The Neuhickman's invade California! Part I: San Francisco

[neuhickman79]

Well, it's been a few weeks. But, better late than never, right?!

So, after a hassle with the rental car and a wildfire in the grapevine we finally made it up to San Francisco for our first night of vacation. After a good nights sleep at the San Francisco Marriott and a fabulous brunch at Max's Opera Cafe we spent some time driving around up in the Castro area. Sure, there's lots of rainbows and queens there. But, the views up there are absolutely amazing!! Have I mentioned that I LOVE San Francisco's City Hall. It could quite possibly be my favorite building in the world.

Later in the afternoon we went to the zoo to visit a gorilla very deep in thought. She was probably thinking to herself "What is this fruitcake doing riding that lion?" Little did she know I was taping a promo for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in theatres December 9th! After the zoo we drove around San Francisco and through the canyons of the financial district. I had never been so happy than to be with my love in one of my favorite cities in the world! Little did I know that the fun we had in San Francisco was only a taste of what was to come......(to be continued)

[MTNGIRL]

What a fun little story, I can't wait for the next installment. Your pictures are beautiful!

[Disneyphile]

Awesome!! Love the pics!!!

I still miss you guys.

[neuhickman79]

Awesome!! Love the pics!!!

I still miss you guys.

We miss you too!...A LOT! I looked at the pics of us earlier in DL and the pics of us w/Lisa(NotAfraid) and it brought tears to my eyes. Such good memories....such good friends!

Just a side note to everyone...the trip report will be coming in parts and may be a few hours in between(the next one might not be until after I get off work 11pm CDT/9pm PDT) .

[OogieBoogie]

Speaking of City Hall.. if you go by there again.. look at the bottom step.. you will see that it doesn't touch the ground. City hall is built of rubber columns that elevate it a few inches above the ground. This is in case of a earthquake, the building will sway with the motion.

If you are looking for breathtaking views.. be sure to head up to the Marin Headlands, The top of Sutro Hill (where the large communication tower is), and come over to the East Bay to Mount Diablo. Mount Diablo offers a view where looking one way you can see San Francisco and the other way you can see the Sierra's. Also if you are looking for some good eats... try Pacific Cafe on Geary, Mels Drive In, and if you go to the Cliff House, be sure to order something on the appetizer menu and ask your server if you can have that as a dinner. They will throw all the veggies and stuff on it to make it a real dinner while saving you about $10 a plate. Its something us locals know about.

[TinkPink]

That was great! I love your trip reports!

I think San Francisco is the most romantic city in the World! Can't wait to see the rest!

[desertdweller]

I've done several events at the Marriott and stayed there. Trust that you visited the lounges at the top. Some of the best views of the city, both east and west. My favorite is the Bay Bridge view and the martinis are great.

[Disney Wrassler]

Have you been to Alcatraz?

[Trekkie Dad]

If you are looking for breathtaking views.. be sure to head up to the Marin Headlands, The top of Sutro Hill (where the large communication tower is), and come over to the East Bay to Mount Diablo. Mount Diablo offers a view where looking one way you can see San Francisco and the other way you can see the Sierra's.

I just rode up Diablo last Saturday on a bike. Blackhawk to summit, summit to Walnut Creek, back up to junction and down to Blackhawk. One of my favorite mountains.

Every Labor Day and Memorial Day a group of us take our bikes to SF for a ride along the Embarcadero, across the GG Bridge and up to the top of the headlands. If you don't have a bike with you, there are rentals at Blazing Saddles near Fishermans Wharf. We always see a lot of their rentals crossing the bridge.

[Soulquarian]

Have you been to Alcatraz?

Creepiest. Place. Ever.

[MasterGracey]

Creepiest. Place. Ever.

I concur!

[momof2boys]

Take the ferry out to Angel Island. Hike around the island towards the west side of the island... gorgeous views of the bay, the bridges and San Francisco.

Can't wait to read more of your trip.

[Crazy Legs]

I miss you guys.... Hugs

[neuhickman79]

We miss you too CL