Missed BottleRock in Napa this year? No problem.

There's still plenty of wine and music coming together at these nine Wine Country music festivals, taking place between Paso Robles and Sonoma this summer. Look out for diverse acts including Thievery Corporation, Kacey Musgraves, The B52s, and ZZ Top. Happy Summer!

Gundlach Bundschu Winery's Huichica Music Festival (June 7-8)

Every summer, Gundlach Bundschu puts on the intimate Huichica Music Festival (pronounced wah-CHEE-ka). Taking place amongst the winery's historic vineyards, 30-plus indie and folk acts perform on four stages over two days. This year's event, taking place June 7-8, brings together up-and-comers like Lee Fields & The Expressions, Fruit Bats, and Lumerians. Local food vendors will be on site and the wine will be flowing. Tickets range from $55-155, but if you can't make Huichica, you can still get a taste at various (((folkYEAH!))) concerts put on throughout the rest of the year. // Gundlach Bundschu Winery: 2000 Denmark St. (Sonoma), gunbun.com

If you go: Grab breakfast at Boxcar Fried Chicken (formerly Fremont Diner) on the way over. Spend the weekend at the idyllic MacArthur Place, located within walking distance of the Sonoma Plaza and a quick drive to Gundlach Bundschu, and dine at the hotel's brand new Mediterranean restaurant, Layla.

Mountain Winery's 2019 Season (Through Oct. 11)

At the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the century-old Mountain Winery pairs live music with far-reaching mountaintop views in a Colosseum-esque venue. The 2019 concert season runs from May 25 to October 11, with acts like MC Hammer on June 7, Sublime with Rome on June 19, and The B52s on August 12. Tickets start at $29, and some options include fine dining while you rock out. // Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd. (Saratoga), mountainwinery.com

If you go: The beauty of Mountain Winery is that it isn't surrounded by, well, anything. While it's not the easiest place to plan an overnight, The Hakone Gardens, one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the Western Hemisphere, is a popular nearby attraction that you can visit before the show.

Rodney Strong Vineyards' Summer Concert Series (June 22 through Sept. 7)

This Healdsburg winery is one lap around the sun short of its 30th anniversary of its Summer Concert Series. Get tickets now for an acoustic performance by Alanis Morissette on June 22, Rick Springfield on July 14, and The Beach Boys on September 7. Tickets start at $89, or you can purchase a four-show package starting at $282. Sip Rodney Strong wines by the glass or bottle and nosh on food from local vendors. // 11455 Old Redwood Hwy. (Healdsburg), rodneystrongconcertseries.com

If you go: Book a night on the Healdsburg Plaza at the new and architecturally-stunning Harmon Guest House and pre-game with cocktails atop their rooftop terrace. Treat yourself the next morning to a massage at the spa at Hotel Healdsburg, peruse the boutique shops along the Healdsburg Plaza, or take a winery bike tour through Dry Creek Valley with Wine Country Bikes.

Robert Mondavi Winery's Summer Concert Series (Starting June 29)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series, proof that the Mondavi's were pioneers in both California wine and wine hospitality. Kicking off June 29 at Robert Mondavi Winery with St. Paul & The Broken Bones—plus an epic post-concert fireworks show—this year's lineup also boasts The Struts, Thievery Corporation, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Matt Nathanson. Tickets start at $75, but we recommend splurging for the VIP dinner. // Robert Mondavi Winery, 7801 St Helena Hwy (Oakville), robertmondaviwinery.com

If you go: Book a room in St. Helena at the luxurious and ultra-modern Las Alcobas or the charming and cozy Harvest Inn. Arrive earlier in the day and go wine tasting; nearby Sequoia Grove and Sinegal Estate are lesser-known gems without the crowds. Fuel up between tastings with the Rutherford Grill French dip (expect a wait on weekends).

Wente Vineyards' Summer Concerts (July 30 through Aug. 20)

The oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country is back with its outdoor summer concert series in Livermore, featuring roughly a dozen acts between July and September, like Styx (July 30), Daughtry (August 8), and REO Speedwagon (August 20). Tickets start at $79, but if you're willing to splurge, your evening can include a buffet meal. // Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Rd. (Livermore), wentevineyards.com

Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery Concerts (June 18 through Aug. 25)

If you've been thinking about planning a weekend in Paso Robles wine country, book it around one of the summer concerts at the Vina Robles amphitheatre. A stacked lineup of twenty acts between June and October includes Sublime with Rome (June 18), Counting Crows (August 10), Kacey Musgraves (August 24), and ZZ Top (August 25). The venue also has two bars and a bistro serving up a selection of pizzas, burgers, and appetizers. Tickets start at $31 and premium seating is available. // Vina Robles, 3800 Mill Road (Paso Robles), vinaroblesamphitheatre.com

If you go: Book a stay in downtown Paso Robles at the charming Hotel Cheval and grab a nightcap after the concert at the local speakeasy Eleven Twenty-Two. During the rest of your stay, reserve a wine tasting at Parrish Family Vineyard and then drive across the road to Re:Find Distillery (the cucumber vodka is killer). Explore Tin City, an industrial marketplace full of restaurants, tasting rooms, a pasta factory, and more, and don't leave without checking out Paso Robles' epic field of lights art exhibit, Sensorio.

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery's Friday Night Music Series (May through Oct.)

Start your Wine Country weekend at Sebastiani for their Friday Night Music Series with tunes in their courtyard or stunning tasting room from a different local band or artist (Poyntlyss Sistars and T Luke and the Tight Suits, anyone?) each week, May through October. On the last Friday of the month, food trucks roll into Sonoma for Sebastiani's famous Food Truck Friday; on the other weeks, you're encouraged to pack your own picnic. This event is family and dog-friendly. Free admission, wine and food available for purchase. // Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, 389 Fourth St. East (Sonoma), sebastiani.com

If you go: Settle onto the Sonoma Plaza for the weekend at a historic landmark—the Sonoma Hotel or El Dorado Hotel—or if you're seeking Victorian-era opulence, the Ledson Hotel. Grab lunch the next day at The Girl & the Fig (we're obsessed with the Mano Formate BLT with pickled green tomatoes), sip bubbly from all over the world at Sigh, a classy bubbles bar, and reserve a tasting at the country-chic Sojourn Cellars, best known for their stellar, single vineyard pinot noir.

Sonoma Harvest Music Festival (Sept. 14-15 and 21-22)

The producers of BottleRock Napa Valley didn't want Sonoma feeling left out, so they started the Sonoma Harvest Music Festival at B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen. Founded by Doobie Brothers band manager Bruce Cohn, the winery has long hosted great outdoor concerts under the olive trees planted on the estate's 90 beautiful acres. For the festival's second year, they're taking things up a notch a la Coachella with two weekends (September 14-15 and 21-22) and two different lineups. The lineups will be announced on June 10—last year's headliners were The Avett Brothers and The Head and the Heart—and tickets go on sale June 12. Be aware that they may sell out quickly, for the Sonoma Harvest Music Festival is like a mini-BottleRock without the crowds, limited to roughly 3,000 attendees a day. // B.R. Cohn, 15000 Sonoma Hwy. (Glen Ellen), brcohn.com

If you go: Book a room at the quaint, yet contemporary Olea Hotel. Make an early appointment at Hamel Family Wines, about a mile south of B.R. Cohn. You'll have a hard time deciding what you love more about this place: the gorgeous, modern architecture, stunning vineyard views, or the fantastic wine (the unique Isthmus blend is our favorite). Or, take a morning hike through Jack London State Historic Park, which recently reopened the House of Happy Walls museum with all-new exhibits about the adventures of Jack and Charmian London.

Safeway Open (Sept. 23-29)

If you're a golf fan, plan a Napa trip September 23-29 for the Safeway Open and watch Phil Mickelson and other PGA Tour golfers duel it out on the green. As a bonus, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday finish with an outdoor concert (free to pass holders) in front of the Silverado Resort & Spa's historic mansion. Rob Thomas will conclude the concert series on Saturday night and while the other two acts have yet to be announced (look for the news to drop in June), previous performances include Weezer, Billy Idol, and Third Eye Blind. // Silverado Resort, 1600 Atlas Peak Rd. (Napa), safewayopen.com

If you go: Try first snagging a room at the Silverado Resort & Spa. It's where all of the action takes place and you'll never even need an Uber. Otherwise, post up in downtown Napa at one of the many hotels, like the Andaz or Napa River Inn. You'll have your pick of dining, bars, and tasting rooms all within walking distance, but if it's been a while, check out the new kids on the block: Mayacamas and Alpha Omega Collective.

Outdoor lovers in California's Bay Area have innumerable public recreation options in close proximity—just part of what makes San Francisco one of the most active cities in the U.S. year after year.

But while some cities have attractive recreation parks on their shores, none match up to the classic California coastline at Point Reyes National Seashore. Camping at Point Reyes is a great way to experience the backcountry of the Bay Area.

The area, managed by the National Park Service, is a prominent cape made up of rocky cliffs, sandy dunes and rolling grassy hills that juts into the Pacific Ocean just 30 miles northwest of San Francisco in Marin County. Tomales Bay, a narrow 15-mile long inlet, separates the cape from the rest of the Marin headlands on the east. The stunning views, lush vegetation, unique wildlife, and remoteness make Point Reyes camping truly feel like getting away (that's more literal than you think; it is geologically split from the rest of the U.S. by a rift zone).

Now preserved as the Point Reyes National Seashore, the region has served its inhabitants for thousands of years. The abundance of wildlife in the region attracted the Native American Coast Miwok Tribe for thousands of years. After a period of ranching, 71,000 acres on the peninsula were protected by the National Park Service in the middle of the 20th century. Today, the National Seashore is a prime spot for species emblematic of northern California's coasts, the northern elephant seals and the tule elk.

Head to the backcountry in the Bay Area on a Point Reyes camping trip.

Point Reyes, CaliforniaCourtesy of The Dyrt

While the hike-in campgrounds involve more planning, camping at Point Reyes is worth the effort. The National Seashore offers five year-round backcountry campgrounds, each with more amenities and comfort than many backcountry camping options normally offer. New backpackers will find Point Reyes camping relatively easy, and a tantalizing introduction to backcountry camping. Experienced backpackers will enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes and can string together a few of the campgrounds for a multi-day adventure.

How to Camp at Point Reyes

Four of the campgrounds at Point Reyes National Seashore can be reached via a hike, a bike ride, or—for the adventurous among us—horseback. They are nestled along Drakes Bay and amongst the hills and valleys of the Phillip Burton Wilderness. If you're looking to be even closer to the water, grab a kayak, canoe, or other small boat and paddle out to the area's one remote campground from the water on the west shore of Tomales Bay. It is $20 a night for an "individual" campsite that fits up to six people

Because of its proximity to the Bay Area, campsites are in high demand. Visitors can make reservations ahead of time, or check for available same-day permits at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. In addition to a reservation, campers will need a backcountry permit. They must pick the permit up at the Bear Valley Visitor Center before starting their trip, and display it on a backpack or a tent. A parking pass must also be picked up at the visitor center.

Hike-in and Bike-in Point Reyes Camping Options

Campsite in Point ReyesImage from The Dyrt camper Sasha N.

Coast Camp

The Coast campground has 12 individual sites and two group sites in a coastal grassy valley just 650 feet from the beach. It is reached from the Laguna Trailhead just past the hostel. Follow the Laguna and Firelane trails for a 1.8-mile slightly uphill hike. Or follow the Coast Trail for an easy, flat 2.7-mile route, well-suited to bicycles.

"West Marin offers an incredibly picturesque location to explore, and Coast Camp is about as good as it gets. With a minutes hike to the beach, and all sorts of creeks, coast, forest and wildlife nearby it's ideal for those that like to adventure away from the campsite and fire out to the world surrounding you," —The Dyrt camper Patrick O.

Glen Camp

The Glen campground also has 12 sites, but they're in a wooded valley protected from the ocean breezes and a strenuous 2.5 mile hike to the beach. The campground is a little more secluded and does not allow pack animals or groups. It can be reached via a moderate 4.6-mile hike along the Bear Valley Glen Trails, or a more strenuous 6.3-mile bike ride.

Sky Camp

View of Point ReyesImage from The Dyrt camper Jeremy S.

"Our campsite itself didn't have a great view (I've heard #10 and #11 are the best views, can see the ocean), but from other parts of the campground we could still see the ocean… it's only a 1.5 mile hike in from the parking lots so it's great for beginners or kids," —The Dyrt camper Kathleen L.

Wildcat Camp

The Wildcat campground is the closest hike-in campground to the beach. There are five individual campsites and three group campsites on an open meadow and bluff overlooking the ocean. Hikers can reach it from a 6.3-mile hike from Bear Valley or an 5.5-mile hike from Palorin on the Coast Trail. Bikers must ride a strenuous 6.7 miles along the Stewart Trail from the Five Brooks Trailhead.

"These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience. The hike in was somewhat lengthy but the views make it seem far less daunting. The sites are somewhat close together, but the whole vibe of the campground and other people there was so chill," — The Dyrt camper Sara S.

Boat-in Point Reyes camping options

Point Reyes lakeImage from The Dyrt camper Deanna K.

Where to Launch

There are four places from which you can launch your boat. Chicken Ranch Beach is just north of Inverness along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, and has a sandy beach popular for kayak launches. Tomales Bay Resort has a cement boat launch on the west side of the Bay, and campers can leave their car overnight for a fee. The Miller Boat Launch is on the east side of the Bay, along Highway 1, and it offers a public boat launch and facilities, including overnight parking. Lawson's Landing is in Dillon Beach, and is best for campers eyeing spots on the north end of Tomales Bay.

"I recommend, launching your boat from the Miller Boat Launch in Marshall (eastern side of the bay). Overnight parking is $5. First campsites are a 30 minute paddle across the bay. The best (less crowded) can be reached by heading north 45- 75 minutes out," —The Dyrt camper Tiffany F.

Tomales Bay Camping

There are no designated campgrounds with facilities on the beaches of Tomales Bay; instead, boaters will have to choose between 14 beaches open to campers with permits. The primitive sites on the shore are unmarked and first come, first served.

Be sure to plan ahead here in the same way you'd plan for a backcountry camping trip: you'll have to haul in your own water, and bring an animal-resistant food storage system with you, due to the prevalence of raccoons, coyotes, otters and other animals. If you want to build a fire, you'll have to pick up a fire permit at the visitor's center. It's recommended to bring an alternative method of cooking in case of high fire danger or a spare-the-air alert.

Point Reyes camping activities

Beach view of Point ReyesCourtesy of The Dyrt

Hike from a beach to a mountain.

You can explore about 150 miles of hiking trails that stretch across the National Seashore. There are short hikes of less than an hour, like the Limantour Spit Trail near the beach. If you're in for a slightly longer hike, consider summiting Mount Wittenberg, the tallest point in the park. The most spectacular hike, undoubtedly, is the trip to Alamere Falls. Water cascades over 30 feet off the cliff onto Wildcat beach. Deep in the Phillip Burton Wilderness, the hike is at least 20 km, or 13 miles. You can access the falls from Wildcat campground along the beach at low tide.

Spy native wildlife from your campsite.

Bring your binoculars and cameras because you're likely to see some of the most emblematic and charismatic animals of the California coast—elephant seals.

Elephant seals have been steadily growing in numbers since they returned to the Point Reyes headlands in the 1970s. In early 2019, they even took over Drakes Beach adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center while the park was closed during the government shutdown. You can see the giant, blubbery animals at all points of the year, but they are greatest in number December through March for the birthing and mating season, and in the spring when adult females and juveniles molt. Head to Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above beautiful Drakes Bay, to spot a colony.

Beyond the famous elephant seals, Point Reyes is home to tule elk, which can be spied in the Elk Preserve on Tomales Bay. Some grey whales are known to swim near campsites on Point Reyes, and are more prominent in mid-January and mid-March.

Explore historic landmarks.

Point Reyes's historical landmarkCourtesy of The Dyrt

The historical Point Reyes Lighthouse first began warning mariners of navigational hazards in 1870. It was retired in 1975 after serving for 105 years. You can access it at the end of a long and slow drive along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Check out the historical clockwork and Fresnel lens, and visit the observation deck and ocean exploration center. Visitors should take note, however, of an ongoing restoration effort that will cause temporary closures in 2019.

Within the National Seashore, you can also visit the historic KPH maritime radio receiving station, built by Guglielmo Marconi (long considered the inventor of modern radio) in 1913. You may also want to check out the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a signature drive near the North District Operations Center.

Other Local Attractions

The nearby towns of Point Reyes Station, Olema and Inverness each offer charming activities, shops, restaurants and other attractions that offer campers a welcomed day trip. Stores offer everything from the best California wine and cheese, to more outdoor gear if you need to restock.

A rite of passage for your trip in the area is to enjoy the local delicacy, oysters. Find them at Hog Island Oyster Company in Marshall, right off Highway 1, or try the Tomales Bay Oyster Company.

This article was written by Camille Von Kaenel for thedyrt.com.

It was all about being immersed in the great outdoors and an epic dance party.

Yuan Kang and Stephen Edkins met at Cornell University while she was in veterinary school and he was completing a physics PhD. They shared a love of hiking upstate New York's waterfall trails, tasting local wines, and trying new restaurants. After graduation, they moved to the Bay Area where she's now a small animal veterinarian in San Jose, and he's a physics post-doc at Stanford. For the proposal, Edkins ordered a custom T-shirt for their tiny chihuahua that said, "Will you marry Steve?" How could she say no? To celebrate, they enjoyed a sunset wine cruise in the bay.

The two selected a venue close by to make planning simpler—Half Moon Bay was easily accessible from SFO as most of their guests were coming from out of state, but it was also its small town charm and myriad of weekend activities that they were drawn to. The location embodied everything they loved with Moss Beach, the stunning cliffside, cypress trees, and dog-friendly hiking trails. "The Oceano Hotel was the first potential venue we visited, and we instantly loved how the hotel combined class, charm, and a beautiful ocean view. I walked into the lobby, saw the beautiful nautical decor, and immediately thought, "Yeah, I could get married here," says Kang.

Since the majority of their guest list traveled for their big day, they wanted to keep it intimate with plenty of time to spend time with their loved ones and actually partake in the party. Rather than stressing over making every detail perfect, they focused on what would affect guests most at a wedding—personal ceremony, tasty eats, and a killer dance party. They also gave their vendors a lot of creative freedom to allow them room to enjoy the process. Their theme was "simple, coastal elegance."

"We used the Oceano's house centerpieces and added seashells and starfish for a more nautical feel," explains Kang. "A few of my high school friends braved heights and high winds to drape our wedding arch."

They also incorporated a number of personal touches like Edkins wearing his family's lucky horseshoe charm on his boutonniere, a custom pendant for Kang that featured his grandmother's engagement stone, and their chihuahua, Dobby, walking down the aisle with the groomsmen and greeting guests at cocktail hour. "He's usually very grumpy but was surprisingly well behaved! When it came time for him to go home for dinner, we had to search the premises before finding him tucked away in a wedding guest's warm sweater/lap."

Then it was time to start the show. They'd choreographed a dance in their living room, complete with lifts to the Chinese cover of Coldplay's "Yellow" from the movie Crazy Rich Asians. Afterwards, they noshed on gourmet eats in a buffet-style dinner followed by cupcakes and more dancing.

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Venue, coordinator, and catering: Oceano Hotel & Spa
Photographer: Kat Ma Photography
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Hair and makeup: Jessie Weng
Shoes: Cole Haan
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen suits: The Black Tux
Flowers: Alena Jean
Cake: Cakeabakin (Enez Peoro)
DJ: Elite Entertainment (Kevin Coombs)
Officiant: Ceremonies & Celebrations (Irene Kane)

The Golden State Warriors are coming into San Francisco with a bang—and a new name for the neighborhood surrounding their Chase Center arena.

Plus, 4505 Meats makes a move toward Oakland, a surprising study makes us rethink our reusable cotton tote bags, and more headlines you may have missed this past week.

SF's 4505 Burgers & BBQ Sets Opening Date for Sunny Oakland Location, Eater

Summertime means barbecue, and as of June 14, Oaklander's can partake of the deliciousness that is 4505 Burgers & BBQ at a new Laurel District location with a patio. What will you be ordering? Read more.

We found 1970s Mission District mural photos; and the artwork is still there, San Francisco Chronicle

In the 1970s, the Mission was booming and artists were capturing the moment in murals that would become landmarks of a neighborhood tradition that lives on today. Read more.

Chase Center in the new "Thrive City."(Courtesy of Christina Pedersen)

Warriors and Kaiser rename neighborhood around Chase Center "Thrive City", Curbed

As they head into the NBA finals for the fifth consecutive year, the Golden State Warriors are also ushering out their final season at the East Bay's Oracle Arena. To honor their move, the team, along with sponsor Kaiser Permanente, is renaming their future SF home. Read more.

Which is better: Plastic bag or cotton tote? SF Examiner

Turns out that tote bag you've been using for years as a way of being more eco-friendly might be doing exactly the opposite of that. According to this study, "an organic cotton tote would have to be used approximately 20,000 times before it equaled the environmental impact of one plastic bag." Read more.

Oakland Takes Step Toward Decriminalizing Psychedelic Mushrooms, KQED

After legalizing cannabis for recreational use, some psychedelic plants may be next to join the party in California. Oakland, anyhow, is saying yes to magic mushrooms—well almost. It's not a done deal yet, but the city hopes to be an example for other cities and states in the decriminalization of psychedelics. Read more.

It's the first week of June and summer's off to a great start.

Look out for a new drag game night, movies at Top of the Mark, the Napa Valley RoséFest, Sunday Streets in Golden Gate Park, the Haight Street Fair, new pizza spots from Flour + Water and Gioia, and more.

Monday, June 3rd

Flour + Water Pizzeria is opens.

11am to 11pm daily

Flour + Water Pizzeria, 702 Valencia St. (Mission), flourandwaterpizzeria.com

Flour + Water's pie-devoted locale is now flinging crusts on Valencia Street. Expect there to always be five red and five white pies, as well as some veggie sides and soft-serve ice cream in classic flavors (think vanilla, chocolate, and swirl). Headed to Dolores Park? Grab the take-out only special known as The Big Slice—aka a quarter-pizza—from the takeout window.

Board Game Night

6pm to 10pm Mondays

The Game Parlour, 1342 Irving St, (Inner Sunset), thegameparlour.com

Tuesday, June 4th

We Are La Cocina Book Release Party

6pm to 8pm

Whole Foods Market Taproom, 399 4th St. (SoMa)

Celebrate a book that's been 14 years in the making: We Are La Cocina: Recipes in Pursuit of the American Dream. Authors Charles Farriér (Crumble & Whisk), Alicia Villanueva (Alicia's Tamales Los Mayas), and Guisell Osorio (Sabores del Sur) will be on hand. Come mingle and enjoy recipes from the book and drinks. // Tickets ($30-35) include a copy of the book, food and drinks, and can be found on Eventbrite.

Catch a movie at the highest bar in the city.

7:30pm, Tuesdays through August 4th

Top of the Mark, InterContinental Mark Hopkins, One Nob Hill 19^th floor (Nob Hill), topofthemark.com

When the fog rolls in, outdoor movie showings go out the window. Cut up the next best thing at Top of the Mark, where the indoor summer movie series includes screenings of Stripes (tonight) followed by Private Benjamin; Yours, Mine & Ours; and Good Morning Vietnam. // Free to attend, first come first serve seating. Check out the whole summer lineup on topofthemark.com/upcoming_events.

Quince x Willows Inn Dinner

5:30pm

Quince, 470 Pacific Ave (Jackson Square)

Chef Blaine Wetzel from The Willows Inn on Lummi Island in Washington is popping down to Quince for a special West Coast–themed collaborative dinner with ingredients sourced from two special farms: that of the inn's Loganita Farm and Quince's own Fresh Run Farm. Talk about farm-to-table. // Tickets ($295 per person, optional wine pairing $275 per person) are available by calling 415.775.8500 or emailing info@quincerestaurant.com.

Wednesday, June 5th

Drink for a good cause

6pm to 8pm

Junior, 2545 24th St. (Mission), juniorbarsf.com

Nonprofit Indego Africa is taking over the Mission bar Junior for a fundraising event with a special cocktail menu, tarot card readings, and artisanal goods such as blankets and baskets for purchase. Funds raised provide business training to female artists in Ghana and Rwanda to help them become financially independent. // Free to attend; drinks, goods, and readings available for purchase. Find more event info on Eventbrite.

Bouquets to Art

9:30am to 5:15pm, through June 9th

de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr (Golden Gate Park), deyoung.famsf.org

Bouquets to Art blooms for the 35th year in a row as in this weeklong installation of artist-designed floral arrangements Inspired by artworks in the museum's collection. // Tickets ($19-$28) can be found on deyoung.famsf.org/bouquets-to-art.

Global Running Day Fun Run

6:30pm to 8pm

Sports Basement, 610 Old Mason St. (Presidio), shop.sportsbasement.com

Mark Global Running Day with a four- to six-mile run through the Presidio, then grab a beer afterward. // Free to attend, registration can be done on eventbrite.com.

Thursday, June 6th

The Piece de Resistance

O' by Claude Le Tohic, ONE65, 165 O'Farrell St. (Union Square), one65sf.com

Over the last few weeks, we've been reporting on the slow rollout of One65, the six-floor mecca to French cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef Claude Le Tohic. The final piece, The O'—the fine dining restaurant on the top two floors—completes the complex, offering a menu centered around "elements of water, fire and earth."

Drag Gayme Nights

6pm to 9pm

Hotel Zeppelin, 545 Post St. (Union Square), viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zeppelin

There's a new reason to get the friends together after work on a weekday. Local drag diva Juanita MORE! is hosting this new Thursday night series, accompanied by a live DJ and a special menu of bites and drinks from the hotel restaurant, The Rambler. Games on deck include board games, shuffle board, chess, a quick-shot basketball wall, and full-size bingo board. // Free to attend, find more event info on viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

La Cocina's F&B: Voices from the Kitchen

Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St. (Mission), brava.org

La Cocina is doubling up on rad events this week. Today, catch one of two annual performances dedicated to food and drink themes. Tonight, stories and commentary from 10+ writers, chefs, and teachers hinge on the theme of recipes. // Tickets ($65 and up) can be found on Eventbrite.

Friday, June 7th

Gioia Pizzeria opens in Hayes Valley.

11am to 10pm, daily

Gioia Pizzeria, 579 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), gioiapizzeria.com

Gioia makes its return to Hayes Valley, taking over the old Two Sisters Bar & Books space. The restaurant will be much more fast casual than its original, offering whole pizzas, pizza by the slice, meatballs (hot and ready, or packaged), sandwiches, and salads for eat-in or to-go.

A New Friday Happy Hour

5pm to 7pm

Tank18, 1345 Howard St. (SoMa), tank18.com

Urban winery Tank 18 is kicking things up a notch with a new Friday happy hour. The prices are ideal—think $2 for house-brewed beer, $5 for glasses of select Tank18 label wine, $7 cocktails, and $5 bites. The space is huge, so grab a big group and hustle over.

Huichica Music Festival

2pm Friday, through 10pm Saturday

Gundlach Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St. (Sonoma), gunbun.com

The 300-acre vineyard hosts this two-day music festival with performances across four stages, top notch vino, food, and a chance to ride a Pinzgauer (an Austrian military vehicle) through the vineyards. // Tickets ($55 and up) are available on huichica.com.

Saturday, June 8th

Blue Rose Music's Annual Benefit

8pm

The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd. (Fillmore), thefillmore.com

Head over to The Fillmore for a concert to benefitting the Blue Rose Foundation, which awards pre-school scholarships to kids from economically disadvantaged families. Jackie Greene will host and perform alongside musicians Cris Hackons and Bailey Greene. // Tickets ($40) can be bought on livenation.com.

3rd Annual Napa Valley RoséFest

Noon to 4pm

Sterling Vineyard, 1111 W Dunaweal Ln (Calistoga), sterlingvineyards.com

Nothing says summer like rosé all day. Cruise up the Sterling Vineyards to taste some of the Valley's best pink vino along with bites from local Napa restaurants and food trucks. // Tickets ($75) can be found on sterlingvineyards.com/en-us/rosefest.

Second Saturday

11am to 5pm

Jack London Square (Oakland), jacklondonsquare.com

Explore an open-air market with more than 50 vendors including artisan booths, kid's activities, live music, and food from Oakland culinary peeps. Make sure to check out the mobile floral truck, Esscents of Flowers, the hand-made bowtie stand known as Jazzy Bow Ties, Italian ice treats by Mustache Mike's, and dog bone maker Rover's Choice. // Free to attend, event info on Facebook.

Sunday, June 9th

Sunday Streets

11am to 4pm

Great Highway through Golden Gate Park

One of the bigger of the Sunday Streets events, this one will shut down parts of Golden Gate Park for one mega, car-free play route. Biking, run, walk, stop into local businesses along the route, and hitting up the two activity hubs with vendors. Stop by Henry's House of Coffee, view the GGP's bison paddock, or check out local art at the Great Highway Galle. // Free to attend, find more event info on sundaystreetssf.com.

Outdoor dance block party

12pm to 9pm

The Great Northern, 119 Utah St. (Mission), thegreatnorthernsf.com

The summer has officially begun and it's block party season. Expect 30+ electronic, techno, and house DJs to pack the streets near The Great Northern with nonstop dancing at this all-day party. There will also be some interactive art installations, aerial acts, craft cocktails, food trucks. // Tickets ($40) available via Eventbrite.

Temescal Block Party

12pm to 6pm

Telegraph Ave, between 41st & 51st streets (Oakland)

Time for Temescal's 16th annual neighborhood celebration with loads of food from local businesses, craft beer from Temescal Brewing, salsa dancing in the streets, a circus stage, live jazz, carnival rides, DJs, and more. // Free to attend, event info on temescaldistrict.org/temescalstreetfair.

Haight Street Fair

Haight Street, between Masonic and Stanyan (Haight-Ashbury)

Wear some flowers in your hair for this weekend's annual pilgrimage to SF's OG hippie 'hood for a street fair of epic proportions. There will be two stages of music, the usual fair food, and tons of artisan vendors. Cruise the madness and pop into one of the many local businesses, restaurants or bars to support the community. // Free to attend; find event info on haightashburystreetfair.org.

CUESA Summer Bash

6pm to 9pm

San Francisco Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero), ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

Kick off summer with this foodie party featuring 45 different restaurants plus 20 bars, breweries, and wineries—think A Mano, Reem's, Sorrel, Wayfare Tavern, Bon Voyage, Kantine, Fort Point Beer Company, and The Slanted Door. There will also be live music, a raffle, and silent auction to keep the party going. // Proceeds will support CUESA programs including their new Foodwise Teens job training program and Food Change project. Tickets ($140) can be bought on cuesa.org/event/2019/cuesas-summer-bash.

With this handy gifting cheatsheet compiled to suit almost every budget and dad-personality, you'll be prepped to handle even the pickiest of pops come June 28th.

Bonus: All these presents were made in the Bay Area, of course. Happy almost-Father's Day!

$50 and Under

If dad's a serious whiskey drinker, you'll do well to hunt down a bottle of Workhorse Rye's Palehorse 'Lebaron' Rye Whiskey ($45), which takes the provenance of its grains and its process seriously. Distiller and founder Rob Easter sources his grain directly from independent farmers who focus on regenerative agricultural practices and grow without sprays and without municipal irrigation. Each Palehorse batch requires slow fermentation and copper pot distillation on the grain before being aged in used American oak whiskey casks. // Available at Epicurean Trader, 401 Cortland Ave. (Bernal Heights), theepicureantrader.com; workhorserye.com

$50 and Under

Get dad an awesome graphic tee ($25) from Create 1997, a San Francisco-based, skater-owned and operated skateboard and apparel company. Each design is made in the U.S, with a portion of the proceeds donated to endangered animal conservation, meaning Kong himself would approve. // create1997.com

$50 and Under

Created for dads who also double as organized audiophiles, Koeppel Design's made-to-order custom-engraved wood panel ($37) is both thoughtful and practical. Add up to 13 characters in Futura typeface, all caps, of your choosing for a hyper-personalized Father's Day gift. // koeppeldesign.com

$100 and Under

Get dad to fire up the grill with Loubier Gourmet's barbecue gift box (USD $80). Over 25 years of experience have made this family-owned barbecue business a leader when it comes to upping the ante on your backyard 'que. The perfect gift for all pit masters. // Loubier Gourmet, 2625 Alcatraz Ave, (Berkeley), loubiergourmet.com

$100 and Under

Give dad the royal treatment at Gents Barber Club, which is running a special 20 percent off on their signature Royal Hangover ($85) this Father's Day. Treat him to the works, which includes a haircut, traditional straight razor shave, and relaxing facial, knowing that he'll be in good hands with top-notch lead barbers JP and Einstein. Who says dads don't need a 'lil pampering now and again? // Gents Barber Club, 3041 24th Street (Mission), gentsbarberclub.com

$100 and Under

New dads will appreciate the convenience and thoughtfulness of this gift. If you have a good friend celebrating his first Father's Day, a meal delivery of fresh foods ($75 for 3 meals, 3 servings each) sent straight to the door (along with easy step-by-step instructions) would allow him to activate chef mode for the family—without the need to run around searching for ingredients. Win. // goodeggs.com

$100 and Under

Chances are dad has just two ratty belts hanging in the closet. Get him something practical but also beautifully crafted and long-wearing with this hand-stitched gorgeous leather belt ($88) from Taylor Stitch. How can you go wrong with a belt whose color is named Espresso Grizzly? Dad'll love it. // Taylor Stitch, 383 Valencia St (Mission), taylorstitch.com

$100 and Under

Give him a skill that'll have him cleaving to form. Conducted by Galen Garretson of SF-based Town Cutler, a store that specializes in artisan knives and handmade chef's tools, this knife-sharpening workshop ($100) will see dad learning from the best. Expect a quick look into metallurgy and the knife's anatomy before learning to sharpen a knife using Japanese waterstones. BYO chef's knife. // 1-3pm on Sunday, July 28th at SF Cooking School, 690 Van Ness Ave. (Tenderloin), sfcooking.com

$150 and Under

Vustra's versatile Imperfect Zero shirt ($110) for the work week that is made from sustainable organic cotton for maximum comfort. The subtle pattern on a soft blue background gives an interesting twist to a wardrobe classic and the concealed button enclosures on the collar result in a clean, unfussy finish that will undoubtedly make this dad's go-to work/play shirt. // shopvustra.com

$150 and Under

Clean, minimalist, and made with top-quality botanical ingredients, this Big Sur Eau de Toilette ($120) is a small-batch, all-natural fragrance made with organic grain alcohol distilled in Oregon. One spritz and you'll evoke the salty scent of ocean mist harmonizing with subtle resin notes that bring to mind a majestic redwood forest. The fact that it also makes a handsome addition to dad's side of the bathroom? That's a bonus. // laromaticaperfume.com

$200 and Under

Get the best of east and west with this yearly sake subscription ($180) from SF-based sake brewers Sequoia Sake. Specializing in Junmai sake and using just four simple ingredients—Sacramento Valley rice, Yosemite water, Koji and yeast to create a fresh, lively and natural sake style, this makes for an ideal introduction to a traditional Japanese spirit. Subscription includes two lots per year of 3 bottles each, priority access to limited production sakes and free tastings for up to 4 guests, (so you get to tag along with dad), as well as 10 percent off on all purchases. Kanpai! // Sequoia Sake, 50 Apparel Way (Bayshore), sequoiasake.com

$200 and Under

Ideal for the engineer who is also part history buff (or vice versa), this custom-made gift is as close as you can get to owning a part of a true San Francisco icon. In 1993, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District replaced a significant amount of the pedestrian handrail, which the Golden Gate Design & Furniture Co. later acquired. Made from an actual part of the Golden Gate bridge, this industrial-style coffee table ($3150 with glass or $4300 with a wood table top) incorporates new steel with the old and features the pedestrian handrail cap of the old bridge as a striking base. Limited to 140 pieces only. // Golden Gate Furniture, One Rankin Street-Studio 417 (Bayshore), by appointment only, goldengatefurniture.com

Splurge

If dad is an adventure-junkie (or even if he isn't) this choose-your-own-adventure San Francisco Thrill Seeker collection experience ($319) from Cloud 9 Living is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Let pop pick from jumping off an airplane or racing in an America's Cup yacht whilst you cheer on from the sidelines with a cold beer. // cloud9living.com

Splurge

For the discerning dad, a pair of these bespoke Beneduci shoes ($3,000 to $5,000 depending on construction type, complexity of design, and materials) are just the ticket. Located in Bernal Heights, every pair is hand-crafted using machinery that dates back to the 196's era of classic American boot making. Finished with Goodyear Welted and McKay construction and using premium leathers and exotic skins (think sting ray, python, and ostrich), a bespoke pair can be customized upon request, so if you intend to splurge on dad this year, this is the place. // Beneduci, 797 San Jose Ave. (Bernal Heights), beneduci.com

Once the psychedelic heart of the famous Summer of Love, Haight-Ashbury is where throngs of youths, drifters, and free-wheelin', free-lovin' individuals converged for an all-out celebration of acid-induced peace and love.

(Those who missed out can head down to The Booksmith and pick up Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test for a first-hand account).

These days though, The Haight has mellowed like a fine bourbon—smoother on the palette but still kicky.

Thankfully, there's still plenty of the street's original personality, even with the recent influx of boutiques, ramen shops, organic grocery stores, hip coffee joints, and craft beer hangouts nestled between the longtime vintage clothing exchanges and tie-dye–hawking boutiques.

From edible lingerie to vegan burgers, there'll be something here to pique your interest. Be sure to snap a pic at the corner of Haight and Ashbury, which was recently named a national treasure.

The Best Restaurants on Haight Street

It may not be the city's destination for fine dining, but you'll find some quality, budget-friendly eats in the Haight.

With its bright façade, you can't miss Parada 22 (1805 Haight St.), which serves up an array of mouth-watering Puerto Rican dishes. // Next door's Cha Cha Cha (1801 Haight St.) is run by the same owner, and is a Haight Street institution specializing in Caribbean-style cuisine since 1984. // Lift your spirits at Alembic (1725 Haight St.)—in addition to an extensive cocktail list with some of the best drinks around, the popular watering hole also offers a delectable dinner and brunch. // Another in the restaurant-that-serves-great-drinks category, Maven (598 Haight St.) is as great for impressing a date as it is for a cozy locals bite in the 'hood. // Those in the mood for something quick and tasty can pick up a super burrito at Street Taco (1607 Haight St.) or a five-spice chicken noodle bowl at DragonEats (1671 Haight St.). // Pizza fans shouldn't miss Slice House (1535 Haight St.), which is owned by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani—pick up a pie and judge for yourself. // Hungover Haighters always appreciate the stick-to-your-ribs breakfast options at Pork Store Cafe (1451 Haight St.), while those in search of a boozy brunch can trek down to Lower Haight for bottomless bellinis and Italian dishes at Uva Enoteca (568 Haight St.). // Find juicy gourmet dogs from Rosamunde Sausage Grill (545 Haight St.) or angry Korean chicken wings and buttermilk biscuits at Wing Wings (422 Haight St.). // Even burger-craving vegans will be satisfied at the first SF outpost of robust Singapore-based eatery VeganBurg (1466 Haight St.). // If dinner's in the cards, don't forget to check out Iza Ramen (237 Fillmore St.) for a bowl of their famous Iza Tsukenmen.

Craft Beer + Coffee in the Haight

Find your obligatory morning caffeine shot at Ritual Coffee Roasters (1300 Haight St.). // Quench your thirst with a fresh pint of cask ale at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery (1398 Haight St.). // Enjoy one of 15 rotating craft brews on tap at Sparrow Bar & Kitchen (1640 Haight St.) or gear up for a tasting flight at Black Sands Brewery (701 Haight St.). // If a cocktail is more your speed, then slip into Hobson's Choice (1601 Haight St.) to sip on a rum concoction. // Craft beer aficionados will go ga-ga over the enormous selection of brews available at local dive bar Toronado (547 Haight St.). // Ernest Takai's Noc Noc (557 Haight St.) will keep you hydrated with $3 happy hour pints. // Pay homage to Haight-Ashbury's musical history by enjoying live music any day of the week and sipping on a cocktail at the lively Club Deluxe (1511 Haight St.).

Where to Shop on Haight Street

To get a taste of Haight Street during its 1960s heyday, head down to Love on Haight (1400 Haight St.) to partake in psychedelic style before crossing over to Aviator Nation (1501 Haight St.) for modern Californian clothes with a laid back, vintage feel. // Skate-style mavens will appreciate RVCA (1485 Haight St.) and SF's own Burton flagship (1630 Haight St.), while Nice Kicks (1420 Haight St.) peddles sneakers with street cred and accessories in a lofty space. // Just off the main drag but definitely worth a detour is Revolver (136 Fillmore St.), which stocks a curated selection from designers such as Henrik Vibskov, along with a denim-focused line by Ashley Rowe. // T-shirt fans will appreciate the array of artist collabs on offer at next door's Upper Playground (220 Fillmore St.).

Party people will dig Costumes on Haight (735 Haight St.) and New York Apparel (1780 Haight St.), which have plenty of last-minute accoutrements to complete your costumed evening. // Find the wildest attire imaginable at cult favorite Dolls Kill (1475 Haight St.) // With an iconic pair of fishnet legs beckoning shoppers into the Piedmont Boutique (1452 Haight St.), you know it's the go-to place to pick up lingerie and accessories for all your burlesque needs. // Then pull up your socks for a visit to the cavernous Sockshop Haight Street (1742 Haight St.) where you'll find all manner of printed socks to keep your feet happy. // Hat shop Goorin Bros (1446 Haight St.) is another SF institution. Pop in for a suave Panama to throw some shade on the summer sun. // And if you're looking for an iconic souvenir, check out Derby of San Francisco (1472 Haight St.), which has been selling American-made Derby jackets since 1963. // For California-themed keepsakes created by local artists, venture in to San Francisco Mercantile (1698 Haight St.). // Stop by Haight newcomer La Alacran (1701 Haight St.) if you're looking to spruce up your home with some exotic greenery.

Sixties-era sartorial style featured repurposed, hand-embellished clothing with fringe, patchwork appliqués and hand-painting, and since one person's trash can be another person's ticket to the pages of Vogue, Haight Street is the perfect place to scour thrift shops. Budget-conscious vintage lovers should make a beeline for Wasteland (1660 Haight St.), Relic Vintage (1605 Haight St.), and the newly opened Berkeley transplant Indigo Vintage Cooperative (1649 Haight St.) // Crossroads Trading Co. (1519 Haight St.) and Buffalo Exchange (1555 Haight St.) have decent selections of modern wardrobe pieces at pocket-friendly prices.

Things to Do on Haight Street: Books, Cannabis, Parks, Music + More

Music connoisseurs will enjoy catching a live concert and exploring the expansive collection of records and CDs at the iconic Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St.) // The Booksmith's event space, The Bindery (1727 Haight St.), hosts a range of readings and a regular Silent Reading Party, and offers an experimental book selection. // On a rare sunny day, avoid Golden Gate Park's crowds and instead stroll through the secluded trails of Buena Vista Park (Buena Vista & Haight St.) to admire the bordering mansions and the view of the SF skyline. // Pay tribute to some of Haight-Ashbury's most influential figures by visiting the Grateful Dead House (710 Ashbury St.), a beautiful Victorian occupied by the band's five founders in the 1960s, or take on a self-guided walking tour of Haight-Ashbury's most noteworthy occupants' homes. // In true hippie fashion, delve into Haight-Ashbury's now legal cannabis culture with a stop at Sparc Dispensery (473 Haight St.).

Summer's music festivals may get most of the love, but there's still plenty to do for arts lovers who prefer to get their culture at galleries, museums, and at the theater.

Don't miss the incredible, immersive Field of Lights at Sensorio in Paso Robles; see Othello at the Livermore Shakespeare Festival; learn more about the tattoo art of Ed Hardy at the De Young Museum; and more. This season offers many ways to feed your curiosity.

June's Top Art + Design Openings

Juke City: Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance of the West

6-9pm, June 13

African American Art and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St. (Hayes Valley), aaacc.org

Local artist William Rhodes presents an impactful installation recollecting San Francisco's vibrant black culture of the 1920s through the '50s, when the Fillmore District was known as the Harlem of the West. Rhodes takes the stories of African-American elders who lived there during the time to inspire drawings, paintings, sculpture, and quilts. Tonight's event will include live music, hand-crafted cocktails, dancing, and the storytelling of African Americans elders who lived through the era. // Register for free at eventbrite.com.

San Francisco Design Week

June 20-28

Venues throughout the Bay Area, sfdesignweek.org

Your annual appointment with the best of California design is around the corner. The theme: The Future Started Here. Mark your calendar for panel discussions, workshops, and art installations highlighting the evolution of design in the Bay Area, as well as an eclectic lineup of both established and emerging talents. Don't miss an appearance from acclaimed designer Gere Kavanaugh, who epitomized the craft and folk vibe of the '60s and '70s—she'll be here to talk up her new book, A Colorful Life. // View the full events calendar.

The Sculptures of Liu Jianhua

June 21 through Aug. 4

Pace Gallery, 229 Hamilton Ave (Palo Alto), pacegallery.com

In this solo exhibition, the Chinese artist depicts the duality of accumulation and impermanence through porcelain sculpture. The centerpiece of the show is "Square," an installation of gold-glazed porcelain pools resting atop steel sheets; it was introduced at the Venice Biennale in 2017.

Divine Women, Divine Wisdom

June 26 through Jan. 12, 2020

BAMPFA, 2155 Center St. (Berkeley), bampfa.org

Calling all goddesses: This exhibition is a celebration of the power and beauty of women in the Himalayan region, as seen through sculpture, jewelry, and more. // General Admission is $13 or free (Thursdays).

Daria Martin: Tonight the World

June 27 through Feb. 19, 2020

Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St. (SoMa), San Francisco, thecjm.org

Bay Area artist Daria Martin shines a light on the dreams and memories of her grandmother, who fled Czechoslovakia, through work combining computer gaming technology and film. // Purchase museum tickets at thecjm.org.

Field of Light

Through Jan. 5, 2020

Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East (Paso Robles), sensoriopaso.com

The day trip to Paso Robles will be well worth it to see this immersive lighting installation by British artist Bruno Munro, who recalls his 1992 trip through the desert of central Australia in this solar-powered exhibition of more than 58,800 fiber-optic lights blooming across the multi-acre innovative art space Sensorio. // Purchase tickets ($27) on eventbrite.com.

Art Exhibits, Shakespeare and Lego Festivals + Cultural Happenings This July

April Dawn Alison

July 1 through Dec. 1

SFMOMA, 151 3rd St. (SoMa), sfmoma.org

If you're too young to remember April Dawn Alison, the female persona of a male, Oakland–based photographer, get caught up to speed through this series of Polaroid self-portraits that highlight the many looks, dresses, characters, and faces of the unconventional personality over the course of 30 years. // Exhibit is included in SFMOMA general admission.

Livermore Shakespeare Festival

July 3 through Aug. 4

Wente Vineyards Winery and Tasting Room, 5565 Tesla Rd. (Livermore), livermoreshakes.org

This year's festival features the staging of the tragedy Othello, the story of the black army general and hero who is desperately in love with his caucasian wife, and Iago, the ensign who manipulates every one around him. // View the full events calendar.

Ann Weber: Happiest Days of Our Lives

July 11 through Aug. 31

Dolby Chadwick Gallery, 210 Post St. (Union Square), dolbychadwickgallery.com

In an homage to the visual landscape of the artist's adopted Los Angeles community of San Pedro, this whimsical installation evokes a colorful garden wonderland, where large-scale, joyful artwork made of cardboard is spread throughout the gallery, inspired by graffiti seen in murals painted on the sides of bodegas and stores.

Ed Hardy: Deeper than Skin

July 13 through Oct. 6

De Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (Golden Gate Park), deyoung.famsf.org

Arguable the most famous tattoo artist, Ed Hardy's work comes to life in a fine art setting at this retrospective including drawings, photographs, and sketches. The collection shows Hardy's talent and obsession for the medium and his mission to transform the subculture of tattoo art in a proper visual discipline. // Tickets ($28 or free for members) can be purchased at tickets.famsf.org

Bricks by the Bay

July 13-14

Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy (Santa Clara), bricksbythebay.com

Loved Legos as a kid and still kind of into it? Don't miss this curation of installations, buildings, and various art works made by Lego hobbyists and artists from across the nation. // Purchase tickets ($11) on eventbrite.com

August's Best Cultural Events in the Bay Area

Broadway Under the Stars

Aug. 9-25

Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd. (Glen Ellen), transcendencetheatre.org

Directed and choreographed by Roy Lightner and featuring Broadway and touring professionals, Those Dancin' Feet is a passionate multi-narrative musical that follows the relationships of three couples. The experience includes pre-show picnicking at 5pm in the park's sprawling vineyard and meadow. // Purchase tickets ($54-$154) at transcendencetheatere.org.

Sun Sick by Cannon Dill

Aug. 10 through Sept. 6

Part 2 Gallery, 1523b Weber St. (Oakland), part2gallery.com

You have probably seen his colorful murals in Oakland and San Francisco. The artist, whose name is deeply related to the Occupy movement, is also known for his obsession with folktales and nature. In this solo exhibition, expect to see drawings of lots of wolves, coyotes, tigers, and other powerful spirit animals.

It's officially the rainbow season, and Rothy's and Bloomies both have creative ways to celebrate in fashion.

Plus, kick up your heels at new shoe palace Schutz, learn about African print designs at the Museum of the African Diaspora, and don't miss West Coast Craft this weekend.

West Coast Craft strikes again this weekend.

Time to get your artisan shop on, folks. Summer '19 West Coast Craft will take over the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center on Saturday and Sunday. As usual, there are too many talented, unique, and new artisans/brands (275+) selling everything from clothing, jewelry and ceramics to housewares and art to list. Here are a just a few to get you in the mood: Deta, Heo Ceramics, Vision Quest Shoes, Proclaim and Balefire Glass. And of course you won't go hungry or thirsty while consuming with plenty of food/drink vendors on hand. You'll find cocktails by Bon Vivants, and brews and vino from Fort Point Beer Company and Lorenza. New this year: a food court, which will be set up right outside the Pavilion and feature many WCC faves like Canyon Coffee, El Sur, Cru Chocolate, Bowl'd Acai, and more. // 10am to 6pm, June 8-9; 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina), westcoastcraft.com

​It's officially rainbow season—wear your Pride on your feet.

Rothy's new sneaks, which dropped on Tuesday, are most def Pride-worthy. Perfect for this month and beyond, the classic white slip-ons sport groovy rainbow stripes across the left toe and right heel of every pair. The price for the limited-edition rainbow sneakers is $125 and, natch, they're sustainably made and machine-washable. // 2448 Fillmore St. (Pac Heights), rothys.com

Perfect Saturday: Listen to a convo about African fashion + shopping.

It all goes down on Saturday, June 8 at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). The subject of the (free) event— sponsored by the museum and one of our favorite local brands Zuri—is contemporary African wax print design. Engaging in the convo about the history of wax prints, how designs develop and the larger meaning of fabric across the African continent: Dr. Leslie Rabine, a scholar and photographer of African fashion, textiles, and graffiti; and Clara Kamunde, a Kenyan-born visual and performing artist. (Longtime SF Chronicle columnist Leah Garchik will moderate). The cherry on top? At the reception following the talk, Zuri will debut its newest wax print textile (see above) designed in collaboration with Kenyan artist Dennis Muraguri. // 2pm to 4pm at MoAD, 685 Mission St. (Yerba Buena), moadsf.org

Holy Schutz! Westfield SF Centre just got even better for shoe freaks.

Looking to unleash your inner South American goddess, no bikini involved? Good news: The Brazilian footwear brand Schutz just opened its first Northern Cali store in SF Centre (situated on the first floor across from the Nordstrom coffee kiosk). The sophisticated space, with soothing pops of pink and chic wood displays, is filled with the 24-year-old label's signature look-at-me styles—sexy heels, gladiator sandals, and caged stilettos. Don't worry if flats, platforms, espadrilles or boots are more your speed, Schutz has plenty of those, too. We've got our eye on Darla. Most pairs fall in the $100 to $200 range. // 865 Market Street (Union Square), schutz.com

Bloomingdale's kicks up its heels with ODC for Pride.

You're definitely going to want to bring your sex-ay moves to the mall on Saturday, June 8 when Bloomingdale's first-floor Westfield entrance will serve as a stage for a performance by ODC/Dance's Sexitude Class with D'Arcy Drollinger. Expect a fun, high-energy show that's a mish-mash of jazz, funk, hip-hop and, ya know, classic bump-and-grind. Not only is the dance a celebration of Pride, it's designed to raise awareness for ODC's mission to create inclusivity and community through dance. Wait there's more: Dancers and Bloomingdale's and ODC staffers will be handing out cards that, when used at checkout, automatically donate 10 percent of all Bloomies purchases to ODC—through the close of biz. // 2pm to 3pm at Bloomingdale's, 845 Market St. (Union Square), bloomindgdales.com

With storybook architecture, perennial morning mist, and more fireplaces per capita than anywhere on the planet (or so it would seem), the Monterey Peninsula is one of Northern California's most charming escapes.

Here's where to eat and shop in style—and where cozy up in a plush bed come nightfall.

Monterey Peninsula's Top Restaurants + Bars

San Francisco food snobs will feel right at home here, with plenty of options for chef-driven fare, craft beer, and local wine tastings.

In Monterey: Paluca Trattoria (6 Fisherman's Wharf) might have gained some notoriety as the site of the coffee shop in Big Little Lies, but it's the homemade pastas and sauces that have kept this Italian restaurant in business for years. Don't forget to save room for the owner's favorite dessert, the housemade tiramisu. // Downtown's Alvarado Street Brewery (426 Alvarado St.) furthers the area's burgeoning craft beer scene (see also Peter B's and Cannery Row Brewing Company) with 20 rotating taps inside, plus another dozen in beer garden outside, pouring several beers brewed on-site. // Berkeley'based craft brewer Fieldwork (560 Munras Ave.) has also opened in downtown Monterey; you can sip on staff favorites in the outdoor beer garden.

In Carmel: Oversized plates of traditional breakfasts are served in cozy cafes throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea. For a more a refined take, head to Carmel Belle (at Doud Craft Studios, San Carlos St. between Ocean Ave. & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea), an open, rustic-chic space that sources ingredients from sustainable farmers. // For an epic Mediterranean-style lunch—think too many bottles of French whites to be paired with French- and Italian-inflected fare, make a reservation at Casanova (5th Ave. between Mission and San Carlos, Carmel-by-the-Sea). Settle in on the too-charming patio and order the spinach cannelloni. // For Casanova quality on a budget, La Bicyclette (Dolores at 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea) delivers rustic-yet-gorgeous lunches and dinners. Wander in for wood-fired pizzas, soups, and salads. // Up for something more festive? Homemade chips and salsa await at the recently revamped Pescadero Mexican Restaurant (San Carlos St. between Ocean Ave. and 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea). Wait for your table next door at music venue Barmel, anchored by a monumental Victorian bar that was originally found at Sausalito's late madam-turned-mayor Sally Stanford's Marin County restaurant. // In such a quirky little town, Cultura (Dolores St. between 5th and 6th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea) still manages to stand out—not just with its outdoor fire pits and Wine Down Wednesdays, but with a totally unique Oaxacan-inspired menu that ranges from $4 tacos to $32 grilled skirt steak. Don't miss the traditional chapulines. // If it's cold in town, hop in the car and head to the valley where there's almost always sun on the patio at Corkscrew Cafe (55 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel). Mussels, pizzas, charcuterie—what's not to like? // After lunch at Corkscrew, mosey next door for a tasting and take home a bottle of rosé from the restaurant's own wine label, Georis (1 Pilot Rd., Carmel).

Things to Do on the Monterey Peninsula

Unless you're taking the kiddos and heading to the Cannery, the Monterey Peninsula lends itself best to discovery. In other words, wander Carmel Beach, peruse the galleries, stop in here and there. If you must have an itinerary, here are a few of our favorite stops.

Nature: Even if you're from the Bay Area, the scenery here is captivating. No trip is complete without a winding tour of 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach)—ready your iPhones for photo opps of the Lone Cypress and the beach at Spanish Bay. // Hikers won't want to miss Point Lobos (Carmel), a natural reserve where you're guaranteed an up-close view of the local wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions and more. // Meander Monterey's Secret Gardens (525 Polk St., Monterey) and visit the Cooper-Molera Adobe, which hides fruit trees, cacti, and grape vines. Save time to browse the gift shop at Custom House that's stocked with cool heritage goods and classic gifts (think finger puppets) for kids. // See the queen of all butterflies feed and rest at The Monarch Sanctuary (November to February, 250 Ridge Rd., Pacific Grove), one of the biggest overwintering sites for the species in the country. Early afternoon is your best bet to catch the stunning creatures in flight and clustering around.

See: Pebble Beach may be most famous for its magnificent golf courses with ritzy fees, but the annual Concours d'Elegance (Aug. 3-18, 2019) is like The Masters of the car world. Roll up to ogle fine classic and rare automobiles, check out the auctions, and drink Champagne amongst car lovers. Concurrently, Monterey Car Week (Aug. 9-18, 2019) revs up with races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and also hosts specialty car shows and auctions. // Carmel loves its antiquated laws, and so do we. Take your Pradas over to City Hall (Monte Verde St. between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea)—whose groovy signage is more '60s movie title than municipality—and get a permit for heels in excess of two inches. Once legal to strut the town's dimly lit cobblestone streets, feel free to openly enjoy an ice cream, which was legalized in 1987 thanks to the city's former mayor, Clint Eastwood.

Art + Shop: Please, by all means, skip the Thomas Kinkade art cottage and seek out some real art. Weston Gallery (6th Ave. between Dolores and Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea) is one of the country's oldest spaces dedicated to photography; you'll find plenty of works by Ansel Adams, of course. // For more contemporary fare, check out rock-and-roll photography and more at Gallery Exposed (San Carlos between Ocean and 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea). // For artful finds including ceramics, handmade jewelry, and home decor, Lilify (281 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey) is awash in soothing earth tones; enjoy a latte from Bright Coffee on the shared succulent-filled patio. // While Carmel is more about art glass than avant-garde fashions, there are a pair of boutiques here worthy of your hard-earned cash: In Carmel-by-the-Sea, sister shops Paloosh (100 Dolores St.) and Girl Boy Girl (Mission and 7th Ave.) keep style mavens shelling out for designer labels.

The Best Hotels in Carmel and Monterey

Next to its vistas, the best thing about the Monterey Peninsula may be its hotels—whether rustic or all-out luxurious, there's no skimping on charm.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach: Beloved local icon and film star Doris Day recently passed away, but you can still stay at her 1920s Spanish-Moroccan style Cypress Inn (Lincoln Street & 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea) which is famously dog-friendly. The bar shows the actress' old films, a ridiculously cozy living room is warmed by a roaring fireplace, and an artwork by Thierry Guetta (aka Mr. Brainwash) dominates the courtyard. It's especially popular for pet-owners come weekend brunch. // Follow the cypress tree-lined 17-Mile Drive to The Inn at Spanish Bay (2700 17-Mile Dr., Pebble Beach), a luxuriously relaxed golf resort that awaits with sunset drinks around blazing fire pits overlooking the Monterey Bay. Cuddle up in a fleece blankets and sip a hot toddy as the bagpiper plays on.

In Monterey: There's nothing like being feeling the tide beneath your feet—or your room, for that matter. Perched right over the ocean, Monterey Plaza Hotel (400 Cannery Row) is all about relaxing to the sound of the waves. Make an appointment at the newly renovated spa, where rooftop whirlpool tubs overlook the sea. // Portola Hotel & Spa (2 Portola Plaza) is a modern millennials' haven in the heart of downtown Monterey, complete with fire pits, a living wall, an open-air patio, and ocean views. Located right on the wharf, enjoy easy access to one of the hippest new bars in town (offering the city's best happy hour) at Jacks Monterey.

In Big Sur: Perched on the coastal cliffs on the way to Big Sur, Hyatt Carmel Highlands (120 Highland Dr, Carmel) is a gorgeous property with cavernous jacuzzi bath tubs, nightcaps on the patio, and oh-so-comfy beds. // Among our favorite stays anywhere, Ventana Big Sur (48123 Highway 1, Big Sur) unveiled a major renovation back in the summer of 2017. Planted with lavender, towering redwoods, and many other wild things, the North American debut of Alila Hotels & Resorts includes 59 refreshed guest rooms and suites, a new Glass House gallery, and 15 safari-style canvas glamping tents along with a bathhouse with teak showers and heated floors. Don't mind if we do.

In Carmel Valley: If you don't mind the after-wining-and-dining drive from town, a stay in the valley is worth the peaceful night's sleep and sunny mornings. The four-star Bernardus Lodge & Spa (415 W. Carmel Valley Rd.) is a cozy place to hole up—we love a glass of Champagne and a friendly game of croquet on the lawn in the afternoon. It was recently named one of the world's 41 best hotel rooms by Forbes. // Carmel Valley Ranch (One Old Ranch Rd.), with its multi-bedroom suites, complimentary s'mores every night, equestrian programs, and plenty of acreage for hikes, is a terrific spot for families (and for couples with a playful spirit). // Grownups looking to hide out can do so happily at Quail Lodge & Golf Club (8205 Valley Greens Dr.), on a historic 850-acre ranch. Sporting types can hit balls on the 18-hole championship golf course or try a Land Rover driving class, while those less inclined may enjoy farm-to-table fare in one of two restaurants or peaceful walks around the sprawling property.

If you fancy a bungalow in the woods with swingin' '60s vibes, this midcentury sanctuary is a good enough reason to make the move to Orinda.

On a private cul-de-sac surrounded by a sunny meadow, this 3,000-square-foot cottage-style house has unique geometric design, a shingled roof, and airy interiors.

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White walls, warm wood floors, and tall windows with lush green views provide a feeling of openness. On the first floor you'll find an updated kitchen with Sub Zero and Wolf appliances and a dedicated dining area that opens onto the backyard. The living room is bright with natural light, and a bedroom with a private patio completes this main level.

Upstairs there are three more bedrooms, including the sprawling master suite, where the gorgeous bathroom has herringbone marble floors, a soaking tub, dual vanities, and walk-in glass shower. It's not the only one with its own luxe bath, though. There is also a flex room on this floor currently being used as a nursery.

Outside, the expansive back deck overlooks the hills—a perfect setting for summer grilling. Make a night of it in the hot tub or with s'mores by the fire pit. On weekends, you can use your own lawn for picnicking.

Location: 46 Zander Ct. (Orinda)

Size: 2,932 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Asking price: $1,649,000

// For more information, visit coldwellbankerhomes.com

A story of resilience found a happy ending at the wedding this past November of Nina Brochu and Jackie Ynaz, whose engagement came a full three years after Brochu was diagnosed with breast cancer while the couple was just dating.

Ynaz had not been deterred and stuck it out through treatments that had seemed endless. But when they walked out into the light at the end of that tunnel and said their vows in San Francisco's Stern Grove, they meant it—especially that part about sickness and health.

The lovebirds got ready together and both wore white gowns—one was classic, and one a bit more modern, but they met at the feet in matching slip-on Vans, each hand-painted with their names and wedding date—sweet yet practical for a forested bash.

Shades of ruby red accented their big day in the flowers, floor-length bridesmaids' dresses, and accessories. The wedding party also all wore tennis shoes—white Converse for the ladies, and burgundy Vans for the men.

At the reception at the Trocadero Clubhouse, the crimson hue carried over into napkins and centerpieces, alongside a gilded glitter table runner at a sweetheart table and illuminated "B" for their new shared last name. Rustic elements permeated the space with crated and stump slabs. String lights added warmth to the cozy, cabin-like room with stone fireplace. After the bouquet toss and cake cutting, they noshed on doughnuts and danced the night away with their loved ones as Mrs. and Mrs. Brochu.

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Venue: Trocadero Clubhouse at Stern Grove

Makeup: Megan Taylor

Shoes: Vans

Floral designer: Urban Flowers

Event planner: Nathalie Soirèes

Photographer: Alycia Moore Photography + Videography

California State Parks showcase the variety of the state's landscapes. With state-owned land like the stark desert landscape of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the ancient redwoods at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the stunning ocean views at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and the ghost town of Bodie Historic State Park, it's no surprise more than 50 million people patronize the system in person each year.

But for those unable to visit the state-owned beauty of these parks in person, tech giant Google has stepped in to help out. A partnership between the California State Parks Service and Google's mapping team has resulted in new and detailed virtual tours for more than 100 state parks, meaning you can hike their famous trails and see their views from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Now, you can reminisce about past trips, scout out your next destination, treat yourself to a dose of nature from your office, or share your favorite places with those who can't make it in person.

Google began the partnership with California State Parks in 2014 to promote access and tourism, which has resulted in Google mapping more than 110 state parks in California so far.

To map these expansive, outdoor destinations, Google sends a hiker wearing a backpack camera called the Trekker down the state parks' famous and less-famous trails. The camera captures 360 degrees of footage, and the result is a virtual reality tour presenting a digital view of these beautiful California state parks. Accessing these maps is a breeze; just search for the park in Google Maps straight from your phone, computer or tablet, drop into street view and click through the trails available.

Google didn't just stop with California state parks, however. Google's Trekker has been used in natural areas around the world—you can see what it's like to paddle the Colorado River, walk around the Everest Base Camp, or even summit Mont Blanc.

The best California State Parks on Google Street View

The advantage of the Google Treks through California state parks is that you can see both the most popular parts of the system, as well as some of the state's hidden gems that might be more isolated. Here are some recommendations for treks to view and camping trips to take.

Montaña de Oro State Park.Courtesy of The Dyrt camper Warren K.

Montaña de Oro State Park

Central California's Montaña de Oro State Park gets less attention and visitors than its neighbor Morro Bay State Park—located just seven miles away—but that leads to less crowds and more California beaches to explore. There are secluded sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and the famous 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Check out the Google Trek to see the raw beauty of the park's wave-carved headlands under stormy skies.

If you're a local (or just motivated enough to make it here), check out the park's camping options. There are both RV and tent sites, though the campground's only amenities include non-flushing toilets and water, according to The Dyrt camper Ulrike C.

"This campground makes for an easy walk to the seaside bluffs and cliffs for stunning views of the ocean without the huge number of crowds found at other beach campsites."—The Dyrt camper Gamaliel A.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park.Courtesy of The Dyrt camper Carl N.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is one of the largest and most visited state parks in the Santa Cruz mountains. It's magic lies in its lush, fern-lined trails, old-growth coastal redwoods, and cascading waterfalls.

The Google Trekker allows you to roam that beauty on two trails—the Redwood Loop Trail and the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. The latter is part of a three-day backpacking hike from the highest point on the San Francisco peninsula to the ocean.

While visiting online is a great taste of the park, camping at Big Basin allows you to be fully immersed in its California wilderness. The six campgrounds at Big Basin have a total of 146 individual campsites, four group sites, and 36 tent cabins, with a mixture of reservable and first-come, first-serve options. RVers can park overnight, however the spots only accommodate RVs 27 feet in length.

"Our site was inside a redwood tree circle and was nice and isolated feeling from the other sites. We had a few perfectly clear nights and the stars through the silhouette of the trees was unforgettable."—The Dyrt camper Mauriel O.

Humboldt Lagoons State Park.Courtesy of @cloudwalkerrr

Humboldt Lagoons State Park

While this park doesn't get much attention due to its isolation in Northern California—forty miles north of Eureka—that allows Humboldt Lagoons State Park to offer Californians and visitors alike a pristine coastline with no crowds at. The park's beginnings go back to the earth's formation, when the clash of two tectonic plates in this area caused the formation of lagoons, which today are a cherished natural feature of the park.

If you're not in driving distance to this park, fear not: the park's Google Trek takes viewers across the park's marshland and four major lagoons, and hits on scenic stops like Sharp Point and Freshwater Rocks.

While this park doesn't have the sizeable campground of the more popular California state parks to the south, there are walk-in and boat-in campsites for those willing to haul in their gear. The marshland has great spots for fishing, boating, picnicking, bird watching, whale watching and hiking.

Sam Taylor State Park.Courtesy of The Dyrt camper Patrick O.

Samuel Taylor State Park

Located in Marin County, Sam Taylor State Park offers nearly 3,000 acres of grassy hills, majestic redwood forests and vast ocean views. It's a local's favorite that has struggled with funding but retained its variety and beauty.

Some of the trails that make this park a diverse wonderland are available for exploring on Google Treks. There's the nearly-level, mostly paved Cross Marin Trail which takes explorers on a three-mile long bike ride along Lagunitas Creek. The Pioneer Tree Trail cuts through lush undergrowth in a redwood canopy, and the Devils Gulch Fire Road takes you through the under appreciated California coastal prairie.

Since the park is in close proximity to the population center of the Bay Area, campsites do go pretty quickly. There are several camping areas to try, however, including sites at Devil's Gulch, Madrone, and the Creekside Loop. The Dyrt camper and Marin County local Patrick O. recommends you check out the Ink Wells swimming hole and the Bovine Bakery in the nearby town of Point Reyes.

"It's close to the road and town for easy access and supply runs, lots of swimming holes, trail access to the entire Mt. Tam watershed for hours or days of expeditions… very booked, you should make reservations as soon as possible since it can be booked for entire seasons."—The Dyrt camper Patrick O.

San Onofre State Beach.Courtesy of The Dyrt camper Mandy E.

San Onofre State Beach

San Diego County's San Onofre State Beach is in the top five for visitation numbers annually out of all the California state parks. Google's Trek along the park's 3.5 miles of sandy beaches allows the curious to see why 2.5 million visitors flock here year after year. While clicking through your tour, keep an eye out for the surfers on the beach and in the waves. The beach has several surf breaks, including spots for beginners and some of the best surf breaks in the country.

The park's inland camping area, San Mateo campground, is suited best for campers looking to split their time between the inland wilderness and the beach. RV hook-up sites are available with electricity and water. For those looking to get closer to the water, you can also camp right on the beach at the Bluffs campground. There are more than 150 sites close together. There are no hook-ups available, but there is an RV dumping station.

"If a fun surf spot is what you're after you won't be disappointed. I camp here every year and always have a great time. I see dolphins frolicking in the waves almost every year and you can even dip into town for supplies or a pizza." —The Dyrt camper Mandy E.

Yep, pogo stick rental is officially a thing in San Francisco.

Plus, the Bay Area is now home to the highest concentration of three-Michelin-starred restaurants, Warriors tix go for a price only Beyoncé (and some other crazy superfan) can afford, and more headlines you may have missed this week.

Warriors just sold most expensive seats in NBA Finals history, The Mercury News

It's all the Bay Area has been talking about—The Golden State Warriors are in the NBA Finals again. But being able to watch Steph Curry in action comes at a price—like, a Beyoncé + Jay-Z price. Read more.

'We're serious about our vision': Pogo stick rental startup swears it's not a joke, SF Curbed

Cangoroo might seem like a prank, but the Swedish startup wants everyone to know that their app-enabled pogo sticks are for real. Jump around! Read more.

Jonathan Majors and Jimmie Fails(Courtesy of "The Last Black Man in San Francisco")

San Francisco's Fading Black Presence, Captured on Film, The New York Times

Once upon a time, San Francisco was a place of opportunity for people of different races and cultures. But the times they are a-changing. Two SF friends put their city on film to capture the zeitgeist: "San Francisco feels like a woman that I love but who doesn't love me back." Read more.

San Francisco Bay Area's Michelin Stars Announced for 2019, Again, SF Eater

The Michelin guide is back and once again NorCal is packing major wattage in the fine dining category, now counting a total of seven restaurants with three Michelin stars—the highest concentration in the country. Read more.

Controversial plan to name SF subway stop after Chinatown activist stalls, San Francisco Chronicle

Muni's Chinatown station may or may not be renamed in honor of San Francisco's late political activist Rosa Pak. The board was divided at Tuesday's hearing—the plan, it seems, is as controversial as Pak herself. Read more.

Why is cannabis skincare's newest hero? One word: antioxidants.

It's common knowledge now that cannabis topicals are awesome pain relievers—a good cannabis balm can alleviate muscle and joint pain caused by injuries and soothe the aches of daily living. But did you know that topical application of cannabis can also help keep your skin looking young and healthy?

The importance of quality skin care ingredients.

When I'm looking for a great product for my skin, I read the ingredient list hoping to find the things that I know are proven to work. This may mean reading a lot of labels (and a lot of scientific articles), but it's important to know what you are putting on your skin—it's the body's biggest organ, after all. The two most important types of ingredients I look for are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and cannabis is abundant in both. It's also a very cool, little-known fact that our skin has naturally built-in receptors for cannabis. For these reasons, cannabis just might be the most important ingredient we've all been missing from our skincare regimen. A good skin cream or serum will do three things: protect against, prevent, and (if we are lucky) reverse the signs of aging. If we look at what is causing the damage on a cellular level, which shows up as premature aging of the skin, we can apply that knowledge to our choice of ingredients.

Oxidative stress.

While free radicals are formed during the natural process of daily living, too many free radicals can cause oxidative stress and show up on our skin as wrinkles, loss of collagen, spots, reduced elasticity, and other signs of aging. Pollution, fried foods, sun, pesticides, alcohol, smoking—yes, even smoking cannabis—all contribute to the formation of free radicals in our bodies. Antioxidants are our bodies' natural defense system against free radicals, serving to neutralize them before they cause damage to our cells. Premature aging and skin damage caused by oxidative stress occurs when there are more free radicals than there are antioxidants to neutralize them.

What are free radicals?

You've probably heard of them, right? The cells in our body are made up of molecules, which are made of atoms, which contain electrons. When a molecule is in its relaxed state, it has an outer shell filled with electrons. When it loses an electron due to the stresses mentioned above, it becomes agitated or excited and tries to fill it by stealing one from another atom.

These uncharged, unpaired molecules are called free radicals; they are highly reactive and can cause damage to proteins and DNA in our tissues and organs. If we don't protect against free radicals, they can cause a domino effect of further damage. This loss of electrons is also called oxidation. Don't get me wrong—some free radicals are used by our immune system to destroy invading microbes, so they aren't all bad. But many that originate from toxins outside the body, such as chemical pollutants, UV rays and parabens, are dangerous to our health and take a lot of energy to neutralize.

When an electron gets stolen from one molecule it can start a chain reaction by leaving another molecule with an empty spot to fill, sort of like musical chairs. Only in this case, there is always one empty chair left, and that's the problem. What cell damage means to your skin is loss of collagen and firmness, wrinkles and fine lines, and sometimes cancer. Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of free radical formation and oxidative stress, which can lead to these age-related diseases.

Antioxidants to the rescue.

The role of antioxidants in our bodies (and our skin) is to hunt for the free radicals and neutralize them before they do any damage. This is where cannabis comes in. Cannabinoids like THC, THCA and CBD all have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—in fact, they have been shown to be even stronger antioxidants than vitamins C and E. And because our bodies' natural endocannabinoid system includes a multitude of cannabis receptors in our skin, it makes a lot of sense to have cannabinoids in products for your face and neck.

Our bodies do produce endogenous antioxidants internally, and they do a good job protecting us from the barrage of invaders and toxins around us. But if we expose ourselves to body stressors such as excessive sun, smoggy air, unhealthy foods, or skin products containing harmful ingredients, we may need a boost. (Note: I find the Environmental Working Group's website super helpful when I want to look up an ingredient to get a quick idea of whether it's good or bad. The caveat here is that this site has been known to be a bit "Chicken Little" at times, so take it with a grain of salt. There's always more to learn.)

5 ways to prevent and repair aging skin now.

I don't mean to scare any 20- and 30-somethings out there, but trust me, when you get a little older you may kick yourself for not doing more preventive maintenance sooner. (I thought sunscreen was just to prevent burning, but actually the damage that causes wrinkles comes from different wavelengths than the ones that cause a burn!) Here are five simple but highly effective steps you can take now to prevent and repair your skin:

1. Wear a good sunscreen.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Eat the rainbow! Colorful fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and ingesting them is a great way to keep the free radicals in check internally.
4. Reduce chronic inflammation by getting sufficient sleep and exercise.
5. Apply topical forms of antioxidants, such as serums and moisturizers, directly to your skin every day. There is real scientific evidence out there that this works.

This article was written by Bridget May of Green Bee Botanicals, a skincare line launching on Sava in June. Sign up to get an email update when it hits the shelves, and shop more products now at getsava.com.

There's a lot to do this week, you guys.

You could lay low and save your energy for the weekend's Stern Grove concert and North Beach Festival, but then you'd miss out on the rat bar popping up at the SF Dungeon, a very cool art show in Bolinas, the StarChefs gala, a delish new bagel spot, a breakfast pop-up at Che Fico Alimentari, a ceramics class, and more.

Have a most excellent week!

Monday, June 10th

Craft a tiki cocktail.

7pm to 9pm

The Alembic, 1725 Haight St. (Upper Haight), alembicsf.com

Make quintessentially Californian tiki cocktails with the best of the best—the mixologists at the Alembic. Learn some history, craft four drinks, enjoy a bite to eat and some conversation, and leave a little closer to being a cocktail connoisseur. // Tickets ($85) can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Get your pole dance on.

5:30pm and 7pm classes today

VRV3 Studios, 520 Haight St. (Lower Haight), vrv3studios.com

Get your fitness on with a fun pole dancing class at the new studio, VRV3. Pole dancing not your thing? They also have Lyra aerial hoop classes, or you can book a class that combines pole and hoop moves with parts of yoga, dance and ballet. Whatever you choose, you'll be getting a full body workout. // To celebrate the opening, all classes through Friday are $10 (classes will be $20-40 after). Classes can be booked on vrv3studios.com.

Warriors Watch Party

6pm

Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way (Oakland), oraclearena.com

Cheer on your favorite team from Oracle Arena as they take on the Toronto Raptors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Throw on your jersey and get ready for a performance by the Warriors dance team, giveaways, and much more. // A portion of proceeds will go to AEG Oakland Community Foundation and the Warriors Community Foundation. Tickets ($25) can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday, June 11th

SF Jazz Festival

Through June 23rd

Today marks the official start of the SF Jazz Festival. Catch performances by Tia Fuller, Rudresh Mahanthappa, the Eric Alexander Quartet and more. // Tickets and schedule are available on sfjazz.org.

StarChefs 2019

7pm to 9:30pm

Terra Gallery, 511 Harrison St. (SoMa), terrasf.com

Some of the best chefs in the Bay Area are being recognized for their culinary achievements at this tasting party featuring 19 dishes, 19 drink pairings, and two signature cocktails. Award winners delivering bites tonight include Christa Chase (Tartine Manufactory), Robert Hernandez (Octavia), David Nayfeld (Che Fico), and Nicolas Torres (True Laurel). Yum. // Tickets ($100) are available on Eventbrite.

Grab a bite at Verjus—to go.

12pm to 3pm, Tuesday through Friday

To-go window located around the corner from Verjus, 528 Washington St. (Jackson Square), verjuscave.com

The Tusk team has added a special to-go window to their hit wine bar, Verjus, offering up weekday lunches to grab amidst your busy schedule. Munch on a menu of rotating sandwich special, starting of with a French dip ($12) and specialty sodas like iced tea, yuzu soda, and Kimino ume soda.

Wednesday, June 12th

Channel the vibes of Peru

6pm to 9pm

La Mar Cebichería Peruana, Pier 1 1/2 (Embarcadero),lamarsf.com

Two Peruvian artists, Talavera Ballon and Miroslava Lipovec, are hosting an art show and Peruvian dinner. The duo will discuss their work, focused on social and cultural aspects of society related to immigrants. Chef Victoriano Lopez will follow up the show with a four-course meal paired with South American wines. // Tickets ($89) are available on Eventbrite.

Illusions of the Passed: A Theatrical Séance

7pm and 9pm shows

Winchester Mystery House, 525 S Winchester Blvd. (San Jose), winchestermysteryhouse.com

Need a fresh reason to revisit Winchester Mystery House? Master magician Aiden Sinclair (America's Got Talent, Penn & Teller Fool Us) is in the house for an eerie Victorian-style séance, using antiques and relics to connect with those who've passed on. Can't make it tonight? There will be two more shows on July 17th. // Tickets ($59–$79) and are available online winchestermysteryhouse.com.

Stay Silly Comedy

8pm to 11pm

Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave. (Russian Hill), cobbscomedy.com

Grab a drink and get ready to laugh yourself silly at this fun event held at Cobb's Comedy Club headlined by Kristen Frisk and hosted by Sydney Stigerts, with performances by a variety of up and coming local comedians. // Tickets ($9) can be purchased at Eventbrite.

Thursday, June 13th

Cocktails—and rat tails

7pm to 10 pm, through Saturday

The San Francisco Dungeon, 145 Jefferson St. (Fisherman's Wharf), thedungeons.com

Sure, you've heard of Cat Cafes, but ever considered sipping on cocktails with rodents? Enjoy an Ama-RAT-o Sour, play with free roaming rats, and take a tour of the Dungeon during this three-night event at SF's first bar to ever intentionally house the critters. The best part? The rats, supplied by Ratical Rodent Rescue, are all adoptable, so you can leave with a new furry friend! // Tickets ($49.99) include a signature cocktail and can be purchased on thedungeons.com.

Indian-style Omakase

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

August 1 Five, 524 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center), august1five.com

Vintage shopping night with St. Lightning

4pm to 8pm

The Assembly, 449 14th St. (Mission), theassembly.com

Looking to refresh your wardrobe before summer? Pop by this vintage shopping event to peruse clothing and accessories, discovered from L.A. to Paris. The St. Lightning team will be on hand to be your shopping gurus, along with their "denim doctor" to tailor any new duds—plus, wine. // Free to attend, RSVP required via theassembly.com.

Friday, June 14th

4505 Burgers & BBQ Oakland

10:30am to 10pm, daily

4505 Burgers & BBQ Oakland, 3506 Macarthur Blvd. (Oakland), 4505burgersandbbq.com

Everyone in SF knows 4505 for their epic barbecue platters and their "best damn cheeseburger"—East Bay dwellers will be stoked to get their own meaty spot with the opening of a second location in Oakland. Expect a similar menu, a large outdoor patio, and a whole hog cooker onsite, delivering mouth-watering aromas daily. Bonus: They'll also have malt soft serve, and kids get a free cone with their meal.

Catch The Speakeasy before it's gone.

7:30pm

The Speakeasy's hidden location (North Beach), thespeakeasysf.com

One of our favorite all-out-themed ways to spend a night on the town, The Speakeasy is closing up shop on August 4th. Catch one of their last shows (on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) before it's officially over. Never been? Don't miss it—you'll be transported to the 1920s in an immersive theater experience. Wander different rooms to explore the cabaret, casino, and bar while watching the drama between characters unfold (all with a cocktail in hand, of course). Make sure to wear your best decade-appropriate attire. // Tickets ($79 and up) can be found on thespeakeasysf.com.

Ceramic Pinch Pot Workshop

6pm to 8pm

Palette, 816 Folsom St. (SoMa), palette-sf.com

Palette, the new hybrid restaurant-art-gallery-studio-shop, has launched an array of arty events. Pop in for a ceramic class taught by their in-house ceramist focused on the pinching technique to create your clay masterpiece. Bites and wine from the restaurant portion will also be served throughout class—plus a special ice cream treat at the end. // Tickets ($90) can be found on palette-sf.com.

Saturday, June 15th

Bagel time!

6am to 3pm daily

Daily Driver, 2535 3rd St. (Dogpatch), dailydriver.com

Daily Driver—a delicious bagel-centric bakery and restaurant—is officially open to the public. Stop by their new Dogpatch location to get fresh bagels with all kinds of toppings—housemade cultured butter, chevre, gravlax, fried egg, avocado, pastrami—you name it. In more of a lunch mood? There are bagel sandwiches including a bagel grilled cheese, lobster roll, and a bagel dog.

Breakfast Pop-up

9am to noon (or until sold out)

Che Fico Alimentari, 834 Divisadero St. (NoPa), cheficoalimentari.com

Swing by the newest hot spot in town for a special breakfast collab with From Roy at this dinner-only spot. From the Che Fico side, there will be a breakfast sandwich with tigelle bread, prosciutto cotto, cacio cavalo and wild sour cherry jam (drool), as well as some of the usual Alimentari desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta with strawberries. From Roy will be making a special—the From Roy Panettone Waffle with hazelnut or pistachio crema—three types of croissants, and a kouign amman. The special menu will be available for dine in or take out.

Corgi Con

10am to 2pm

Ocean Beach, between Stairwell 2 and 5 (Outer Richmond)

Prepare for hundreds of furry friends to descend upon Ocean Beach for this year's CorgiCon. There will be a group pic with all the pups, a costume contest, corgi races, and a "corgi ninja warrior," whatever that means. // Free to attend, find event details on corgicon.com

In Parallel: Windy Chien & Serena Mitnik-Miller

4pm to 7pm opening reception

Bolinas Museum, 48 Wharf Rd. (Bolinas), bolinasmuseum.org

Plan a day trip up to our favorite beach-chic town and stop in at the free Bolinas Museum for this new show (through Aug. 11) from two of our favorite local lady creatives. Look for watercolors by Mitnik–Miller (best known as the cofounder of SF's General Store) and rope art by Windy Chien (a recent guest on the 7x7 podcast). Make it to tonight's opening reception and meet the artists at a special gallery talk followed be a free concert in the courtyard. Guests can even try their hand at creating their own knot work at a special workshop station.

Daytime Disco

1pm to 6pm

Everdene, 250 Fourth St. (SoMa), virginhotels.com

Start the Pride celebrations early with a daytime party on this city's newest rooftop bar, featuring London-based DJ Wayne G. Disco attire is encouraged. Pro tip: Start the day with pre-game beats brunch at the Commons Club restaurant downstairs, with live DJ music and cocktail specials. // Tickets ($25) available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, June 16th

North Beach Festival

10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday

Grant Ave. and Vallejo St. and surrounding streets (North Beach)

Head over to North Beach for a leisurely Sunday at the neighborhood's 65th annual street fair. Grab a bite to eat from a selection of 20 gourmet food vendors, pick up some locally made crafts from 125 artisans, and enjoy live music at several stages. // Festival admission is free, find details at sf.funcheap.com.

Stern Grove Festival

2pm, Sundays through August 18th

Stern Grove, 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. (Parkside)

The annual outdoor concert series kicks off today with with Grammy-winning Digable Planets' mix of jazz and rap beats. Get there early to score some good seats. // Admission is free, or reserve a picnic table ($100 per guest, for 5 people or 10 people); see this summer's lineup on sterngrove.org.

Sound Meditation

3pm to 4:15pm

San Francisco Botanical Garden, 1199 9th Ave. (Golden Gate Park),

Wind down your week with a complete body meditation accompanied by healing instruments including chimes, crystal bowls, planetary gongs, and the sounds and scents of the beautiful Botanical Garden. // Tickets ($28) can be purchased on Eventbrite.

In early Spring I spent a few days in London, and the better part of my last evening there eating and drinking, or the other way round, at a place called 40 Maltby Street, a wine bar situated in a railway arch in Bermondsey, in the southeastern part of the city.

The food was beautifully prepared and served swiftly and without fanfare by the bartenders and the cooks who were otherwise so busy that guests were left to enjoy the evening at their own pace, which is precisely how I like it.

The wines, meanwhile, were deliciously intriguing, all so-called "natural" wines made by winemakers who farm organically or biodynamically, and use wild, indigenous yeasts for fermentation. If a particular wine strikes your fancy, you can buy a bottle to go, a side benefit of the fact that the wine importers who own the restaurant use a part of the space as their warehouse.

Afterward, on the late night train back to Kensington, I found myself brooding that there wasn't anything like this in San Francisco, until I caught myself, because in fact there is.

Verjus, in Jackson Square.(Photography by Tolleson)

Verjus, which opened in mid-January on Washington Street in Jackson Square, is a collaboration between the chef Michael Tusk and his wife, Lindsay, who own Quince and Cotogna, and Matt Cirne, a Certified Sommelier who last fall became the restaurants' beverage director after a five-year run as Quince's general manager.

The idea for Verjus (which takes its name from an ancient, vinegar-like ingredient made from unripe grapes) had been evolving for the past few years, inspired by the Tusks' and Cirne's travels in Europe, and by their exploration of wine bars, particularly those dealing in natural wines—places like L'Avant Comptoir in Paris, Enoiteca Mascareta in Venice, and Barcelona's Bar Brutal.

Like those of the wine bars that inspired it, the business model at Verjus is somewhat free-form. Tuesday through Friday, it's open from 11:30 in the morning till late evening; Saturdays and Mondays for the dinner shift only. During those hours, you can pop in for anything from a glass of wine and a little bite, to a full-blown feast—served by bartenders, cooks, and just a handful of waiters—and if the mood strikes you, buy some wines to go, from a selection of 350 to 400 bottles, hand-picked by Cirne.

The upshot of the latter is that whenever I visit Verjus, I leave laden like a pack animal with wines from winegrowers I'd never heard of, working in appellations I didn't know existed, whose deliciously unfamiliar bouquets and flavors and correspondingly short shelf-lives have given rise to something of an addictive cycle. This speaks to a broader point, though, which is that when it comes to natural wine, as with any wine, the nature of one's experience depends to a great extent on the curators of that experience. Lacking much direction, my own introduction to natural wine was somewhat rocky, owing to a number of early encounters with bottles from winegrowers who seemed more adept at marketing their personalities than at sanitizing their equipment, the resulting skepticism no doubt having delayed my appreciation of the genre for the better part of a decade.

Michael and Lindsay Tusk.(Photography by Tolleson)

On a Friday afternoon in mid-May, as my wife made her way across town from the Mission, I took a seat at a communal table, and while admiring the mysterious lustre of Verjus' red lacquer ceiling—which, like all of the interior design, is the work of Lindsay Tusk—sipped a 2016 Peira Levada, a blend of vermentino and roussanne from Sauta Roc, a winery in Languedoc that is making its fourth vintage this year. Bright gold, with a leggy viscosity and a tangy, mineral aroma, its flavor began on a salty note before opening up to something resembling the slight sourness of not-quite-ripe pineapple.

My wife's trip was taking a while. I ordered some bread—baguette, from Quince, excellent—and a 2017 Patapon Blanc, a spontaneously-fermented chenin blanc from Domaine Le Briseau, a winery in the Loire Valley founded by Natalie Gaubicher and the late Christian Chaussard. Slightly hazy pale yellow gold, its pear and yeasty bread bouquet presaged a flavor of pear-infused sour beer. While I'm not really a fan of sour beer, the idea of a wine that mimicked it was somehow compelling. Would I drink a bottle of Patapon Blanc on my own? Likely, not. But by the glass, it's an instructive vantage from which to consider the point made in the 1950s by the natural wine movement's godfather, Jules Chauvet, that indigenous yeasts are just as vital an element of terroir as the soil, the vine, the climate and the winegrower.

It's something of a trope, celebrating the end of a work week with a well-chilled rosé, but Verjus gives the ritual a certain spark. When my wife arrived, I followed her lead with a slightly fizzy, or rather sprudelndes rosé from Meinklang, a biodynamic concern in Austria's Burgenland region. Made from 100 percent pinot noir, its bright but not sweet strawberry aroma was matched by a fine strawberry essence on the palate, and a crisp, somewhat vinegary finish likely a result of spontaneous fermentation.

An illuminated marquee above the open kitchen serves as a kind of communal menu, and oysters were headlining as usual. We ordered them. They were small and plump and sweet, and we doused them in mignonette and splashes of Salsa Espinaler, a wonderfully piquant condiment made in Barcelona. Then a burrata, luxuriously luscious and garnished with oh-so-tender baby fava beans which had been cooked along with their leaves on a plancha, then dressed with thyme oil and lemon juice, all finished with a scattering of freshly cracked pepper and fleur de sel.

Although Michael Tusk frequently drops by—and easily enough as Quince and Cotogna are just two blocks away—Verjus' kitchen is the domain of chef de cuisine David Meyer, who worked previously at The French Laundry and The Progress, among others. Meyer has a deft touch, his understated presentations allowing taste to speak for itself, as in the superb, house-made boudin blanc I enjoyed on my first visit back in February, and a gratin de coquillettes au jambon, one of the most scrumptious interpretations of macaroni and cheese you're likely to encounter this side of the Atlantic.

Sticking with pinot noir, but shifting from rosé to red, I ordered the 2016 Liaison from Enderle & Moll, a two-man operation in the Ortenau region of Baden, in eastern Germany. Light bodied, strikingly aromatic, with rivers of dark red fruit spiced with fennel and anise, it took real self-discipline to make it last as long as an intensely yummy morel ragout with ramps, garlic scapes and fava beans, topped with an egg yolk gently poached then slowly cooked in oil to an unctuous perfection.

The finale: a classic French omelette with Boursin and stewed yellow onions, cooked to a supple creaminess, brushed with melted butter, finished with chives and sea salt, and delivered with a friendly brevity that reminded me of the service at my new favorite London hideout, as well as two similar venues, Al Vino Al Vino in Rome, and Ca' de Vèn in Ravenna—all well worth a visit if you happen to be in the neighborhood. Although nowadays, it seems, a San Franciscan needn't go quite that far.

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// Verjus, 528 Washington St. (Jackson Square), verjuscave.com

While most San Franciscans have learned to love gloomy, fog-filled summers and Patagonia fleece year-round, when these rare summer days hit, we all call in sick and head for Dolores Park in droves. Yes it's crowded and you've been there done that, but the heat waves are short-lived; this is about roséing all day as efficiently as possible.

But next time the mercury spikes, you could be ready with a fresh plan: Here are some awesome alternatives to the usuals for sunny days in SF.

Instead of getting Bi-Rite ice cream at Dolores Park...

Try: Mitchell's Ice Cream on Bernal Hill

Finding an unoccupied patch of grass in Dolores Park on a hot day is quite the endeavor. By the time you find a spot, that Bi-Rite cone you waited an hour for is already completed melted—or eaten. Instead, grab a scoop of fresh purple yam or avocado ice cream at beloved SF establishment Mitchell's Ice Cream (688 San Jose Ave.) and make the trek up to Bernal Hill (Bernal Heights Blvd.) for unparalleled, 360 degree views of the city on a fog-free day, and significantly less of a crowd.

Instead of laying out at Crissy Field...

Try: Lands End & China Beach

When the sun comes out, a walk around the Crissy Field lagoon guarantees that you'll use more energy bike- and stroller-dodging than appreciating the view, and finding enough space to lay out your towel on the beach is far from easy. For arguably better views of the bridge, and (slightly) fewer people, go for a coastal hike at nearby Lands End. Begin at the Lands End Lookout, midway through the trail descend the stairs to the hidden Mile Rock Beach, and end at Eagles Point. Then, make the couple block trek through Sea Cliff to China Beach (340 Sea Cliff Ave.), and reward yourself with a dip in the Pacific and nap on the sand.

The view from Lands EndCourtesy of @_cherylbelle_

Instead of taking the ferry just to get out on the water...

Try: Boating on Stow Lake

Sure, you could be scrambling to get a seat on the viewing deck of the ferry with all the tourists—and more locals than you'd expect—or you could be board your own private boat at the Stow Lake Boathouse (50 Stow Lake Dr. E). Round up a couple friends and rent a pedal or row boat for a peaceful afternoon exploring Golden Gate Park's shady Stow Lake and Huntington Falls—you just might forget you're in the middle of the city. Pro tip: Bring ingredients for a summery spread and follow up your ride with low-key picnic in the park.

Instead of waiting for brunch on the patio...

Try: Taking your breakfast to a public parklet

Brunching outside on a hot day is ideal. The wait, not so much. Instead of spending your whole day waiting for a coveted patio table at Zazie or Outerlands, opt for a delectable breakfast on the go, paired with people watching. Head over to Arizmendi Bakery's (1268 Valencia St.) Mission outpost for reasonably priced, freshly baked scones, muffins, and veggie-topped pizza best enjoyed from a perch on the bustling parklet in front, or scarf down a homemade egg and applewood bacon stuffed buttermilk biscuit at the popular Devil's Teeth Baking Company's (3876 Noriega St.) parklet before spending the day at Ocean Beach.

Devour a biscuit in the public parklet outside Devil's Teeth Baking CompanyCourtesy of @babubites

Instead of swimming upstream at the Ferry Building Marketplace...

Try: Shopping a neighborhood farmers market

There's nothing better than grazing at a market on a sunny day. Skip the crowds at the Ferry Building (go on a foggy day instead), and stop by one of SF's many outdoor farmers markets, offered five days a week in 'hoods throughout the city. Grab an assortment of summer fruit and veggies, nuts, fresh juice, pastries, and more, and head to one of SF's 153 public parks to enjoy your goodies and soak up the sun.

Instead of boozing it up at bars in the Marina or Mission...

Try: Rooftop Bars in SoMA

On a hot day, the many watering holes on Chestnut, Union, and Valencia will be even more packed than usual. While you're still sure to find crowds, give SoMa's assortment of bars with panoramic views a shot. Stop by Everdene (250 4th St.), the newly opened Virgin Hotel's hip, 12th story rooftop bar, or quench your thirst with a frozen, spicy passionfruit margarita at Rooftop 25 (25 Lusk St.), situated above 25 Lusk.

Newly opened Everdene offers views of the city and cocktailsCourtesy of @virginhotelssf

Instead of seeking the views from Twin Peaks...

Try: Views from Mount Sutro Forest

While enjoying the views from Twin Peaks sans fog is tempting, avoid the increase in tourists and locals hoping for a rare glimpse of the city and go for a walk in the nearby secluded Mount Sutro Forest instead. Despite the picturesque tree-framed views and shade, even on warm days the twisting trails rarely have more than a couple visitors. Start your walk behind UCSF, and enjoy the sounds and smell of nature in the city as you begin your trek up the hill.

San Francisco's comedy scene made headlines recently as Dave Chappelle landed at City Hall in a well-publicized attempt to save the Punch Line (more on this in a bit), and Comedy Central's Clusterfest has exploded here in recent years.

So what's the state of comedy here in the Bay Area? Well for starters, our tech industry, unique personas, and oh-so-easy-to-stereotype neighborhoods provide material for days. Learn more about our comic heritage, where to LOL, and meet a handful of local stand-up's rising stars.

San Francisco's Comedic Legacy

While Chicago has The Second City and New York has Saturday Night Live, San Francisco has had the Punch Line for the past 40 years. Founded in 1978 and sold to legendary promoter Bill Graham in 1980, those walls that once housed the dressing room for the Battery Street music venue known as the Old Waldorf could talk of many a music legend—Elvis Costello, AC/DC, and Metallica have all stepped foot there. But in 1983, Graham closed the Waldorf and transitioned the venue into a comedy club that's now legendary; the Punch Line stage has hosted such high-caliber funny people as Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle, Rosie O'Donnell, Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock, Patton Oswalt, Drew Carey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Dana Carvey.

But like so many revered landmark businesses in SF, the club now faces closure due to rising rents in the city. This past spring, Chappelle even showed up to join SF City Supervisor Aaron Peskin, local comic star W. Kamau Bell (Private School Negro), and many others in a rally to #savethepunchline. "Any comedian will tell you the Punch Line is one of the premier comedy clubs in America," said Chappelle, who played four nights at the venue in May. "A comic will always come back to a good room. You guys have one of the best rooms in comedy. Let's protect it," he said.

Still, the Punch Line is set to close its doors this August, and the team is looking for a new SF home.

Of course, San Francisco has also turned out its share of comedy greats: Carvey, Ali Wong (Always Be My Maybe), Margaret Cho, and Greg Proops all got their start here—as did comedy's most beloved voice of all, Robin Williams, whose name now graces Marin's iconic rainbow tunnel and whose eyes watch over us from a striking mural on Market Street.

Where to See Stand-up Comedy in the Bay Area

There are plenty of opportunities to ROFL around the Bay Area. Have some laughs at local bars, comedy clubs, and festivals.

Comedy Clubs

San Francisco

In the heart of North Beach, Cobb's Comedy Club ( 915 Columbus Ave., North Beach) has a two-drink minimum to see acts ranging from up-and-comers to heavy hitters each week—coming up, catch Michael Ian Black (June 14-15) and Anjelah Johnson (June 20-22). The large venue is a good for groups. // As of press time, you've still got a few weeks to catch a show at the Punch Line (44 Battery St., FiDi). Upcoming shows include Dan St. Germain (June 19-22) and Will Durst (June 26-29). // At Cheaper Than Therapy (533 Sutter St., TenderNob), the witty name says it all. LOL and let your stress melt away at this intimate club, produced by Scott Simpson and Jon Allen, where audience interaction is pretty much required. Brave enough to sit in the front row? // The Setup (Beer Basement, 222 Hyde St., Tenderloin) is a small basement venue with big talent. Run by a pair of comedians, it has that Seinfeld-esque brick backdrop, several awards and accolades, and plenty of excuses to check it out, including Craft Beer and Comedy Nights, all month long.

East Bay

At All Out Comedy Theater (2525 Telegraph Ave, Suite B, Oakland), you'll get a taste of improv where audience suggestions are welcome—think Whose Line Is it Anyway? They also offer classes for budding comics. // Comedy Oakland (1628 Webster St., Oakland), inside the Spice Monkey restaurant, has cover charge, no drink minimum, free parking, and legit talent. // Roasts, Taco Tuesdays, and open mic nights are the fare at Tommy T's Comedy Club (5104 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton), which also hosts its share of boldface names: See Adele Givens (June 21-23) andCedric the Entertainer (July 12-13) this summer.

South Bay

Rooster T. Feathers (157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale) may cater to the Stanford crowd with Thursday College Nights, but the full-service bar and club also entertains with real stars, as seen on Comedy Central and beyond, on stage. Catch Jackie Kashian (June 13-June 16) and Hampton Yount (June 20-June 23). // San Jose Improv Comedy Club (62 S. Second St, San Jose) is a South Bay gem with a full menu of food and drink has attracted some big names over the years (think Richard Pryor and Lily Tomlin, to name but two). This summer you can catch Nikki Glaser (June 13-15) of MTV and Comedy Central fame; CNN late-night talk show host D.L Hughley (June 21-23); and "evidential medium" Cindy Kaza (June 27).

Festivals & Events

Newish comedy and music happening Clusterfest, put on by Comedy Central and Another Planet, blew up upon arrival. At this year's festival (June 21-23), Civic Center will quake with laughs as superstars Amy Poehler, John Mulaney, Patton Oswalt, Leslie Jones, and many more take the stage. // Don't forget Outside Lands (Aug. 9-11) also incorporates comic programming; keep an eye out for this year's lineup. // For a few weeks each winter, SF Sketchfest (Jan. 9-26, 2020) brings major wattage to various venues across the city—Carol Burnett, Neil Patrick Harris, and Margaret Cho were just a few of last year's headliners.

5 Bay Area Comedians on the Rise

With a less competitive field than New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, the SF Bay Area provides space for budding comedians to test material and build their stage presence. Plus, "the community is very tight knit and supportive," says local comic James Mwaura.

You know the big names already. Be on the lookout for these local up-and-comers.

Kaseem Bentley

Bay Area life is both the heart and the punchline of Bentley's comedy schtick: The local funny guy with big personality recently released a comedy album, Lakeview; named for his home 'hood in SF, the album pulls material locals will recognize, with bits on burritos in the Mission and scenes from the 5-Fulton bus, and tracks with names like "Bay Area Bullshit Life" and "The Blacks of Asians of San Francisco." For updates on shows, and more adventures, follow @kaseembentley.

Dhaya Lakshminarayanan

Over the past handful of years, this Indian-American comic has won accolades from the SF Bay Guardian to Comedy Central Asia; she's played SF Sketchfest; and has opened for the likes of Janeane Garafalo and Greg Proops. Look for upcoming appearances at Oakland's New Parkway Theater (June 14), Betabrand (June 20), and with The Moth at SF Public Works (June 25).

Sueni Weerasekera

Weerasekera is a seasoned comedienne who played SF Sketchfest this past year whose straightforward brand of humor has commanded the stages at Cobbs and Punch Line. Catch her every first and third Saturday at the Red Tomato Pizza House in Berkeley, and follow@sureni.

James Mwaura

A Stanford grad and tech worker by day, Mwaura shares his relatable stories and hilarious observations around Bay Area comedy and open mic nights. Find him Tuesday nights at Hollow Cow in the Marina ("a very rough neighborhood"), Wednesdays at The Laundry gallery in the Mission, and the first Monday of every month at Holy Craft Brewery in North Beach. For more show dates, follow @realjamesmwaura.

Ryan Goodcase

With a solid stage presence and self-deprecating humor, Goodcase is a regular on the local scene who will be performing at Clusterfest this year. Also catch him in Redwood City on June 26th at Comedy Connoisseurs: Free and Fancy Stand Up Comedy. For more laughs and upcoming shows, follow @ryangoodcase.

I confess: Before I jumped on the plane to San Diego, took the 75-minute shuttle ride to the U.S. border, and walked through customs into Tecate, Mexico for a five-night stay at Rancho La Puerta (RLP), I was worried. My biggest fear was that, like so many hot restaurants or buzzy Netflix series, the iconic fitness resort and spa wouldn't live up to the hype.

Mind you, this particular hype has been decades in the making. Ever since I landed in San Francisco in the mid '90s, I've listened as good friends and random acquaintances alike gushed (and gushed) about their visits to "The Ranch." Now that I've finally experienced this unpretentious paradise, founded in 1940 by American couple Edmond and (a still-involved almost-centenarian) Deborah Szekely, it's my turn to dish.

Here are my key takeaways.

(Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta)

Planning a stay and getting there is easy.

It's not surprising that Bay Areans flock to Rancho La Puerta when in need of quality Mother Nature time and a reset of mind-body-spirit equilibrium. The trip to slightly inland Mexico—i.e. no beach—is relatively short and easy (just don't forget your passport), but driving through the front gate is like entering another world, one filled with 4,000 acres of stunning gardens, meadows, and mountains. As soon as I stepped out of the shuttle, the vibrant greenery and otherworldly blooms demanded my attention. I was comforted by the warm air and impressed by a stoic Mt. Kuchumaa, lording over, well, everything. My shoulders released for the first time in forever; remember this feeling I whispered to my type-A self.

Really, there was nothing to stress about. Like all 140-ish weekly guests, I had several communications with ranch staff before I arrived, to arrange shuttles to/from the airport, pre-book my appointments (facial and hot-stone massage), and sign up for cooking class.

(Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta)

The all-inclusive resort is a wonderful invention.

Other than a long-ago visit to Club Med Martinique, all-inclusive stays have not been a regular part of my vacation repertoire. RLP has me wondering why not. I absolutely dug the fact that, once on site, I didn't have to shell out one damn peso—all meals, fitness classes, hikes, seminars, and evening activities are included with the cost of accommodations. I did, however, choose to spend about $100 out of pocket on two crazy-delish green smoothies from a pool juice bar, a couple of glasses of wine (more on that later), and a few items from the store: Advil, darling silver stud earrings made locally, andsome yummy Mexican chocolate. Don't worry if you're more a go-with-the-flow type, you can book your acupuncture appointments, Watsu massages, and Bean-to-Bar Chocolate classes upon arrival, or any time during your stay.

Getting around in general is easy. The Ranch feels like a friendly campus with paved pathways and lots of signs, connecting the many adobe and brick buildings. That's not to say I didn't get lost a gajillion times a day—a newbie rite of passage.

(Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta)

Charming accommodations provide everything you need.

ICYMI: You do not need a television or WiFi in your room. Not gonna lie, I was a little worried about being disconnected. But with decent internet access in the main lounge (your go-to for tea, coffee, and healthy snacks) and various public buildings, turns out I was A-OK. In fact, after attending Catherine Price's talk on "How to Break Up With Your Phone" (also a book), I took her 24-hour no-phone challenge. Easy-peasy.

The 87 casitas, which accommodate singles, doubles, triples and quads, are spread throughout the grounds, clustered in mini villages with names like Flores, Arboles, and Pajaros. I stayed in Villas Luna: My airy, clay-tiled space was warm and charming, tastefully decorated with colorful Mexican folk art. A wood-burning fireplace (it gets chilly in winter) and a gorgeous patio with sweeping mountain views rounded out the cozy comforts. Happy as a clam an almeja I was.

Bottom line about rooms: You probably won't spend much time there—activities run, literally, from the crack of dawn (6:05am hike, anyone?) until about 10pm (loved me some bingo night). If you're trying to save a few bucks, go for a smaller casita. While each room is unique, they're all similarly appointed. On the flip side, Villas Cielo is the place for luxury seekers. The three serene sanctuaries are the spa's newest accommodations and feature handcrafted furniture and museum-quality art. Plus, they come with oodles of upgraded amenities: private terraces, saltwater plunge pools, hammocks, outdoor showers, in-room WiFi, and more.

(Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta)

The best way to spend your days—your way.

First a few facts: The Ranch is home to 11 gyms, 4 pools, and 20 full-time fitness instructors. Indeed, there are endless classes to take, 25 miles of hiking trails to hike, well-regarded healers to see, interesting speakers to hear, and delicious spa treatments to indulge in. No wonder I was overwhelmed as I studied the weekly schedule of classes and activities included in my welcome packet. There are 50-plus classes offered daily and 10 weekly guest speakers, workshops and visiting expert events. I meticulously planned my first full day while reclining in bed the night I arrived. On my agenda: Pilates mat; intro to circuit training, The Wave (in the Activity Pool); sound healing; a talk on Vincent Van Gogh; and a screening of A Star Is Born in the library lounge. Plus meals, of course.

I followed the plan to a tee. The fitness instructors and speakers were excellent, the gyms were clean and filled with all the equipment one could need (circuit training was hard), and all the facilities were perfectly lovely. It definitely felt good to work long-dormant muscles and challenge myself to try new things. But I was exhausted and, yeah, kinda stressed. I hadn't left any room to simply wander and take in my surroundings, meditate in nature, plop down on one or more of the 26 hammocks scattered around, or talk to people. You know, basically just experience the undeniable beauty and palpable spirituality that permeates the place.

For the rest of my stay—except for scheduled appointments—I just went with the flow and my mood, allowed myself to be free of expectations (my own, of course). Best decision ever. I discovered that I absolutely love Feldenkrais, and I took every class that was offered. I lounged at the pool and read a book without thinking about what was next. I took a jewelry-making class in the art studio and now have a very chic beaded bracelet to remind me to always be creative. In between yoga classes taught by Phyllis, a RLP institution who happens to be a septuagenarian Brit with a "schoolmarm meets stand-up comedian" personality, I took a nature walk that was a master class in the hundreds of plants, flowers, and birds that reside in the valley, And I tried pickleball for the first time (oh what fun).

My hot stone massage and facial were major highlights. The main spa, with a vast menu of treatments, is clean and modern, and the Mexican masseuses and aestheticians really know their stuff. I floated away, smooth, relaxed and happy after both of my appointments. I also got to try RLP's new and divine organic skincare line, La Puerta Core Essentials. My sensitive skin really took to the Calendula Moisture Crème. (I'm just about done with the sample I took home.)

My only regret is that I didn't go on any of the early morning hikes for which The Ranch is known—and which, I am told, are akin to religious experiences. Next time.

(Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta)

Burgers and fries aren't on the menu but the healthy meals are delish.

Let me say up front that I'm not a foodie (don't hate). I appreciate quality food but my palate is, shall we say, pretty basic bitch. Before I arrived, I knew very little about what to expect in the dining hall. Fifteen meals later, I give the chefs an enthusiastic thumbs up. The Ranch describes its cuisine as "semi-vegetarian with an abundance of organic fruits and vegetables." Those very fruits and vegetables come from its own six-acre organic farm, located two miles from the center of activity. (The most popular early-morning hikes are the ones that end with a yummy breakfast at the farm.) Eggs, dairy, and fresh seafood from the port of Ensenada also appear frequently on the menu. Gluten-free options are plentiful and accommodations can be made for those with special dietary needs.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style (go ahead, eat as much as you want—I did). Dinner, still informal, is seated and offers a choice of two main entrées with different side dishes, followed by dessert and the tea du jour. Overall, the food was healthy, tasty and satisfying; obviously I liked some dishes better than others. Hands down, though, breakfast was the best MOD (meal of the day). I especially enjoyed the scrambled egg-black beans-tortilla combo, and I'm still dreaming about my daily cuppa Mexican hot chocolate.

All that being said, my absolute favorite single meal was one I cooked myself. OK, not really, but I did help make a fantastic salad with dressing to die for. RLP is known for its cooking school La Cocina Que Canta (The Kitchen That Sings), located adjacent to the organic farm. Even though I don't cook much at home, I thought why not, I can follow a recipe. Led by visiting Chef AJ (Abbie Jaye), about 16 of us whipped up an organic, vegan feast. I definitely had favorites: the balsamic dijon glazed Brussels sprouts; my own creation, a Hail to the Kale salad; chef AJ's Disappearing Lasagna (it did live up to its name); and the decadent, dairy-free chocolate mousse. Bottom line: The food and the company were brilliant, and we got to take the recipes home with us. I've already made a batch of the carrot-cake muffins. Yum.

A word to drinkers: You should know that neither wine nor any kind of alcohol is served in the dining hall. But thanks to the Insta-worthy Bazar Del Sol, located in Villas Sol, The Ranch isn't totally dry. The lovely indoor-outdoor space serves local vino from the Guadalupe Valley. (The two aforementioned pours I had were very good.) Bazar Del Sol is also an espresso bar and a stylish-but-teensy boutique where you can buy local artisanal goodies like ceramics, jewelry, and scarves. Yes, everything you purchase here will be added to your bill. But during my week, RLP hosted a fun, pre-dinner fiesta with sangria, and chips and guacamole. Quelle surprise, it was one of the best nights. Sure I was a little buzzed, but chilling on the patio with new friends—including the stunning mountain views—was glorious. P.S. Forgot to mention that wine (white and red) was served with dinner in the cooking class; a little, ahem, food for thought.

(Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta)

A final note.

There's so much more I would love to share about my magical experience, including the fascinating history of The Ranch and its spa pioneer founders, amazing stories of regulars who come back year after year, and insights from the topnotch staff. But alas, I'm already well over my word count (sorry, madame editor). The good news is you can discover these things for yourself. And speaking from experience, that's the very best way.

// Weekly rates begin at $4,350 for singles and $3,850 for doubles; visit rancholapuerta.com for deets, rates, special events and more.