SF LIFE: Walking Tours, First Fridays, Book Sale
If you need to walk off some of the chocolates you might have snatched from an Easter Basket, the SF Library hosts daily free walking tours. (Can you tell I enjoy a stroll now and then?) You can also log more steps on your Fitbit at Oakland’s First Friday event as you stroll and check out art, food and more. And if you want to relax after your exercise with a good book, Fort Mason is the home of The Sixth Annual Spring Big Book Sale. Happy trails!
Free Walking Tours – San Francisco City Guides
Every day the SF Public Library offers free walking tours. Who knew? Not this tomato, but I’m here to share the good news with you. Volunteer guides with a vast knowledge of the city lead these tours and provide a wealth of insider info. Best of all, some of the tours get you into places where you just can’t go on your own. I know I write about tours a lot, because I love walking! These are so unique. For instance, Diego Rivera Mural at the Stock Exchange Tower tour, and a Fairmont Hotel Tour. Not places you can go on your own. No reservations needed, so you simply show up about 10 minutes before they begin. Guides are easily spotted by their clipboards and knowing look on their faces! Walks are free but a small donation is requested. Hey it’s for a great cause! Click here for schedules.
First Fridays in Oakland
Oakland’s First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience on the first Friday of each month from 5 – 9 p.m. When I say there is something for everyone, believe me! There is enough visual stimulation and amazing people watching to keep you entertained even without stepping foot into a single gallery, bar or restaurant. There is live music, gourmet food vendors, unique street performers and ART, beautiful, unusual visual creations. One of the cultural partners of First Fridays is Oakland Art Murmur, a collection of galleries and mixed-use venues that are open First Friday evenings. I urge you to visit this wonderful community-building event that sustains and supports the arts. Telegraph from West Grand to 27th Street. Get more information.
March 29-April 3. Sixth Annual Spring Big Book Sale
Fort Mason Center – Festival Pavilion
For the bargain hunting tomato, this is the event for you. Hundreds of thousands of books and media for only $3 or less. All proceeds support the San Francisco Public Library. There are over 75 categories including cookbooks, classics, bestsellers, vinyl, art books and children’s books. A veritable treasure trove of literary inspiration is available. You also might want to hustle and become a member so you can get early access to the sale and have the opportunity to munch and imbibe on Tuesday the 29th from 4 – 8 p.m. (join online www.friendssfpl.org.) Get more info on the event.
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.
