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Del Mar has long been that haunt of the Hollywood elite since the 1930's. On of it's founders Bing Crosby was also involved in the building and opening one of Del Mar's most famous landmarks Del Mar race track. Have no fear normal people live in Del Mar too if you take trip down 4th street you will find an ocean side community filled with beautiful houses with immaculate landscapes. If you play your cards right and save your money you might end up in Del Mar.

Well if you lucky enough to live in Encinitas then congratulations. If you don't than the place you want to dream about lining is the 4th street corridor. This is a collection of many lovely ocean front multimillion dollar properties. If you make it to Encinitas you'll find that it has small town charm and big 1-5 traffic problem. If you in a hurry maybe you could take the chopper.

Escondido is a really cool place to live. It happens to be one of the largest and rapidly growing suburb in San Diego County. Purer Road contains what are typical homes for this area large stylish high end home on large lots with really great landscaping. Escondido is a self contained community with good schools and many shopping opportunities. The only problem with Escondido is the I-5 commuter traffic. The drive to work is a modern Dante's Inferno.

One of the most interesting suburbs of San Diego is La Mesa. La Mesa has real small town charm. From the downtown distinct that has real character to the ultra modern Hacienda style homes that can be found in La Mesa the whole city has a real friendly atmosphere. One of the typical streets in La Mesa is Mayapan Drive. It is a winding road with Hacienda Style homes that are moderately priced (750k).

One of the housing options open to most Americans is not an option for many Bay Area residents. This option is the mobile home or pre-manufactured housing. One place this is available in the Daly City area is on Franciscan Drive. Many nice homes are available in the 50-100K range. In addition most mobile home parks have on-site maintenance people to insure a clean living environment.

If your looking for a well established neighborhood full of solidly built houses that are large and spacious then Broadmoor Village is the place to be. One of the anchor streets of this neighborhood is 87th Street. These houses range from 450K-650K and were built in the 40's. The large size of these homes is perfect for those looking to do some remodeling. This neighborhood has the advantage of being close to transportation.

If your looking for a reasonably priced home close to the ocean the Belcrest Ave. might be the place to be. Most houses in this neighborhood have 2 stories because if your high up it means that you can see the ocean. The awesome thing is you can get a 500k house and also have a ocean view. This neighborhood is clean and quiet. It is also centrally located. This would be a great place to raise kids.

If your in the market you may want to take a look at the houses on Bellhaven Court. Bellhaven Court is in a subdivision where that houses are very similar they are two stories with shingle roofs, adobe style qualities and double style garages. If you can afford a house in the mid 600k range this might be the place for you. It's clean, quiet and centrally located.

One of the most prominent streets in Daly City is Mission St. On Mission St. you will find many things that you need for everyday life. There are well over 100 shops, restaurants, fast food joints, houses, apartment complexes on Mission St. alone. In one way Mission St. illustrates the cultural diversity that makes up California today.

One of the nice things about San Jose is the wide variety of different types of housing available. One of the most popular types of housing is the condo. The Rose St. corridor has several condo units of sale. This is a nice established neighborhood centrally located to schools, shops and public transportation.

Sadly when the real estate bubble burst it burst over Willow Glen Neighborhood. You can see for your self by taking a drive down Husted Ave and looking at all the houses that are up for sale. The upside is that if you are in the market for a high end property some are available for at or below cost. On the positive side if you take a trip down Husted Avenue you will see many very nice and beautiful mansions. The neighborhood is quiet and safe and very centrally located.

On Curtner Ave. right off the busy Bascom is the International Food Bazaar. The minute I walked in I felt like I was transported to the Middle East. The have an enormous selection of produce aimed at Middle Eastern and Eastern European clientele. They also offer Halal Meats and a wide variety of prepared foods. This store is well worth a special trip.

On of the segments of the housing market that isn't well served in the Bay area is the starter home market. In the area in and around downtown that are many 30's era smaller homes that could potentially serve as a nice starter home. One specific neighborhood is the 3rd Lane neighborhood. This is a old established neighborhood that should frankly use a facelift. This being said a savvy shopper may find a great bargain house in this area.

South Canal Street is kinda off the the beaten path. Trust me it's worth the trip even if you only visit Chef's Warehouse. As the name implies this is a really great kitchen supply store. If you love to cook you will love to buy your cooking equipment at Chef's Warehouse. Unlike many other retail outlets Chef's Warehouse goes out of their way to focus on only the best equipment available.

I'm not the biggest golfer in the world but one of my biggest problems is being able to find one place that I can visit to get everything I need to play well. If you have the same problem head over to Noor Ave pass by the Staples and check out The Golf Mart. This little store has everything a golfer needs. If your looking for clubs they have most in new or used condition. The staff is also very knowledgeable and can help you find what you need.

If you head over to Spruce Street yu find a nice collection of retail outlets for your shopping pleasure. Right in the middle of the chain stores you'll find a Bay area original Raymond's Sourdough. Raymond's is a sourdough bread bakery. They make fresh bread every hour. In addition to sourdough they offer other tasty bakery treats. Wonder if your kids will like sourdough? Once they smell the great fresh bread smell they will love it.

In a little grouping of retail stores that features the mega store Costco you will find a grocery store that is really concerned with providing a great customer experience namely Trader Joe's. I really like this store it seems like the stores were designed with customers in mind. It has a great selection of staples and prepared foods. The only negative is that parking is kinda of tight.

If your traveling the Bayshore Freeway and you decide to exit at Terminal Ct. be careful to avoid the handtrucks, forklifts and 18 wheelers parked to be unloaded. Your destination is Hogan's Cafe. This is a true old fashioned diner in the middle of a very busy area. They have classic diner food with a California twist. My favorite thing is this food is served with a real concern for the customer. What ever you order you get the feeling that the owners make it clear that the staff is to do their best to deliver that best food to you as possible. I love this place.

In the middle of a short little shopping area you will find New England Lobster. In my opinion this is the best lobster place in the Bay area. They are basically the live lobster supplier for the Bay area. In addition they have live crabs and anything else that come in and looks good. If you need live, fresh seafood for any occasion this is the place for you.

If your looking for a nice starter home in the actual city of Hayward you need look no further than Lone Tree Place. In this neighborhood you'll find a variety of different small home priced in the starter home range. This neighborhood could use some spiffing up but it is not in bad shape. Of course residents will find themselves very centrally located.

If you want to find out where the high end new construction is happening just take a drive out to Arundel Drive. This housing addition features large new houses on relatively small lots. This are high end homes selling for 850K- 1M. Most homes are multilevel and many have pools. Of course this neighborhood is close to every thing you need to live the good life.

Well if you visit Industrial Parkway West you may be underwhelmed. However if you take a moment to stop and have a coffee at the Hayward Starbucks you will be drinking coffee in the Starbucks with the best service I have ever seen. If you don't feel like sitting around you can take your coffee and walk through Stratford Village Park.

If your looking for a nice starter home right in the middle of every thing that's going on in the middle of Castro Valley. Most homes in this area were built in the 1950's. Many have between 1-3 bedrooms. Homes in this area sell in the 250-350K range. Of course in this are you are closed to everything including schools, restaurants, stores and highway access.

I don't mean to pick on Sherman Drive but it is smack dab in the middle of a sardine can full of big houses on super small lots. This is the first housing addition built in the 21st century style. Put a huge house on a micro lot. The only positive is that many of these houses were built in the real estate boom of 2000 many are available as foreclosures. Sadly the close proximity to your neighbors would no doubt cause conflicts.

Many of the houses along Crow Canyon Road are quite expensive because they are on huge lots. Crow Canyon Place offers homes built in the 90's on much smaller .25-.5 acre lots. This makes the homes more affordable and the neighborhood demographic more middle class. I would love to find a house in this area.

On of my favorite residential areas is Old Dublin Road. Most of these homes are 3-6 bedroom, brick homes built in the 1940's. The great thing about these homes is that many of the lots are bigger than 20 acres. That is what I love solid homes an huge lots very close to town.

Located on 4128 Bay Street between Chapel Way & Papazian Way is Mideast Grocery and Deli. This is one of many restaurant offerings in this Fremont shopping area. Mideast ha absolutely the best shawerma sandwiches, falafel and Kibbeh Neyah. As a bonus they have groceries if you need an excuse to stop in on your way home.

I'm giving you a little insiders tip to attending the Fremont Festival of the Arts. We always walk down Hastings St. to get to the festival. Hastings Street and many other downtown Fremont are transformed into booths, stages and makeshift galleries all in the name of celebrating the many different types of artistic expression. This festival is, in my opinion, is the biggest event in Fremont.

When your driving along the Paseo Padre Parkway you will notice a large open mostly dusty area. This is Coyote Hills Regional Park. You will find yourself compelled to exit the parkway and check out some cool trail. Along with a visitors center there are a selection of many trails that offer a peaceful respite from the noise and traffic of the city. Take a hike, take a break.

Head east on Anza-Pine Road and you will find yourself on the campus of Ohlone College. Established in 1965 Ohlone is an example of a typical commuter college built to serve the needs of Veterans furthering their educations with GI Bill money. You'll notice there is a lot of parking, a lack of dorms and a compact campus layout typical of a commuter campus.

At the corner of Stanford and Vineyard Ave. you'll find one of my favorite parks in the Bay area, Mission Peak Regional Park. This park has several hiking options but the best it to hike to the peak itself. This hike is not easy or hard but it is somewhat testing. Two problems are that the lack of trees means that it is hot in the park and on the trail and the fact that there are some snakes hanging around the park. All problems aside the view from the peak is worth the trouble.

You can find Andrew Spinas Park at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Bay Road. This is a cool park with all new playground equipment. The thing that I really liked was is best described as a monster spray hose placed in the middle of a astroturf circle. This is really cool for kids that are non swimmers it lets them play in the water without swimming. The park also has lighted tennis courts, BBQ pit, Picnic area and rest rooms. A really clean and fun park.

Since I'm a tennis lover I always want to pass on the park(s) that offer tennis in the cities I visit. On the corner of Turkshead at Quay Lane you will find Dolphin Park. This is a neat clean 2 acre park with a picnic area, BBQ pit and a playground. The star of this park is the tennis court. This is a readily available really nice public court. This park is great the kids can play on the equipment while you play tennis.

On the corner of Locust St.and McEvoy St. is the very tiny Fleishman Park. It is less than a acre big but offers summer swimming, playground, picnic area, BBQ pits and restrooms. One warning is the fact that the park is so small that on a nice day this park can get very busy. Please remember that parking on busy days will be tough.

You will find Marlin Park at the corner of Neptune Dr./Cringle Dr.. This park is a very good substitute for Hoover park until renovations are finished there. Marlin Park is a 11 acre park featuring football, soccer and baseball fields, a play ground, picnic area, BBQ pits, Tennis courts, Basketball courts and restroom facilities. This park is very nice and in a great location.

At the corner of Woodside Rd. and Spring St. you will find Hoover Park. This park is a large 10 acre park in the middle of Redwood City. I understand that the park is currently undergoing renovation. Personally I loved the pre-renovation park. I can't wait to see what they have planned for the new park. The new park will have a pool open in the Summer, ball fields, playground, picnic area, BBQ pits, basketball courts and rest rooms. This is a great place to let you kids blow off some steam after traveling around sightseeing.

Right in downtown on El Camino Real is a monster mall called Sequoia Station. One of the cool things about this mall is they have their own parking. On my last visit they had a 24 hour grocery and pharmacy. They have around 20 restaurants including coffee shops, pizza, health food and candy store. They also have many clothing store, post office, dry cleaners, etc. Literally everything you would need. They are also right next to the Cal Train Station.

If you visit Redwood City you must visit the historic Fox Theater. It is located right around the corner for La Fiesta restaurant on Winslow. The theater is massive and takes up the block. It is truly a beautiful venue. Happily for us the management is often booking all types of acts to play there. In my opinion it is worth the ticket to just see the interior of the theater. Please keep in mind parking in downtown Redwood City is tough.

On Saturday mornings between 8 AM and Noon they have a really awesome Farmers Market. It is easy to find it is on the corner of Winslow and Hamilton. The market is kinda on the small side focusing on organic produce. This is a real event with bands and many sales at most local shops. This event would get 5 stars but I'll be honest parking is tough.

One of the most amazing things about Redwood City are the vast array of shopping options visitors have while visiting. On of the most impressive strips is a one block stretch of Main St. between Broadway and Middlefield. In one block you'll find an branch of UC, galleries, antique stores, gourmet grocery store, night clubs and a employment agency. You could spend hours in this block.

If you are serious about playing or learning to play tennis in San Leandro the sooner you find out about Heath Park the better. The park is basically just a collection of tennis courts.The park also has a portable restroom, drinking fountain, picnic table and barbecue. The park also has off street parking. This is both a place to play and a place to be seen in San Leandro.

Cherry Grove Park is a 4-acre park, located on Leonard Drive at Williams Street. The park is right next to John Muir School. Amenities include a tennis court, 10 barbecue pits, night lighting, parking, 21 picnic tables, play areas and restrooms. The tennis court must be reserved through city hall.

Siempre Verde Park is located at the corner of Park Street and San Leandro Boulevard. It is a very nice green open space that provides a recreational space for the residents in the area. The park has a play ground, basketball courts, a baseball field, a picnic area, BBQ pits and restroom facilities.

Memorial Park, built and opened in 1938, is San Leandro's oldest park. You can find Memorial Park at the intersection of Bancroft and Callan avenues. A Creek runs along the north side of Memorial Park. The park large sitting areas and picnic facilities and two separate playgrouds. There are 5 barbecue pits, 10 picnic tables and restroom facilities.

Located right behind the Dayton Elementary School is the Dayton playground. This is a great place to take the kids to play on the summertime in San Leandro. Since it is located in the middle of a neighborhood and behind to school it is a quiet respite from the busy city life. The playground has all the standard equipment that your kids love.

At the north end of Elvina Drive you will find a nice place called Stenzel Park. It is an nice neighborhood park located in the middle of San Leandro. The park has four regulation ball fields, four barbecue pits, six picnic tables, a half court basketball court, restrooms and a concession booth. If you want to watch a game or play a game this is the place for you.

Travel the short distance down Wicks Boulevard and you will end up at the Marina Community Center. This cool meeting space is the home of many events in the San Leandro area. Most large scale meetings and conventions in this area are help in the Community Center. In addition the grounds of the Community Center are quite nice and any visit to the center should include a stroll around the Center.

Every Wednesday evening between 4PM and 8PM from May to October on Parrott Street between E 14th St and Washington Ave in downtown San Leandro you will find a vibrant marketplace of sweet, juicy, tree-ripened fruits; delicious, healthy, just-picked vegetables; beautiful fresh-cut flowers; gourmet foods; and tasty snacks. This is the famous San Leandro Farmers Market. You should check it out it's a great event.

I hate to say it but this area of San Mateo is kinda of like a graveyard of sorts. It is the home of soon to be destroyed Bay Meadows race course. This great track was home to all of the equine stars and even served as the home base of the best jockey in the history of horse racing Russel Baze. I recently visited this area and I'm glad to say that I know what a horse track looks like before they destroy them all.

At the end of Bahai street you will find the Los Prados Park. This is a great park with a lake, playground, picnic area and lots of green spaces. The best part of this park is the fact that they have a full service conference center on the park grounds. This would be a great place to have a meeting you would be in the city and the country at the same time.

Right in the middle of a residential neighborhood is the compact Beresford Park. I really love this little park. It is very clean and full of smiling faces. In this small park they have a garden center, playground, restrooms, tennis courts, baseball diamond, skate area, bocce ball court, picnic area, basketball court and indoor meeting area. If you want to do it it is here. Enjoy. I'll see you there.

Nestled in the middle of a residential neighborhood is a great park called Fiesta Meadows Park. It is a small park just filled with spirit. I dropped by on a Saturday just in time to see a spirited soccer game and sample the products of a few street vendors. Soon after I arrived I realized that this was the place that the neighborhood comes to play. In addition to the soccer field the park has a playground and restrooms.

Lakeshore Park lies East of Marina Court and stretches all the way to the San Mateo/ Foster City slough. The park has a nice picnic area, basketball courts and BBQ pits. It even has a small sandy beach. In my opinion the beach and the water is really not clean enough for swimming. So if you bring the kiddies make sure to have plenty of things to keep them busy and out of the water. This park would be a nice place to go on a cooler day when you can't swim but would like to be near the water.

Nestled in this residential neighborhood is Gledora Drive a small quiet road that leads to a nice neighborhood spot called Laurelwood Park. The first thing I noticed about this park is how clean it was. Later I was surprised to discover that this park allowed dogs. This park is very quiet with a nice picnic area with tables. If you didn't bring food there are several nearby restaurants where you can pick up some food and eat in the park. If your thinking about moving into this neighborhood a visit to this park will let you know what the whole area is all about.

Anchored by the magnificent Ritz Carlton nothing demonstrates the transformation of Coconut Grove more than this wonderful hotel. Once a haven for hippies Coconut Grove is being transformed into an upscale trendy location. This area features popular shops, good food and a lively nightlife fueled by relaxing univesity students. On your next trip to Miami visit Coconut Grove.

In the Fabulous Fifties Miami was the true American Riviera. New renovations have made it very fashionable to visit Miami Beach again. Perfect weather a nice beach and fashionable hotels draw vistors to Miami in the 21st century as they did in the 20th century. Just head north of 24th on Ocean Drive your in Miami Beach proper. How sweet it is.

If your looking for a street that has botique hotels, trendy restrants, cute shops and hopping bars Washington Ave is the street for you. Washington Ave. between 5th and 20th is a eclectic mix of high end hotels, shops, clubs and resturants. If you only have one night in Miami choose Washington Ave.

It's often said if you want the best shop the best. The Lincoln Road Mall is located between 16th and 17th Street on Lincoln Road. This mall give the area a European feel. This is not your grandmothers mall, it has trendy shops, art galleries, movie theaters, a variety of resturants featuring European Cuisines, etc. This is probably the most eclectic group of shops I have ever visited.

On or around NE 54th St, and Biscane Blvd. is a colorful, lively neighborhood know as Little Haiti. You will find a large variety of shops, resturants, music and products of all kind that celebrate the Haitian culture. Have a great french meal, visit a voodoo supply store or have your fortune read. Many options that you find here you won't find anywhere outside of Haiti.
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In order to meet the demand for upscale shopping, dining and residential space developers have been moving quickly to conver Brickell Ave. to an upscale living area. This street is in close proximity to where many of the movers and shakers of Miami work and play. Most of the development as occured in the 500-1500 blocks of Brickell Ave. Needless to say this is a lively and colorful street perfect for people watching.

The short strech of Ocean Drive between 5th-20th Street is also known as South Beach or the Art Deco District. This street is hom to several buildings in the Art Deco style. The pastel colors are just lovely in this setting. In addition to the hotels Ocean Drive is home to trendy shops and popular resturants. Even if you can't afford to stay here you sure can still enjoy it for free.

One of my favorite walks in Philadelphia is what I call the yesterday to today walk. I start a Penn Landing and walk west on Walnut Street in until I hit the river. This route passes many of the historically signifigant sites and clearly demonstrstes the transition fom historic Philadelphia to modern day Philadelphia. Walnut Street is a colourful and lively street that measures the pulse of Philadelphia.

Market Street has been a signifigant thoroughfare for entire history of the City of Philadelphia. I always visit the Independence Vistor Center to find out what is going on in the historic area of Philadelphia before I hit the street. There is information on hours, guided tours and walking tours. The area of Market between Front and Ninth St. is a lively, colorful street.

One of the most Historically Signifigant steets in the world is Chestnut Street between Front St. and Ninth. I can't possible doi this street justice but in a short strech you'll find sich sights as Congress Hall, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and The Bourse. The density of history sites in this area is truly amazing you could spend a entire day exploring here.

In a city full of historical sites Walnut St. between Front and 9th St is full of old world charm. Walking west from Front you'll pass the City Tavern, The Eighteenth Century Garden, The Todd House and finally The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Each of these sites are interesting but the group helps remind us how important Philadelphia is in American History.

On a stretch of PIne St. betwee 7th and Broad you'll find Philadelphia's lively antiques row. This strech od Pine is home to an eclectic mix of shops, resturants and bars. In addition, there are many refurbished residential units that lend a old school feel to this district. This area is more than a shopping district it is a living neighborhood.

On of my most pleasant Philadelphia surprises is Jewlers Row. Located on Sansom St. between 7th and 8th Jewlers is a busling clean and vibrant area of Jewlrey stores and shops. No matter what your'e looking for you'll find it in one of the over 50 shops here. Take a moment to enjoy shopping.

I always have had a fondness for college campuses. Philadelphia just happens to be home to the University of Pennsylvania. You can get real feel for the Ivy League by taking a short stroll down the Locust Walk. Locust St. between 39th anf 40th. It central location and historic feel gives me a real feel for the University. Just a note many of the areas around the University are in transition. Please be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense.

Since my gradchildren are always on my mind when I go to a new place I always check out the Zoo. Philadelphia just happens to have a very nice zoo. You can get a feel for the zoo by walking Girard Ave. between 34th and Zoological Drive. After finishing this short walk I'll be surprised if you don't just take a few hours to visit the zoo.

First time visitors to Philadelphia are often surprised by Fairmount Park. An over 4400 acre respite from the city in the city. I once had a very enjoyable walk starting out at 22nd and Pennsylvania Ave. and walking NW on Pennsylvania Ave. This is a starting point for excursions into the park and fills you in on the true park feel of Fairmount Park.

Turner Field in Alanta is home to the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta has done the sports stadium thing right. On a strech of Hank Aaron Drive from Georgia Ave. to Fulton St. you'll find a real palace dedicated to all that is sports. At the Fulton St. end you'll find the olympic torch from the 1996 olympics. Heading further south you'll dicover that Turner Field is no normal baseball stadium. It has resturnats, museums and shops. Last but not least they also play baseball there. Take in a game and much more at Turner Field.

Boy do I like Urban College Campuses. Atlanta has one of the best. The Georgia Tech Campus is large and very interesting. Probably the best way to get a real feel for this campus is to pick a very busy school day and traverse the campus on Ferst St. This street basically forms a circle inside the campus and passes by many of the important buildings on campus. In addition this campus is great for people watching.

Not to be disrespectful but his area is smack dab in the middle of where the horiffic tornado hit downtown Atlanta last summer. Happily things are back to normal an open for buisness. If you travel down Andrew Young International Boulevard from Spring St. and ending at the Georgia Dome you'll find a strech of some of the most famous buildings in Atlanta. Travelling west you'll pass through Centennial Park the home of the 96 Summer Olympics. Going further you'll pass by the CNN Center home of the first all news network. Continuing on you'll pass by the Phillips Areana home of the Atlanta Hawks. Going further you'll pass by the Georgia International Plaza and finally the walk ends at the Georgia Dome. The Georgia Dome has hosted some of the most signifigant sports and entertainment events in the country.

On a short strech of Andrew Young International Boulevard between Peachtree Center Ave. and Spring St. lies the center of the Atlanta Shopping District. First heading west you'll run into the Peachtree Center Mall. This mall is home to many moderate to high end stores and a nice quality food court. If that's not enough shoppoing for just travel a little more west and you'll run into America's Mart. This is a huge conglomeration of wholesale and retail outlets offering a wide vaiety of items from furnture to high end clothing. This is a enormous amount of mechandise in a very small area.

On a short strech of M. L. King Jr. Dr. Between Pryor St. and Spring St. lies the center of Atlanta's goverment center. Travelling NW on Pryor St. you'll pass the Fulton County Goverment Center travel a little further you'll run into a triad of Federal Govement buildings namely the Sam Nunn, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Richard B. Russel Buildings. This walk isn't for everyone but if you like goverment buildings you'll like this street.

In the heart of Atlanta'a SONO District lies a strech of Renaissance Parkway between Piedmont Ave. and Central Park Plaza. I would like to call this street Atlanta's Park Ave. This are is one of the first residentail areas in Atlanta. It contains many residental units and lots of green space. "Park Avenue" starts out flanking Rwnaissance Park and winds through the area ending at Central Park. In my orinion this area is the premiere green space in downtown Atlanta.

On a short strech of Alabama street between Peachtree St. and Wall St. you'll find the entrance to a true Atlanta Landmark The Atlanta Undergroud. This is a huge comglomeration of shops and resturants. It is actually a underground shopping center. If you have time to visit one place make it the Atlanta Undergroud. The diverse selection of stores and resturants are truly amazing.

For some reason Chestnut St. between Baker St. and Fillmore St. Is just full of cool coffee shops, neat cafes, and shops full of diverse offerings. This is also a great area to people watch especially on weekend mornings. One of my favorites is A16 a resturant featuring the cuisine of Naples at 2355 Chestnut. If you have the kids you may wish to visit Johnny Rockets a recreated 1950's diner located at 1946 Filmore. I mainly like this street because it is colorful, lively and what a city should be.

Down the east side of Telegraph Hill Filbert Street becomes so steep it becomes the Filbert Steps. Officially these steps are located on Filbert between Sansome St. and Battery St. This area has platforms and steps to make navigation easier but it is still pretty strenuous. This area is primarily residential with many of the house unique in design.

One of my favorte areas of San Francisco is Nob Hill. My favorite walk in Nob Hill is to basically tavel the lenght of Polk Street. This gives you the oppourtunity to sample the flavor of a very diverse area. More specifiacally Polk St. Between Union and Pine St will give you a good idea of what's going on in Nob Hill. You'll find a lively street full of shops, returants, hotels, etc.

On a shortstrech of Sutter St. between Stockton St. and Kearney St. you'll find what I like to call San Francisco's Chocolate Heaven. Heading east on Sutter St. you'll find Richart, a chocolate store that treats chocolate almost as a art medium. Buy on of the sample boxes to find out what Richart is all about. Walk a little further and you'll find Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland. In my opinion their champagne truffles are to die for. If that's not enough walk a little further you'll find Cafe' Claude a classic French Bistro where you'll finish you meal with what else a wonderful Chocolate Mousse.

You may not believe it but a small strech of Maiden Lane between Stockton St. and Kearney St. is just filled with small and lage shops very much like you would find in Paris. Heading East from Union Square Park you'll find Yves St. Laurent, Diptyque, Arthur Beren, Chanel, David Stephen, Hermes of Paris and Christofle. After your shopping take a moment to have a nice snack at Bistro 69. Bon Voyage.

In my Opinion Geary St. Between Jones St. and Powell St. is San Francisco's Hotel Row. This Short strech is just full of Classic San Francisco Hotel. In addition, all of these hotel's have fine resturants. Heading east on Geary you'll find the Savoy Hotel, the Hotel Adagio, the Cliff Hotel, the Warwick Regis Hotel, the Hotel Diva and finally the Handerely Union Square. In my opinion all of these hotels bring to mind the optimism that world travelers must have felt when first arriving to San Francisco.

A very interesting strech of Stuart Street between Market St. and the Embarcadero contains smoe of the best San Francisco has to offer. Beginning at Market Street you'll find One Market Resturant a huge palace to gastronomy. Heading SE you'll find several classic San Francisco landmarks including the Rincon Center, the Hotel Griffin, the Harbor Court Hotel and finally ending at Gordon Biersch a Palo-Alto Based microbrewey. Altoghether a nice little walk.

San Francisco has a large number of lovely parks. Yerba Beuna Gardens is one of my favorites because it suceeds in combining plants, art, stores and large public spaces. Yerba Beuna Gardens is flanked by 4th Street between Mission St. and Folsom St. This garden has a large amount green space but you will also find Art, Movie theaters, the Moscone Converntion Center and a great Martin Luther KIng Memorial. I'm just metioning a few of the great things in this mixed use masterpiece.

You wouldn't expect it but right in the middle of Downtown San Francisco is a lively little strip of shops that remind you of shops you find in europe. More specifically, Hayes St. between Laguna and Franklin is just filled with cute shops offering a Plethora of quality merchandise. Take a stroll down this street you'll find a French Cafe, a German Resturant, a Brasserie and the city's best seafood resturant. You also find high end shops offering pottery, folk art, clothing and antiques. A three block area just full of life.

Originally built by Arthur Hammerstein the theater was remodeled for television in 1950 and renamed for the variety show in 1967 and is is located 1697-1699 Broadway between 53rd and 54th Street. The theater has 400 seats and has hosted the Late Show since 1993. Most of the stores featured on the show are in close proximity to the theater. The Hello Deli is around the Corner on 53rd St. The Jamba Juice and Starbucks are across Broadway as is the infamous Flashdancers. During taping this is a great place to see stars getting out of limos if thats your thing.

For many years New Yorkers have been lucky to be able to shop at a wide variety of Flea Markets. The eclectic population of Manhattan makes it likely you'll find nearly anything at a Manhattan Flean Market. In my opinion the best Flea Market in New York is located along W. 39th Street between 9th and 10th Ave. The Flea Market Operates year round on Saturday and Sundays from 6:30 Am til 6:00 Pm. This is a great flea market you'll be pleasently surprised.

Although there are many shoe stores in Manhattan the "Offical Shoe District" is located in Greenwich Village on 8th Street between 2nd and 6th Ave. Many Shoe stores can be found along this strech of 8th Street. I am not a big shoe shopper myself but I can certainly appreciate the wide variety of shoes available in the shoe district.

It's difficult to find single buisness districts that remain intact in Manhattan. One of these districts is the Resturant Supply District. Over 400 resturant supply wholesalers and retailers are located on a 4 block stretch of the Bowrey below Houston. This district is pretty much been the same for the last 50 years. If you need anything cooking this is the place to go.

In the late 1800's a wide variety of Large Department Stores were built on Sixth Ave. between 14th and 23st. This strech became known as the Ladies Mile. Although many of the stores have moved out the grand buildings still remain. It is a very enjoyable walk down Sixth Ave imagining what it was like for people from small towns to arrive in New York City and how amazing it must have been for the new arrivals.

Back in the late 1800's New York City was the home to a wide variety of Financial Industries including a burgeoning Insurance Industry. The Insurance District was defined roughly as the area between Maiden Lane and the Brooklyn Bridge Approach. At time passed by almost every major Insurance Company had a prescence in the Insurance District. As time passed many the Insurance Companies had move to other ares offering more space. By the 1920's most of the Insurance Companies had moved to other areas of Manhattan,

Many current visitors and residents cannot remember the days of dirty and gritty New York City. The Minnesota Strip was designated as the 10 blocks of 8th Ave. North of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It was called the Minnesota Strip because it was belived that girls from the midwest arriving at Port Authority would prostitute themselves along this strip. I was even rumored that if the girls stayed in this corridor thay would be ignored and not arrested. I really don't know if such an arrangement exsist but there sure where many more prostitutes in New York City then there are today.

Historically New Yorkers have loved chess. They love it so much they created a Chess Distric. The distric is located in Greenwich Village on Thompson Street between Canal St. and Washington Square Park. This is a quiet street lined with 35 different establishments many of which you can always espect to find a lively game of chess. More specifically Thompson St. is the home of Chess Forum and the Village Chess Shop two of the most comprehensive chess stores in Manhattan.

In the 1930's New York's Flower Market was one most active markets. Back then it was customary to send flowers for nearly every occasion. Historically the Flower Market has been located on Sixth Ave between 26th and 28th Street. Last time I visited some vendore were still there but rumors of evivtion notices filled the air. It's quite sad this market was always full of life and color. I'll never understand New Yorkers ordering each other flowers on the internet when they could take a short and have a live person whip up an arrangement for a fraction of the cost. Hope you catch it before it's gone if not spend a moment to reflect the loss of another New York Tradition.

I am always looking around for streets or areas in large metropolitan areas that seem untouched by the hands of time. Little Stone Street is one of these untouched places. Stone Street is located between Coenties Alley and Hanover Square. Stone Street is found on the oldest exsisting maps of lower mahattan. It was named Stone Street in 1656 because it was the first stone paved thoroughfare in manhattan. Most of the buildings on Stone Street date to 1836 when massive rebuilding occured after a devastating fire in 1835. None of the buiding on Stone Street date later than the 1920's. Take a moment to visit Stone Street and imagine what New York was like in the good old days.

Shubert Alley is located right in the middle of New York's Theater district. Schubet Alley connects 44th and 45th street between 8th Ave and Broadway. Shubert alley is home to the famous Schubert Theater site of the long running play "A Chorus Line". In addtion to the Schubert, Schubert alley is home to the Booth Theater and a really great theater memorabilia store One Shubert Place. Not only is Shubert Alley home to 2 great theaters but is the location of a variety of different festivals. For example the Great Broadway Flea Market is held in the alley every year.

New York's Diamond District is easy to find. It is located on West 47th Street between 5th and 6th Ave. It Maybe easy to find but it is hard to believe that there are approx 2600 jewelry stores in on city block. The stores are located in exhanges which are basically office buildings with a jewelry store in each office. If you there to browse you maybe better of starting at the largest exchange The World's Largest Jewelry Exchage at 55 W. 47th Street. If your looking to buy diamonds don't be shy realize these people are here to sell diamond don't be shy and give the diamond district a try.

On of my favorite Green Spaces in New York is Madison Square Park . It is the typical New York park with great landscaping, fountains, statues and people, people, people. It is easy to find it is bounded on east by Madison between 23rd and 27st. Another thing that makes this park so great is that it has exsisted for 150 years and has recently undergone a total renovation in 2001. The only problem I have with this park is on busy days this park is EXTREMLY BUSY. So busy it may be uncomfortable for some. This park is an absolute must see for visitor and resident of New York alike.

If you have a can when your in San Francisco, maybe you should maybe you shouldn't, what would be the best street to drive the lenght of in order to get a good taste of what the city is all about, My Choice would be driving the lenght of Lombard Street. It starts slow at the Presidio and ends unceremoniously at the Embarcereo. How ever the twist and turns you make along the lenght of Lombard give you a great idea of the general topography of the city and environs. Drive carefully on the switchbacks near Russian Hill but be prepared for the great view when you reach the top (it's worth the effort). Normally I'm not a big fan of driving in big cities but if you have a car make the most of it.

Cordelia Alley is located in Chinatown between Pacific Ave. and Broadway. It was the first alley renovated by the San Francisco Alley Improvement Project. This restoration is obvious when visiting. New buisnesses have began to move in and life is easier for the residents that live here. In the case of Cordelia Alley dumpsters were removed, lighting was added and much cement work was done. This alley was converted from a really dumpy alley to a pleasent clean residential area.

Beckett Alley located in Chinatown between Pacific Ave. and Jackson St. Now nearly totally deserted until 1906 Beckett Alley was wall to wall bordellos. Sadly, these were not just bordellos but many of the women exploited in these houses were kidnapping victims and held against their will. I believe that negative energy is so strong in this area that developers are reluctant to build in this area.

Hang Ah alley is located in Chinatown. This alley connects Sacramento St. and Clay St. This alley is nothing earth shaking but is a perfect example af a Chinatown alley that controls traffic and serves as a place of buisness for the locals. Normally buildings in alleys in Chinatown have buisnesses on the first floor and SRO hotels on the upper floors. While trversing Hang Ah alley during a tour the guide pointed out where she lived for 10 years until she moved acroos the street to another SRO where she lived for another 10 years. The alley is scheduled for renovation in the near future. The city intends to improve traffic control place several historical markers.

Bix Alley is a really neat Place located in San Francisco's Financial District. It can be found between Balance St. and Montgomery St.. The main draw to this alley is it's namesake resturant Bix. Bix is a upscale resturant featuring live Jazz Music. It's cuisin has been described and San Francisco classic. However Bix is widely considered as the birthplace of California Cuisine. Come to see the alley but stay for dinner.

One of the newest art Galleries in San Francisco is The Artists Alley. It's not really an alley but it is a gallery located on Mission St. Between 4th and 5th. This gallery is really cool because it is new, modern and features only local artists. It is a huge space and can feature works of about 50 artists at one time. The main thing that visiting The Artists Alley did for me is motivate me to seek out and find more local artists.

Clarion Alley is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. It connects Mission and Valencia between 17th and 18th St. This alley contains one of the most amazing collections of street art that I have ever seen. I believe the artists of Clarion Alley are mostly funded by a San Francisco City Grant. This alley is relatively clean and well lit making it perfect for an art display. I simply do not have the words to describe the high level of work presented in Clarion Alley. For me this is a must see attration. I would actually go to San Francisco just to see the art in Clarion Alley.

Dore Alley (Street) is located between Howard St. and Folsom St. Dore Alley is home to the annual Up Your Alley Fair. A annual Leather amd Fetish based festival held in Dore Alley. This festival feature thousand's of attendees, booths for commerce and a stage for dancing. This festival may not be your cup of tea and it isn't for the kiddies however it is a smaller more managable version of the out of control Folson Street Fair.

Spofford Alley is located in Chinatown between Washington and Clay St. It also was for a long time an "alley of ill repute" home to Gambling Dens, Brothels and Opium Dens. In addition this alley housed Dr. Sun Tay Sen's secret headquarters. This alley beacame of great interest to me after reading a beat cops account of early 21st centry Chinatown. His beat was across the street from Spofford Alley and he recalled spending endless hours mixing opium for sale in an Opium den. This alley is not as fancy as some but if you are checking out alleys put this on on your list to visit.

On of the most infamous alleys in San Francisco History is Ross Alley. Located between Washington and Jackson close to Grant Ave. in Chinatown. Ross alley used to be home to Gambling Dens, Brothels and Opium Dens. Now the most visable tenant is The Golden Gate Forture Cookie Factory. If you have a chance take a moment to buy some fortune cookies and marvel at the process that results innthese tasty treats. Also spend a little time to appreciate the murals depiticting everday life in Chinatown that flank the alley. Keep in mind all of the alleys in San Francisco are scheduled for renovation in the near future.

Macondray Lane is a pedestrian walkway that runs east-west near Russian Hill. More specifically the alley runs between Leavenworth and Taylor roughly paralell to Union and Green Street. Macondray Lane is simply a very green space in the middle of a busy city. A place to spend a minute to relax and recharge. At the Taylor end of the park there are stairs down to Taylor Street. The Leavenworth exit offers street access along with spectacular view of San Franciisco Bay and Alcatraz Island.

Running south from Pine Street to Bush Street is a super cool alley called Belden Place. In 1851 around 3000 French Immigrants setteled here. Ever since then Belden Place has carried on the French culture and as a result maintained it French charm. Although really just an alley you'll find a variety of French resturants including Cafe Bastille, a vodka bar and a coulpe of nice shops. Another unique characteristic of Belden Place is the opportunity for street dining, At lunch and dinner time the street is closed and table and chairs moved in to create a large dining area. Belden Place really shines on special occasions. San Francisico's annual Batille Day celebration, the nations largest, is held here. On your next trip to San Francisco check out Belden Place, you'll love it,

My favorite Chicago Park is Wells Park in the Ravenswood area of Chicago. The park entance is at roughly 2300 W Sunnyside. However many blocks of Sunnyside front the park. This 15 acre park has all kinds of cool things including a public indoor pool open year-round, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts and even horse shoes. This park is also home of the Chicago Folk and Roots Festival. A really Great Festival. Man this park has plenty of green space and many thing to do for everyone. This parks has been going since 1910 and ain't stoppin soon.

For one weekend in September 1400N-1600N Wells is converted in to a huge winery. All aspects of wine making are demonstrated and you may sample wine from a variety of different vineyards from arount the world. This festival combined with the fact that it is in Old Town, my favorite neigborhood in chicago, make it a must go every year. I have travelled thousands of miles to attend this festival. If you like wine and Chicago this is a won't miss event. Don't bring the kids I have seen it get a bit ugly on ocassion.

In my opinion the Magnificant Mile begins at the Art Musem to around the 1200N. Block of Michigan Ave. This stretch of Michigan Ave has over 1200 stores, resturants and bars. Anything you could want is in this area. All differnt types of transportation will get you right to Michigan Ave. shopping, Michigan Ave is always busy but reaches gridlock from Thanlsgiving to Christrmas. If you planning a big trip plan ahead, save up some money and pray for snow.

Located about 2 miles north of the loop Lincoln Park offers a wide variety of entertainment options to the tourist or resident. Lincoln Park is a lakeside neighborhood with many of the attractions located on N. Lincoln Ave Between W. Belmont Ave and N. Lake Shore Drive. Many of the attraction in Lincoln Park Neighborhood are outdoors including The Lincoln Park Zoo and North Beach. Many of the best resturant in Chicago are located in Lincon Park including Charlie Trotters. After dining you may choose to have a nightcap in one of the 100 bars in Lincoln Park. Need to pick up a new wardrobe before you go out. Lincoln park has over 50 stores from small shopping malls to upscale designer outlets. Whatever you want Lincol Park has it enjoy.

Located about 6 miles northwest of the loop is Humbolt Park. It is an alive and vibrant neighborhood and the center of Peurto Rican Culture in Chicago. The main artery of Humbolt Park is W. North Avenue between N. Pulaski Ave and N. Western Ave. All along this main thoroughfare you'll find a wide variety of mom and pop resturants, grocery stores and speciality stores featuring Peurto Rican fare. Not surprisingly the main star of this neighborhood is Humbolt Park itself. The park hosts many events throught the year including The Latin Jazz Festival and Chicago's Peurto Rican Festival. This is an up and coming neighborhood with much to offer for a tourist or a resident.

Located about 1 mile north of the loop Goose Island is a man-made island in the Chicago river. That's right no one actually lives on Goose Isalnd. Even though no one lives there some would say that Goose Island has some of the best establisments in Chicago. Goose Island has Calument Photographic some would say the best photo store in Chicago. In addition to the best photo store some feel that Kendall College, located on Goose Island, is the best culinary school in the country. The dining room at Kendal College allows you to sample culinary school dishes for a very low price. Goose Island can be easliy reached by car or bus and is well worth your time.

In a city as diverse as Chicago being known as the most ethnically diverse neighborhood in Chicago is something to be proud of. Alabany Park is located in Northwest Chicago. The "main drag" in Albany Park is W. Lawrence between N. Pilaski and N. Kedzie. On this 16 block stretch of Lawrence you'll find resturants and shops that serve immigrat populations from Yugoslavia, Korea, Mexico, South America and the Middle East. In addition, Albany Park is the neighborhood Mayor Dailey has chosen to live in. In addition to shops and resturants, Albany Park is close to all types of transportation and has many residential properties for rent or purchase. The only negative for Albany Park is that the neighborhood is so lively it can be noisy.

Cow Hollow, that is Union Street between Franklin and Steiner is no longer a pasture. It is more like a social institution. This neighborhood has a variety of interesting upscale resturants, shops and watering holes. In addition to the commercial establishments Cow hollow has a many of upscale residential dwellings.

One always hears horror stories about the lack of affordable safe housing for the middle class working people of San Fransisco. On my last visit I ran into the Crescent Valley area on Cortland Ave between Bernal Heights and Hollt Park. I found this to be a nice neighborhood full of well kept home with quiet strees and few traffic problems.

A once Dowdy and Downtrodden area, Sacramento Street from Divisadero to Cherry is in the middle of a transformation from a run down area into a upscale area of art galleries, interior design studios and botiques. In addtion several upscale residential areas are in exsistance with more planned.

In my opinion the Embarcadero is one of the most amazing accomplishments in any of out grea american cities. The Embarcadero run along the eastern shore of San Fransisco along the bay. To drive along the Embarcadero is to take a whirlwind tour of San Fransisco in a short drive.

In my opinion nothing say Golden Gate Park more than the Japanese Tea Garden. It is a bustling microcosm of San Fransisco itself. These meticulously designed gardens, orginally built for the 1904 Mid-Winter Fair, are very popular and draw crowds. After you've strolled through the garden sit down in the little cafe there and have a pot of tea, juice, and some delicious sesame almond cookies. Even if you don't leave feeling serene, you're at least likely to feel soothed by the experience.

In the middle of the Castro you'll find the majestic Castro Theater. According to it's website the Theater was built in 1922, San Francisco's Castro Theatre originally ran first-run (mainstream) films for the public, but in 1976, made the change to its current role as a venue for classic, foreign, and independent cinema. The theater also serves as home to several film festivals, such as the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in February. Its grandness is a throwback and tribute to the past, while its commitment to the independent spirit makes it very modern.

In short, it’s got it all - and remains a popular attraction for those visiting the city. As one of the few remaining movie palaces in the nation, it’s not surprising to learn of the theater’s admiration.

Its original design was conceived by architect Timothy L. Pflueger and the exterior and interior reflect influences ranging from Mexico to Italy. The famous Wurlitzer organ welcomes you upon each visit, and readies you for a feature presentation not soon to be forgotten. Walking into the theater, you can sense its history and marvel at its existence, especially in the face of so many multiplexes.

In the middle of a great neighborhood is a wonderful hotel the 1890. Built in 1890, Inn 1890 is a beautiful and historic Queen Anne Victorian offering the original warmth and feel of the 1890's. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, huge windows and wood fireplaces blend with modern conveniences. Located one block from Golden Gate Park, Haight Street and San Francisco history. When in the Haight Live the Haight and choose the 1890.