Tips for Traveling with Young Children!

Summer is here...and it's time to start thinking about your next Summer Vacation! If you have children, then you are no doubt looking for some family-friendly places that will not only be fun for you, but ideal for entertaining the kiddies! Before you go away, I wanted to offer some helpful and useful tips that have helped me so much. Planning and preparation is key, so that you can enjoy as close to a "hassle-free" vacation as you can for you and your little ones. Here are my Top Tips for Traveling with Young Children!

HAVE CAR WILL TRAVEL:

• Drive to your favorite destination. So many great vacation destinations are within 1-2 hours away from you home, while others are 3-5 hours, such as Vermont, New York and Montreal, Canada. I have friends who make the 8 hour drive to Washington, DC each year, or some crazier (haha!) friends who plan cross-country family vacations to Yosemite National Park or the Grand Canyon in a big RV or Winnebago.  
• Driving is not only budget-concious, but convenient. You have the freedom to come and go as you please and you can pack your car to the rim with all of your luggage, baby gear, food and supplies. It's a great feeling to have all of your belongings at your finger tips. (Just be sure to lock all of your luggage and valuables in the trunk when parking, as to not attract thieves.)
• Day Trips are great fun! And, they are a quick and inexpensive way to get out of town for the day.

FLY THE FRIENDLY SKIES:

• Fly Non-Stop to your destination. Fly direct whenever possible...it will save your sanity! 
• Try to book seats close to the bathroom to avoid long trips to the bathroom. 
• Pack your carry-on bags with some of your child's favorite toys, a mini DVD player, snacks, bottles of milk or formula, extra diapers, baby pain reliever, and anything else you can think of to keep your little guy/gal entertained!
• Get through security faster. Most TSA agents will let families with young children move to the front of the security line...talk about VIP Service! 
• Once you are at the gate, families often can board ahead of the other passengers as well. So, be sure to take advantage of these great perks while you can! 
• Also, they typically don't charge you to check your car seat and/or strollers at the gate, which is a good plus.

RENT-A-CAR:

• Book a Rental Car when traveling to another city. That way you will be in control of where and when you go, and you can secure your child safely in the car. With young children, it would be very tricky or even unsafe to travel in a taxi cab, as you can't properly secure your car seat.
• Reserve car seats and/or booster seats for your rental car. That way, you don't have to lug your heavy car or booster seats with you. (If you have an infant, then you will most likely carry her in the carseat...so remember to pack the base as well.)
• Check AAA, Orbitz, Hertz, Expedia or your favorite travel site for the best rental car deals.

BOOK A HOTEL or RESORT:

• Always Do Your Research to find a family-friendly hotel or resort. You don't want to travel all the way to your vacation, only to find out it's an "adults only" hotel (which many boutique hotels are these days), or there are no amenities for children. 
• Reserve a crib or pack 'n' play for your baby, cots or rollaway beds for your young children, at the time of your booking. And, always follow up with a phone call a few days before you arrive, to be sure it will be in your room when you arrive. 
• Find out if there are any Kids Eat Free or other specials for the children's meals.
• See if there are Kids Clubs or babysitting services at your hotel or resort, if you are interested.
• Check Expedia, Orbitz, TripAdvisor or your favorite travel sites for the best recommendations for family-friendly hotels.

RENT A COTTAGE or CONDO:

• I have always enjoyed renting a cottage or condo when on vacation. That way, you have privacy, more space and freedom on your vacation. And, it is usually quite a bit cheaper than staying at a resort or hotel. We've rented cottages in Cape Cod, Florida, Maine and even an apartment in Amsterdam...just do your homework, rent from an owner that you trust, read reviews and read the contracts very carefully before signing and paying your deposit.
• Cottages are wonderful, as you have all the amenities of home, you can cook your own meals, have a porch or yard, walk to the beach, or even your own hot tub or swimming pool. 
• You will have multiple bedrooms, so you, the kids, grandparents or friends can all vacation together.
• Save money by cooking at home, BBQing or having a lobster boil in your own backyard. Buying your own groceries, alcohol and other snacks to eat at your leisure is so convenient.
• Visit VRBO, HomeAway or any other popular vacation rental sites to book your vacation. Be sure the condo or cottage allows children and/or pets, if bringing along the family dog. 

Most of all, no matter where you go...near or far...just remember to enjoy this special time with your family on your vacation! Just spending time together is is the most important thing...time is precious, enjoy every moment...and have a wonderful time! Here are some of our most recent, and most successful vacations!

Bon Voyage!

Mel :)

Fall Family Fun in New England!

Hello friends!
Autumn has arrived in New England! It’s time to put on your jeans and sweaters, pack up the kids, and head out to the local apple orchard for some apple picking’... or pumpkin patch to for your Halloween pumpkins! With so many fall festivals & fairs, theatrical performances & concerts, and museum exhibits...there are hours of family fun! I do my best to search the web for FREE or low cost events, which are really the best kind of events for whole family! Enjoy!

:) Melissa
  

Apple Picking & Pumpkin Patches:

Our favorite thing to do in the FALL is to go apple picking, get pumpkins & other root vegetables and see some farm animals! Many farms and orchards have hay rides, trolleys, farm animals, and many other surprises. Visit each website to find out hours, events and pricing. 

There are so man great farms and orchards in the New England area...Here is a great Google Map with all the orchards! http://www.applepickingboston.com/

Below is a PDF you can download with all the locations in MA! http://www.boston.com/travel/special/ene/apple/applepickin.pdf 

Here are just a few...send me a comment or email if you want to add in your favorites...

Belkin Family Lookout Farm 

89 Pleasant Street, South Natick www.lookoutfarm.com

The Farm is open every day from 10:00 - 5:00. Pick your own fruit, enjoy train rides, moon bounce, caterpillar rides, burlap maze and hay pyramid. Weekends also include live kids' entertainment, face painting and more!

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

www.honeypothill.com/ 

144 Sudbury Road, Stow, MA 01775

Great apple and pear the week of September 19, picking is open daily 10 to 5.  Now picking MacIntosh, Cortand, Empire and Bosc Pears. Visit the Farm store, hedgemaze, tunnelmaze and farm animals open daily 9 to 6. Cider donuts, caramel apples, apple & pumpkin pie.  Soft serve ice cream and peach smoothies.

Weekend hayrides 10 to 5 & Weekday hayrides 12 to 5.

Tougas Family Farm 

234 Ball Street, Northborough www.tougasfarm.com

Our barnyard, playground, weekend wagon rides, and farm kitchen are family friendly activities all will enjoy. After apple picking, come visit the barnyard to see the goats climb their mountain of stone and then enjoy farm fresh homemade baked goods, ice cream, and apple cider donuts at the Tougas Farm Kitchen. Fun for the whole day, a perfect Massachusetts vacation & New England experience

Nashoba Valley Winery (yes! a winery!)

100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton www.nashobawinery.com

Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon

http://www.wardsberryfarm.com/

April 1 thru December 31
Monday through Friday 9-7 and Saturday & Sunday 9-6

Seasonal Picking Schedule:

Sept 17th - Oct 30th: 

PYO Pumpkins (daily) - pick, then pay

Hayrides to pumpkin patch (weekends only), $3 pp ages 3 & up

4-H Animal Barn: Petting zoo is FREE; donations to Sunnyrock 4H welcome.

Picnic areas, swingset and hay pyramid:  FREE of charge. 

Fall Festivals:

Topsfield Fair

Sept. 30 - Oct. 10

207 Boston St., Topsfield, MA

978-887-5000, weekdays $10, weekends and holidays $12, under 12 with adult free, www.topsfieldfair.org

Entertaining visitors since 1818, this is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the United States. Throughout the many tents and barns on the extensive grounds, you can observe, pet, and learn about farm animals including pigs, sheep, horses, rabbits, goats, even bees. (Source: Boston.com)

The Big E

Sept. 16 - Oct. 2

875 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA

413-737-2443, adults $15, 6-12 $10, 5 and under free. Special events priced separately. www.thebige.com

The Big E Cream Puff and the Craz-E Burger are only two reasons to visit The Big E, the largest fall festival in the region. This 17-day extravaganza features carnival rides, a circus under the big top, Mardi Gras parade, reconstructed 19th-century New England village, shopping, crafts, live entertainment (Reba McEntire tops this year’s roster), and foods from around the world like shepherd’s pie, corn cake pulled pork muffins, and deep-fried bacon-wrapped hotdogs. (Source: Boston.com)

Newport Yachting Center's International Oktoberfest

Oct. 8-10

4 Commercial Wharf, 401-846-1600, adults $20 Sat or Sun and $12 Mon, under 12 free, 3-Day Weekender Pass $40, www.newportwaterfrontevents.com

Newport, RI may be known for yachting and sumptuous mansions by the sea, but it’s no snob when it comes to embracing beer. When fall rolls around, the Yachting Center celebrates the flavors of the season at this annual festival. Two stages on the waterfront feature spirited Bavarian oompah bands, German dance troupes and yodelers, and Rhode Island’s own Alpenblumen dancers. (Source: Boston.com)

Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival

Oct. 8-9

Bethlehem Fairgrounds, entrance at 304 Route 61, 203-266-7810, adults $6, seniors $5, under 12 $1, www.garlicfestct.com

Garlic lovers rejoice! The seventh annual festival is a two-day garlic gala. Garlic specialty food vendors will be selling all manner of dips, cheeses, spreads, and oils, or stop by fresh produce vendors to pick up a head or two to take home. Lectures will discuss how to grow and cook with garlic, including tips for no-fuss gourmet meals. (Source: Boston.com)

STORY TIME for Babies & Kids!

Every week I bring my daughter to different story times around my hometown. These events are not only FREE, but educational...and a great way for your child to meet other kids, explorer reading, singing and being creative, playing musical instruments and having fun in a safe, warm environment. One time an African musician came to do an wonderful hands-on drumming class, while another time a Medeval Jester performed his "unusual" one man show for the audience. Also, I have met many great parents and caregivers...so it's a nice time for adults too! 


Here are some great libraries South of Boston...many which have special programs, musical guests, magicians or puppeteers! Be sure to check your local library for times and events in your town or state!

Walpole Public Library

Baby Book Time - Babies up to 2 1/2 yrs old. Monday mornings at 10:30 am

Preschool Story Time - Children 3-5 yrs. Thursday mornings at 10:30 am.

Music, Movement & Me - Children up to 4 yrs old. Tuesdays at 10:30 am.

http://www.walpolelibrary.org/walpolenew/events.asp

Wrentham (Fiske) Public Library 

Baby/Toddler Playgroup - Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver meets on Fridays at 9:30. Toddlers (walkers) to age 2 1/2 with Mom, Dad or caregiver meets on Fridays at 10:30. Meet new friends, play with the new toys and gym equipment purchased with funds from the Friends of Fiske!!!  Come join the fun! No registration required just DROP IN. If arriving before 10AM please ring doorbell.

http://fiskelib.org/kidscorner.html

Foxboro (Boyden) Library 

Story Time - Tuesdays. Ages 3-5 yrs. 10:00 a.m.
Mother Goose on the Loose Story Time - Tuesdays and Thursdays. Infant - Age 3 11:00 a.m.
Story Time -Wednesday Group Ages 3-5 1:30 p.m.
http://www.boydenlibrary.org/childrenspage.html

Norfolk Library

Babygarten - Wednesdays at 10:30 am at Lafayette, Pretlow, Downing branches (or 11:00 am at Park Place and Janaf branches). Infant to 24 months. Spend the morning singing and playing with your baby! Babygarten features actions rhymes, movement activities, shared book reading, and playtime. This program is especially for babies and toddlers and their caregivers. No registration is necessary. 

Babygarten - Thursdays at 11:00 am. Check the website for locations.

http://www.npl.lib.va.us/family/kidscove.html 

Fall Foliage for "Leaf Peepers":

Once September and October come around, but before it is too cold and damp, I love to take a walk through Boston Common (pictured) and enjoy all the lovely colors of the leaves as they turn. Boston.com has a great section on "Leaf-Peeping Itineraries around New England. Click here for the link.


And GoNewEngland.com has a great fall foliage map, for all of you "leaf peepers" - those who enjoy just driving around looking at the beautiful red, orange and yellow leaves! Visit their site for more ideas.

Here are more Fall Fun ideas from the WICKEDLOCAL.COM CALENDAR        

September
“King Richard’s Faire” is a Renaissance fair featuring knights jousting on horseback, fire eaters, stage performances, costumed minstrels, dancers, jugglers, a zoo, rides and showcase of Renaissance crafts and clothing. It runs now through Oct. 30, in Carver.

Nearly 200 years old, the Topsfield Fair has the usual animals and agricultural exhibits, games, rides and music, plus pig and duck races, Bengal Tiger encounters, and blacksmith, beekeeping and furniture making demonstrations. It runs Sept. 30 - Oct. 10, in Topsfield.

October

Check out “A Day in Pompei,” an exhibit of ancient daily life revealed in more than 250 artifacts and body casts of people and animals, buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Interactive stations and multi-media presentation recreate the city’s buildings, sight and sounds, as the exhibit runs Oct. 2 - Feb. 12, at the Museum of Science, in Boston.

It’s time to dance – “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is a live music and dance stage show featuring characters from the  pre-school television show, performed Oct. 2, at Agganis Arena, in Boston. See a sample video below!

Celebrate fall on a working farm operated by Mass Audubon Society, at the Farm Festival, Oct. 4-5, in Lincoln. Visit barnyard animals, pick local produce, hear live music, watch artisans and ride in a hay wagon. 

Every major cultural organization in The Fenway hosts indoor and outdoor celebrations and performances in music, dance, theatre, and art at Open Our Doors Day, a free event, Oct. 10, Huntington and Massachusetts Avenues, Boston.

You want an old-school circus? It’s got to be Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, a classic three-ring circus featuring elephants, trapeze artists and other performers, Oct. 12 - 16, at TD Garden, Boston.

The Boston Book Festival is a celebration of books where kids can meet picture book and fiction authors, see favorite story characters, and hear stories. It’s Oct. 15, at various locations in Copley Square. Free.

This “Peter Pan” is a unique multi-media stage production from London where hi-resolution video inside a 360-degree tent gives the audience the feel of flying over 1904 London to Neverland.  It plays Oct. 18 – Nov. 27, City Hall Plaza, Boston.

Or check out Tony Award-nominee Cathy Rigby in her “Peter Pan,” as she stars in this theatrical production of the classic story, Oct. 28-30, Hanover Theatre, Worcester.

November

The story of “Peter and the Wolf” set to music by Prokoviev is a highlight of classical musical, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra with pre-concert family activities on Nov. 12, at Symphony Hall, in Boston.  

The Pumpernickel Puppets bring alive the stories of Sir George and the Dragon and Three Billy Goats Gruff, on Nov. 19, at TCAN, in Natick. (Source: Wickedlocal.com)


I hope this has given you some great ideas for fall, family fun!
Have a Happy & Safe Fall Season!
:) Melissa

Join Voyage Privé - Discount travel site!

Dear fellow travelers!

Join Voyage Privé! It's an online travel discount site for luxury travel...looks amazing! Offers packages up to 60% off! I am dying to book us a trip to Paris or Rome...or how about Maui or Bali...hmmm?! Click this link to join!  Here is some info from their promo email:

HOW DOES IT WORK? Each week, you will receive a newsletter featuring our best upcoming offers that are personally handpicked by the Voyage Privé team. New offers are added daily and are available for purchase for up to five days. So, remember to follow our weekly newsletter and log-on early for the best selection possible.

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Click this link to join! http://www.voyageprive.com/invitation/MelissaRush275561

Provincetown - Cape Cod's Hip, Cool & Delicious Getaway!

Provincetown is Cape Cod's northern-most town, sitting proudly on the very tip of Massachusetts, jutting out into the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. P-Town is known for it's bustling gay community, great beaches, shopping, art galleries, history, bars and restaurants...this seaside getaway and is a slice of heaven everyone with an adventurous spirit. In a nutshell, Provincetown is gorgeous, sunny and fun by day...delicious and wild by night! Whatever your speed, whatever your persuasion...P-Town is the ultimate summertime getway for the wild at heart!

Every summer it has been a tradition for my amazing husband Andrew and I to rent a condo in P-Town either with friends or on our own. In summer 2007, we rented a 2-bedroom condo just off of Commercial Street with Jaap and Danielle, our Dutch friends who came over from Amsterdam for their summer holiday! We had the BEST time with them, really bonded and got to know the quirky, welcoming, gourmet and wild side of P-Town first hand. The following summer, we rented a cute & modern 1-bedroom right on Commercial Street across from Lorraine's mexican and tequila restaurant (highly recommended!). We relished in being in our own little place, renting bikes and kayaks, finding cute hideaways, climbing the Pilgrim Monument and meeting locals for drinks and oysters. As a rule, I suggest renting a condo or house rather than getting a hotel room when I travel. You have the freedom of having your own place...to cook, relax and sit on your own private deck. Check out HomeAway.com and VRBO.com for the best in vacation rentals around the world.

Last summer, we stayed in Brewster, MA in Cape Cod (mid-Cape) with my sister Sara and her fiance Dan at Ocean's Edge Village. His aunt has an amazing condo with pool and beach access. It was a gorgeous sunny weekend and we spend the days on the beach, and the nights eating lobster and clams, and singing along to the cover band at local dive bar, The Woodshed in Brewster. We had such a blast with them! On Saturday afternoon we hit Cape Cod hotspot The Wellfleet Beachcomber for much needed raw bar fix - Wellfleet oysters and gigantic shrimp cocktail. Goombay Smash rum drinks and Bud Lite Limes were happily consumed...and we had a blast!

Andrew and I snuck up to P-Town for brunch one day (the lobster eggs benedict at Cafe Edwige is highly recommend!) and did some people watching on our way back (ok, it was backwards) to Boston! We wanted to stay longer but had to drive back home after a wonderful weekend on the Cape.


Getting There:

There are 2 ways to get to P-town, by car its about a 3 hours drive from Boston...or a 90 minute ride by ferry from Boston Harbor ($70 one way).

Getting Around:

The two best ways to see P-Town are on FOOT or by BIKE. I highly recommend renting bikes for your stay. Not only can you ride to the beaches, but you can get a crazy, intense workout the bike paths, and at dusk, take in a leisurely cruise down Commercial Street for the best people watching you will ever see! Drag queens strutting their stuff to promote their shows (Thirsty Burlington is a dead-on Cher) , foreign tourists from Japan, Germany and England, couples holding hands, families with strollers, locals, bikers, freaks of all kinds, good-looking sun-kissed people, and celebrity sightings galore (i.e.: Marc Jacobs, Lily Taylor, John Waters, Jennifer Coolidge aka "Stiffler's Mom," and many, many more) many who are in town for one-man or one-women shows.

Site-seeing:

• Whale Watch/Harbor Tour - we saw a lot of whales!
• Fishing Trip - go catch your dinner :)
• Rent Kayaks - cruise around the harbor
• Rent Bikes - go to the beaches
• Pilgrim Monument - climb up the stairs for great view of town
• Dune Buggy Tour - unique way of seeing P-Town's beaches
• Gallery Walks - many have wine & cheese at night
• People Watching
• Nightlife - Comedy, Dancing, Drag Shows, live bands
• Shopping
  

Dining (and cocktails):

-The outside patio at Bubala's by the Bay is great food, drink and peepin' time. (across from Marc Jacobs). http://www.bubalas.com/ We loved the clam rolls, huge burgers with brie and onions, great bloody mary's and fruity rum drinks too. Awesome peep watching place too.

-Next to Bubala's is Jimmy's Hideaway, down the stairs...amazing! Sit at the little bar and chat up the friendly bartender. It's a cute, upscale haven with amazing martinis, steamed mussels with white wine broth and their Bouillabaisse of Scallops, Shrimp, Mussels, Local Littlenecks, and Fish Over Basamati Rice is to die for. 179 Commercial St. http://jimmyshideaway.com/

-Lorraine's is amazing Mexican...all the way down past Bubala's on Commercial. They have 20 kinds of tequila...we stayed in a condo right across the street last summer! We had the best time...delicous food and great convos with the staff and barthenders. 133 Commercial St. http://www.lorrainesrestaurant.com/

-Café Edwige is a restaurant that is upstairs, really cozy and romantic, great food! Go for brunch on Saturday (Sunday they can't serve booze til noon...the horror! lol) and get the LOBSTER eggs benedict with mustard sauce and home fries...a decadent meal! Friendly friendly staff and lovely decor. 333 Commercial St. http://edwigeatnight.com/

-The restaurant at the Crown & Anchor (Central House Bar & Grill) is really good too...its on the outdoor porch. We really liked sitting on the airy porch and watching people walk by. We had a wonderfully romantic dinner with wine, great salads and apps, yummy fish dishes (Grilled Swordfish and Pistachio Crusted Scallops), did I say Lobster Mac n Cheese?! Check it out. http://www.onlyatthecrown.com/centralhouse/

-Sal's Place - awesome italian food...legendary spot, but quite far down on Commercial towards the very West End...but worth it! You must get a table on the deck and dine on the water. We loved our colorful waiter with tales of his winters living in a village in Indonesia and Thailand and summers in P-Town. Anything you order from Sal's is divine. Get the cheap house chianti and get ready to indulge.. We ordered a variety of pasta dishes including Pasta Fra Diavolo with Shrimp and Scallops, spaghetti with Lemon & garlic, and their traditional lschian pasta dish of raisins, pinenuts, walnuts, anchovies. The Veal Saltimbocca was out of this world. Don't forget dessert! 99 Commercial http://www.salsplaceofprovincetown.com/ (At press time, I'm afraid that Sal's may have closed down! I hope not...I will find out for sure and post.)

Nightlife:

When in P-Town, you must catch one of their world famous drag comedy shows. All the best entertainers and comedians come to P-town for the summer to do a show. We usually check out Ryan Landry's latest musical-spoof-tacular. One summer we saw his hilarous take on Cinderella, another time it was The Wizard of Oz...and better still..."Willy Wanker and the Chocolate Highway" HAHA! How amazing is that!? Our friends Julie and Adam love to head up to Provincetown to catch world famous Drag Diva...Varla Jean Merman. So many drag shows, so little time. :)

If you like to sing, or at least enjoy singingvery badly in public while drunk (lol)...you MUST go to Drag Karaoke with Dana Danzel at the Governor Bradford on Commerical St. I don't know HOW she does it, but the show starts at 9:30 every single night. Andrew and I went 3 nights in a row and sang a different song each time! OK, we had a few tequila shots to get warmed up...but once you get up on stage..all the fear goes away and you just sing your heart out! (He sang a great cover of "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash and i belted out "Goldfinger" by Eartha Kitt and an Amy Winehouse tune!) Everyone is welcome and friendly there...and you can be a star for the night! (NOTE: It's especially popular for Bachelorette parties...so beware of the wasted bride-to-be from Somerville in the dime store veil and "kiss the bride" tank top.

Shop til you Drop:

Be sure to hit the Marc Jacobs store -- I love all the fun accessories they have for $5-10 bucks! This is about the only time you will be able to afford a Marc Jacobs original, seeing as his bags run upwards of $500-1000. We usually go in for a cool t-shirt, flipflops, umbrella or some funky jewelry.



Provincia - one of my favorite stores. Owned by Portuguese artist Manuel and his partner John. He designs and imports the most gorgeous ceramics in bright traditional colors. The prices are really reasonable too in the $10-50 range and up. Last year we bought a few of his signature olive dishes and some "good luck" rooster wine toppers for family and friends. http://www.provinciagifts.com/

Toko Indo - I just discovered this cool, Balinese jewelry shop. Beaded necklaces and bracelets with bits of stone, shell or metal in bright colors. I picked up a necklace for myself and braclets for Mom and Sara. :) http://www.shoptokoindo.com

The Army-Navy Store - It has everything under the sun, from nautical-themed housewares and novelties for cheap, to the typical army fatigue pants, sailor shirts and canvas hats.

San Francisco - A Guide from Gwyneth via GOOP!

hi friends,
I just got GOOP's monthly e-blast, and it's all the latest hot spots in the fabulous city of San Francisco...as recommended by uber-celeb Gwyneth Paltrow and her other celeb friends. Hopefully there are some places in this list we can all afford (LOL!), so it's worth checking out! It's been years since I've been to SF (sorry to say!), but this travel guide is encouraging my husband and I to start planing a trip soon! 
:) mel


================================


San Francisco - GOOP!
This week’s GO on San Francisco is brought to you not only by myself, but by my local friends who I always consult when I am planning a trip there. Kelly, Erin, and Christy, the magnificent Turlington sisters, are Bay Area natives and always point me in the good stuff’s direction. Also super hip ex-New Yorker and SF transplant, Julie Drazen, shares her insider knowledge and Sararose Benham gives us her in-depth and well researched tips.


Love,
gp

San Francisco

This week’s GO on San Francisco is brought to you not only by myself, but by my local friends who I always consult when I am planning a trip there. Kelly, Erin, and Christy, the magnificent Turlington sisters, are Bay Area natives and always point me in the good stuff’s direction. Also super hip ex-New Yorker and SF transplant, Julie Drazen, shares her insider knowledge and Sararose Benham gives us her in-depth and well researched tips.

Love, gp

From Gwyneth:

Hotels:

Four Seasons 757 Market Street +415 633 3000www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco

Although I find that the Four Seasons can be hit and miss, this elegant and airy space right in the middle of downtown San Francisco is ideally located for walking around the heart of the city.

The Clift 495 Geary Street +415 775 4700www.clifthotel.com

Super elegant, modern and uber-designed, this Phillippe Starck designed hotel is one of the hippest places to stay. Be sure to have a drink at or even just a peek into the Redwood Room, a classic bar with redwood paneling that has been recently revamped.

Restaurants:

Zuni Café 1658 Market Street +415 552 2522www.zunicafe.com

The menu at this classic restaurant changes daily but the delicious food remains a constant. The specialties here are the Roast Chicken and the Bread Salad.

Slanted Door 1 Ferry Building +415 861 8032

I haven’t been since the restaurant moved from Valencia street to the Ferry Building, but, with its windows toward the water, this is THE place for Vietnamese. The emphasis is on fresh and organic ingredients. If you’re wanting a quick fix, you can also pick up food to-go at their counter in the Ferry Building marketplace. Slanted Door also has a few sister restaurants including Out The Door on Bush St, which is where the crowds are flocking these days.

Shopping:

Cielo 2225 Fillmore Street +415 776 0641

I had a lot of luck shopping here the last time I was in San Francisco. Bessie, the general manager, says that at Cielo they like to “mix designs from around the globe to create understated glamour.” The store carries designers such as Haider Ackermann, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Yohji Yamamoto, Limi Feu, Sacai, Rick Owens, Marni, and Marsell shoes and the buyers choose the best pieces. Their sister store, Blu, has a slightly more playful collection, selected with the same great taste.

From the Turlington Sisters:

From Left to Right: Erin, Kelly and Christy

Yank Sing 101 Spear St. +415 957 9200 or 49 Stevenson St +415 541 4949www.yanksing.com

This is the best place to go for authentic Dim Sum with every dumpling choice you can imagine. The restaurant doubles in capacity on the weekends in order to accommodate the crowds while the menu decreases in size. Weekdays are definitely the best time for a meal, for a full menu and half the crowd.

Swan Oyster Depot 1517 Polk St San Francisco, CA 94109 +415 673 1101

This family owned business has been open for almost a century, serving up fresh oysters, clams, crab, and their famous clam chowder. Kelly and Christy love the Dungeness Crab Louie and the incredibly fresh oysters that they order at the counter with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. There is only bar seating and it’s hard to get a seat, so expect a line.

Photography by Liza Shaw

A16 2355 Chestnut St. +415 771 2216www.a16sf.com

Though the southern Italian cuisine here is delicious, the highlight is definitely the wine. The owner and sommelier, Shelley Lindgren, finds little-known wines to pair with, among other things, the wood-fired thin-crust pizza, which is not to be missed. Be sure to pick up the A16 cookbook by Nate Appleman, Shelley Lindgren and Kelly Leahy. Christy’s family makes A16 style pizza regularly.

Photography by Matthew Accarrino

SPQR 1911 Fillmore Street +415 771 7779www.spqrsf.com

A16’s sister restaurant, SPQR focuses on traditional Italian dishes which include fresh, house-made pastas and follows the same selective attitude toward Italian wine. Go with a group of friends so you can try more of their small plates.

Ferry Building Marketplace One Ferry Building +415 983 8000

This gorgeous building right on the Embarcadero houses some of San Francisco’s most notable food merchants including Hog Island Oyster Company, Cowgirl Creamery’s Artisan Cheese Shop, Bluebottle coffee, etc.

Photography by Matthew Millman

Bar Bambino 2921 16th Street, San Francisco, CA +415 701 8466www.barbambino.com

This Italian restaurant and wine-bar is located somewhat off the beaten path on 16th street in The Mission. The space and rustic food is meticulously orchestrated to create a cozy and memorable experience. The cheese plate is a major highlight.

Chez Spencer 82 14th Street +415 864 2191www.chezspencer.net

Sophisticated French bistro fare in an airy but warm space. Make sure to have one of their delicious cocktails before your meal.

Hotel Vitale 8 Mission Street +415 278 3700www.hotelvitale.com

On the Embarcadero, right across the street from the Ferry Building, this super-holistic hotel has a full menu of spa treatments for both vacationing and business travelers.

Rye 688 Geary Street +415 474 4448www.ryesf.com

For after dinner drinks, head to Rye where the bartenders will concoct the drink of your choice using the freshest ingredients.

From Julie Drazen:

Restaurants:

Photography by Frankie Frankeny

Spruce 3640 Sacramento Street +415 921 5100www.sprucesf.com

A great place for a dressed-up dinner. The food spans a variety of cuisines but the emphasis remains on local and organic fare.

Nopa 560 Divisadero +415 864 8643www.nopasf.com

My friend Julie’s number one favorite for food and atmosphere. Nopa prides itself for being a real San Francisco community center. They support Bay Area artisans (check out the mural!) and serve local, rustic food.

Farina 3560 18th St. +415 565 0360www.farina-foods.com

In a city full of Italian restaurants, this is the place to go for fresh pasta.

Shopping:

Dish Clothing 541 Hayes Street +415 252 5997

A favorite for good price points.

Carrots 843 Montgomery St. +415 834 9041www.sfcarrots.com

Keywords: unique, cutting-edge, local.

The Grocery Store 3625 Sacramento St. +415 928 3615

You’ll find designers and pieces you won’t find anywhere else in San Francisco like Comme Des Garcons, Miu Miu, James Perse and designer jeans galore.

Metier 355 Sutter St. +415 989 5395www.metiersf.com

Handpicked clothing with a bohemian edge. Brands include Zero Maria Cornejo, Isabel Marant, and No. 6 among others.

Philanthropist 3571 Sacramento St. +415 441 1750www.philanthropistboutique.com

This store carries all the brands you’d want – Phillip Lim, Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Stella McCartney. The major added plus is that all your money goes directly to charity. Each quarter the owners choose a new charity to contribute to.

Gimme Shoes 416 Hayes Street at Gough +415 864 0691www.gimmeshoes.com

This is THE best shoe store!

Kids Clothes:

Honeys and Heroes 3366 326 1899 +415 864 0691www.honeysandheroes.com

Find unique pieces for kids from all the cool brands like Ella Moss and Vans for kids plus many unknowns and up-and comers.

Mani/Pedi:

Teashi 2340 Polk Street +415 749 0990www.teashi.com

This is a beautifully designed space for the ultimate manicure and pedicure. Who knew there were so many kinds of treatments? Time Defense Mani, Scandle Mani, Back To Natural…

From Sararose Benham:

Parks:

Seward Street Mini Park

When I was a little girl, my dad used to take me to The Seward Street Mini Park. Seward is a short street in The Castro that runs at a rough diagonal between 19th St. and Douglass St. I used to feel like it was my private secret park. The park has these slides made of cement that are said to have been designed by a young 14 year old girl who won a park design contest. When we were done sliding we would walk up the Douglass Hill steps which lead you to Kite Hill which is a small open space with grass and views overlooking the city.

Shopping:

Conifer Shop 2428 Webster St. +415 922 1892conifershop.wordpress.com www.conifershop.com

My big sister's good friends Amy and Robbie own this fantastic shop. The store showcases New York designers like one of a kind jewelry from DLC Brooklyn made with vintage chains and select clothing pieces by Built by Wendy. The shop also carries many items that are handmade and sustainable.

Lingerie:

Toujours 2484 Sacramento St. +415 346 3988www.toujourslingerie.com

Toujours is tiny but perfect. It is located off Fillmore Street in lower Pacific Heights. Beverly, the owner has worked in Lingerie for years and used to have a shop called Chloe across the Golden Gate Bridge. Bev is a wealth of gorgeous lingerie knowledge. The store features sexy, comfy and in between. I love going to this girly shop, it smells delicious too - like lavender sachets.

Men:

A-B Fits 1519 Grant Ave. +415 982 5726www.abfits.com

A-B Fits has many hip brands and carries APC denim, which I think looks incredible on men.

Huf 812 Sutter St. +415 552 3820www.hufsf.com

Huf has the best and most original sneaker collection in SF. You will find the latest and greatest from Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Vans. They also carry hip urban apparel. It's fun to browse this colorful store even if you are not a huge sneaker fan.

Baby:

Mudpie 1694 Union St. +415 771 9262www.mudpiechild.com

Mudpie in the Marina has gorgeous clothing gifts for babies as well as beautiful accessories, toys, furniture and specialty make believe items. I simply adore this place. This classic and magical feeling shop is spacious and bright and they do gorgeous gift-wrapping which makes the perfect finishing touch for a lovely experience.

Hair:

Jungle Red 4233 18th St. +415 924 9755www.jungleredsf.com

The salon is hip and chic without screaming hip and chic. The front desk staff (especially a lovely man named Eric) are always incredibly cheerful and helpful and I have been impressed with all of the colorists and stylists I have booked with. They do amazing nourishing conditioning treatments using Kerastase and do not break the bank.

Yoga:

International Orange 2410 California St, Suite A +415 563 5500www.internationalorange.com

An old friend of mine opened this incredible yoga studio/day spa on Fillmore Street with two of her childhood girlfriends. International Orange (IO) named after the paint color of the Golden Gate Bridge, is an open space of Zen in the middle of the city. IO has both restorative and vinyasa yoga available by group classes, privates or workshops.

Facials:

Derma Plus 1728 Union St, suite 200 +415 885 6192www.dermaplussf.com

I stumbled upon this Marina gem looking for a waxer and ended up addicted to the facial treatments. Julie Crispo owns and operates this quaint second floor space and takes extremely good care of her client's skin. Julie has perfected the art of waxing and her facials always leave you feeling like you have brand new skin! I really cannot say enough good things about Derma Plus, you never feel rushed and truly feel cared about which I think is hard to find in an aestician. Derma Plus uses products like True, Skin Blends, Obagi and Jan Marini.

Restaurants:

Italian and Pizza:

Little Star Pizza 400 Valencia St. +415 551 7827 or 846 Divisadero St. +415 441 1118www.littlestarpizza.com

In a city not famous for their Pizza, Little Star Pizza is delicious. They serve both thin and thick crust so there is something for everyone and they do both options just right. The daily specials change constantly and seasonally and always surprise. No reservations and cash only.

Photography by Eric Wolfinger

Delfina Restaurant 3621 18th St. +415 552 4055 or Pizzeria Mission 3611 18th St. +415 437 6800www.delfinasf.com

Delfina Restaurant in the Mission district is a lovely place with a fantastic Italian menu and delicious fresh pizzas. Although Delfina is usually crowded and hard to get in, the pizzeria next door that is smaller and open for lunch tends to have more openings, especially for a later lunch.

Pizzetta 211 211 23rd Ave. +415 379 9880www.pizzetta211.com

My sister is swearing by Pizzetta 211 saying "It is the super secret bombdiggity."

Mexican:

Nick's Crispy Tacos 1500 Broadway +415 409 8226

Nick's Crispy Tacos is only open during the day as it is operated out of a portion of a Night Club in Russian Hill. You enter through a side door of the club and it's sectioned off. They have the best tacos, crispy or regular along with perfect guacamole, elote (Mexican corn on the cob) and delicious melon juice. It's an interesting experience surrounded by plush red club-style booths and a dancing floor. It's a fun place to bring out-of-towners as it's quite a unique dining experience. They also have "Taco Tuesdays" with $2 tacos and $10 pitchers!

Nopalito 306 Broderick St. +415 437 0303www.nopalitosf.com

Our family loves Nopalito on Broderick, for sustainable, organic and healthy Mexican food.

And of course there are many Taquerias in the Mission District where you cannot go wrong when searching for authentic Mexican Cuisine.

Vietnamese:

Three Seasons 3317 Steiner St.www.threeseasonsrestaurant.com

Three Seasons is a wonderful restaurant to go when you are in the mood for Vietnamese spring rolls. There are many types of rolls both fresh and fried, and they are made with the finest ingredients. The Vietnamese owners have named the restaurant Three Seasons, because that is how many seasons there are in Vietnam.

Markets:

Bi-Rite Market 3639 18th Street +415 241 9760www.biritemarket.com

Bi-Rite Market in the Mission is the place to go for snacks and groceries. They somehow manage to carry everything you would need in one smallish grocery store. Bi-Rite specializes in local, organic and sustainable food. The produce here is always fresh and to test it yourself, there are ample amounts of samples offered. They cater and have a seasonal deli with a changing menu. For a special treat, visit Bi-Rite’s creamery across the street serving local, organic ice cream. The service and atmosphere are very neighborhood and community oriented.

Coffee and Tea:

Lovejoy's Tea Room 1351 Church St. +415 648 5895www.lovejoystearoom.com

Lovejoy's Tea Room is adorable and eclectic. It is the perfect spot to host a high tea or bring a small group of children for a tea party.

Photography by Eric Wolfinger

Four Barrel Coffee 375 Valenciawww.fourbarrelcoffee.com

Four Barrel Coffee is all the rage at the moment and for good reason, the coffee is excellent. You can also find Four Barrel Coffee served at Tartine, a popular and delicious bakery that is worth a visit.

Photography by Eric Wolfinger

Tartine 600 Guerrero Street +415 487-2600www.tartinebakery.com

Art and Science:

Mural Tours in San Francisco are a really fantastic way to see outdoor, authentic local art. There are numerous worthy murals to be seen all around the city.

One of my favorite places to go is The Exploratorium. It is located next to the Palace of Fine Arts, the Grecian looking dome that sits near the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Inside the Exploratorium you will find a Science Museum great for both children and adults. It features the Tactile Dome, which is a maze of tunnels and slides that you go through completely in the dark using your sense of touch to get you through.

To Do at Night:

Dolores Park movie night is really fun! Grab a blanket and your buddies and you are set for the night.

Nightlife at Calif. Academy of Sciences on Thursday nights (adults only / bars / djs).

Candy:

Candy Darling 798 Sutter Street +415 346 1500

This adorable, simple and completely wonderful corner candy shop has the warmest service and most incredible English toffee and saltwater caramels.