This is a continuation of my out-of-print guidebook--WEEKEND ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. It features travel destinations throughout Northern California and presents them in small, easy-to-digest chunks. Even more great weekend adventures await you at my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.
This narrow hole in the wall seems somehow intimidating, but once you’re inside the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It has a comfortable, casual cafe vibe, with local art on the walls. Seating consists of a long counter with round stools, and a few tables with chairs both indoors and outdoors. Customers order at the front counter, then take a seat. Breakfast includes a variety of pastries--the mini scones are mega good and the popular gluten-free mochi muffins are usually gone--as well as an assortment of egg dishes, polenta porridge, and a waffle of the day (are you up for lemon-poppyseed?), but no bacon. The chai latte is delish, and a rich hot chocolate is also exceptional. Lunch items include a savory polenta topped with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of truffle oil, and the soup is always vegetarian. Breakfast is served until 2 p.m.; lunch begins at 10:30 a.m.
interior of Guerilla Cafe in Berkeley, California
barista at Guerilla Cafe in Berkeley, California
chai latte and mini scone at Guerilla Cafe in Berkeley, California
Father Christmas at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
See "A Christmas Carol" brought to life at this re-creation of Christmas in Victorian London. After playing spirited parlour games, purchasing some fine yuletide gifts, and feasting on period food and drink (my favorites are the banger sandwich and the hot cider), even the grumpiest Scrooge will capture the season’s spirit.
Charles Dickens at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
plate of bangers at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
characters belly up to the bar at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
Special shops include a hair-braiding parlour on Petticoat lane and a children’s clothing shop not far away on Nickelby Road--little girls between the ages of 5 and 8 are in heaven here. Entertainment is continuous and includes parades, theatrical performances, and caroling--even dancing with Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig and guests at their celebrated party. And as if this isn't enough, Her Majesty Queen Victoria and consort Prince Albert always attend. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period costume.
boys paint ornaments at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
ladies get braids at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
young girl in purple taffeta dress at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
portrait painter at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
Queen Victoria sips tea at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
High Tea is served by Cuthbert’s (a private concession) in the Tea Parlour every day at 4 p.m. ($27). Reservations are required and can be made online or when you arrive at the fair. If you’d like to see the popular Saucy French Postcards Tableaux Revue, you need to secure a separate free ticket when you arrive at the fair. Shows are presented daily at 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. for adults over 18 years of age only.
tea time at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
Things you’ll want to know:
●A fair map, show schedules, and special Children's Tour are included in the free souvenir program provided as you enter the fair gate (they are also available in advance online).
●The Scrooge Special offers “twilight tickets” after 3 p.m. (adults $18, children $10).
●You can ride BART or Muni to the Glen Park BART Station, then just outside board a free shuttle to and from the fair that runs every half hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. I did this myself and found it to be easy and efficient, and the shuttle dropped me right at the entrance to the fair.
It is hard to believe that it has been more than 35 years since this festive event originated in San Francisco. More images.
Transamerica Redwood Park 600 Montgomery St./Merchant St. M-F 7am-5:30pm. Situated on the east side of the Transamerica Pyramid building, this privately owned redwood grove is found unexpectedly in the middle of San Francisco’s skyscrapers. Trees for the half-acre grove were brought in from the Santa Cruz Mountains and transplanted in 1957. There are now 56, and some reach 100 feet. And who knows? Perhaps these trees will one day be as tall as the pyramid itself. Benches and tables offer visitors respite, but note that this urban park is locked up each night.
Transamerica Redwood Park in San Francisco's Financial District
Transamerica Redwood Park in San Francisco's Financial District
High Sierra: Highway 395 Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site Off Hwy. 6, 4.5 mi. N of Bishop, (760) 873-5950. Daily 10am-4pm. $5; train rides additional. No dogs.
visitor center at Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site in Bishop, California
antique train at Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site in Bishop, California
A replication of the 1883 frontier community of Laws that developed here as a railroad depot for Bishop, this 11-acre facility features 30 original 19th-century buildings. Some were here from the past, and others were brought in to recreate the town. You can visit a newspaper office, a beauty parlor with a scary-looking permanent wave machine,
permanent wave machine at Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site in Bishop, California
a post office, a medical building, a replica mine shaft and headframe, and way more. When the town sprang up, nearby Keeler was the largest producer of silver in California and Laws had as many residents as Bishop. Vintage locomotives and railroad equipment as well as mining equipment are sometimes operated. A restored Death Valley tourist railroad car is restored and often available for rides on summer weekends.
restored Death Valley tourist railroad car at Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site in Bishop, California
This railroad shut down in 1959, hurt by the popularity of trucking. “Nevada Smith” starring Steve McQueen was filmed here in 1965. Visitors can wander through on their own, but sometimes docents are available for a tour. Pack along a picnic.
