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10 Alfresco Dinner Parties in Wine Country This Summer

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You fancy, huh?

Plan a trip to Napa and Sonoma this summer to wine and dine amongst the vines at any of 10 fabulous outdoor parties.


Farm-to-Table Dinners at Kendall-Jackson Estate


KJ's notoriously gorgeous estate gardens are the backdrop to their monthly Farm-to-Table Dinners ($175/person) held through October—and of course the gardens supply many of the ingredients as well. Each event will have a different themed menu highlighting local purveyors, such as Costarella Seafoods (July 13) and Liberty Duck from Sonoma County Poultry (Aug. 10). Look out for a completely vegetarian meal on September 14th. The evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres and wine, followed by a seated, family-style dinner, and later, dessert in the tasting room. Wine will be flowing all night long, carefully paired with each course. // 5007 Fulton Rd. (Fulton), kj.com

Garden to Table Dinners Robert Mondavi Winery


Robert Mondavi is always looking for fun ways to bring guests into their famed To Kalon estate vineyard, so every Thursday through October, there's a hands-on Garden to Table Dinner ($160/person) on offer—a great excuse for a long Wine Country weekend. You'll begin with a walking tour of the winery gardens to harvest ingredients for the meal, and then move into the kitchen to begin prep side-by-side with winery chef Jeff Mosher. The tour finishes with a peek at the winery facilities and, finally, you'll settle in among the vines for a three-course dinner with wine pairings. You even get an apron and a recipe to take home. // 7801 St. Helena Hwy (Oakville), robertmondaviwinery.com

Farm to Table Dinners at B.R. Cohn Winery


B.R. Cohn is upping the ante with a pair of sunset-timed Farm to Table Dinners ($90/person), bringing in none other than Sonoma's famous The Girl & The Fig to cater. On July 6th, the menu features a summer salad, wood-fired pork with summer beans and salsa verde, and two types of dessert: an almond brown butter cake and chocolate butterscotch tartlet. The second dinner will take place on August 7th, but the menu is yet to be announced. The event takes place inside an open-air pavilion with vineyards views as far as you can see. // 15000 Sonoma Hwy (Glen Ellen), brcohn.com

French Connection Wine Dinner at Imagery Estate


Can't make it to France this summer? Imagery Estate's French Connection Wine Dinner ($85/person) on July 20th will transport you right to the streets of Montmartre and Le Marais Cinderella-style (you know, for the night). The soirée will feature a caricature artist and live French music from an accordion and guitar duo, while the family-style dinner will consist of grilled peaches, bistro filet with bacon marmalade and wild mushrooms, lemon-herb risotto cake, grilled vegetables, and dessert, all paired with a diverse selection of red and white wines. // 14335 Hwy 12 (Glen Ellen), imagerywinery.com

Live Fire Guest Chef Series at Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead


Meat lovers can't miss the Live Fire Guest Chef series ($170/person) at Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead. Top chefs from all over the country arrive in tiny St. Helena to roast, smoke, and sear delicious meats (and sometimes fish) at the fire pit alongside executive chef Stephen Barber. The 2019 lineup features family-style feasts from chef Ryan McCaskey of Chicago's two Michelin-starred Acadia (July 20); chef Cassidee Dabney of Tennessee's Blackberry Farm (Aug. 16); and chef Howard Hanna of Kansas City's The Rieger (Sept. 27). These events even support a charitable cause, the Timothy W. Hall Foundation, which benefits school programs in the arts and sciences. // 738 Main St. (St. Helena), longmeadowranch.com

Vineyard Dinners at Patz & Hall


Patz & Hall's intimate Dinner in the Vineyard ($279/person) on August 10th is a great excuse to plan a weekend getaway in Sonoma. Their charming Sonoma House is located just a few minutes from the historic Sonoma Plaza and is host to a romantic evening at sunset, which consists of a three-course dinner in the garden set adjacent to their estate vineyard. Each dish will be paired with their pinot noir and chardonnays sourced from some of the top vineyards around. // 21200 8th St. East (Sonoma), patzhall.com

Sonoma Bounty Dinner at Jordan Vineyard & Winery


Jordan Vineyard & Winery hosts a slew of epic wine and food experiences at its chateau throughout the year, but many of them are reserved for participants in their winery rewards program. Tickets to the Bounty of Sonoma County Wine Dinner ($200/person) on August 17th, however, are available to the general public. Taking place on the chateau's sprawling lawns, the evening begins with a Champagne reception with hors d'oeuvres, then moves to a seated, multi-course dinner prepared by winery chef Todd Knoll, who sources many ingredients just steps away from the Jordan gardens, plus other local farms. Each course will be paired with different vintages of Jordan chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, and the event concludes with a French-inspired dessert spread in their newly-designed dining room. // 1474 Alexander Valley Rd (Healdsburg), jordanwinery.com

Paella & Petite Sirah Dinner at Robert Biale Vineyards


Robert Biale offers something different than any other event on this list: paella and petite sirah. While petite sirah is difficult to find in the land of cabernet these days, Robert Biale has been committed to keeping the old tradition of this intense grape alive, often making it from very old vines. The August 17th Paella & Petite Sirah Dinner ($110/person) takes place on the relaxing back porch, looking out at the vineyard during sunset. // 4038 Big Ranch Road (Napa), biale.com

Chef's Dinner at Seghesio Family Vineyards


Head over to Healdsburg on August 30th for Seghesio Family Vineyards' Chef's Dinner ($175/person), set on their idyllic Tuscan-style terrace. Executive chef Peter Janiak will work with local Sonoma County farmers to curate a five-course menu that pairs with Seghesio wines, including refreshing summer whites, zinfandels, and the Italian varietals for which they're known. Held once a year, this incredibly intimate dinner is limited to just 30 guests, so get your tickets fast. // 700 Grove St. (Healdsburg), seghesio.com

Lobster Feed at Landmark Vineyards


While all of these wineries no doubt have spectacular views, wine, and food, only Landmark is coming at you with one of life's greatest delicacies: lobster. This year, they're hosting their popular annual Lobster Feed ($150/person) twice on back-to-back weekends, September 6th and 13th. Tie on a bib and watch the sun set behind the Mayacamas Mountains while you dig into fresh lobster with sides of prawns, hot links, artichokes, potatoes, onions, corn, sourdough baguettes, and, of course, tubs of butter—which all washes down smoothly with Landmark's single vineyard chardonnays. // 101 Adobe Canyon Rd. (Kenwood), landmarkwine.com


Big Gay To-Do: 50 Ways to Celebrate San Francisco Pride

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It's the most wonderful time of the year—Pride month in San Francisco!

Don't worry if the parade's not your jam—you can still join the festivities. Check out a thoughtful museum exhibit covering the history of queer culture; join an LGBT book club; take a tour of the Castro's street art; see a film at Frameline; or just eat some rainbow cake.

So go on, gay it up (even more than usual) with our list of queer and colorful merriment to keep you entertained, enthralled, and inebriated until July finally comes to your rescue.



  • Shake your ass at Pink Block. // Noon to 9pm, June 29 at Great Northern, 119 Utah St. (Mission), juanitamore.com
  • March with your trans brothers and sisters. // Noon to 8pm, June 28 at Dolores Park (Mission), transmarch.org
  • Celebrate dyke culture. // 5pm, June 29 at Dolores Park (Mission), thedykemarch.org
  • Read with the LGBT Book Club. // 7pm, every second Wednesday at Dog-Eared Books, 489 Castro St. (Castro), dogearedbooks.com
  • Take a self-guided tour of queer street art. // Castro; see our guide here.
  • Have a drink at the nation's oldest gay bar. // White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland), whitehorsebar.com
  • Help set up the pink triangle. // 7am to 10:30am, June 29, at Christmas Tree Point Rd. (Twin Peaks), thepinktriangle.com
  • Go nude. // Marshall Beach (Presidio), presidio.gov
  • Dress your pup in Pride gear. // Best in Show, 545 Castro St. (Castro), bestinshowsf.com
  • Take in some high-quality drag. // Oasis, 298 11th St. (SoMa), sfoasis.com
  • Stay sober. // Castro Country Club, 4058 18th St. (Castro), castrocountryclub.org
  • See Queer California: Untold Stories. // Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. (Oakland), museumca.org
  • Step out of the closet...to make room for more clothes. // Out of the Closet (multiple locations), outofthecloset.org
  • Meditate. // Hartford Street Zen Center (former site of the 1990s Maitri AIDS Hospice), 57 Hartford St. (Castro), hszc.org
  • Spike your drink with CBD. // Flore, 2298 Market St. (Castro), flore415.com
  • Get your hair did. // Glama-rama!, 304 Valencia St. (Mission), glamarama.com
  • Wander the Leather District. // SoMa, leatheralliance.org/sfleatherdistrict
  • See a film. // Frameline 23, June 20-30, frameline.org
  • Light up your night with rainbows. // June 24th–27 at City Hall, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl. (Civic Center), sfgov.org
  • Test your knowledge on Tuesday trivia nights. // Hi Tops, 2247 Market St. (Upper Market), hitopssf.com
  • Learn some fabulous history. // GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th St. (Castro), glbthistory.org
  • Embrace your inner RhiRhi and Madonna. // Monday karaoke nights at the Eagle, 398 12th St. (Mission), sf-eagle.com
  • Remember The Lex. // Virgil's Sea Room, 3152 Mission St. (Bernal Heights), virgilssf.com
  • Eat a (cookie) dick. // Hot Cookie, 407 Castro St. (Castro), hotcookiebakery.com
  • Tend to your bear beard. // Louie's Barber Shop (422 Castro St., Castro), louiesbarbershop.com; Daddy's Barbershop (4102 19th St., Castro), daddysbarbershop.com
  • Cruise with your furry friend. // Duboce Park, sfrecpark.org
  • Have a scoop ofJuanita MORE!–inspired ice cream. // Humphry Slocombe (multiple locations), humphryslocombe.com
  • Volunteer. // Glide, 330 Ellis St. (Tenderloin), glide.org
  • Giddy-up! // Sundance Saloon, 550 Barneveld Ave. (Bayview), sundancesaloon.org
  • Throw one back. // Twin Peaks Tavern, 401 Castro St. (Castro), twinpeakstavern.com
  • It's like Cheers, but gay AF. // The Cinch, 1723 Polk St. (Nob Hill), facebook.com
  • Get stoned, courtesy of a lesbian-owned cannabis delivery service. // Sava, getsava.com
  • Take a walk. // AIDS Memorial Grove (Golden Gate Park), aidsmemorial.org
  • Crowd around the main stage. // SF Pride, June 29-30 at Civic Center, sfpride.org
  • Smell nice. // ZGO Perfumery, 600 Castro St. (Castro), zgoperfumery.com
  • Revisit Harvey Milk Plaza. // Castro and Market Streets (Castro), neighborland.com/harveymilk
  • Buy a rainbow of macarons. // One65, 165 O'Farrell St. (Union Square), one65sf.com
  • Sip the Last Unicorn. // Jones, 620 Jones St. (TenderNob), 620-jones.com
  • Grab some HRC merch. // Human Rights Campaign shop, 575 Castro St. (Castro), shop.hrc.org
  • Have an HIIT kiki. // Barry's Bootcamp, 2280 Market St. (Castro), barrysbootcamp.com
  • Cheers to SF's first-ever nightclub co-op. // The Stud, 399 9th St. (SoMa), studsf.com
  • Find home and hash browns at a 40-year Castro landmark. // Orphan Andy's, 3991 17th St. (Castro), facebook.com
  • Scope out the Fresh Meat Festival. // June 20-22 at Z Space, 450 Florida St., freshmeatproductions.org
  • Speaking of meat. // Bi-BQ, 4-7pm, June 26 at Dolores Park (Mission), facebook.com
  • Join Heklina for a Hella Gay Dance Party. // Pride NightLife, 6pm, June 27 at Cal Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park), calacademy.org
  • Work up a sweat. // Pride Run to benefit Alliance Health Project, June 29 at Golden Gate Park, sffr.org
  • Get hot, heavy, and tested. // Steamworks Baths, 2107 Fourth St. (Berkeley), steamworksbaths.com
  • Join. // The Academy, 2166 Market St. (Duboce Triangle), academy-sf.com
  • Have your rainbow cake, and eat it too. // Noe Valley Bakery, (multiple locations and ordering online) noevalleybakery.com
  • Get involved. // SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market St. (Duboce Triangle), sfcenter.org
  • Celebrate SF Pride at a trio of fabulous hotel parties

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    Hotel Zetta, Hotel Zeppelin, and Hotel Zelos—all part of Viceroy's Urban Retreats Collection—are celebrating San Francisco Pride weekend with three fabulous parties between Friday, June 28th and Sunday the 30th.

    Each event will be as bold and extraordinary as the personalities of the hotels. Additionally, the hotels will each offer a dedicated Pride package available to book throughout the month of June.


    Hotel Zetta's S & R Lounge.(Courtesy of Hotel Zetta)

    Hotel Zetta San Francisco

    An enclave for culture seekers and local creatives, Hotel Zetta is partnering with DoTheGay, a site dedicated to queer-focused events in the Bay Area, to officially celebrate the first anniversary of the website and to kick off Pride weekend. DoTheGay's (Super) Late Coming Out Party will take place on Friday, June 28th (6–9pm) in Hotel Zetta's S&R Lounge. Festivities will include tunes by Adam Kraft, drag queens, and drink specials from Deep Eddy Vodka, plus DoTheGay's Gay Beach Pride Beer collaboration with Local Brewing Co. The event is free with RSVP at dothebay.com. Must be 21+ to attend.


    (Kane C. Andrade)

    Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco

    Located in Union Square, Hotel Zeppelin will cohost Holy High Tea with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI) on Saturday, June 29th (4-7pm). The event will start with mingling, along with bites and beverages from onsite Rambler and specialty cocktails made with Deep Eddy Vodka. The Sisters will then participate in the Lip Sync for your Eternal Life competition. Also sponsored by Do the Gay, the event will feature DJ Dan Lopez, raffles, and a face painting station, as well as product displays, discount cards and swag from Eaze, the leading cannabis technology company. Tickets are priced at $25 per guest, with a portion of the proceeds donated to SPI. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.


    Rock M. Sakura at Dirty Habit in Hotel Zelos.(Kane C. Andrade)

    Hotel Zelos San Francisco

    Hotel Zelos will conclude the festivities with Project RunGAY Ex-drag-aganza hosted by Cash Monet and Rock M. Sakura on Sunday, June 30th (noon to 3pm) at Dirty Habit, located on the fifth floor. Attendees can enjoy cocktails accompanied by a dynamic drag fashion show with legendary SF drag queens including Catinni Vandon, Alpha Andromeda, Kaikai Bee Michaels, Jelly McJellyington Jellyfish, Honey Daniels, and Pristine Condition. Tickets start at $50 per person, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Lyric, an organization whose mission is to develop loving, compassionate, and strong families with the LGBTQ youth. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.


    June 1-30, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts is offering guests of Hotel Zetta, Hotel Zeppelin, and Hotel Zelos a special package in anticipation of National Pride Day on Sunday, June 30th. The dedicated package will include an overnight stay, branded sunglasses and colored sunscreen. For more information and reservations, visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

    First Taste: Moongate Lounge serves stellar cocktails and mystical vibes in Chinatown

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    Since Mister Jiu's is, without question, the stalwart of the modern dining scene in San Francisco's Chinatown, it follows that the restaurant's sultry new upstairs bar would become the neighborhood's number-one destination for cocktailing overnight.

    As expected, Moongate Lounge, which opened in March with a lunar theme, seasonal drinks, and such creative dim sum as Jew's Chicken in a Space Suit, took off like a rocket.


    Ready for your trip to the moon?(Trevor Felch)

    Up some rickety wood stairs from the main restaurant, a dark door is marked only with a painting of a lunar eclipse, your first clue at the bar's thematic leaning. The design team, comprised of Jew's wife and business partner, Anna Lee, and Stephanie Wong of Swig Architects, took inspiration from moongates, those circular holes commonly found in the walls of traditional Chinese gardens and courtyards, and ran with it to the last delightful detail.

    A large circular skylight crowns the lounge—a 5,000-square-foot banquet space dating back to the 1890s—with natural light during happy hour, and slowly fades towards darkness after sunset. Come nightfall, it's the half-moon bar, with its shelves of fine and rare spirits sparkling like stars, that serves as the guiding light in this moody, 55-seat den. Dramatically tall, crescent-shaped booths are upholstered in Chinese-red velvet; low-slung Midcentury-style couches are teamed with spare mini tables for a posh salon feel; and vibrant colors and accessories make the place pop: Nowhere else in town will you find such liberal use of turquoise, hot pink, and vibrant orange; pretty floral arrangements; geodes and crystals; and the "Smoking Man" painting by the bar. The mood is "spacey yet terrestrial" with a "mysticism vibe," says operations and beverage director Maz Naba, and perhaps has a bit of Palm Springs–groovy tossed in.

    First and foremost a swanky bar, Moongate Lounge tapped Mister Jiu's mixology talent, Danny Louie and Alex Kulick (Kulick is now full-time behind the bar at Moongate), to craft six house cocktails, six seasonal ones, and two frozen drinks (frosé alert!).

    The house cocktails, named for moons in the solar system, include Kerberos (gin, green Chartreuse, salted kiwi, celery, pink peppercorn) and the powerfully smoky and alluring Scotch-based Titan (Barolo Chinato, Lapsang Souchong tea, and toasted brown rice).

    Among the spring cocktails, with names referring to the lunar calendar, you'll find Clear and Bright, a fresh and tangy, almost numbing delight of tequila, nasturtium, green Chartreuse, and a bracing black pepper syrup. Vernal Equinox adds jasmine and bitter melon to the bones of a martini; and Rain Water takes the characteristics of a piña colada and then adds jasmine and the color trip of blue algae to an ice-filled drink. The most out-there creation? The vodka-and-egg-white-based Start of Spring, with strong spring pea notes mixed with Suze, sesame, honey, and sarsaparilla.

    Choose a low-slung sofa for communal imbibing or a high-backed velvet booth for more intimate rendezvous.(Daniel Triassi)

    Of course, all these tempting cocktails won't stop revelers from ordering up lemon drops with Grey Goose vodka, but alas they don't carry Grey Goose—rather rare and exceptional spirits are poured here by the ounce for interested guests. Those pours add up with the buzz, however; look out for the A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16-Year Bourbon at $225 an ounce.

    Prefer a glass of wine? The selection here comes courtesy of Louisa Smith, the same woman behind the strong wine program at Lord Stanley, and is generally of the organic and/or biodynamic persuasion. It seems the team that cares deeply about farming practices when it comes to the ingredients for their food applies the same philosophy to what they pour in your glass.

    If you've come to Moongate to eat, you'll find plenty of stellar options as Jew takes the opportunity of the laid-back venue to experiment with clever riffs on regional Chinese cooking (Xinjiang lamb skewers); updated takes on Chinese-American dishes (Alaskan crab rangoon); elevated spins on dim sum favorites (pig trotter ham sui gok); and grazing snacks along the lines of salt-and-vinegar shrimp chips or smoked oyster youtiao (think beignets). There are a dozen or so dishes of all sizes to choose from, including a rotating special. Yes, you'll find that Chicken in a Space Suit: a boudin blanc–style sausage wrapped in a soft bao resembling the puffy suit of the Michelin man (Mister Jiu's has one Michelin star, by the way). And yes, it is basically pigs-in-a-blanket, executed by one of the city's most talented chefs.

    Dishes include (from left) salt and pepper Monterey squid; pig trotter ham sui gok; and Chicken in a Space Suit. Pair with cocktails like the Start of Summer (left) or the Grain and Ear. (Daniel Triassi)

    For dessert, look for coconut lychee cake and Parisian egg tarts by Melissa Chou, a leading Bay Area pastry chef who first soared to prominence at the much beloved but now-closed Aziza.

    Design, food, drink—it all comes together in a wonderfully stylish yet thoughtful ode to history, quirkiness, and romance. And, as seems appropriate for a space that's been serving guests for over a century, Moongate Lounge has a timeless feel. Luckily, all it takes to get there is just one small step (or Lyft) for man.

    // Moongate Lounge, 28 Waverly Pl. (Chinatown), moongatelounge.com

    Moongate Lounge puts a modern spin on Chinese dining culture.(Daniel Triassi)

    Mediterranean-style sanctuary in Montclair asks $1.95 million

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    If a second home in the Mediterranean isn't in the cards just yet, you could just pretend inside this remodeled 1929 home, evocative of a European seaside escape, in the wooded Oakland hills.

    Located on the Piedmont side of quaint Montclair, it has all the charming period details you want alongside luxe creature comforts.


    The light-filled entryway has large picture window and an arched doorway leading to the living room, where high-beamed ceilings and fireplace lend a cozy sense of grandeur.

    The eat-in kitchen may look a bit dated, but you're off to a good start with honed marble countertops, a Wolf range, and Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine chiller. Take your morning coffee and quick bites at the breakfast table; dinner is served in the formal dining area beneath a rustic chandelier.

    There are five bedrooms in total but of course the sprawling master suite is the crown jewel: With its own sitting room and French doors that open onto a private deck overlooking the park-like garden, it's more of a retreat than a simple place to sleep. Don't forget about the glamorous walk-in closet with built-in organization and space for seating, as well as the master bath with dual sinks, vanity, a large shower, and soaking tub. Designed to evoke a day at the spa, a neutral palette and stone finishes create a luxurious space to cleanse and decompress.

    Multiple doors open up the rear of the home to a landscaped sanctuary complete with a patio, gas fire pit, and dining area.

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    Location: 6532 Estates Dr. (Oakland)

    Size: 30,000 sq. ft. lot

    Bedrooms: 5

    Bathrooms: 3.5

    Asking price: $1,950,000

    // For more information, visit 6532estates.com.

    Hike, boat, swim, and fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California's first National Heritage Area

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    The federal government has officially designated its first National Heritage Area in California, and it's one of the most under-appreciated but important natural regions in the state: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

    The Central Valley region used to be a vast wetland. It's been partly drained for agriculture, and now the wider region grows most of the United States' fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Thousands of miles of waterways criss-cross the delta's many islands and marshes.


    The new national designation is meant to support culturally important "lived-in landscapes" with community-based heritage conservation and economic development. It means the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will receive $10 million in federal grant funding for historical, cultural, and natural preservation. That bolsters a campaign by local businesses and governments to promote tourism in the region. The designation from the National Park Service encourages people from the nearby urban centers of the Bay Area and Sacramento to enjoy the region's cultural and agricultural heritage and its many waterways and islands.

    First, the news. This spring, President Donald Trump signed a large public lands and conservation bill that included the new designations for the Delta and several other areas across the country.

    Aerial view of the Sacramento-San Joaquin DeltaCourtesy of The Dyrt

    What is a National Heritage Area?

    The National Park Service provides an advisory role to National Heritage Areas, but NHAs are not protected or managed by the federal government. That means this designation does not affect property rights, water rights, or hunting and fishing rights. Rather, it opens the region to public-private partnerships, which will support community organizations and local and state governments seeking to preserve and empower a regional identity, culture, and economy.

    The program began in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan and has grown to include at least 49 National Heritage Areas. Some of those are the Baltimore National Heritage Area in Maryland, the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area, and the National Coal Heritage Area in West Virginia.

    How did the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta become a National Heritage Area?

    Congressman John Garamendi (D-Davis, Fairfield, Yuba City), former deputy Secretary for the Interior under President Bill Clinton, had reintroduced the legislation to make the Delta a National Heritage Area with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in January. It was the ninth time they had tried to pass the bill.

    Businesses and governments in the area have been working to build awareness of the region for tourism in a more concerted way for at least a decade.

    "The National Heritage Area designation will provide crucial support for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which I have called home for over 40 years," said Garamendi in a statement. "We must safeguard this iconic working landscape and the most productive watershed in the western United States, and I am pleased that my legislation has been signed into law to make that possible."

    The boundaries of the new National Heritage Area in California extend from Sacramento to Stockton to Vallejo.

    The Sacramento-San Joaquin DeltaCourtesy of The Dyrt

    What to do in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta?

    In general, outdoor lovers and conservationists have overlooked the Delta because of other iconic, splashy protected areas in the state, from Yosemite National Park to Big Sur. But the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the agricultural and ecological engine of California. Its low profile hides a history of hard-working people, diverse cultures, and a wealth of birds and fish. With thousands of miles of broad river channels and wetlands, it's a unique watery landscape ripe for exploration.

    Spot hundreds of species of birds and fish.

    The Delta is home to hundreds of species of birds. The estuaries and wetlands are also an important stopover for migratory birds. Some of the best birding spots include the Dow Wetlands Preserve in Antioch, Brannan Island State Recreation Area in Rio Vista, and the Cosumnes River Preserve in Galt. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks, falcons, owls and thousands of waterfowl, including the Tundra Swan, Snow Geese, ducks and Sandhill Cranes.

    People who fish will find plenty of striped bass, catfish, steelhead, salmon, and sturgeon in the many waterways of the Delta. In the winter and spring, several fishing derbies are held here.

    Get to know the regional fare.

    As an agricultural region, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has plenty of opportunities for visitors to get to know farmers and their produce. Many farms are open during harvest for tours and other activities. Harvest 4 You in Contra Costa County provides an educational farm trail map every year with farms that sell produce directly to foodies. Check out the Sacramento River Delta Grown Farm Trail or the UC Davis Small Farm Program agritourism directory for even more fresh food experiences.

    The region celebrates several crop festivals and County Fairs in Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Contra Costa and Yolo counties. In April, there's the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival. July brings Harvest Time in Brentwood and the Pear Fair in Courtland.

    Enjoy water sports on Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

    The San Joaquin River is the largest in California, and the wetlands in the Delta have over 1,000 miles of waterways. That makes it the most popular in the summer, when visitors swarm the area to cool off in the water. There's plenty of opportunities for paddling among the wetlands. Many marinas offer kayaks, canoes and other boats for rent. You could try your hand at windsurfing or sailing, too.

    Hike the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

    Hike up The Sacramento-San Joaquin DeltaCourtesy of The Dyrt

    Lace up your hiking boots to learn more about the region's history and enjoy its pleasant, flat landscapes. Among the Delta region's projects is the "Great California Delta Trail." This would extend throughout the region and include the shorelines of all five Delta counties, linking the San Francisco Bay Trail system to the Sacramento River trails in Yolo and Sacramento counties. Miles of trails are in place and more are to come.

    The Delta de Anza Regional Trail traces part of the 1,210-mile route taken by Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza in the 18th century. You can learn more about the history of Spanish and Mexican settlement in California at the John Muir National Historic Site.

    Where to camp in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta?

    It's all about the water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and campers will find plenty of campgrounds right on the shore. It's a water-loving RV camper's paradise, although tent campers can find spots as well. There are nearly 50 campgrounds and RV parks with a total of over 2,800 sites, according to the Delta Chambers & Visitors Bureau.Many Marinas offer spots for RV campers, as well as good facilities and a boat launch.

    Vacationers like to visit the area in the summer, when temperatures can peak in the 90s. Fall brings pleasant temperatures and great wildlife viewing opportunities. Camping here in the winter can mean fog and mud and a little more solitude.

    1. Sugar Barge Resort and Marina

    Sugar Barge is all about watersports and fishing, with over 1,000 miles of waterways and an abundance of black & striped bass, crappie, perch, bullhead, catfish and sturgeon. It's located on Bethel Island, in the heart of the Delta east of Antioch. The marina includes a restaurant, a swimming pool, a picnic area and boat and trailer rentals. The RV park has 114 sites with full hook-ups. There are some tent sites as well.

    2. Snug Harbor Resorts

    Relax and stay at Snug Harbor ResortsCourtesy of Snug Harbor Resorts

    Snug Harbor is a family-owned park that has been a prime vacation destination for more than 60 years. It is located on the historic Steamboat Slough, off Ryer Island. It can be reached by a ferry, the Ryer Island Ferry and Real McCoy Ferry, on State Route 84 from Rio Vista. There's also a bridge for access. The park offers shaded waterside RV sites with full hook-ups and docks. There are also a few tent sites.

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Tower Park

    The camp-resort at Tower Park has all sorts of activities and facilities. Visitors can splash around in interactive pools or bounce high on a jumping pillow. Located on the shores of the Delta's waterways near Lodi, the camp-resort also highlights the watersports that attract so many visitors with rental kayaks and swimming beaches. There are a variety of ways to stay here, from comfortable cabins to premium RV spots with full hook-ups to tent campsites with water and electricity. The prices range from $50 to $80+ a night.

    "This was a nice campground that focuses around kids and family activities. There is always something for kids to do. Campsites are nice. Restrooms are clean. Everyone is friendly as they are all there for their kids to have a good time. When you arrive a spotter takes you to your site and helps you in if you need it. Caution drive slowly there are little kids everywhere!" —The Dyrt camper Stephanie B.

    4. Brannan Island State Recreation Area

    Enjoy yourself at the Brannan Island State Recreation AreaCourtesy of The Dyrt camper Christina H.

    This state park northeast of the San Francisco Bay Area covers a maze of waterways and countless islands and marshes. It includes a protected marsh, Frank's Tract, that is home to beaver, muskrat, river otter, mink and 76 species of birds. It's also a prime spot for watersports, including all sorts of boating. There are over 140 campsites, making it the largest campground in the area. Both tent campers and RV campers are welcome.

    "It has great facility for disabled and has great area to run around and you can fish the bay area from the area or go fishing in boat," —The Dyrt camper George A.


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

    Wedding Inspiration: Romance at Hollister's Art Deco Vault

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    Lauren Albright and Chad Hardman wanted a comfortable venue to celebrate their wedding day, but also a place with a bit of history.

    The Vault in Hollister, chosen for its romantic, 1930s Art Deco architecture, was the place.


    The bride wore a sweeping gown with a long veil and crystal-studded stilettos that carried her across a path of rose petals to her groom. Hardman, ready to receive his new bride, sported a charcoal gray suit with a plum argyle tie and pocket square. The bridesmaids' floor-length dresses picked up on the purple theme, as did the accessories of the groomsmen, who wore purple accents (and superhero socks).

    The lovebirds had planned a classic wedding but didn't take it all too seriously. Ivory and violet roses with fresh green accents were everywhere, and the two said their vows beneath a simple, wooden arch draped in chiffon.

    At dinner, tables sparkled with gold accents and candelabra bathed the reception in a warm glow for dancing and cupcakes.

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    Venue: The Vault

    Reception: San Juan Oaks Country Club

    Dress: BoLee Bridal

    Shoes: Betsey Johnson

    Makeup: Dollhouse Mermaid

    Floral designer: Megan's Flowers

    Bakery: Cupcakes For College

    Photography: Alycia Moore

    The Impossible Whopper hits Bay Area grills + more topics to discuss over brunch

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    Controversial scooter company Bird is (sort of) back in the city.

    Plus, the Ferry Building is getting its own piazza; a '90s museum is popping up in Oakland; and more local headlines you may have missed while you were getting sunburned at Baker Beach this past week.



    The Latest in Instagram Traps: A '90s-Themed Museum Opens In Oakland, SFist

    Ever dreamed of going back in time about 20 years? Well throw on your Docs because at the '90s Experience pop-up, you can now "see, smell, taste, touch, and hear" the entire decade. Read more.


    Bird just bought its way into San Francisco by purchasing scooter rival Scoot, The Verge

    Remember the days when Bird scooters occupied every parking spot, corner, and even tree in the city, only to be suddenly ripped off the streets? Now, after acquiring rival scooter service Scoot—and their permit—Bird is back town. Read more.


    Burger King's Impossible Whopper arrives in San Francisco, CNN Business

    Thanks to the recent launch of Burger King's Impossible Whopper at over 100 Bay Area outposts, it looks like anything—even vegans satisfying their greasy fast food cravings—is possible. In-N-Out, take a hint! Read more.

    The Most Beautiful Interiors in San Francisco, Mapped, Curbed SF

    Get to know SF from the inside out with a trip through 25 of the city's most stunning architectural gems, from the iconic to the unassuming—think the Macy's sixth floor ladies' restroom. Read more.


    Plan unveiled for San Francisco's waterfront—includes Ferry Building 'piazza,' San Francisco Chronicle

    It looks like SF's seven-and-a-half mile strip of waterfront—already home to the Exploratorium, the new Warriors stadium, and Oracle Park—is about to get an upgrade. After three years of deliberations, a 222-page plan was revealed this past Wednesday that will include a piazza behind the Ferry Building, opportunities for private developers, and more opportunities for recreational use. Read more.


    Modern Guide to the Castro: The Best Restaurants, Hot Bars, Stylish Shops + Community Hubs

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    The Castro, it seems, is always having some kind of a renaissance.

    With a legacy as the nexus of the LGBTQ rights movement and the home of icon Harvey Milk, today the world's most famous gayborhood is reinventing itself with artisanal coffee shops, restaurants that cater to foodies, sophisticated retail, and fancy cannabis.


    In recent years, Castro Street itself has received a $4.5 million makeover that brought broader sidewalks, rainbow crosswalks, and bronze plaques honoring gay and lesbian heroes. Last year, the central Harvey Milk Plaza got a much needed revamp. In other words, there's no time like to present to visit the SF neighborhood that's synonymous with diversity and inclusivity.

    This Pride month, take a break from all the parties and bars, and venture toward these Castro hotspots.

    Where to Eat in the Castro


    Proper Meals

    It wasn't so long ago that we were hard-pressed to find much other than pizza and cheap sushi here, let alone a salad. All hail Lark Food & Wine for bringing arugula to this stretch of 18th Street. The Med-inspired restaurant also serves a house-ground lamb burger with burrata that's worthy of a second visit. Plus, get 25 percent off wines during happy hour. // Lark chef Coskun Abik is behind the new Blind Butcher (4058 18th St., Suite A), a petite but juicy slice of a steakhouse next door. Keto and Paleo eaters will appreciate the high-protein, low-carb California fare. // At the Castro's edge lies one of our city's best and most beloved eateries: Frances (3870 17th St.). Make a reservation or try for a seat at the walk-in counter and order up applewood smoked bacon beignets, Five Dot Ranch bavette steak, and our favorite lumberjack cake. // Technically in Upper Market but nonetheless a hot spot among Castro denizens, Izakaya Sushi Ran (2223 Market St.), is the urban spin-off of chef/owner Yoshi Tome's famed Sausalito outpost. Go for contemporary Japanese fare and excellent cocktails. // Finn Town (2251 Market St.) has become the nabe's de facto meet-up joint, serving up boozy brunches, themed events, movie nights, and one of the best burgers around. // Nearby Eji (317 Sanchez St.) is a welcome detour from the high-priced sushi bars that populate much of SF. Go for the low-key atmosphere and opt for the usuzukuri, a plate of 10 nearly translucent slices of sustainable sashimi, plus a cup of clam miso soup. // If you love a classic seafood spot, there's no better place to warm up with a bowl of cioppino or steamed Dungeness crab than at mainstay Anchor Oyster Bar (579 Castro St.), which was named to Michelin's Bib Gourmand restaurants this year. // Another local landmark, La Mediterranée (288 Noe St.) is a cas spot to share mezze with friends. // Headed out on a hike or need something quick? The made-to-order sandwiches at Rossi's Delicatessen (426 Castro St.) always hit the spot.


    Snacks + Coffee

    Le Marais Bakery (498 Sanchez St.) serves Francophiles desirous of a civilized neighborhood brunch spot. Line up on the sidewalk and wait your turn for avocado toasts, croque monsieurs, and kir royales. Or, overdo it at the pastry counter and take your shame to go. // Croissant connoisseur? Find our favorites at nearby Thorough Bread and Pastry (248 Church St.) alongside seasonal scones, muffins, and more. // Coffee shops are the new bar here in the Castro (okay, not really, but there are lots!). We love Reveille Coffee (4076 18th St.) best. Owned by (adorable) brothers Tommy and Chris Newbury, this spot has a blessedly modern, pretty interior. While that alone would be good enough for us, their full kitchen serves pastries, breakfast and lunch, and, of course, quality coffee brewed with all the hipster fussiness of your favorite Mission haunt. // Ever so slightly hidden from tourists to the neighborhood, Spike's (4117 19th St.) is where the dog-loving locals go to read a book or catch up with the neighbors over a solid cup of java // A 24-year-old family-run tradition, Castro Coffee Company (427 Castro St.) embodies the community it serves. Go for the warm welcome, an ever-rotating bean selection, and locally made donuts. // All that said, Philz (549 Castro St.) forever. // For smoothies, acai bowls, and healthy grab-and-go fuel post-class at Soul Cycle, peddle into Project Juice (506 Castro St.). // We're positively gaga for Giddy Candy (2299 Market St.), a bon-bon-sized shop that feels like a throwback to the days when we got more buzzed from staring slack-jawed at shelves brimming with sugary, colorful confections than we do from the Facebook alerts on our iPhones. Listen up, cinnamon bear fans: This is your mecca. // No day in the gayborhood is complete without a slice of rainbow cake at The Castro Fountain (554 Castro St.) or an erotic baked good at mainstay Hot Cookie (207 Castro St.).

    The Castro's Best Bars


    Castro beer lovers rolled out the welcome mat for the May 2019 opening of Willkommen (2198 Market St.), the airy sister to SoMa's Black Hammer Brewing. The indoor beer garden is filled with natural light and serves German-style beers with complementary snacks (think brats and links). // The Castro officially came into the modern age when it got its very first sports bar—yes, the gays watch the Warriors too. Hi-Tops (2247 Market St.) is the spot for watching the big game along with the expected snacks (corn dogs, nachos, fries). // Gaming is a thing Bay Area–wide—even in the Castro. Spend a #tbt at Brewcade (2200 Market St. #102), where you can throw down some Donkey Kong or Frogger over sparkling slushies, draft beers, and munchies like corn nuts and jerky. // Wine drinkers have options here, too. Doubling as a natural wine bar and Instagram-worthy plant shop, the Upper Market location of Fig & Thistle (691 14th St.) will pour you a glass of Sancerre while you peruse the succulents. // Blush! Wine Bar (476 Castro St.) will leave you warmly flushed and smitten with their global wine list. Pair a glass of riesling with tapas of Spanish white fish. // The Mix (4086 18th St.) wins for its popping patio, seasonal cocktails, and happy hour specials. // Twin Peaks Tavern (401 Castro St.) is sometimes referred to as the Glass Coffin thanks to its windowed corner spot and reputation as possibly the oldest gay bar in the nation. Come to the gay Cheers, order a whiskey on the rocks, and toast to the official historic landmark. // Moby Dick (4049 18th St.) is the place to be on Sundays (from noon to 8pm) for $3 bloody marys. // Toad Hall (4146 18th St.) offers regular drag karaoke nights, well-priced (and strong) cocktails, and both an expansive outdoor patio and dance floor. // Geared toward 20-somethings (and the 30-who cruise them), QBar (456 Castro St.) is your go-to for dirty dancing, the occasional strip competition, and Lesbian Ladies Night on Tuesdays.

    Things to Do in San Francisco's Castro


    Shopping

    Stylish dandies look no further than Unionmade's flagship shop (493-495 Sanchez St.) for American-made basics in the most luxurious of fabrics. Shop brands including Tellason, Filson, and Golden Bear. Newer to the neighborhood is Unionmade's women's shop (4035 18th St.), stocked with jeans and dresses from the likes of Rachel Comey, Cinq, and Levi's Made and Crafted. // There are few reasons to shop along Castro Street proper, where rainbow zippos and tacky unmentionables rule. If you're buying pricey wares for your four-legged BFF, Best in Show (545 Castro St.) is your go-to. The Human Right Campaign store (575 Castro St.) is located inside the former home of Harvey Milk and offers apparel and knick-knacks to support HRC. For gorgeous candles, diffusers, and bath and body goods, ZGO Fragrance & Apothecary (600 Castro St.) awaits to take some coin off your hands. Of course, there's perhaps no more magical place on earth than Cliff's Variety (479 Castro St.), peddling everything from lightbulbs to glitter face paint and wigs for over 80 years. // If you're itching to shop some more, head back toward Market Street and hang a right. Look out for the magically sculptural florals at Ixia (2331 Market St.); modern furniture and accessories at Kenneth Wingard (2319 Market St.); and beautifully curated designer consignment for men at Sui Generis (2231 Market St.). // For those who fancy cannabis, Upper Market is home to fanciest dispensary around. The Apothecarium (2029 Market St.) has glam vibes, an art lounge, high quality edibles and flower, and all the cannabis-infused balms your aching body desires.


    Fitness

    Barry's Boot Camp (2280 Market St.) has finally gotten it together to target the Castro's beefcake set, who have been toting their six-packs to Fitness SF (2301 Market St.)—the glass-windowed gym overlooking Market Street—for years. The nabe's newest workout studio has red lights, a well-stocked Fuel Bar, and outdoor seating—plus it side-saddles The Lookout so you can grab a drink with friends after that HIIT kiki. // SoulCycle (400 Castro St.) wins for the prettiest place to sweat in the Castro—last year, the brand moved into the long-empty Bank of America building at the corner of Market and Castro. Spin your wheels on one of 50 bikes and grab some merch to go.


    Culture

    Fancy a dashing haircut or trim of the bearish beard while sipping a whiskey in the company of gentlemen? Consider becoming a member of The Academy (2166 Market St.), Castro's new upscale, gentlemen's club that sits in the renovated space once home to the late-'70s leather bar The Balcony. (However, all genders and orientations are welcomed through its street-facing doors.) // Considering a rainbow tat? Castro Tattoo (3991 17th St.) can do that and so much more. // The Castro is the place to embrace your best rambunctious self and run fully free. But first, catwalk into the San Francisco AIDS Foundation–operated Strut (4790 Castro St.) for an HIV test, PrEP routine, help with addiction—you name it, the team at Strut is here to help. // The GLBT History Museum (4127 18th St.), especially during Pride Month, is a cultural touchstone for the queer-identified and allies. Exhibits cover a diverse range of LGBTQ history. // Sashay (you stay) along Castro Street's Rainbow Honor Walk for a look at the plaques honoring LGBTQ heroes including James Baldwin, Allen Ginsberg, Keith Haring, and Frida Kahlo. Stop to vogue for a selfie at the rainbow crosswalk (18th and Castro). // Castro Theatre (429 Castro St.) announces you've arrived in the neighborhood, and oh the stories it could tell. Designed in 1922 by the famous architect Timothy L. Pflueger, the theatre—with its dramatic lotus ceiling and gilded everything—is now home to some of the city's most popular film festivals, cult movie classics, and singalongs. // The SF LGBT Center (1800 Market St.) isn't technically quite in the Castro, but the Upper Market gateway location has been serving the community since 1996, doubling as a bastion for queer-minded resources and a hub for LGBTQ+ networking events and social gatherings.

    25 Fun Things: Clusterfest, Surrealistic Summer Solstice, SF Design Week + More Bay Area Events

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    We've got a full week planned—and now so do you.

    Start out chill with Miles Davis' Kind of Blue at Envelop SF or grab dinner at Oakland's new restaurant from AQ's former chef. Then, re-watch Call Me By Your Name with a live score from the SF Symphony; taste wines by LGBT makers; see a 20th anniversary performance of Rent; hit events at SF Design Week; and laugh your ass off at Clusterfest.


    Have a great week!

    Monday, June 17th


    Oakland's Hot New Restaurant

    5pm to 10pm, Monday through Saturday

    Mago, 3762 Piedmont Ave. (Oakland), magorestaurant.com

    Former AQ chef Mark Liberman is resurfacing with his own restaurant: Mago will serve a weekly rotation of eats channeling Northern California's 52 micro-seasons. Catch the action in the open kitchen.


    Off-Menu Week

    Through June 23

    10 restaurants, Bay Area–wide

    Presented by Resy, this weeklong fest encourages a bit of fun R&D on the part of local chefs, giving them a chance to serve up unique dishes not found on their regular menus. See what's cooking at Cassava, Lord Stanley, Abstract Table, The Morris, Hopscotch, and more. // Make your reservations on resy.com.


    Miles Davis' Kind of Blue

    8 to 9 pm and 10 to 11pm

    Envelop SF, 900 Marin Street (Bayview), envelop.us

    Come enjoy this listening experience and get blown away by the legendary best-selling record Kind of Blue that brought together seven iconic musicians together. // Tickets available for purchase now at eventbrite.com


    Evening With Dominique Crenn

    6:30 to 9:30pm

    Petit Crenn, 609 Hayes Street (Hayes Valley), petitcrenn.com

    Chef Dominique Crenn may have recently begun treatment for breast cancer, but that's not stopping her from hosting this lavish, multi-course meal that includes a Q&A and a signed copy of her cookbook, Atelier Crenn: Metamorphosis of Taste. // Ticket ($550/person) are available at eventbrite.com.

    Tuesday, June 18th


    Live podcasting and drinks

    7pm to 9pm

    SF Cooking School, 690 Van Ness Avenue (Civic Center), sfcooking.com

    Podcaster Andrew Friedman (Andrew Talks to Chefs) will tape a live episode tonight with guest chef Preeti Mistry. Also look out for a special tribute segment to Zuni Cafe's acclaimed chef Judy Rodgers (RIP) with interviews from her old colleagues including Gayle Pirie and John Clark (Foreign Cinema), Brandon Jew (Mister Jiu's), and Nate Norris and Quang Nguyen (Zuni Cafe). // Tickets ($20) include wine and beer and are available at sfcooking.com.


    Call Me By Your Name

    7:30pm

    Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave (Civic Center), sfsymphony.org

    We'd take almost any excuse to see the Oscar-nominated film Call Me By Your Name again. Tonight, see it on the big screen at Davies Hall as the SF Symphony performs the original score live. // Tickets ($85 and up) are at sfsymphony.org.


    Drink to Pride

    7:30 to 9pm

    The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street (Duboce Triangle), academy-sf.com

    As part of its Academy of Wine series, Castro's Academy social club is bringing in a sommelier to present wines all sourced from LGBT-owned wineries and allies of the LGBTQ community. Space is limited, so hurry and sign up. // Ticket ($23 and up) available at eventbrite.com

    Wednesday, June 19th


    A New Restaurant from Azalina Eusope

    5pm to 10pm

    Mahila, 1320 Castro St. (Noe Valley), exploretock.com/mahila

    Fans of the Malaysian fare at Azalina's (we dream of their date sticky pudding) will be pumped for this sophomore spot. Mahila (which translates to "becoming a woman") will serve such unique plates as salted fish curry, sweet potato dumplings, and spicy stir-fried noodles.


    Surrealistic Summer Solstice Jam 3

    6pm to 10pm

    Conservatory of Flowers (Golden Gate Park), conservatoryofflowers.org

    Head out to Golden Gate Park for trippy evening including live music and a light show—Photosynthesis starts at 9:15pm. The soundtrack for the night will meld Summer of Love hits with tracks from modern Bay Area artists. BYO blanket. // Free to attend; RSVP on Eventbrite.


    Night Moves: Tour the Tenderloin at Night

    6:15 to 8pm

    Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy St. (Tenderloin), tenderloinmuseum.org

    One of San Francisco's most fascinating 'hoods comes alive at night. Go visit old gambling joints, brothels, speakeasies, LGBT clubs, and more. // Get your ticket ($20) at eventbrite.com


    Rent Anniversary Shows

    7:30 to 10:10pm

    SHN Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. (Tenderloin), shnsf.com

    In honor of the show's 20th anniversary, Rent is back for one week of shows in SF. See it again, and love it as much as the last time. // Tickets ($56 and up) are available at shnsf.com.

    Thursday, June 20th


    Power Lunch

    11am to 2pm, weekdays

    Michael Mina, 252 California St. (FiDi), michaelmina.net

    Posh downtown restaurant Michael Mina is adding an express power lunch, serving three courses for just $49. Start with eight small plates served family-style, followed by an entree (think salmon tangine or beef short rib), and a seasonal dessert. // Peruse the full menu on michaelmina.net.


    SF Design Week

    Through June 28th

    Various locations

    Kick off Design Week at the opening night gala at Pier 27, which will be decked out with cool art installations and well-stocked with food and drink. But pace yourself: There are still seven days of events ahead with speakers from brands like Cuyana, Puma, Stripe, Adobe, and Fort Point Beer Company. // See the full agenda on sfdesignweek.org.


    Laurel Evening Market

    4pm to 9pm

    Communite Table, 4171 MacArthur Blvd. (Oakland), communite-table.com

    Peruse the wares of 20+ artisans, vintage dealers, and more vendors at this summer night market held outside the neighborhood restaurant. // Free to attend, event details on visitoakland.com.

    Friday, June 21st


    MarinScapes Reimagined 2019

    5:30pm to 8pm

    Escalle Winery, 771 Magnolia Ave (Larkspur), facebook.com

    Meet the artists of MarinScapes Reimagined 2019 at this showcase featuring reimagined large scale pieces, mostly revolving around nature. Funds support Buckelew's treatment and support programs for people with mental illness and addiction. Can't make it tonight? View the show through June 23rd. // Tickets ($25, includes valet) are available on marinarts.org.


    Queens: A Concert Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall

    8pm today (2:30pm and 8pm shows on Saturday)

    The Sydney Goldstein Theater, 275 Hayes St. (Civic Center), cityarts.net

    Now in its 41st season, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will be joined by a few local celebrity drag queens to sing some special tunes to commemorate the anniversary of those landmark riots in civil rights history. // Tickets ($25 and up) can be purchased at sfgmc.org


    Cycle for Pride

    5:30pm to 6:15pm

    Flywheel, 71 Spear St. (FiDi), flywheelsports.com

    Sweat for a good cause tonight as sales from Flywheel evening class will support the Family Equality Council. There will also be some limited-edition Pride tees and tanks for sale. // Reserve your spot at flywheelsports.com


    Clusterfest 2019

    4pm today (1pm, Saturday and Sunday)

    Civic Center Plaza and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, billgrahamcivic.com

    Don't eat and drink too much because you're bound to ROFL as the likes of Amy Poehler, John Mulaney, Jonathan Van Ness and more take the stage at this Comedy Central fest. // Tickets ($119 and up) are still available at clusterfest.com

    Saturday, June 22nd


    "Drop in the Ocean" VR Experience

    7-minute shows, Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm

    California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive (Golden Gate Park), calacademy.org

    Explore the depths of the sea through the first-ever virtual reality experience at Cal Academy. You'll travel through the water on the back of a jellyfish and meet amazing aquatic creatures. // Tickets ($12/GA, $10/members) are available onsite at the Academy.


    LakeFest!

    11am to 8pm

    Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave. (Oakland)

    Spend your day at Lake Merritt for a day packed with artisans, an outdoor beer garden, a kid zone with jump castles and obstacle courses, a health area with yoga classes and wellness vendors, and, of course, a food zone with all types of cuisine. // Free to attend; event info on lakefestoakland.com


    All Day I Dream in the Park

    12:30 to 7pm

    Golden Gate Park

    Get a henna tattoo, have your chakras balanced, try some funky yoga poses, listen to live music, and eat all day at this afternoon party in Golden Park. // Get your tickets fast (they are almost sold out) at residentadvisor.net.


    Cannabis Cup Bay Area

    Noon to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday

    Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, cowpalace.com

    Kick it with Mary Jane at High Times' Cannabis Cup Bay Area, with hundreds of California's best cannabis brands; live performances by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Stick Figure, and Twiddle; and special Cup pricing on merch. It's a high time at a low price. // Tickets ($45/single-day GA; $30 with military ID) are available at cannabiscup.com

    *Thank you to our partners at High Times.

    Sunday, June 23rd


    Pizza for Brunch

    10:30am to 2:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays

    Fiorella, 2238 Polk St. (Russian Hill), fiorella-sf.com

    Fiorella on Polk is now serving brunch—think of it as the perfect excuse to eat pizza for breakfast. Brunch specials include a carbonara pie with char guanciale, pecorino, black pepper, peas, and an over-easy farm egg; and banana bread with whipped coconut, hazelnuts, cocoa, and coconut crisps.


    High on the Hog

    1pm to 4pm

    Epic Steak, 369 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), epicsteak.com

    Pig out today on the bayside patio at Epic Steak, where restaurants including Baby Blues BBQ, Blue Stem Brasserie, and Scala's Bistro are serving porky plates alongside pours from 10+ wineries all set to live music. Super bonus: Puppies in training from the Guide Dogs for the Blind will be onsite. // Tickets ($80) can be found on Eventbrite and support Guide Dogs for the Blind.


    The San Francisco Hazy IPA Festival

    12pm to 4pm

    SPARK Social SF, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. North (Mission Bay), sparksocialsf.com

    The Bay Area's best unfiltered, dry-hopped and delicious craft beers are all coming together for the biggest competition of the summer. Your taste buds will be tingling when you taste 20 different beers and vote for the best one. After you've tasted them all you can pick your favorite and pair it with great food from more than 10 different food trucks. // Tickets ($36 and up) can be purchased on eventbrite.com

    11 Can't-Miss Pride Parties in San Francisco

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    It's Pride month, and there are gay AF happenings all over the Bay Area.

    Here are a couple fistfuls of our favorite events for celebrating San Francisco Pride.


    50 Shades of Pride

    Saturday, June 22, 9:30pm to 4am

    Public Works, 161 Erie St. (Mission)

    It's been 50 years since the Stonewall riots signaled the catalyst in the gay right movement. Remember that milestone at tonight's discoteque-inspired party hosted by Mystopia. // Tickets ($13–$25) are available at eventbrite.com.


    Trans March

    Saturday, June 22

    Dolores Park (Mission)

    Festivities will really get going around 3pm in Dolores Park. You can rosé all day before the march gets going at 6pm, and then hit the afterparty at Wicked Grounds and El Rio. // For more info, go to transmarch.org.


    Pride NightLife Party

    Thursday, June 27, 6pm

    California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park), calacademy.org

    Join Heklina for her annual Hella Gay Dance Party complete with a drag show, DJ sets, dance lessons, a queer scientists panel, and more. // Tickets ($18/members, $22/non-members) are available at calacademy.org.


    Polka Dot Prom

    Thursday, June 27, 8pm to 2am

    The Stud, 399 9th St. (SoMa), studsf.com

    The Stud's legendary queer-inclusive Polka Dot Prom is back. Don your spots to snag a reissue of an original, out-of-circulation Stud button—it's a piece of history from the oldest gay bar in SF. // $5 cover before 10pm


    Electroluxx Pride Party

    Friday, June 28, 9:30pm

    Public Works, 161 Erie St. (Mission)

    Hosted by a gaggle of queer artists and creatives, Electroluxx has garnered a reputation over the years as being the alpha-and-omega of left-of-center festivities during both Pride and Folsom weeks. For Pride this year, Electroluxx will be taking over Public Works to showcase artwork and installations from a long roster of creatives, Dj sets and drag shows, face painting, stiff drinks, and so much more. // Tickets ($30–$40) and are available on ticketfly.com.

    Holy High Tea

    Saturday, June 29, 4-7pm

    Hotel Zeppelin, 545 Post St. (TenderNob), victoryhotelsandresorts.com

    Lip sync for your eternal life as The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host their annual Holy High Tea at Hotel Zeppelin. The event will start with bites, teas, and queer-themed cocktails from Rambler. The afternoon happening will finish with a lip sync battle among the nuns. There will also be DJ sets, face painting, and other gay AF activities; a percent of proceeds benefit the causes supported by SPI. // Tickets ($25) can be purchased on eventbrite.com.


    SF Pride Run

    Saturday, June 29, 9am

    Golden Gate Park

    Sweat out last night's shots and sins in 5K and 10K runs to benefit Project Homeless Connect. // Participation is $30 per person; register online at sffr.org.


    Dyke March

    Saturday, June 29

    Dolores Park (Mission)

    Stand up for identity, community, and bad bitches on bikes at this annual event with programming in the park (beginning at 11am) and the usual street march through the Castro (5pm). Then head to the official afterparty (8pm to 2am) at Folsom Street Foundry. // For more info, go to thedykemarch.org.

    Pink Block Party With Juanita More!

    Saturday, June 29, noon to 9pm

    The Great Northern, 119 Utah St. (Mission)

    Join SF's famous drag diva for this daytime, pre-Pride block party at The Great Northern with multiple stages, buckets of musical and creative talent, art installations, food trucks and drink vendors, and an openhearted crowd. // Tickets ($20–$50) are available at eventbrite.com.


    San Francisco Pride

    Sunday, June 30

    Market Street / Civic Center

    You know how this goes, but just in case... The day will kick off at 10:30am from the Embarcadero with the world's oldest, largest, and most fabulous Pride parade. Follow the floats down Market Street to Civic Center for the day-long celebration with live performances featuring headliner Pablo Vittar plus more than 200 exhibitors, food vendors, and drinks. This year's celebrity grand marshals are Mrs. Vera, Vince Crisostomo, Mrs. Billie Cooper, and Donna Persona. Party in VIP style at the annual bash at City Hall with catering by Whole Foods. // For more info, go to sfpride.org.


    Juanita More!'s Pride Party

    Sunday, June 30, noon to 10pm

    Jones, 620 Jones St. (Tenderloin), juanitamore.com

    Want more Juanita More!? Her annual Pride night bash goes down at Jones with DJs, drag queens, and delicious bites and drinks. Online tickets have already sold out, but cash-only ones are available at various businesses around The Castro; a handful of tickets will be up for grabs at the door as well. // Find tickets at juanitamore.com.

    First Taste: We're in amore with Flour + Water Pizzeria

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    In recent years, San Francisco's pizza scene has been all over the place. Old school spot Pauline's Pizza & Wine Bar has closed after more than 30 years; we lost Una Pizza Napoletana to NYC; and Pizza Orgasmica and Escape from New York are now pizza joints of the past.

    And while newcomer Che Fico slings a mean pie, the hype around the place means reservations weeks in advance. In other words, the timing feels right for the arrival of Flour + Water Pizzeria.


    Sit at the bar for a view into the open kitchen.(Sarah Chorey)

    For 10 years now, Flour + Water has been defining our expectations for high-caliber homemade pastas while also turning out delicious but oft-overlooked pizzas. Now, chef Thomas McNaughton is ready to let his bubbly, charred, and chewy Neapolitan pies shine.

    Flour + Water Pizzeria takes over the bustling corner of 18th and Valencia streets where Farina Pizza used to be; with a redesign by Studio KDA, they've opened up the space with large, wall-sized windows perfect for alfresco-ish dining. There are walnut wood tables and accents of emerald-green Heath tiles.

    On the menu, expect some veggie antipasti, to-die-for mozzarella sticks, meatballs, fritto misto, a burrata dish, and a few salads. There's also soft serve for dessert with a few choose-your-own toppings.

    But, you're obviously here for one thing. The pizza dough takes three days to ferment to get ready for baking. The pies are stretched and worked and then baked in a triple-deck oven. Take a look at the offering.

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    Flour + Water pizzeria sits at the much-traversed corner of 18th and Valencia streets, just a few blocks from Dolores Park. Take advantage of the Mission's slightly warmer climate and snag one of the outdoor tables.

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    The stylish bar is an ideal spot to grab a glass of rosé or the house Cappelletti citrus spritz while you wait for a table—for now, things are walk-ins only.

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    There is also high counter seating in the dining area where you can watch the pizza-making action.

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    You won't be remiss in starting with mozzarella sticks.

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    Before your carbo-binge, go for the kale salad with quinoa, sunflower seeds, a delightful fan of avocado, and thinly shaved carrots and squash with a light dressing of a lemon-yogurt vinaigrette.

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    Despite this being a pizza joint, there are some not-to-miss veggie starters. Snack on chopped asparagus, mushrooms, charred spring onion, and pine nuts (top); an eggplant conserva with pickled peppers and crunchy breadcrumbs (bottom right); or a summery salad of sliced cucumbers and radishes in an herb and chili marinade.

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    We love a classic dish of meatballs in red sauce. Here, prosciutto, pork, and beef are ground up and packed into perfect larger-than-bite-size morsels, swimming in a savory tomato, basil sauce with dollops of ricotta.

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    On the menu, pizzas are divided into "red" and "white" categories, each offering up five different combinations of toppings and sauces. This speck white pizza is nicely balanced with layers of slightly bitter braised cabbage offset against salty speck, plus an ample amount of mozzarella.

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    In the red pie section, we're partial to the salty sausage pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, gaeta olives, and capers. Whatever you do, make sure to get sides of the herbaceous housemade ranch (we're already wishing this was sold by the bottle to take home).

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    Our preferred method of ending any meal: soft-serve ice cream. Flour + Water Pizzeria offers two flavors: fior di latte and salted caramel. Pick just one, or get a swirl, and top it with your choice of rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sauce, Amarena cherries, hot honey, or EVOO and sea salt (pictured).

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    If you're not in the mood to wait, or want something quick to much on at Dolores Park, hit up the takeout window just past the south end of the restaurant on Valencia. Here you can grab The Big Slice, a to-go only, rotating, daily special equal to the 1/2 the size of a regular pie. Pro-tip: You can also snag the soft serve for takeaway.

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

    On finding my bliss with some badass babes at Dosist's new event series at The Assembly

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    Walking into the din of dozens of women excitedly waiting for the Built by Bliss: Building a Brand Without Losing Yourself panel conversation hosted by Dosist and The Assembly, I felt, to be honest, lousy. But that was soon to change.

    I was entering The Assembly, this beautiful light-filled space crowded with well-dressed, successful women, and my interior felt so very disconnected from my uplifting surroundings. My brain was still fixated on my recent booze-soaked birthday, my dissatisfaction with my professional life, and an overall blah feeling that seemed to reverberate out from my core. I knew I desperately needed the lift from an empowering event celebrating badass ladies, with a little cannabis on the side. I didn't expect to leave with happy tears in my eyes, so thankful for an event that spoke to that challenged the blahness—and me.


    Dosist's line of six thoughtfully blended cannabis vape pens.(Courtesy of Dosist)

    The kick-off to a yearlong partnership between wellness brand Dosist and women's clubhouse and workspace The Assembly, aimed at curating shared experiences around concepts of self-care, the Built by Bliss panel conversation was hosted by Assembly cofounder and CEO Molly Goodson and featured three fearless female entrepreneurs: Jen Gotch, founder and chief creative officer for ban.do; Helen Johannesen, owner of Helen's Wines; and Lauren Ash, founder of Black Girl in Om. There was pizza from Pizzeria Delfina and free-flowing wine, and Dosist's signature wellness concierge experience was on-hand to help those new to the brand discover its sleek 2.25 milligram dose pens (and those already acquainted, like I was, to learn about a different blend).

    What separates Dosist from other cannabis products on the market is the brand's focus on wellness, using scientific research to develop specific cannabis formulations blended with terpenes to deliver targeted benefits minus the loopy high most people associate with marijuana. Dosist currently offers six different formulas with varying ratios of THC to CBD, all carefully doled out via vapor technology in a very chic white pen that buzzes after roughly three seconds to signal the recommended dose. Forget overdoing it, struggling to discern the difference between indica and sativa, or navigating a traditional (and decidedly unattractive) smoking apparatus. Dosist makes experiencing the benefits of cannabis easy, and I desperately needed a little ease that night.

    Due to my penchant for working through my feelings at the gym, I've always opted for Dosist's Relief pen, a CBD-rich formula designed to deliver reprieve from pain and muscle soreness with a 2:1 THC to CBD ratio. But given my mood on this particular day, that wasn't going to cut it. So I scoped out the Bliss, a 9:1 THC to CBD blend complemented with uplifting terpenes. Hey, I'll take all the blissy uplift I can get.

    Inside The Assembly, the event was basically a love fest.(Courtesy of Dosist)

    Relaxed but still deep in my own thoughts, I found my perch on a wooden stool and watched as the panel of women walked out to Lizzo's "Truth Hurts." "Good start. What followed was an hour-and-a-half long conversation that involved plenty of laughter, solid truths, and sound advice. I found myself furiously scribbling down quotes and nuggets of wisdom that struck a chord.

    "I spent my whole year searching for my dream job to discover it didn't exist," Ash admitted, when discussing her journey to founding Black Girl in Om. I've spent 32 years doing that, I thought.

    "I'm just making shit up," said Johannesen, with a laugh. Same, girl, same.

    While the discussion wound from how these women started as entrepreneurs to building out teams to how they define their work currently, the combination of humor with deep truths resulted in a conversation that extended beyond just work. I nodded, I laughed, I pretended I had just yawned when a particular answer hit a little too close to home and my eyes began to well with tears.

    "I have to hit below rock bottom to realize I'm driving myself into the ground," shared Gotch during a candid moment around mental health, balance, and vulnerability. I've never recognized myself more in a someone else's words.

    I left the event, put on Oprah's Supersoul Conversations (thanks Lauren Ash!), and proceeded to openly weep on my drive home. It was a strange form of catharsis I wouldn't have allowed myself without the help of Dosist, The Assembly, and the three lovely women who bared a piece of themselves in front of a room full of strangers. And when the next Dosist event pops up on The Assembly's calendar? You better believe I'll be the first to sign up—box of tissues at the ready. —Kristen Haney

    // For more information on Dosist, go to dosist.com.

    Again with the love fest.(Courtesy of Dosist)

    Modern Citizen dives into swimwear with Summersalt, Lululemon launches body care + more style news

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    Marine Layer is fine with whatever you're into and Modern Citizen takes the elegant route to bikinis.

    Plus, Lululemon launches body products to fight the sweat and the Theory shop on Geary hosts a killer panel starring local #bossladies.


    Stay stylish!

    Modern Citizen dips its toe in the water with swimsuit collab with Summersalt.


    SF retailer Modern Citizen decided to take its easy-chic aesthetic to the pool, it turned to Summersalt, an eco-friendly, direct-to-consumer swimsuit startup. The limited-edition Summersalt x Modern Citizen collab features two minimalist styles in dreamy colors (White Sand, Terra Cotta, Deep Sea, and Orchid). The tie belted Cove one-piece ($95) is elegant and super flattering (plus doubles as a bodysuit), and the Plunge bikini top ($50) and matching tie belted high-leg, high-rise bottom ($45) serve up timeless style and fit like a glove. Stinson Beach hang or backyard pool party, these suits do the trick. Splish-splash. // 2078 Union St. (Cow Hollow), moderncitizen.summersalt.com

    Marine Layer rolls out limited edition Pride tees.


    A celebration of Pride and the LGBTQ community, the limited-edition Giving tee is super-soft and cool AF thanks to its rainbow tie-dye fabric and design.Marine Layer is donating $15 of the $45 purchase price of each shirt, available in men's and women's styles, to The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. // Shop online and in Bay Area stores; marinelayer.com

    Lululemon takes care of your sweaty self with new SelfCare line.


    Cue the new (non yoga pant) product line: SelfCare. Debuted Tuesday, Lulu's solutions to sweaty problems include: No-Show Dry Shampoo, Anti-Stink Deodorant (in Black Pepper Sandalwood and Aloe Lotus), Sweat Reset Face Moisturizer, and Basic Lip Balm. Made for ladies and gents, everything is tested on (human) athletes. Plus, they're made from good things…a combo of natural ingredients and tech-driven synthetics—without parabens, sulfates, gluten, and aluminum. Available at select Lulu stores (including San Francisco Centre and Stanford ShoppingCenter) and Sephora.com. (Yep, SelfCare sports the Clean at Sephora seal.) The gym-friendly (i.e. non-leaky) products come in full and travel sizes; prices range from $14 to $52. We can't wait to say goodbye to hot yoga face. You? // lululemon.com

    San Francisco's new Theory store hosts a panel of boss ladies.


    At 6pm on Wednesday, June 19th, Theory's (gorge) new store in Union Square is hosting a panel discussion. There will be cocktails. The event, part of the NY label's Be Heard series, features several powerhouse SF entrepreneurs. The all-women lineup includes: Kimberly Bryant, founder and CEO of Black Girls CODE; Marne Levine, a VP at Facebook; Meena Harris, founder of the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign (and recent 7x7 podcast guest); and Shannon Brayton, CMO at LinkedIn. Wired magazine's senior writer Nitasha Tiku will moderate. See ya there, boss ladies. // 55 Geary St. (Union Square), theory.com

    5 Bay Area Music Acts to See This Summer

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    You bought tickets to summer's biggest festivals months ago. But how about catching a great live, local act any ole day of the week?

    Get tix to see these Bay Area musicians at your favorite indie venues over the next few months.


    Zola at The Roxy Theatre.(Courtesy of @zolaofficialmusic)

    Zola: Queen of Indie

    Born and raised in San Francisco, singer-songwriter Zola is known for her indie sound. She first hit the music scene back in 2016 with the song "Too Fast Too Soon"—the tune has over a half-million streams on Soundcloud. After graduating from Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, she is back in SF. Catch her at NoisePop's live podcast at Betabrand on June 27 (register for free on Eventbrite) and at SF's Amnesia on July 20. // For more tour dates and more, follow Zola on Instagram and at zolaofficialmusic.com.

    Shelby Ann.(Courtesy of Shelby Ann)

    Shelby Ann: An American Rock Sweetheart

    The daughter of a musician, Napa Valley's Shelby Ann has hit the California music scene hard, playing everywhere from Hollywood's Roxy Theater and the Whiskey A Go-Go to the Great American Music Hall and BottleRock Napa Valley closer to home. Catch her brand of '90s alt-rock style mixed with old school Americana on tour this June through October; she's playing at Hotel Utah on June 23rd. // Tickets ($10) are available at ticketfly.com; shelbyannmusic.com.

    Austin Prince on stage at Cornerstone Berkeley.(Courtesy of @austinprincemusic)

    Austin Prince: Where Pop Meets Soul

    Oakland-born artist Austin Prince made his debut with the single, "Hard To Bare," in October 2018, and already he has three shows planned this summer in California. His highly personal, soulful lyrics—inspired by his own life—temper Prince's pop sound. See him live at shows on June 27th at The Independent and July 25th at Berkeley's Cornerstone. // For show info and tickets, go to bandsintown.com; austinprincemusic.com.

    Tino Drima.(Sam Yang)

    Tino Drima: The Throwback Crooners

    Tino Drima—comprised of band members Gregory DiMartino, Rob Mills, Mackenzie Bunch, and Scott Huerta—tells the story of childhood friends who combined their love for music to create one band with a unique sound. Their style of "Psyche Doo-Wop Hell Croon"—think old-school '50s rock—can be heard in their 2016 debut EP, "Smoking," and on their first full album, 2017's Her Kind Of Man. Catch them at The Independent on June 25th and July 19th. // For tickets ($15) go to ticketfly.com; follow the band on Instagram.

    Maya Elise.(Courtesy of @mayaelisemusic)

    Maya Elise: The Singer-Storyteller

    The soft and soulful musings of singer-songwriter Maya Elise have landed her gigs at some of SF's most beloved indie music venues. Her personal touch and indie sound makes you feel connected to every song. Originally from Berkeley, she tapped themes of home and family in her December 2018 debut album, The Way I Say Your Name"These eight songs honor the stories of people I have loved, and my own stories and narratives that have been shaped by those people," she said. See her live at Cafe du Nord on June 20th (tickets $12-$15) and Hotel Utah on August 1st (tickets $10). // Follow her Instagram and at mayaelisemusic.com.


    1912 Cole Valley home with backyard eden asks $3.8 million

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    On a tree-lined cul-de-sac in Cole Valley, this 1912 home teems with period details but has been fully updated with chic, contemporary finishes, spa-like amenities, and its own backyard eden.


    With hardwood floors and light-filled spaces for entertaining, the main level consists of an open living room with a fireplace and built-in shelving; a stylish gourmet kitchen with light gray cabinetry, Cesarstone countertops, brass pendants, and an island doubles as a breakfast bar; and the dedicated dining room with a scalloped chandelier for formal gatherings. In the back, a spacious family room has easy access to the outdoor deck overlooking the backyard.

    Upstairs, the master suite has an entire wall of windows and opens onto yet another private deck with views of the garden and Golden Gate Bridge. Behind the bed is a walk-in closet with built-in cabinets for neat organization. The luxurious bathroom has a soothing palette with just a hint of gray in the double-sink vanity, an enormous shower with a seat, and a jetted soaking tub. Also on this level are two bedrooms, one with built-in bunk beds, and a full bath.

    On the lower level is another family room or space that can function as an au pair suite with full luxe bath and direct access to the lush garden out back.

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    Location: 1543 Cole St. (Cole Valley)

    Size: 3,036 sq. ft.

    Bedrooms: 3

    Bathrooms: 3.5

    Asking price: $3,895,000

    // For more information, visit 1543cole.com.

    Wedding Inspiration: A Wooded Fairytale at Lake Tahoe's Granlibakken Resort

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    Whitney and Richard McMillan met and dated a bit at University of Oregon, and then parted ways as friends. But one fateful night, roughly eight years later, "Whitney drank way too much rosé and broached the topic of getting back together. The rest is history," Richard says.

    Not long after, she moved to San Francisco to be with him; later, he got down on one knee at the top of KT-22 chair lift at Squaw Valley.


    Tahoe would prove to also be the perfect wedding venue for the pair; Richard had grown up coming here, and the place would offer plenty of activities for the couple's out-of-town guests. They chose Granlibakken Resort as home base.

    "Granlibakken had the accommodations we were hoping for, a low-key vibe, and a lot of natural beauty," Whitney says.

    With the surrounding forest lending all the fairytale feels, all it took was a small bit of rustic decor with some "boho vibes" to set the perfect scene. A few somethings-blue were inspired by the bride's home state—"I am from Alaska and our state flower is the Forget-Me-Not"—and terrariums bursting with blooms topped the tables at the reception. Richard, who dabbles in calligraphy, wrote the escort cards, while his longtime friend officiated.

    The two exchanged vows beneath a blooming arch and walked back down the aisle as newlyweds surrounded by bubbles. Afterwards, they took photos on the pier before moving inside to the Big Pine Lodge for toasts and cupcakes. Outside, rain began to fall and made its way onto the only-partially covered dance floor. "I've never danced so much in my life."

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    Venue: Granlibakken Resort

    Dress: Eddy K from Bataeu Bridal Boutique

    Bridesmaids dresses: BHLDN

    Tuxedo: Indochino

    Hair and makeup: Solstice

    Floral designer: Love and Lupines Floral Design

    Event planner: Stephanie Marie & Co

    Caterer: Granlibakken Resort and Conference Center

    Cake: Sugar Pine Cakery

    Photographer: VILD Photography

    Invitations: Zola

    Rentals: Celebrations! Party Rentals

    This Olympic National Park Rainforest is one of the quietest places on Earth

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    "Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June trembled like a butterfly," once wrote Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

    While it's fair to assume Neruda was referencing the rainforests of South America, it's hard to think of a better description of the multiple rainforests in Olympic National Park—in particular the Hoh Rainforest, one of the emerald gems of the U.S. national park system.


    The Hoh Rainforest is tucked deep within a glacial river valley less than 50 miles from the Pacific Ocean. It sits in the shadow of Mount Olympus, the 7,980-foot peak that gives the park its name, and is a solid half-day drive from bustling Seattle. In addition to the lush biodiversity you'd expect from a temperate rainforest, that remote quality makes Hoh one of the quietest places anywhere on Earth, almost completely free of any human noise pollution.

    Immersing yourself in this lush, green world can be a peaceful forest bathing experience or a challenging excursion into the wilderness. However you choose to enjoy it, you'll find peace and quiet abounds.

    Find "one square inch of silence" in this Olympic National Park Rainforest.


    Amid the Hoh Rainforest's carpet of sword ferns and Jurassic-scale big leaf maples, acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton created the One Square Inch of Silence project at precisely N48.12885°, W 123.68234° and 303 feet above sea level. Much like a dark sky park offers humans and animals respite from light pollution, the One Square Inch project is designed to combat what Hempton's team calls "human noise intrusions."

    That includes noise pollution from aircraft, motor vehicles, electrical grids, appliances, air conditioners, and other trappings of modern life. "It is our birthright to listen, quietly and undisturbed, to the natural environment and take whatever meanings we may from it," writes Hempton for the One Square Inch website. "By listening to natural silence, we feel connected to the land, to our evolutionary past, and to ourselves."

    The idea of protecting just one square inch of this Olympic National Park rainforest is that the lack of noise will radiate outward from one tiny corner, the same way the sound of an airplane radiates from miles away. That means that in the Hoh Rainforest the sounds you hear, more than most places on earth, will be only organic. If you stand still and quiet, you'll be listening to the bugling of Roosevelt elk, the gurgling of the Hoh and Bogachiel Rivers, the prattling of red-breasted sapsuckers and the call of northern pygmy owls, and your own heartbeat.

    Where to Camp in the Hoh Rainforest


    There is a lot more of Olympic National Park's rainforests to explore, though, than just that one inch protected by Hempton. In the Hoh Rainforest alone there are numerous hiking trails to carry you through a rich scenic and sonic landscape. The Hoh River trail is one of the longest, extending 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows on the edge of Mount Olympus.

    The hike to Five Mile Island is a nice round day hike at 10.6 miles roundtrip. Much shorter and more accessible are the .8 mile Hall of Mosses Trail and 1.2 mile Spruce Nature Trail. There are several Hoh rainforest campgrounds, too, some reservable and some first come, first serve.


    Hoh Campground

    Close to both the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and Ranger Station, this gem is the perfect home base for hiking the rainforests of Olympic National Park. There are 78 first-come, first-served campsites, flush toilets, and potable water, but no showers. Wildlife, including elk, have been known to sleep between the close-set campsites from time to time.

    With so many trails close by and quintessential Pacific Northwest woodland scenery to absorb, it's no wonder this is such a popular spot.

    "The drive in to the campground is nothing short of magical. I kept expecting fairies and unicorns to cross the road. While we didn't see any mystical creatures, we did see elk, ducklings, slugs, deer, and ravens. Great for car camping and families." –The Dyrt camper Xoë M.


    Oxbow Campground

    On the outer edge of both the Hoh rainforest and Olympic National Park, Oxbow Campground is in a stunning location, sitting by the titular oxbow kink in the Hoh River. Just off Highway 101 between milepost 176 and 177 are eight first-come, first-served tent and RV sites shaded by spruce and cedar trees. It's free to camp here, as long as you have a Discover Pass issued by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

    The water flowing by is glacier-fed and quite cold, and a brilliant teal color that has to be seen to be believed. A convenient kayak and canoe launch will get you right in the middle of that otherworldly milky churn. The Hoh River is Class II-III, though, so exercise caution if you do paddle. Depending on the season, this can be a great spot to watch the salmon spawn, too. Fishermen have been known to flock here for easy access to chinook and steelhead.


    Klahanie Campground

    Surrounded by old growth Sitka spruce and close to the South Fork of the Calawah River, Klahanie Campground is both scenic and convenient. There are 20 individual first-come, first-served tent and smaller RV sites with a vault toilet available.

    And since Klahanie is just twenty minutes from the Pacific, LaPush cultural center for the Quileute People, and the other Olympic National Park rainforests, it makes a great central location from which to plan the rest of your Hoh rainforest and area adventures.


    Five Mile Island

    Both beginning and experienced backpackers alike will find lots to enjoy on this trail that is—you guessed it—five miles from Hoh Campground and the Hoh Trail. Five Mile Island sits at the center of a split in the Hoh River, but this campground isn't on the island itself. Instead, it overlooks it, offering a peaceful respite from the longer Hoh Trail.

    That access to one of the major trails in the area makes it easy enough to hike from one campground to the other for a multi-day backpacking trip, or to see as much as possible of Olympic National Park rainforests in a weekend. You'll see a mix of weekend backpackers at Five Mile Island, along with hikers in the middle of longer treks through the Olympic National Park rainforest.

    "It's no problem finding a level tent pad, there are bear wires, and a pit toilet. This camp is very easy to reach so there are plenty of inexperienced campers around, but there are also those that are on their way to trek deep into the park. If you are looking for a place to take the family this can be great, but if you are looking for a true nature experience or isolated camp, this is not for you." —The Dyrt camper Katie I.

    Visit Other Olympic National Park Rainforests


    Of course, the Hoh River Valley isn't the only place around Olympic National Park to camp, or the only rainforest to explore. There are dozens of campgrounds and rainforests in or near Olympic National Park, including Bogachiel State Forest and Quinault rainforest. Bogachiel is a shorter drive from Seattle than the Hoh Rainforest, and is still only about 40 minutes from some of the most spectacular beaches on the Olympic peninsula. Quinault, meanwhile, is within the boundaries of the National Park, centered around both the Quinault River and Lake Quinault.

    Like the Hoh rainforest, Quinault and Bogachiel both receive whooping amounts of precipitation—as much as 12 feet a year—that help these Olympic National Park rainforests grow the huge trees and lush ferns and moss that makes this corner of Washington so iconic. Don't forget a backpack rain cover for your hiking backpack, though. Whether you're exploring the Hoh, Bogachiel, or Quinault rainforests for a few hours or a few days, a rainy forecast isn't out of the question.

    Despite the rain, herds of elk, and mushroom colonies they have in common, neither Bogachiel or Quinault are quite as quiet as the Hoh Rainforest and its square inch of silence. There are more roads, flight paths, and human settlements that make them convenient, comfortable places to camp. But in at least one of Olympic National Park's rainforest river valleys, campers can get an earful of what the world sounded like before the clamor of modern life set in.

    Games + Booze: 7 Adult Playgrounds in the Bay Area

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    Warm(ish) weather brings out the kid in us, and lately we've got a hankering to play some games and #roséallday.

    When the mood strikes for a competitive game of bocce or cornhole paired with cocktails and snacks, head to these seven bars, restaurants and wineries.


    SF weather acting up? You can still escape to Oakland or Treasure Island. Game on!

    The game-laden beer garden at Lost & FoundPhoto courtesy of Lost & Found/Yelp

    Lost & Found

    This beloved uptown Oakland beer garden comes complete with a cornhole court and ping pong table set up among the patio's picnic tables. Bar bites like spicy buffalo cauliflower "wings" and sandwiches like daily-changing specialty sliders go perfectly with Lost & Found's 21 taps of California craft beer and cider. Not in the mood to cavort outdoors? Lost & Found's indoor space is a bright, spacious and laid back escape from the competition outside. // 2040 Telegraph Ave (Uptown Oakland), lostandfound510.com


    MerSea

    True to its name, MerSea, which means "island oasis" in Old English, is a destination for fun and relaxation at the heart of Treasure Island. The restaurant and adult playground is constructed of shipping containers with two dog friendly patios, one with views of the city in front and a massive space with tons of dispersed seating in back, and lawn games including bocce ball, cornhole and a full putting green. Along with brunch, lunch and dinner bites like the Jersey Girl sandwich (pork roll, fried egg and kimchi) and crispy shitake mushrooms, MerSea serves hyper-local beer and wine from the island's many craft producers. // 699 Ave of the Palms (Treasure Island), mersea.restaurant


    Cornhole on the outdoor patio at Teeth SFPhoto courtesy of Teeth SF/Yelp

    Teeth SF

    Any bar/restaurant whose name pays homage to the Muppets' "house band," Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, would be incomplete without some games to delight its patrons. There's shuffleboard indoors, and Monday night trivia, but on a sunny day, the place to be is on Teeth's tiered back patio playing a take-no-prisoners game of cornhole. When you've taken down your opponent, treat them to a worthy consolation prize like totchos (tater tot nachos), wings or a sandwich from the grilled cheese bar. // 2323 Mission St (Mission), teethbarsf.com


    Vie Winery

    Set in a charming, rustic metal and wood "barn," Vie captures a bit of the rural wine country vibe in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. Vie's wine portfolio is eclectic—with mourvédre and grenache from Santa Barbara, pinot noir from the Sonoma Coast, and sauvignon blanc from Lake County. Taste what they're pouring, like the 2017 Belle Amie Rosé with its notes of rose on the nose and aromas of fresh strawberries and rhubarb, then get a bottle of your favorite and head outside for a friendly game of bocce ball with unbeatable views of the Bay Bridge (reservations strongly recommended). // 448 Clipper Cove Way (Treasure Island), viewinery.com


    Outdoor bocce ball courts at PlankPhoto courtesy of Plank/Yelp

    Plank

    Nothing says summer like carnival fare and games. Spend a sunny afternoon at Plank in Jack London Square, where 18 bowling lanes, a video game arcade, and billiards tables inside—plus a beer garden, three bocce ball courts, and fire pits outside—guarantee a full day of fun. In addition to their usual beer garden fare, this summer Plank is serving grown-up versions of carnival favorites—think shrimp in a cone, funnel cake fries, and a cotton candy margarita. Look out for live music on Thursdays, carnival decor, and clown and magician appearances. // 98 Broadway (Oakland), plankoakland.com

    // 98 Broadway (Oakland), plankoakland.com


    Foundry & Lux

    This casual restaurant and play space has just about anything a grown-up kid could want including a basketball court, a putting green, horseshoes, cornhole and, of course, a full bar. Open weekdays only from 7am to 9pm, Foundry & Lux is perfect for blowing off some happy hour steam or doing justice to a weekday staycation. Lunch and dinner menus specialize in wood fired pizzas and classic sandwiches and burgers with an emphasis on sustainably raised meats and responsibly caught seafood. Fuel up while you play or head inside to eat in one of the lounge's many quiet nooks. // 151 Oyster Point Blvd (South San Francisco), foundryandlux.com


    Bar BoccePhoto courtesy of Bar Bocce/Yelp

    Bar Bocce

    If you're hankering for a game of bocce, Sausalito's Bar Bocce will not lead you astray. The waterside bar and restaurant sits on the Richardson Bay, just a stone's throw from Belvedere Island, with a bocce ball court running the length of its back patio. While you're waiting for your turn, take in unbeatable views of the water and munch on sourdough-crust pizza like the speck with burrata, kale and capers. // 1250 Bridgeway (Sausalito), barbocce.com

    You can rent Reese Witherspoon's 'Big Little Lies' house + more topics to discuss over brunch

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    Obsessed with Big Little Lies and got a few thousand dollars laying around? You're in luck!

    Plus, the city is breaking ground on a new LGBTQ-themed park in SoMa; Google invests $1 billion dollars into the housing crisis; and more local headlines you might have missed this week.


    A rendering plan for Eagle Plaza.(Courtesy of Eagle Plaza)

    Construction begins on leather/LGBTQ-themed park, SF Curbed

    Eagle Plaza "will serve as a gathering place for us to honor these [leather and LGBTQ] communities that make San Francisco unique," said Mayor London Breed. Read more.


    Google investing $1 billion to fight Bay Area housing crisis, CNN Business

    In the midst of an affordability crisis in the Bay Area, will Google be the unexpected hero? The tech company is stepping up to the plate. Read more.


    Amazon Wants To Get Your Booze Delivered ASAP In San Francisco, SFist

    Amazon Prime wants to make all your drunken dreams come true by delivering your booze straight to your door. The company has applied for a liquor license and has plans to open a small liquor store in the city. Read more.

    The pride flag flies over the California Capitol building.C(ourtesy of the Governor's Office)

    Pride Flag Flies Over California Capitol for the First Time—Except for a Few Hours Back in 1990, KQED

    For the first time in 29 years, the California State Capitol is celebrating Pride month by flying the rainbow flag over the building. Read more.


    Here's how much it costs to rent Reese Witherspoon's 'Big Little Lies' house, SF Gate

    Fans of the HBO series Big Little Lies will be glad to hear that the iconic Monterey house occupied by Madeline Martha Mackenzie, played by Reese Witherspoon, is available to rent. As you might guess, sleeping where Madeline sleeps does not come cheap. Read more.

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