jasantiso
In Long Island City, art can be found in unique spots, like sculpture parks on the side of buildings.
Located just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East Side, the Queens neighborhood of Long Island City (LIC) is known for its waterfront parks and thriving arts community. From a growing community of artists to an outdoor sculpture park, Long Island City is rich in arts and culture, which is a change from the overwhelmingly industrial epicenter LIC once was. If you’re from New York or are just visiting, head over to the westside of Queens to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the arts and culture of Long Island City. Here’s our list of the top five must-see places.
5Pointz
This outdoor art exhibit is considered to be the world’s first “graffiti Mecca.” The 200,000-square-foot building houses artists’ studios, and it has been legally painted on by a number of graffiti artists. As 5Pointz is known as the epicenter of the graffiti scene, it has created a united culture of aerosol artists from across the world. If you’re taking the 7 train in, look out for 5 Pointz around the Court House Square station. The building is open to the public for tours, and while there, you can bump into prominent artists, musicians, DJs, rappers and dancers, as well as filmmakers and photographers.
Where: 45-46 Davis St., Long Island City, NY 11101
MoMA PS1
One of the largest and oldest institutions in the United States, MoMA PS1 is located in Long Island City and is dedicated solely to contemporary art. It is an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art, and the PS1 in its name comes from the former public school in which the museum is housed. The museum is used mostly for an exhibition space, rather than a collecting institution. If you’re heading to the area around the summer, be sure to check out the Warm Up summer music series. For families, enroll your children in the MoMA PS1 Young Architects Program, an annual series of competitions that allows aspiring architects the opportunity to build projects designed around MoMA PS1’s facility.
Where: 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101
Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park has come a long way since its days as an abandoned riverside landfill. It was transformed into an open studio and exhibition space for artists, as well as a neighborhood park for locals. Today, the park is dedicated to providing artists an area to create and exhibit large-scale sculpture and multimedia installations. To see the artwork for yourself, visit the sculpture park at any time from 10 a.m. until sunset. Admission is free.
Where: 32-01 Vernon Blvd. at Broadway, Long Island City, NY 11106
Gantry Plaza State Park
Take advantage of Long Island City’s views of Manhattan at Gantry Plaza State Park, a waterfront park on the East River. The 12-acre park offers picnic tables, a playground, fishing pier, playing fields and a waterfront promenade. Take a stroll along one of the park’s four piers or through the park’s gardens and mist fountain for a relaxing afternoon. Worried about having to leave Fido at home? No worries, as Gantry Plaza allows leashed dogs in the garden area near the South Gantry.
Where: 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City, NY 11101
Hunters Point Neighborhood
When visiting Hunters Point, you’ll notice the East River waterfront, as well as the gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline. This neighborhood is the first stop on the #7 subway when entering Queens. A few musts in Hunters Point include MoMA PS1 and 5Pointz, but if you’re looking for a great meal, head over to Lounge 47 (47-10 Vernon Blvd., Long Island, NY 11101), which is a laid-back bar and restaurant featuring vintage ‘70s décor, as well as a great backyard garden. Another thing you’ll notice when visiting Hunters Point are the 19th-centure brownstones that line 45th Avenue between 21st and 23rd Streets.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/SeanPavonePhoto
If you’ve ever done a road trip, you know that one of the best parts is the quirky, cheesy and always unexpected tourist attractions you might come across. From giant statues to unique houses, here is our list of the top 10 roadside attractions in the United States.
Henry’s Ra66it Ranch
If you’ve been traveling the long and lonely road along Route 66 and are in need of some companionship, stop by Henry’s Ra66it Ranch. Just look for the signs exclaiming “Hare It Is!” Owned by Rich and Linda Henry, the pair of Route 66 enthusiasts opened this cuddly roadside attraction after noticing the lack of official Route 66 visitor’s centers. As for the rabbits, well, the old adage rings true, as the couple’s daughter got a pair of rabbits and didn’t anticipate the resulting population boom. In any case, these days the ranch holds hundreds of rabbits, as well as a fiberglass jackrabbit that’s perfect for photo-opps and a graveyard complete with tiny tombstones for the ranch’s former residents.
Where: 1107 Historic Old Route 66, Staunton, IL 62088
Blue Whale
Driving along Route 66, you’re bound to come by a number of strange sights. This one in Catoosa, Okla., a grinning Blue Whale measuring 80 feet long, was built in the 1970s as an anniversary gift from one man to his wife. The large, refurbished statue sits in a pond dotted by picnic tables, where weary travelers can stop and enjoy a picnic before hitting the road.
Where: Route 66, Catoosa, OK 74015
Carhenge
If you can’t afford a trip across the pond to see the actual Stonehenge, this wacky roadside attraction in the Cornhusker State might just do. Set on a 10-acre plot in Alliance, Neb., Carhenge was created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987 as an arrangement of 38 automobiles painted slate gray and placed in a formation that recalls the famous ruin in England. The cheeky attraction was placed at number two on TripAdvisor’s list of the wackiest attractions in America in 2009.
Where: Alliance, NE
The Oregon Vortex
Off the scenic I-5 highway in Oregon sits one of the weirdest attractions in the country. Open to the public since 1930, this nondescript shack in the woods is claimed to be a whirlpool of force. Round items appear to roll uphill instead of down, objects in the room seem to defy gravity, hanging at abnormal angles and visitors shrink and grow with every step. Paranormal activity, or just an optical illusion? You be the judge.
Where: 4303 Left Fork Sardine Creek Road, Gold Hill, OR 97525
Dinosaur Kingdom Park
Often described as Jurassic Park meets the Civil War, Dinosaur Kingdom Park is the alternative history project of artist Mark Cline, who tells the story of a group of Union soldiers who discover a lost valley of dinosaurs in Virginia through his fiberglass creations. Hint: the story doesn’t end well.
Where: 4942 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Hole N” The Rock
Utah resident Albert Christensen wasn’t content to build just any home; he hand-carved the house of his dreams out of a natural sandstone cliff face in the 1940s and called it Hole N” The Rock. Taking 12 years to complete, what exists now is a 5,000-square-foot home with 14 furnished rooms, packed full of antique tools, quirky knick-knacks and Christensen’s bizarre taxidermy collection. There’s even an exotic petting zoo on the grounds.
Where: 11037 S. Highway 191, Moab, UT 84532
Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue
Located not far from Route 65 outside Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, Ga., this monument to the 39th President of the United States has much loftier origins. First built in 1976 by members of the Indiana Democratic Party to commemorate Carter’s journey through the state, the 13-foot-tall grinning peanut pays homage to his early career as a peanut farmer. A reckless driver crashed into the statue in 2000, but it has since been restored to its former glory.
Where: Highway 45 N., Plains, GA 31780
Jolly Green Giant
At the midpoint of I-90 in Minnesota, the 55-foot Jolly Green Giant welcomes visitors to Blue Earth. This statue commemorates the town’s link to the Green Giant Company, which got its start here and was formerly called the Blue Earth Canning Company. Once you grow tired of craning your neck upward, there’s a comfortable park surrounding the statue where you can take a load off and relax in the shade and grassy space, as well as a rest area.
Where: 1130 Giant Dr., Blue Earth, MN 56013
Paper House
Chances are you’ve never seen anything like the Paper House. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a house made entirely of paper. In 1922, engineer Ellis F. Stenman began work on a summer home using newspapers as insulation when he had the bright idea to make the entire house out of paper, holding it together with glue and covering it with heavy layers of varnish to protect it from the elements. The framework of the house and floor are made of wood, and the roof is shingled. He eventually even made paper furniture for the house. Now, his great-niece operates the house as a tourist attraction.
Where: 52 Pigeon Hill St., Rockport, MA 01966
The Thing
If you’re driving along Arizona’s desert I-10 highway, you’ll see billboards asking you “What is The Thing?” If unanswered questions haunt you in your sleep, pull off exit 322 to check out this site, one of the cheesiest roadside attractions in the United States. Although it probably doesn’t live up to the hype, the good thing is that it will only cost you a dollar to walk through a freaky door, follow the yellow footprints on the floor and reveal the Mystery of the Desert.
Where: 2631 N. Johnson Road, Dragoon, AZ
Photo credit: iStockphoto/tbd
Atlanta’s Piedmont Park is nestled in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood.
As the capital of the southern state of Georgia and the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States, Atlanta is a vibrant and diverse city, booming with commerce, a strong economy, arts and cultural activities and world class dining and shopping destinations. Most Atlanta residents know that it’s really a city comprised of many different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor and personality. With nearly 250 neighborhoods officially defined by the city, it would be impossible to describe each and every one in detail, but needless to say there are several in the city worth noting. Here is our list of the most interesting neighborhoods in Atlanta that every visitor or resident should check out at some point.
Midtown
The second largest business district in Atlanta, Midtown is the cultural center of the city. Notable stops include the High Museum of Art, Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Fox Theatre. Midtown is also home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, like the Bank of America Plaza, AT&T Midtown Center, Atlantic Center and 1180 Peachtree. Those who have had enough of the museum circuit head to the focal point of this neighborhood, the sprawling urban greenspace of Piedmont Park, to stroll along the park’s paved paths or cool off by Lake Clara Meer.
East Atlanta
East Atlanta is where the city’s punks, musicians and hipsters go out to play. The East Atlanta Village is the neighborhood’s business district, featuring a number of art galleries, tattoo parlors, music venues, bars and restaurants. East Atlanta hosts a number of popular annual events, including the Corndogorama music festival in June, the East Atlanta Strut, a free neighborhood festival featuring a parade, 5k run, food and live music, and the East Atlanta Beer Festival.
Grant Park
The beautiful and historic neighborhood of Grant Park holds the fourth-largest and oldest city park in Atlanta, and the entire neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along with the neighboring suburb of Inman Park, Grant Park contains the highest concentration of Victorian architecture in the city. Dakota Blue is a favorite eatery amongst residents, and Young Augustine’s has a great selection of beer and a bocce ball court where people unwind after a long day. Zoo Atlanta can also be found in this charming intown neighborhood, as well as Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team.
Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown takes the prize for having themost uniquename out of all Atlanta neighborhoods. Located on the east side of Atlanta, the neighborhood was built around the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill, an old mill that has been turned into apartments and condominiums. The mill workers who lived in that neighborhood, primarily of Scottish and Irish descent, supposedly subsisted on a diet of stewed cabbage, which you could smell cooking throughout the neighborhood. Take the Krog Street Tunnel into Cabbagetown and you’ll see some of the city’s best street art. Every November, the neighborhood plays host to the Chomp and Stomp, a fun bluegrass and chili festival that includes a 5k road race.
Kirkwood
Known by residents as “the small town in the big city,” Kirkwood is a historic streetcar neighborhood located east of downtown. Historic Kirkwood is notable for its large variety of Victorian and Craftsman Bungalow style homes that mingle with new homes in traditional styles. Each year, Kirkwood hosts a number of neighborhood festivals, like the KirkwoodSpringFling, featuring music, food, beer, an artist market and a tour of homes, the Kirkwood Wine Stroll, where attendees can sample wines from around the world at local businesses, and the B*ATL Event, held each July to commemorate the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War.
Decatur
Technically a suburb of Atlanta, Decatur has more of an urban feel than most other metro Atlanta suburbs, in part due to its proximity to downtown and other intown neighborhoods. Located just east of the city, Decatur is a top choice for young professionals or families because of its quaint, neighborhood vibe and relatively low cost of living. Downtown Decatur features a lovely square featuring a number of shops, restaurants and historical structures, like the Old Dekalb County Courthouse. You’re never too far from a great bar either, as Decatur is also home to Agnes Scott College and Emory University.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/SeanPavonePhoto
If you’re living on a college budget in Seattle, use this guide to find the best places to live, as well as things to do without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re cheering on the Huskies at the University of Washington, studying art at Seattle University or attending one of the other 25 colleges in the Seattle area, it is important to find the right place to live and participate in activities that won’t put a hole in your wallet. To get you started, here are a few neighborhoods to check out and a few activities to consider while living on a college budget in Seattle.
Neighborhoods to Call Home
With a metropolitan area defined as Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Seattle expands for nearly 5,900 square miles. Finding an apartment in the right neighborhood for college might seem difficult, but with a little research and knowledge, you’ll be able to find a place to call home soon. Here are a few neighborhoods to consider.
Things to Do in Seattle
If you think living on a college budget in Seattle limits your activities, think again. Seattle has been called an outdoor mecca because it’s surrounded by mountains, waterways and remote wilderness. It is also home to lots of great attractions, which are enjoyable whether you’re a Seattle native or a transplant. And with a little research and knowledge, you can check out Seattle without breaking the bank.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/ElementalImaging
Those living in downtown Durham apartments will love strolling the gorgeous campus of Duke University.
As the fifth-largest city in the state of North Carolina and the 85th-largest in the United States, Durham is a vibrant, fast-growing Southern city. Whether you’re new to the “Bull City” or are a long-time resident, check out this list of some of the must-see destinations near downtown apartments in Durham.
For Fine Arts Fanatics: North Carolina Central University Art Museum
Why: An important teaching resource and cultural attraction near downtown apartments in Durham, the NCCU Art Museum contains one of the most prominent collections of works by African-American artists, as well as featuring five special exhibits a year that have included lithographs by Nelson Mandela and photographs by leading civil rights-era photojournalist Alex Rivera.
Where: 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707
For Outdoorsy People: West Point on the Eno
Why: Located just six miles north of downtown apartments in Durham, this 404-acre natural and historic park stretches along the scenic Eno River. Take a hike on one of the park’s many trails through the woods, canoe down the Eno River or enjoy a picnic on the grounds. The Amphitheatre at West Point often has live music and performances.
Where: 5101 North Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27704
For “Shopping Is My Cardio” Types: Brightleaf District
Why: The Brightleaf District is North Carolina’s first commercial district to make the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning nearly three blocks near downtown apartments in Durham, the district features a number of specialty stores and restaurants in turn-of-the-century tobacco warehouses.
Where: 905 West Main St., Durham, NC 27701
For Sports Lovers: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
What: Home to the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park is a 10,000-seat park known for its towering bull sign. An intimate ballpark with seats that allow every fan a great view of the field, the park features five restaurants where fans can take a break from watching a game to enjoy a great meal.
Where: 409 Blackwell St., Durham, NC 27701
For Scenic Walks: Duke University Campuses
Why: Spanning over 8,600 acres in Durham, Duke’s three contiguous campuses easily offer some of the best scenery in the city. Stroll amongst the striking Gothic architecture on the West Campus and stop in the ornately constructed Duke Chapel, one of the tallest buildings in the county and one of the university’s most recognizable buildings. The East Campus features buildings constructed in the Georgian architecture style. While on campus, make sure to visit the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens, beautiful public gardens.
Where: Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/uschools
If you're looking for art, history, sports and unlimited recreation, downtown Denver is the place for you.
Denver, also known as the Mile-High City, has plenty of attractions and sights to see for visitors and residents. Whether you live in one of the downtown apartments in Denver or in the suburbs, a quick walk or a short drive to downtown Denver will give you plenty to see and do.
Art Fans
A main attraction in the downtown area is the Denver Art Museum. One of the first things you’ll notice about the art museum is its architecture. It has two buildings – one has a fortress-like structure, and the other has a structure that resembles a titanium crystal with peaks and shards. Inside, you’ll find 68,000 art objects, including works from European masters, Old West classics, a collection of Native American art and traveling exhibits.
Where: 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Sports Fanatics
Conveniently located within walking distance from downtown apartments, Denver offers several sporting attractions for you. Whether you hope to catch a foul ball or watch your favorite player kick in the winning goal, downtown Denver is home to three professional sports stadiums.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or something to do with your buddies, head out to Coors Field to cheer on the Colorado Rockies baseball club. There, you are treated to spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains while enjoying the local team hit a few balls out of the park.
Where: 2001 Blake St., Denver, CO 80205
The Pepsi Center is home to three professional sports teams, including the 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup champs, the Colorado Avalanche. The Colorado Mammoth, a member of the National Lacrosse League, also call the Pepsi Center home, and the Mammoth have an average attendance that was the highest among all of the teams that play at the Pepsi Center. The Mammoth were the division champions in 2004, 2006 and 2007, and they won the Champion’s Cup in 2006. Additionally, you can catch a Denver Nuggets game, who have won several division titles and conference titles since they joined the NBA in 1976.
Where: 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO 80204
History Buffs
If you’re a history buff looking to live in Denver, look for downtown apartments in Denver to be close to the LoDo historic district. This area is filled with 90 brewpubs, sports bars, restaurants and rooftop cafes. It is also home to El Chapultepec, named one of the 50 best bars by Esquire magazine. You can also check out the Rockmount Ranchwear store to check out where the snap button Western shirt was invented. Don’t forget to stop by the Tattered Cover Book Store, which offers an extraordinary selection and author appearances every day.
Where: 1616 17th St., Denver, CO 80202
Nature Lovers
Grab your biking gear and head out to the 850-mile bike trail network in Denver. Confluence Park includes cement trails for walkers, runners and bikers. Pack a picnic basket and head out to the grassy areas, river overlooks and park benches at Confluence Park for a casual afternoon in the park with friends. On the eastern edge of the park is a kayak run, which is immediately across from R.E.I.’s Colorado flagship store. The park is also adjacent to a large number of downtown apartments in Denver, and it also borders other parks in the area, as well as a skate park.
Where: 2200 15th St., Denver, CO 80202
iStockphoto/erick4x4
Browse through the farmers market in Portland - it's free to attend.
As the most populous city in Oregon and the 29th most populous city in the United States, Portland is the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest, with enough arts, culture, recreation, shopping and dining options to keep someone busy for a lifetime. The only problem is, with this many things to do, it can become a strain on the wallet. Not to worry. There are a ton of great activities to keep you entertained near downtown apartments in Portland without breaking the bank.
Forest Park
What: Get out and get fit for dirt cheap at Forest Park, located just minutes from downtown apartments in Portland. Known as the largest city park in the United States, Forest Park stretches out over 5,000 acres with 50 miles of hiking, jogging and horseback riding trails and 30 miles of gated paths for off-road mountain biking enthusiasts.
Where: 4099 NW Thurman St., Portland, OR 97210
Central Library
What: Built in 1913, Portland’s Central Library is the oldest public library on the West Coast. Housing over 17 miles of bookshelves, and literary selections ranging from the classics to contemporary works, Central Library also features a beautiful, ornately-decorated staircase and an impressive 14-foot bronze tree sculpture in the children’s reading room, depicting vines, musical instruments, toys, animals, classic children’s storybook characters and letters.
Where: 801 Southwest 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
International Rose Test Garden
What: For a fun, free day just a few miles from downtown apartments in Portland, take a picnic out to the International Rose Test Garden, one of the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the country. Opened in 1917, the International Rose Test Garden delights visitors with over 7,000 rose bushes and beautiful views of Mount Hood and the city.
Where: 400 Southwest Kingston Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Pioneer Courthouse Square
What: Perfectly placed amongst downtown apartments in Portland, the Pioneer Courthouse Square is the veritable meeting point for the city, appropriately nicknamed “Portland’s living room.” This exciting urban park is the most-visited site in the state, with over 9 million annual visitors, and there’s always something going on, from large public concerts to art festivals. If it’s warm enough, pick a spot in the square and settle in for some of the city’s best people watching.
Where: 701 Southwest 6th Ave., Portland, OR 97204
Portland Farmers Market
What: Enjoy a bustling atmosphere, fresh fruits and vegetables and samples from local food vendors at the Portland Farmers Market. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to October, the market features live music and chef demonstrations. Portland Farmers Market encourages meandering, so don’t be afraid to wander and explore all the market has to offer.
Where: Southwest Park Ave., Portland, OR 97201
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/DOUGBERRY
Moving to San Francisco? You must stop at the best burger joint, bar and music venue in the city.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/fotoVoyager
San Francisco’s sprawling location, picture-perfect scenery and delightful year-round climate make it a major tourist hotspot.
This city by the water has it all – a vibrant arts and culture scene, fun annual events and festivals, world-class restaurants featuring every cuisine imaginable, unique boutiques and storefronts, professional and amateur sports, access to great educational and learning facilities and so much more.
For a taste of some of the best things this city has to offer, check out the list below.
Best Music Venue – Great American Music Hall
The Great American Music Hall is arguably one of the oldest and most unique venues in the city. Opened in 1907, the Great American Music Hall gives visitors a taste of elegant eras gone by with its ornately decorated balconies, stately marble columns and decorative ceiling frescoes. Nowadays, the venue fuses modern aesthetics with a gracious, turn-of-the-century sensibility. The venue draws indie artists and national acts, and no matter where you stand, you’ll love the experience.
Where: 859 O’Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Best Record Store – Amoeba Music
Where music is concerned, Amoeba Music is the mecca. Packed full of records, cds and movies from any genre imaginable at reasonable prices, Amoeba often holds great in-store performances and artist signings. And music neophytes have no fear: the staff at Amoeba is friendly and more than willing to help you understand the difference between acid jazz and UK garage, without offering any judgment.
Where: 1855 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Best Bar – Gold Cane Cocktail Lounge
San Francisco comes alive at night, and there are a plethora of bar and nightclub options for just about any personality and price range. But this bar in the Upper Haight has several of the basic elements that comprise any great bar–friendly bartenders, a fun and quirky atmosphere, cheap drinks, a charming outdoor patio, an interesting clientele comprised of all ages and backgrounds and the best people watching in the city.
Where: 1569 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Best Neighborhood – The Mission
From the laid-back lifestyle in Haight-Ashbury to the diversity found in The Castro to the luxurious, sprawling Mediterranean-style villas found in Sea Cliff, San Francisco neighborhoods are some of the best in the nation. And if you’re a foodie, it doesn’t get any better than the Mission. With over 80 Zagat-rated restaurants in this neighborhood, you’ll never go hungry in the Mission. You can find just about anything here, from authentic, Latin flavors to high-class Italian to gourmet ice creams and sorbets.
Best Burger – Bix
Tucked away in an alley in the Financial District, Bix is known for its elevated traditional American fare. The truffle-laden pecorino cheeseburger at Bix is one of the most expensive burgers in San Francisco. Layered with decadent black truffle slices, truffled pecorino cheese and a slow-cooked crown of onion, the premium beef patty sits on an open-faced buttered rye round.
Where: 56 Gold St., San Francisco, CA 94133