Take Your Big Trip | Travel Advice, Inspiration, and Stories

“Settling down” is often a dirty word for travelers. We view it as giving up and giving over to a more traditional, sedentary life. I like to think of my life in San Francisco right now as “settling in.” There are some roots growing, true, but the desire and need to travel is always present. [...]

Keep the travel mojo alive in your own city! In 2011, here’s how I traveled locally in San Francisco, took weekend trips in California, and connected with other travelers.

18 Reasons is a new type community center – one that connects the San Francisco community to food and food to community. Run by the Bi-Rite organization in the heart of foodie central between Valencia and Geurrero, 18 Reasons offers classes like Carving a Turkey and Making Jam. Those less inclined towards butchery and canning can enjoy community dinners called Soup for Supper. At its heart, according to Rosie, 18 Reasons teaches San Franciscans how to cook and eat.

With a little stamina and the right timing, a trip to Yosemite can be a great weekend getaway from San Francisco and part of any San Francisco vacation.

I’d only seen their bylines before and now they were here in front of me. George, Benning, Farley, Mandel, Cahill, Hesse…just to name a few.  It’s a little intimidating to see them and about 20 other writing and photography powerhouses in person, sitting with legs casually over benches and folding chairs joking amongst each other. [...]

TAlready have a trip to San Francisco booked for your vacation, yet further destinations beckon? Or perhaps its just less bucks to travel far this summer? Don’t fear! Take a trip to around San Francisco and take a trip around the world. San Francisco has international highlights that can make a trip around the city feel like a micro-trip around the world.

The Women’s Building in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco is a treasure – inside and out. Outside, the Maestraepeace mural boldly reaches out from two facades to passerbys and admirers. Inside, local women find resources and refuge with the variety of non-profit organizations that serve them.

Visiting this treasure, the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, feels like one is going back in time. The Conservatory’s brochure shows a picture of Victorian-era residents sitting outside the whitewashed and glass structure, showcasing a building that looks the same today at it did 120 years ago.

Napa Valley is the perfect San Francisco day trip, but with over 400 wineries in the region, a trip to Napa Valley, California can seem formidable to the first timer. The trip starts with the question – Which wineries to visit? This article covers three wineries that are easily accessible and showcase the winemaking history of the region – all in beautiful scenery along Highway 29 starting south of St. Helena. The good news, no matter where you go, you’ll drink delicious California wines as every winery listed pours the classics: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visiting this magnificent cathedral in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood on Easter Sunday meant marveling at the gold murals and experiencing one of San Francisco’s treasures.