This is the third post in a three-part series. Read the first two posts here: Doing the San Francisco Taqueria Crawl and Doing the San Francisco Taqueria Crawl: Part 2.

Everyone has an opinion about what makes a great burrito or taco, and in San Francisco you could spend weeks conducting your own unscientific taste test at this city’s many taquerías. I’m back with an additional round of recommendations, all three of which also happen to be highly recommended by http://www.burritoeater.com/. ... Read More

San Francisco is one of the world’s great restaurant cities. In addition to a plethora of Four and Five Diamond establishments, it offers a global smorgasbord of savory delights, not to mention the bounty of nature’s table by way of the greater Bay Area’s many organic farms.

But I’m here to help answer the question of where you can turn when you need to fill your stomach without relying on an expense account or owning a wallet that faints at the thought of Gary Danko or The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton. What if you just want to eat some good, well-prepared food that won’t break the bank? Keep reading; I have some recommendations. ... Read More

Female impersonation is an art enjoyed by many people, myself included. And San Francisco has a rich drag tradition that goes back to landmark clubs like Finocchio’s, the landmark North Beach cabaret that attracted tourists from around the world for 63 years before closing in 1999. “Sunday’s a Drag” at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room has taken the baton from Finocchio’s, and on a recent San Francisco trip, this combination brunch and entertainment event was near the top of my must-do list.... Read More

Who doesn’t enjoy going to a farmers market? You’re buying fruits, vegetables and other foods directly from the source. You’re in the fresh air rather than within the confines of a supermarket. You can nibble and nosh on the spot.

You also can meet friends and turn the outing into a relaxed social occasion rather than the “Oh no, I’m out of milk, which means I have to stop at the store on the way home from work even though I don’t have time” urgency of yet another grocery run. In fact I can’t think of anything not to like.... Read More

You’ve got to hand it to this city for setting aside so much lucrative real estate for green spaces that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Even in an urban area remarkable for how densely packed it is, there’s always an escape close by. Of course everyone knows and loves Golden Gate Park, but Buena Vista Park and Corona Heights Park—both favorites of mine—are a bit more under the radar.... Read More

This past spring, I was assigned to assit with evaluations the Lake Tahoe area. The first thing that came to mind was the crowded casinos and the ‘ding, ding, ding’ of the slot machines! 

I was very happy to find out that I was going to the peace and quiet of Tahoe’s north shore. I had been there years ago, but never really took the time to appreciate the beauty this part of the lake has to offer. ... Read More

I can finally say I’ve been to Big Sur. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and a place I’ve never heard anything bad about. (Have you?) And now that I’ve seen most of this approximately 90-mile stretch of Pacific coastline extending from Carmel-by-the-Sea south to San Simeon, I have one word: WOW.

I was on a May travel assignment in San Francisco, and Big Sur was close enough (125 miles south, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive) to justify an overnight road trip. My traveling companion and I got an early start, and by noon we were in Carmel. I’m going to save this idyllic seaside community for another blog, because it deserves one of its own (in a word: BEAUTIFUL).... Read More

While many visit Sonoma County to enjoy its bucolic scenery and explore the area’s magnificent wineries, the charming town of Sonoma should not be overlooked when planning your travel itinerary. Sonoma Plaza, the old town square, is the epicenter of activity in this laid-back hamlet.

City Hall, an attractive stone structure in a park-like setting, is the focal point of the plaza—it was built in the early 20th century with four identical sides to equally face all merchants in the square. And, as I discovered, the plaza is still surrounded by an intriguing variety of retailers.... Read More

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is so big and so packed with things to see and do that you could visit a dozen times and barely scratch the surface. I’ve taken a spin through this beloved green space any number of times, and it never fails to absolutely delight me.

Of course the park is home to major attractions like the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, and recreational diversions include everything from archery to fly fishing to disc golf. But it’s the gardens and tucked-away nooks that I keep returning to.
I love the fact that in a park this crowded with people—especially on weekends—there are places just steps off the street that can make you forget you’re in the middle of a big city. And I’m going to share a few of them. ... Read More

Have you ever thought about riding or taking a tour on a Segway personal transporter?  They are a great way to get around and a fun way to tour.  I must admit, at first I was hesitant to try riding after having two major foot and ankle operations in the last two years.

People find them scary at first, but let me tell you - there is nothing to fear, and they are easy to operate.  The riding sensation can only be described as smooth and even, and it’s also a “green” way of touring, as the machines are zero-emission vehicles. ... Read More