Pack: a beach picnic bag + blanket, jacket, comfy shoes to climb down rocks in, and water.

• Davenport Beach (aka San Vicente Beach): Located on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) directly across the street from Roadhouse Inn Restaurant and Bar. Visitors swear it's one of the best local beaches for finding sea glass.
  Cabrillo Hwy and Ocean St Davenport, CA 95017   Free Parking
• Abandoned Pier: Built by the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company, this abandoned pier looks like the skeleton of beach days gone by. You can swing from the first pillar arch during low tide. Spoiler Alert: It's a dangerous doozy to climb down too though. You can only access it by climbing down a steep cliff with a rope. If you don't want to risk your life (like me) you can enjoy the view of the pier from the bluff on the left of the beach. It has beautiful views of the pier, ocean, and surrounding bluffs and a great place to catch a sunset (like these photos).
  9812 Cabrillo Hwy, Davenport, CA 95017  Only Accessible During Low Tide 
• Whale City Bakery: This in-house boutique bakery and full espresso bar comes with patio seating with ocean views and live music several nights a week. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
  490 Highway One, Davenport, CA 95017  Open Everyday 6:30am-8:00pm 
• Swanton Berry Farm:
  Stop by for some fresh berry pies, strawberry shortcakes, delicious hot soup, strawberry lemonade, strawberry apple cider & more! Enjoy these treats in their sheltered stand over a boardgame or a good read. If you feel like picking your own, it's $4.50/lb for 0-10 lbs and $3.50/lb for 10+ lbs. The weather is quite variable on the coast so they recommend bringing farm appropriate layers and footwear (warm grubbies and closed toed shoes - there may be mud). Organic U-Pick Strawberries ~ May- September.
  25 Swanton Rd. Davenport, CA 95017   Open Everyday 8am - 7pm
• Slow Coast Davenport Airstream Store: Formerly a vintage 1954 Airstream, this tiny shop is now full of local artists’ and farmers' wares and goods for you to peruse (my personal favorite is the local goat cheese). You can spot the Airstream between The Davenport Roadhouse restaurant and the Bonny Doon Winery tasting room.
  450 HWY 1, Davenport, CA 95017   Open: 7 days a week weather permitting 11 to 5pm
• Pescadero: Be sure to stop through the sleepy little beach town. It really shows off the charm of a small Northern California coastal village. I've already done a "Where to Go This Weekend: Pescadero, California" series on The Abstract Life, but it should still be considered for a Slow Coast stop. 
• Pigeon Point Light Station / Hostel:
  My Aunt used to work here and it has fond memories for me as I stayed here as a child when I visited her. It's a beautiful location with views that can't be described. Lots of whale watching and wild flowers scattered everywhere. There is a museum, vista point, hostel travel lodge, and picnic area. 
  210 Pigeon Point Rd, Hwy 1, Pescadero, CA 94060  (P) (650) 879-2120  Hours: 8am-Sunset

• Pigeon Point Light Station / Hostel:
  My Aunt used to work here and it has fond memories for me as I stayed here as a child when I visited her. It's a beautiful location with views that can't be described. Lots of whale watching and wild flowers scattered everywhere. There is a museum, vista point, hostel travel lodge, and picnic area.
  210 Pigeon Point Rd, Hwy 1, Pescadero, CA 94060  (P) (650) 879-2120  Hours: 8am-Sunset
• Downtown Local:
  ADORABLE coffee shop / unique general store boutique that is decorated and curated so distinctively I keep coming back to it as my first stop in town always. Bonus: This is where I first discovered Etta + Billie-my favorite local "Farm to Bottle Skincare."
  213 Stage Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060    (P) (650) 879-9155     Hours: 8AM–5PM
• The Pescadero Flowery: I only just discovered this place on my last visit and it charmed my socks off! I adored the set up, merchandise, business ethics, and flowers themselves. What a little local gem! HIGHLY recommend!
  251 Stage Rd, Rear Field, Pescadero CA 94060     (P) 650-206-0808
• Downtown Farmers' Market:
  Pescadero grown hyper-local farmers’ market. All the fruits, veggies, and grass-fed beef are grown or raised within a few miles of the market and support the local agricultural community.
  350 Stage Road, Pescadero, CA 94060 (P:) (650) 879-1691 Thursdays 3-7pm, June-October
• Arcangeli Grocery / Norm's Market:Great Italian style deli / grocery. Perfect place to pick up picnic supplies for the beach. Best breads / baked goods (not GF) and deli style meats and cheese. My friend Nancy got two scones from them and was woebegone she didn't get more (and she doesn't even LIKE scones!!!)
  287 Stage Road, Pescadero, CA 94060   (P) 650.879.0147 
• Duarte’s Tavern:
  This my boyfriend's favorite. He grew up coming here during the summer; getting their crap melt sandwich (he highly recommends it!). Duarte's has been a staple of Pescadero since 1894. The vibes are casual with wood-paneled walls and an adjoining dive bar.
  202 Stage Road Pescadero California     (P): 650.879.0464    Hours: 7am – 8pm Daily
• Bean Hollow State Beach:
  Otherworldly rock formations and tide pools. My favorite beach for wildlife viewing! My boyfriend and I once sat in our car in a thunderstorm and watched two otters play in the waves and kelp for a couple hours.
  11000 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA 94060-9763   (P) (650) 726-8819   Hours: 8am-Sunset
• Swanton Berry Farm:
  Stop by for some fresh berry pies, strawberry shortcakes, delicious hot soup, strawberry lemonade, strawberry apple cider & more! Enjoy these treats in their sheltered stand over a boardgame or a good read. If you feel like picking your own, it's $4.50/lb for 0-10 lbs and $3.50/lb for 10+ lbs. The weather is quite variable on the coast so they recommend bringing farm appropriate layers and footwear (warm grubbies and closed toed shoes - there may be mud). Organic U-Pick Strawberries ~ May- September.
  25 Swanton Rd. Davenport, CA 95017   Open Everyday 8am - 7pm
  *NOTE: Coastways Ranch (their Pescadero location) is now closed for the 2017 season but this Davenport stand and picking area is still open (not far from Pescadero). 
• Costanoa Lodge: A large, eco-conscious resort in the middle of Pescadero. The lodge offers everything from a spa, a charming general store, cool cabins and tents to stay overnight, and on site activities.
  2001 Rossi Road at Hwy 1 Pescadero, CA 94060

The first Japanese immigrants arrived in the 1860s to San Francisco, known to them as "Soko." They originally resided in Chinatown in small groups before the great earthquake and fires of 1906. The havoc created from these natural disasters forced them to relocate to the area that is the Japantown that we know today. Despite being deprived** from settling down or opening Japanese shops and restaurants in white neighborhoods, these resilient immigrants formed their own small enclave within San Francisco and nikkei owned businesses thrived; becoming Japantown.
Unfortunately, when USA relations with Japan during WWII became tumultuous a dark part of America's history was inflicted on the local Japanese community. They, along with 100,000-120,000 US residents of Japanese descent, were interned-a rather euphemistic term for what was really a concentration camp. The majority of Japanese Americans, most of who were US citizens, were forced to relocate to incarcerated camps; though some went willingly. It was reported that even those with so much as 1/16th Japanese heritage or orphaned children were sent away. This has lead to the belief this was more an act of racism rather out of fear of potential threat. There was already a long history of racism against Asians coming into the United States and this only further perpetuated the hatred and distrust. (*1)
After the conclusion of WWII those of Japanese descent were released from the internal camps and many of the former San Francisco residents returned to Japantown. In the 1960s the neighborhood went through a revitalization and remodeling. More hotels, movie theatres, shopping centres, and businesses were established.
Today, "nearly 12,000 Japanese Americans live in San Francisco and approximately 80,000 live in the greater Bay Area." (*2) Japantown is now a very lively and strong community with niche shops, markets, and boutique hotels and spas. It has incredible food, love for fashion, and all things Japanese! Look for bright red banners with cherry blossoms and the Peace Pagoda (shown here on the blog). The Peace Pagoda was gifted by Osaka, Japan in the 1960s as a sign of peace for people of all races and beliefs.

• Japan Center Malls - East & West - The East and West Malls are centered between the Japantown Peace Pagoda. I love how part of the mall feels like you're going underground. 
• Pika Pika - Japanese photo sticker booths are the draw at this vibrant shop with standard film & photo services. 
• Nijiya Market - Popular Japanese supermarket
• New People - Latest examples of Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and various events
• Kinokuniya Bookstore - Wide selection of books, magazines, comics, and stationery.
• Sakura Sakura - Japanese boutique with speciality fashion and items

• Waraku - Serves upscale ramen 
• Shabu-Sen - shabu-shabu & sukiyaki, which guests cook themselves in a cauldron of hot broth.
• Udon Mugizo - Simply decorated Japanese noodle specialist serves up a menu of udon, tempura & mochi. 
• Isobune Sushi - Boats carrying sushi to be plucked from a countertop moat make this a kid-friendly dining option.
• Tanpopo - Serves Yakisoba, literally "fried buckwheat," or sōsu yakisoba.
• Belly Good Cafe & Crepes - Crepe, Ice Cream & Boba Drinks. Creative Japanese-style crêpes adorned with smiles sculpted from toppings & whipped cream.
• Izakaya Kou - Amid a light-filled dining room, guests chow down on Asian-inspired plates & sushi
• Shalala - Contemporary noodle house serves ramen bowls, Japanese fare & has a laid-back atmosphere.

• May’s Coffee Shop Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee, Tea, Sandwiches, Noodles, Hawaiian Type Breakfast at an indoor counter spot in the West Mall.
• Kissako Teas and Sweets - Fine teas and sweets
• Mitsu Tea House - Cotton Candy-Topped Bubble Tea Cafe
• Crown & Crumpet Tea Stop Cafe - high tea room with stylish and vibrant décor

Carmel River State Beach
Carmelo St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Directions: From Highway 1, head west on Rio Road (one mile south of Ocean Avenue). Turn left on Carmelo Street to access the parking lot.
Mile-long beach perfect for birding, picnicking, and watching the sunset.

Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co
316 Mid Valley Center, #157
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Typically open 6am-6pm
Great coffee, French-rustic atmosphere, fresh baked pastries, and small indoor seating area. 

Da Giovanni
5th & 6th Lincoln Street
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Typically open 5pm-9:30pm
Gourmet Italian menu (with allergy friendly accommodations), romantic ambiance, extensive wine, and a dog-friendly patio.

Where do you like to take day trips? 
Do you have any Carmel local gems you can share for our next trip? 

Lick Observatory
7281 Mt Hamilton Rd,
Mt Hamilton, CA 95140
(408) 274-5061
Monday - Wednesday: Closed
Thursday - Sunday: Open 12 - 5 PM
Admission is Free

           



The Event: 
We recently had the great pleasure of seeing one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, at Nob Hill's Masonic Center in San Francisco. The "Fully Dressed" show was so much fun. I laughed and smiled so much that halfway through the show my cheeks hurt and my mouth was dry from smiling and laughing so hard (#happypeopleproblems). Check out his tour dates HERE if you'd like to try to catch one of his shows.

We went up to the city early and found free street parking a few blocks away. Since arriving early we lazily enjoyed listening to the fountains while people (and puppy) watching at Huntington Park across from Grace Cathedral before going to the Fairmont's Laurel Court Bar for quick cocktails prior to the show.

Where to Go: 
Check out these things to do directly in the area before or after going to a show in Nob Hill.

Nob Hill Masonic Center
1111 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 776-7457
sfmasonic.com

Huntington Park
Fountains, grassy areas, park benches, and a children's fenced in play yard. This park is perfect to sit and enjoy people watching or just relaxing while listening to the fountains with a book or picnic. 
At the corner of California St & Taylor St, (across from Grace Cathedral and diagonal to the Masonic Center)
San Francisco, CA 94108

Grace Cathedral
Take a tour and visit Grace Cathedral. An all inclusive church with absolutely stunning Gothic Revival and French Gothic architectures. 
1100 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
www.gracecathedral.org

Laurel Court Bar & Lounge 
Grab dinner or a cocktail inside the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco and see where they serve "high tea." Tip: Sit at the bar if you're going directly to a show afterwards, to ensure you have prompt service so you're not rushing to close out to make it on time.  
950 Mason Street,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5260
Dress Code: Smart Casual

Top of the Mark - The InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Take in the 360 view from above in the penthouse lounge while sipping artisan cocktails. Since opening in 1939 it's been a popular spot to enjoy tapas, cocktails, and listening or dancing to live bands and jazz music.
999 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3434

Thai Thai Noodle 
Offers delicious noodle bowls and unbeatable Thai cuisine in Nob Hill. 
1400 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 441-5551
www.thaithainoodlesf.com

The Big 4
"Classic American dishes served in a clubby space with dark wood, white tablecloths & piano music." Named after the reputed “Big Four” industrialists – Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins-the businessmen and philanthropists who built the Central Pacific Railroad. It's a very elegant restaurant that harks back to the grandeur of victorian San Francisco. 
(Located inside the Scarlet Huntington)
1075 California St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 771-1140
www.big4restaurant.com

Nob Hill Cafe 
"This relaxed cafe serves Tuscan pastas & pizzas in a quaint space that recalls old San Francisco."
1152 Taylor St,
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 776-6500
www.nobhillcafe.com

Have you ever been to see a show at the Masonic Center? 
What are some of the things you did in the area before or after the show? 
Would you like to try any of these options? 
Are you more of a dinner or cocktail hour person before seeing a show? 
Do you like having other options outside of food/drinks like the park and cathedral? 
What is your favorite kind of show to see live (comedians/music/dance, etc)? 
Do you have a favorite comedian? 

The Filoli Estate-an early 20th century Georgian style country house and gardens, about a 30 minute drive south of San Francisco-is a historical gem in the Bay Area.

The stately country house once served as the location for Hollywood's Dynasty. The downstairs is open for public viewing and is so grand it's like I could see the all tea parties, balls, and hours of gossip while polishing the silver that happened inside those walls. It sits in the middle of sixteen acres of formal gardens made up of sculptural hedges, rows of flowers, pools, ponds, and some of the most lovely landscaping possible. Beyond that the estate is made up of an overwhelming 650+ acres of land covered with orchards, fields, and wild Northern California countryside.

I'd definitely recommend taking a day to visit if you enjoy historical houses and grand gardens.

Have you ever been to the Filoli Estate and/or gardens? What did you think?
If you haven't been, would this be something you'd look forward to? 
Would you rather go when they have an event or on an off day where there are less people and it's in its natural state? 
Have you ever been to a historical estate, such as the Biltmore Estate? What did you think? Do these pictures remind you of your historical estate visit somewhere? How does it compare? 
Do you ever daydream of living in a "Downtown Abbey" style world? Do you think you'd be part of the "upstairs people" or "downstairs people"? 
Do you ever get inspiration from older houses or gardens for your own home?