A Wandering Widow Post
“Never stop wandering into wonder.”
Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem
After a six week break in Idaho, I was antsy to get back on the road. A short hop over to San Francisco for a few days was just what the travel doctor ordered! The weather was absolutely perfect; sunny and warm, and unusual for this time of year.
This was my first visit to San Francisco without Dan, and thanks to family and friends I had a blast rediscovering one of my favorite cities from a new angle. What’s your favorite backyard trip?
XOXO,
The Wandering Widow
Live Now. Dream Big. Love Fierce.
Click here for my San Francisco photo album.
NOB HILL PRINCESS
My friend called it a guest room. I called it a princess suite in a 5-star resort. Either way, I was living the pampered life in Nob Hill, with rooftop views to die for. You can easily find Airbnbs for rent in the area if you don’t want to deal with San Francisco’s current hotel bed bug problem. From Nob Hill, I had easy access to The Presidio, Crissy’s Field, Union Square, and the SF Jazz Center. And while you need to be with a member, fancy hats, champagne cocktails, and a group of incredible women made lunch at the Metropolitan Club a highlight of my visit.
CRISSY’S FIELD
This beautiful section of the San Francisco Bay Walk Trail is easy to get to and has nice even paths to walk along the water’s edge. Oh, and did I mention the view? That bridge, cloaked in fog, is stunning in any weather but glorious in the full sun. Park near the yacht club and walk toward The Warming Hut at the base of the bridge for delicious coffee, pastries, and artsy San Francisco souvenirs.
SF JAZZ FESTIVAL
Since the Jazz Festival was going on while I was there, I managed to get a ticket to see Brian Blade & The Fellowship at Miner Auditorium. SF Jazz is a cool place, and the first building in the United States constructed specifically for jazz performances. Every seat makes you feel like you are up close and personal with the musicians.
I love music of any kind, but jazz always reminds me of my friend Steve, who introduced me to it fifteen years ago when we were both working in Japan. As many concerts and music clubs as I’ve visited in my travels, this was my first jazz concert outside of New Orleans, an embarrassingly long time ago. I won’t ever wait that long again.
BEACH BLANKET BABYLON
My friends suggested Beach Blanket Babylon, and I’m so glad they did! This 90-minute musical theater + New Yorker cartoon mashup had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt. (I haven’t laughed that hard since I was in Amstelveen!) The vocal talent, costumes, satire, and hilarity made it one of my favorite stage performances to date. It’s updated regularly, so worth seeing again.