It’s that time of the year. You’ve been so busy wondering how it’s possible that it is already late December that you still haven’t planned where and how you will spend the last night of 2011. No need to fret — Oyster has compiled a list of the best hotel parties in our most popular cities to help you ring in 2012.
LAS VEGAS
Bellagio
WHERE: Bellagio
WHAT: A jam session by Bruno Mars, champagne, and other surprises await at The Bank, one of Las Vegas’ most exclusive nightclubs. Hyde, slated to open on New Year’s Eve, will put the cap to the celebrations with a grand opening party on the 31st and a New Year’s Day session by Paul Oakenfold. Tickets are $175 per person.
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Some of San Francisc's best sandwiches can be found on a loading dock.
Forget your cute little cafes with the chic, outdoor tables to take a load off at lunchtime.
Some of the best al fresco dining in San Francisco can be had at an actual concrete loading dock, where you might find yourself digging into your gourmet sammy as an exhaust-spewing UPS or Fed-Ex truck pulls up right beside you.
Of course, I can only be talking about the offbeat and charming Kitchenette in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood, a short drive from the W Hotel.
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Rack of lamb meatball at Zare at Flytrap restaurant in San Francisco
Persian New Year begins March 20, the first day of spring. And Zaré at Flytrap restaurant in San Francisco is gearing up to celebrate in a big way.
Chef-owner Hoss Zaré, a native of Iran, will be hosting his first Persian New Year’s Celebration at his restaurant, a short hop from the W San Francisco hotel.
At communal tables, you can mingle and make new friends over a family-style spread of traditional dishes such as frog legs with pomegranate walnut sauce or Thai snapper with fennel, winter vegetables, and Persian pickle tartar. Read More »
Crushpad winery in San Francisco
Imagine sipping more than 80 different wines — from powerhouses France, Italy, and Spain to lesser known viticulture areas like Thailand — all in one spot. You can, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on February 25 at Crushpad in San Francisco (2573 Third Street).
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Installation piece at the de Young Museum in San Francisco
[Flickr/CRASH:candy]
The youthful city of San Francisco is known for its wacky politics, creative spirit, and out-there artistry—the Burning Man festival started on a beach right here in the City. Here are a few museums that capture and display modern art that reflects San Francisco:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Friends and locals call this downtown art museum – with an uptown reputation and collection – the SFMOMA (you’ll see the acronym on signs all over downtown SF). Its galleries full of funky furniture, colorful photos, splashy paintings, and bizarre yet beautiful multimedia installations have been known to delight and occasionally disgust visitors. Whether you love modern art or hate it, the SFMOMA’s collections and exhibitions are always entertaining. SFMOMA lies right in the midst of the Yerba Buena Garden art district, easily accessible from the W San Francisco hotel. 151 Third Street (btwn Mission & Howard)
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Cupid's Span and the Bay Bridge
Publicly commissioned art is everywhere in San Francisco — in the airport, post office, hospitals, playgrounds, and even near museums. But these three standout sculptures are some of the most-loved in the city.
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Ice Skating in Union Square
[Flickr/ingridtaylar]
Outdoor ice skating doesn’t last long in San Francisco, but three city rinks offer traditional winter fun during the holiday season. Head to the outdoor rinks before they melt–or hit the indoor Yerba Buena skating center year-round. Read More »
