My favorite part of San Francisco was being able to walk about town in 70 degree weather for blocks and blocks. Whether we were in Menlo Park, or strolling to the Pier from our hotel on Market and 5th, walking far and soaking in the sights was THE BEST.
We stayed at two different hotels: the Sofitel and Hotel Zetta. Both were homey and fun and oh-so-different. Sofitel is technically in Redwood City down near Silicon Valley, and is more of a business hotel. Hotel Zetta is a gorgeous boutique hotel in the SoMa district—right in the middle of everything.
It’s easy to be gluten-free in Cali because they have so many choices. My favorite spot was The Cavalier—not because they were a gluten free restaurant, but because they made single ingredient, high-quality food choices look and taste unique. Each dish seemed to have its own special touch and was beautifully presented. My new favorite thing is fruit with a touch of acacia honey. Acacia honey is pale in color, sweet and mild. They made it look like art!
When I like a place and the food makes me feel well, I go back. It’s safe. I went there four times! I guess you could say I liked it… A LOT. 🙂
Our visit timed out perfectly with the magnificent SF Pride Parade and Celebration—the largest gathering of the LGBT community and allies in the nation. We also visited Chinatown and took in the views from the scenic overlook of the Golden Gate Bridge in all her glory. But like any great trip, the everyday people are what make me happy. They simply make life better by being nice! And there were some real stand-outs.
“Sometimes I’m right and I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my song
The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I’m in
I am everyday people”
— Sly and the Family Stone
There are so many beautiful places to visit around San Fran, and Mark and I didn’t have the time to fit in everything we wanted to do. We were able to take a few side trips outside the city and visited beautiful Muir Woods with its ancient Redwood trees, views and trails, and nearby Sausalito for a day trip by ferry. Seeing all the sailboats was picturesque and the ferry to Sausalito was lovely!
San Francisco’s hospitality is top notch. A large city filled with a tight knit community of kind and generous people. You can just feel the peace, love, freedom and adventure!