In honor of Single Awareness...I mean, Valentine's day, here are some ideas for really cool/fun dates. In my opinion at least. This post is for fun date ideas in the Bay Area, California-because I felt the need to set the ideas in a concrete place. Also, I have tried to cultivate ideas based on my age group. Namely, millennials like myself who do not have an income yet but still want to enjoy life. Hooray! -_-
anyway, here it goes:
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| that mozzarella though... |
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open seating area-so you can dine al fresco
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1. Drive to the Napa Valley and have a wine and cheese day
I highly recommend:
V. Sattui Winery
1111 White Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, United States.
Not only are the grounds gloriously beautiful, but they also have a cookout with fresh food, pulled pork sandwiches, mozzarella with basil and tomatoes on bread drizzled with olive oil, stuffed peppers-all finely crafted but unpretentious fare. Their on-site cheese and wine store also has really good selections. Get the brie, some crackers, and the merlot jam. Or the artichoke cream cheese. Or just sample the entire store (because you can!) To satisfy the sweet tooth-take your lovely to the Dean & Deluca across the street for some light gelato (green tea and honey are my favorites) which you can eat while admiring the valley behind the store.
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| views from the little beach! |
2. The Embarcadero/Pier 39 in San Francisco
Take in a matinee at the Embarcadero cinemas, then enjoy a leisurely stroll past the Ferry building-all the way through the piers on the shore, until you reach Pier 39 (about a 25 minute walk.) Tap into your inner child and explore the Pier's colorful attractions, the carousel, the salt water taffy store, and the general carnival-esque vibe (if you don't mind the presence of tourists.) If you keep walking down past the Pier, you will reach a little beach in front of the Ghirardelli chocolate factory, perfect for watching the sunset. (And the In-n-Out is only a short walk away-score!)
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| City Lights books! |
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| Chinatown, SF |
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| Piano man murals and flying books in North Beach! |
3. Little Italy/Chinatown/in SF's North Beach Neighborhood
Chinatown is always a great place for cheap eats and fun market shopping (general tip-try to avoid anything on Grant street as that is the most tourist-y part of the neighborhood.) Hang out at the local park while sipping boba (taiwanese milk tea with tapioca pearls) and, as it starts to grow darker, head over to Little Italy-with certain charming corners such as the one pictured above with the flying books. I strongly suggest a visit to the famous City Lights bookstore (261 Columbus Avenue at Broadway) for all your poetry needs. Or the equally notorious Cafe Trieste (where Coppola wrote some of the script for "The Godfather") for some coffee. Lastly, if you are feeling a little daring, around the corner from City Lights is a long street with cabarets and strip clubs.
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| Clarion Alley in the Mission |
4. A Day in La Mission
The Mission district in San Francisco is almost always the sunniest part of the city, so take some time to explore the flavor of the area. My go-to burrito spot is Pancho Villa, (3071 16th street) for a steak burrito and horchata. The place is also in walking distance from Dolores Park, where you can relax and chat/observe San Franciscans in their natural habitat. Also, take a walk down Clarion Alley, where local artists use the walls to showcase their art/talk about social and political issues.
5. Take the ferry out to Sausalito and back
It's inexpensive, it gets you out of the city and into a slice of life that is a bit more peaceful. Plus, the views on the ferry ride there and back aren't bad. Be warned-there is not much to do besides walk around small boutique shops, eat brunch food, and admire the quaint houses in Sausalito-but there is more breathing room and a nice view of the Bay.
Well that's it for now, darlings, I hope you all have a great Valentine's day-but do remember to love yourself and others for every other day of the year as well!
Comment below and tell me your fun date ideas-especially in other cities. Would love to hear :D (and take note!)
cheers,
M.Ang
