SF LIFE: Valentine’s Love, Whales, Ghirardelli Square
Can you feel the love tonight? Or this month? It’s time for all things hearts and flowers and we have suggestions for how to spread the love. It’s whale watching season, so head to some of the locations to watch these magnificent animals. Ghirardelli Square is not just for tourists, they have offerings of fun for us locals too! Want to age backwards? Listen in to this week’s Happy Hour Podcast. And join me in NYC on May 1 at the 3T Renewal Summit.
Join Me in NYC on May 1 at the Renewal Summit
This all-day event will focus on health, wellness, beauty and more in midlife and beyond. I’ll be moderating a panel on “Aging Backwards,” and who doesn’t want to do that? We have a block of hotel rooms reserved at a special rate, and if you signup for the event by March 6th you’ll save $15.
Feb. 14. Pillow Fight at Justin Herman Plaza
Let your love shine next week. San Francisco’s best Valentine’s Day tradition is proof that love hurts. The annual pillow fight in Justin Herman Plaza draws hundreds of pillow-wielding players for a raucous free-for-all that can go on for hours.
The feathers fly at the stroke of six; bring your own pillow, preferably a synthetic one to minimize clean-up after the event. Justin Herman Plaza, 5:50–9pm; Free. Get the scoop.
Feb. 14. Love a Goat
If you can’t be with the one you love, love a GOAT this Valentine’s Day! Value Culture, City Grazing and Snap Fiesta are proud to present the 3rd-ever FREE Valentine’s Day goat extravaganza!
4pm-8pm Goat Happy Hour | 8pm-11pm After Party in same location 580 Green St. (at Columbus), North Beach, San Francisco. Get the details.
Regain Your Youthful Vitality
Want to age backward? This is a great conversation. Listen in here or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Whale Watching
Have a whale of a good time (couldn’t resist) watching the magnificent sea creatures on their journey from Alaska to Baja.
Mori Point in Pacifica. Grab some portable lawn chairs, a thermos of hot cocoa, and binoculars, then head to the point: Mori Point in Pacifica. The point is an exposed promontory with stunning ocean views. To reach it you have two options – the up and up via Bootlegger’s steps or the more gently sloping coastal trail.
Wine and Whales – oh yea. With all the wine in California, you’d think it would be super easy to name a winery located on the ocean. Ok, we’ve got one. Pacific Star Winery is 12 miles north of Fort Bragg on the Mendocino Coast, just far enough away that many don’t discover it. The tasting room doesn’t have an ocean view but the expansive bluffside picnic grounds overlooking the coast have big ocean views. It’s some top-notch outdoor seating, pairing your winetasting ($10 for 6) with whale watching (compliments of nature). Pacificstarwinery.com
Drive-in whale watching at Bodega Head, just north of Point Reyes is waiting for you. This sits high on the tip of a curving, thumb-like peninsula and offers weather-flexible options. On nice days, you can hike the coastal trails leading from the parking lot where you will find great vantage points of the Pacific. If it’s grey and gusty, you can sit in your car and wait for the whales to come to you. Bring some snacks and hot cider, and enjoy one of Mother Nature’s finest drive-ins.
Ghirardelli Square – Beyond Chocolate
This home of our famous chocolate has much more to offer than the cocoa treat we are well known for. If you haven’t been there lately you are in for a great surprise.
The Succulence. We recently discovered that you can learn how to create vertical gardens at The Succulence, an adorable garden store with a moss wall we covet. Wear your overalls, bring your pals and enjoy an evening of education and creativity. Wine and light snacks provided and all supplies for $68. Next class is 2/15 5 -7 p.m. Get the details.
Upward Drinking Dog. This Sunday head to San Francisco Brewing for Upward Drinking Dog. 75 minutes of yoga and then you are on your own to hit the kegs. One complimentary beer will be served. Only $10 per person. Email geff@sfbrewingco.com for tickets.
Shop Local Makers. If you missed all the big craft fairs in December, simply head to Ghirardelli and every Sunday from 12 – 4 you can shop local makers. They have a rotating schedule of crafty and clever artisans that show apparel, crafts, leather goods and the like.
SubPar Mini Golf. If you grab Mr. Tomato and kids or friends who may not enjoy shopping (!), send them to SubPar Mini Golf. They can hit the indoor “links” and play 18 while you browse. You may even have time for glass of vino at Wattle Creek Winery or dim sum at Palette Tea House. Ghirardellisq.com
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.
