This is a general outline of a recent trip to Spokane, including parts of Idaho and Montana. The total trip took 10 days and was in early August. The best time for warmer weather and more comfortable conditions is between mid July and mid August. Because gold mining was one of the main reasons for the trip several days below show "gold mining" as the main activity. We rented a car from Thrifty at the Spokane Airport and made a circle covering … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Shopping
Northtown Mall is located four miles north of the 90 freeway at Wellesley and Division Streets. Take exit 287 off of the 90. This mall contains a JCPenney and a Sears among numerous other stores. www.northtownmall.com Schade Brewery Public Market is located at 528 East Trent. This market is held in and near the recently renovated Schade Brewery Building. Features a variety of artisans, craftsmen, antiques, and other vendors. This indoor … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, or as locals call it, "The City", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. How many cities have a population of just over 750,000 and have the instant name recognition that San Francisco has? What other city can lay claim to have founded the United Nations, introduced the topless dancer, and the hippie movement? How many cities are known world wide for its cultural diversity and cultural acceptance? Where else can you … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Weather
According to famous San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, one of the best lines Mark Twain never wrote was, "the coldest winter I ever spent was one summer in San Francisco". He might as well have. If you like fog, and more fog, and yet more fog, then San Francisco is most definitely the city for you. If you like fog combined with bitterly chilling winds, especially in the middle of the summer but at anytime of the year, then San … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Driving
San Francisco is NOT a car friendly city for many reasons; it is a very difficult city to drive in. In general, drivers in San Francisco tend to be aggressive and quick to honk. There are numerous hills and many are extremely steep. Space is at a premium in San Francisco - especially on the streets. Some streets do not allow parallel curb parking. They are so steep that you must park your car perpendicular to the curb. There are quite a few … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Radio Stations
For the most part, these radio stations are located in San Francisco but if they are not, they can be easily listened to in San Francisco. The San Francisco Bay Area boasts a diversity of population and to some extent a diversity of radio stations - including a Chinese and an Indian station (as of our last update). AM Stations FM Stations … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Accommodations
The following is only a partial list of lodging options in San Francisco. A wide range of hotels are listed that accommodate various budgets. Prices range from the low (single occupancy/off season) to the high (double occupancy/high season) and are subject to change at any time. The downtown/financial district tends to be quite expensive and crowded. For budget travelers recommended lodging is in the outskirts of San Francisco - for example a … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Restaurants
More then most cities of its size, San Francisco contains a culinary delight of restaurants specializing in cuisine's from around the world. On one block one can find a mix of Chinese and Italian. On another block in the same vicinity one may find a Thai restaurant located next to an Ethiopian restaurant. Several distinct areas in San Francisco are known for certain types of cuisine. North Beach is known for its Italian food, Chinatown for … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Napa Wine Tasting
Ever wanted to visit the Napa Valley and see the most famous wine tasting region in the United States? How about neighboring more low key Sonoma with its small personalized wineries in Dry Creek and the Alexander Valley? Look no further than our concierge services. We have an extremely unique point of view into the Napa Valley from a winery perspective as Dave has personally visited and tasted with more than 1,000 wineries/producers in Napa … [Read more...]