SF LIFE: Summer Arrives, Carnaval, Glamping, Bugs
This weekend marks the start of “official summering” to so many of us. Remember fellow Tomatoes when this signified the start of wearing white? Now the white jeans are in constant rotation! Yes, summer has arrived this weekend (hopefully the sun will shine), however, we should take a moment to remember those who have valiantly served our country while we enjoy our barbecues and sales! If you want to celebrate the red, white and blue way, I have a few places for you to visit. Not so traditional, how about a Carnaval Celebration? Since it’s the start of summer, check out the newest addition in the Glamping arena. Bug lover? An Entymologist’s Love Story is playing at The San Francisco Playhouse.
Memorial Day Events
On Sunday the Golden Gate Park Band Concert at the music concourse in GG park presents a special musical salute to Memorial Day. If you love listening to patriotic tunes with amazing brass instruments and the like, this is the event for you. 1: p.m. Their free band series continues every Sunday into October. Three cheers for the red, white and blue! http://www.goldengateparkband.org
Since 1950, the USS San Francisco Memorial Foundation has held a special ceremony in remembrance of those who served. This remarkable ship was built at the Mare Island Naval shipyard and participated in almost every Pacific battle from Pearl Harbor to the end of WWII. That ship saw a lot of sailors! www.usssanfrancisco.org
You know by now that the Presidio is one incredible venue with very rich history. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Presidio’s participation in the city’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. On Monday May 28th, the one million Americans who were killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces will be honored. This is the largest such ceremony in the west and well worth a visit. You will truly experience chills as you watch the veterans parade from the Presidio Officer’s Club, but the 21 –Gun salute will leave you in tears. http://www.presidio.gov
Glamping
Add one more fab location to the glamping spots that keep popping up in our glorious state. It’s Mendocino’s turn and WOW. Mendocino Grove opened last year for those of us who prefer more of the comforts of a hotel than the rocks, dirt and creepy crawlies you get while nesting on the ground. This property is a rustic-chic glampsite just off Highway 1 that allows you all the outdoor space in which to worship nature but includes ample creature comforts. 60 safari-style canvas tents are organized into eight “neighborhoods”, each adorned with modern, blonde wood furnishings, queen beds, cotton linens, cozy comforters and more.
You get your own redwood deck, wifi, and electricity. And please bring Fido, as your pups are more than welcome. Don’t want to bring your own cook and dinner ware? They will rent it to you or head to town and dine at Trillium Café. Wake up in the trees with complimentary coffee and breakfast. Then head to the hot showers in the subway-tiled bathhouse. You had me at free breakfast and hot showers! $125/night www.mendocinogrove.com
May 26-27. Celebrate Carnaval
This colorful event where music, art and dance from Latin America, the Caribbean and the U.S. convene in harmony celebrates 40 years this weekend. Multicultural activities are kept alive in the Mission District and this energizing foot stomping, joyful parade is an important tradition. The theme this year is the Roots of Carnaval. The tree’s branches and leaves are the beauty, but the strength lies in what is unseen – the roots.
This year’s carnival celebrates the roots of Carnaval through the ancestors that laid the groundwork for the diversity and beauty that makes up this S.F. tradition. The grand parade will be on May 27th at 9:30 a.m. The beautiful and fancifully adorned floats depict rich multicultural themes and feature performers who engage and entertain the crowds. The global cuisine will tempt the taste buds! Get the details.
An Entomologist’s Love Story
Do the mating rituals of insects match those of humans? Who knows, but you will be entertained in this cleverly written and formidably acted play at San Francisco Playhouse. This world premier starts as a four-person comedy involving two would-be couples and one uncomfortable love triangle. Then the twists and turns enter and this clever play absorbs the audience.
The two central characters are coworkers and entomologists working in a lab at the Museum of Natural History in New York. Don’t worry though, no insects will be harmed, and the play is more a story of love and loss and the challenges of relationships than it is about our buggy friends. Insect repellent not needed! Now through June 23rd. https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kimduffselby.com
Listen to her podcast, "Ignite Your Spark" wherever you listen to podcasts.
Hello Kim,
Thank you for this fantastic site. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each piece, particularly the one on “glamping.” Well done! We recently listed our place on glampinghub.com and love the concept. I guess I’m one of those tomatoes who lives glamorously in the woods.