Castro District is centered along Castro Street (just off of Market Street) and is one of the original gay neighborhoods in the entire country. It retains its unique heritage and gay community - rainbow flags fly proudly above the sidewalks including the tallest one at the corner of Market, Castro and 17th Streets. The world's second GLBT History Museum opened here in 2010. Harvey Milk is a name synonymous with this district - a former gay … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area is a sizable region and there are numerous attractions and activities located either in San Francisco or within a short drive. Some of these attractions list coupons in local San Francisco travel guides. These guides are usually free and many can be found at local shops, on street guide racks around select tourist destination such as at Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. All attractions are alphabetized below. Driving in … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Western Canada Trip
The total trip described on this page took 17 days including transportation from one's home airport. Suggested visit times and attractions are only listed as options for someone roughly following this itinerary. Any names of hotels or motels I stayed at have been included along with contact information. Day 1 : Stay at a motel near your home airport. This saves the hassle of driving to the airport on that same day that you are flying, unless … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Attractions
Bloedel Conservatory is located on a hill overlooking the entire city of Vancouver. The observatory is surrounded by lush gardens. This is a great spot to bring the family for a picnic lunch. The observatory contains a diverse garden of tropical plants and birds. During the dead of the winter months this can be an enjoyable outing to escape the frigid temperatures. For example, one can come up here and dream they are in Costa Rica or some other … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA
** Click here for significant photo coverage of the Tubbs Fire October 2017, Santa Rosa ** Typical California guide books have approximately one page about Santa Rosa. We offer much more than that! Read on... The Highlights Santa Rosa, California is a city of about 175,000 (and growing fast) located about 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, just off of the 101 freeway. Santa Rosa has seen tremendous population growth in the … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Attractions & Activities
Santa Rosa and Sonoma County are home to a variety of attractions, museums and outdoor activities. This is a hub for wine country of course but the Santa Rosa area has much more to offer in addition to wine. The following is a list and brief description of activities and attractions primarily in Santa Rosa - but also some elsewhere in in Sonoma County. 9th Street Rookery Charles Schulz Mus Russian River Santa Rosa Creek … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Neighborhoods
Bennett Valley (named after a resident in the area James Bennett - who lived here in the 1860's) is a mostly residential part of Santa Rosa spread out southeast of downtown with prominent roads in this neighborhood being Bennett Valley Road, Bethards Drive, Tachevah Drive and Yulupa. Located only about a 10 minute drive from downtown Santa Rosa. If there was a 'heart' to this neighborhood it would be where two shopping centers are located across … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Parks
The following are the most popular community, neighborhood or state parks found either within Santa Rosa or among the surrounding area. Nearly all of the ones located outside of the city limits listed below are within a 10-30 minute drive of downtown Santa Rosa (unless otherwise noted). Camping - for information about camping please visit the Sonoma County Parks Website here. Annadel State Park is located east of Santa Rosa off … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Farmers Markets
Numerous farmer's markets are located throughout Sonoma County. Unlike in the southern part of the state where year round farmer's markets are the norm, seasonal farmers markets far outnumber the year round ones up here. Seasonal smaller markets tends to have live music while the year round (often larger markets) do not always use music to liven up your shopping experiences. We have visited all of the farmers' markets in Santa Rosa and Sonoma … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Annual Events
This is only a partial listing of events. Music, arts, wine and food. Common themes. In addition to the annual events listed below, a number of seasonal events are held in Santa Rosa throughout the year. Looking no further then downtown, the weekly Wednesday night market is held from early June to early September. Vendors fill and pedestrians fills some of the space at Old Railroad Square and part of 4th Street is closed to vehicular traffic. … [Read more...]