by Jane on February 6, 2012
Sun and sand is great and all, but some (us included) would argue that a beachy setting gets better when the clothes come off. Think of a nude beach as your new and improved wingman — its mere presence allows you to skip the whole how-do-I-get-him-or-her-out-of-their-clothes predicament. So come and get the skinny on our favorite nude beaches for one hot date this Valentine’s Day.
The beach at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa; Miami, FL
WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: Though Miami is topless-friendly just about everywhere, Haulover Beach is the only true nude beach in this spring break hotspot. The waters are crystal clear, the soft sand is debris-free, plus there are tons of on-beach amenities. Haulover has lifeguards (in swimsuits, unfortunately), food and drink vendors, and plenty of organized activities like birthday-suit volleyball, although we recommend not going for the save.
WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Less than a 5-minute drive from Haulover Beach, ONE Bal Harbour has a prime location for seeing some skin. Plus, this luxury resort has massive suites, a 10,000-square-foot spa, and over $4 million dollars worth of modern art.
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Dirty dozen at Presidio Social Club
After a two-year hiatus, Ray Tang, the opening chef of the Presidio Social Club in San Francisco, is back at the helm of the picturesque restaurant located in the former Army post turned national park. Indeed, the long, clapboard building, a short drive from the Laurel Inn, was once the barracks for enlisted men.
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An empenada from El Porteno
If you’ve yet to experience the buttery goodness of Argentian empanadas, you’re in luck.
El Porteno is selling these delightful little hand-pies, which make a great snack or light lunch, at farmers markets in San Mateo, Oakland, Marin County, and San Francisco. You can pick them up at San Francisco’s year-round Inner Sunset market (only a short drive from the Laurel Inn) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Owner Joey Ahearne’s six types of savory empanadas are based on his mother’s recipes and sell for $3.50 each. They’re all about the size of your palm and have flaky, buttery crusts.
I tried two: the “jamon y queso,” a nice mix of prosciutto and fontina (though I would have liked a little more prosciutto); and the “pollo,” generously filled with a blend of tender Fulton Valley chicken, chorizo, raisins and olives.
El Porteno also makes a dessert empanadita filled with bananas and homemade dulce de leche ($1.75), as well as alfajores, lovely cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche or quince paste ($1.50 each).
– Carolyn Jung of FoodGal
The Alamo Square Playground has kid-size versions of San Francisco’s famed Painted Ladies
Sometimes a kid just has to be a kid. After visiting San Francisco’ indoor museums and cultural attractions, head outside, to the playground. Here are three awesome play areas near the sights.
Chinese Playground (Sacramento Street, between Kearny and Grant): Take a break from the knick-knack shops and the dim sum restaurants and head to this urban playground. The pagoda-roofed play structure makes you realize you’re not in Kansas anymore – you’re in Chinatown. Best for the younger set, this play area features a large sandbox, various slides and a wobbly wooden bridge. It’s easy walking distance from the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. Read More »
Funghi pizza at A16 in San Francisco
[Flickr/pouryourheartintoit]
When the very talented Chef Nate Appleman departed San Francisco’s beloved A16 restaurant in 2009 for the glitz of Manhattan, San Francisco Bay Area foodies gasped, fell into a deep funk, and believed the world had come to an end.
I exaggerate — but not by much.
But A16 did a very smart thing. For his replacement, the restaurant looked within. It promoted Liza Shaw to top toque. Shaw not only helped open A16 in 2004, but worked her way up through every station, and contributed to the recipe development and food styling of the award-winning A16 Food + Wine cookbook. In her hands, the restaurant has remained every bit as strong and consistent. Read More »
The Zeum children's museum in San Francisco, CA
Sure, the Exploratorium is fabulous. But if you’re looking for a less-crowded museum that’s not on everyone’s to-do list, here are three that are favored by San Francisco’s locals.
The Randall Museum (199 Museum Way): This city-owned museum is perched atop a fabulous overlook of the city. Inside, though, the kids will have fun learning about the Bay Area ecosystem, making LEGO models strong enough to withstand an earthquake, and playing in the model caboose and Victorian house. Read More »
One of the two underwater tunnels at Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco
[Flickr/Tolka Rover]
The big daddy of San Francisco aquariums is of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and it’s definitely worth a trip if you have the time. But it’s a couple hours drive from the city, so if that’s not on your agenda for the day, here are three more accessible places to take the family and see the sea (creatures):
Aquarium of the Bay – Located right inside the Pier 39 complex, this Fisherman’s Wharf aquarium is extremely convenient and substantial enough to give you your aquarium fix. Not to be missed are the two walk-through tunnels, 300 feet in length, from which you can watch sharks, bat rays, sea stars and more glide gently overhead. The Touch the Bay exhibit allows kids to come into contact with true marine animals like Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays – if you’ll let them! Stay nearby at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, close to Pier 39.
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Last year's (Year of the Ox) Chinese New Year's Parade in San Francisco
[Flickr/davidyuweb]
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year to you! This holiday has been a big deal in San Francisco ever since the gold rush in 1847 started bringing Chinese immigrants into California in large numbers, and is a great cultural event to bring your little (or big) ones to. Lots of colorful costumes, firecrackers and yummy food to boot! Although the actualy Chinese New Year is on Valentine’s Day this year, most of the festivities take place on February 27th. Here’s how to get the most out of your day:
Chinese New Year’s Parade – Did you know that the idea of a Chinese New Year’s parade was actually concieved in San Francisco during the 1860′s? Before then, parades in honor of the holiday didn’t exist in China or anywhere else. Now the city’s is one of the largest of its kind worldwide. Attend the parade to see dragons, dancers and firecrackers exploding over the streets. While the most scenic place to watch is in the heart of Chinatown, it can get pretty crowded, so you might be better off watching from the starting point at Second and Market. Stay at the Palace Hotel and you might even get to watch from the comfort of your room!
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San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge
[Flickr/vgm8383]
The most recognizable San Francisco icon this side of a cable car, the Golden Gate Bridge draws tens of thousands of tourists per year, and about that many commuters per day, despite the aggro $6 southbound toll. Walking and biking the Bridge are free both ways, but be sure you know what you’re getting into before you plow out into the fog!
Walking and Biking
The best way to get the great views from the Golden Gate Bridge is to walk or to roll the wheelchair-accessible footpath. Though the path is paved and nearly flat, the mile-plus hike (one way) can be a lot to take. If it’s foggy, the cold and damp can be bone chilling. With only the barest of divides between the path and the roadway, the noise deafens and the fumes…kind of blow away in the endless buffeting wind.
Driving Across the Bridge
If you’re not able to get across the Golden Gate Bridge under your own power, take a ride over the short sweet span. It’s best to take the bus or a taxi rather than drive yourself, so you can gawk at the Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. In commute traffic, it can take up to 30 minutes to cross the short span—plan accordingly.
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Squat and Gobble in the Castro
[Flickr/Xeeliz]
Ask 10 people about their favorite San Francisco brunch spots and you’ll likely get at least 10 answers. But you can’t go wrong heading to these three tried and true brunch spots, which leave repeat customers begging for more. Read More »
