A day in Japantown Center San Francisco

A day in Japantown Center San Francisco is one of my favorite ways to spend the day. And my teen son loves it too. We recently went there for a few hours, and here's what we found on this trip. As you may know, Japantown is basically the Japantown Center, an indoor mall, though there are some stores outside there as well.

Japanese Kit Kat. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Here were some of the highlights:

San Francisco CityPASS review

We get asked all the time for the most economical ways to see San Francisco. One way is the San Francisco CityPASS, which we recently got review purposes, over spring break earlier this year. We already planned on seeing many of the places covered by the CityPASS, so it seemed like a good idea - was it? We discuss that at the end. Here’s what we saw.

Exploratorium
As you know, the Exploratorium is a world famous hands-on kids’ science museum for a good reason – it’s a great place. It’s huge. You won’t make it through in one visit, but you can still spend a few hours there. Since we were there a few years ago, they’ve added on more outside exhibits, some indoor ones and rebuilt the Tactile Dome (one of my favorite things from it’s old location at the Palace of Fine Arts).

the wall of the tinkering lab. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

A Day at Fisherman's Wharf

The only time locals usually go to Fisherman’s Wharf is when visitors come to town. But for us it had been awhile, so we spent the good part of a day there seeing some of our favorite haunts. We started off taking the trolley from Union Square. But before that, have you been to the Walgreens on Powell Street between Market and Ellis? Wow! It’s really nice and they sell fresh foods like sushi and sandwiches.

Walgreens on Powell Street. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Is it a good idea to buy a home in the Bay Area?

My parents are REALTORS®, so when the California Association of REALTORS® approached me about promoting home ownership in the Bay Area, it was a "no duh" type of match.

The one hitch is that buying a home in the Bay Area is super expensive. So I'll acknowledge up front that not everyone can afford to buy in this market, one of most expensive markets in the country. For some it makes a lot more sense to rent. I certainly welcome your thoughts about home ownership in the comments section.

I rented in San Francisco for 8 years after college and am kicking myself for not buying something there when it was less expensive. That would have been a fabulous investment. We ended up later buying on the peninsula, closer to my husband's work.

Here's what we love about the Peninsula, and the easy day trips from it:

The shoreline - at Foster City

Easy access to the East Bay via the San Mateo Bridge

Coming Up: Plowing Play Day at Jack London State Historic Park

Jack London State Historic Park is hosting its 30th annual Plowing Play Day, which is a free family event presented by the North Coast Draft Horse and Mule Association. You'll see harnessing and plowing demonstrations, get free horse-drawn wagon rides, and medieval horseback Skill at Arms. You'll see all kinds of horses (including the famous Clydesdales). Picnic food is available.

What: Plowing Play Day
When: May 19 from 10-4
Where: Jack London State Historic Park (2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen)
Cost: free (but $10/parking)

Coming Up: Scout Saturday at Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos - Free

As the mom of both a Cub Scout and a Girl Scout, I'm constantly on the lookout for scouting field trips and activities. Here's one for both groups!

Hiller Aviation Museum is hosting Scout Saturday this weekend, Saturday January 12th, with special talks at 11 and 11:45 a.m.

All scouts and leaders in uniform, or with scout ID, will get in free all day.

At 11, Retired USAF Col. William Wardwell will describe his experience in scouts, rising to the Eagle Scout rank. He later became an Air Force aviator and flew supersonic Northrop T-38 and Lockheed C-141s.

At 11:45, Hiller presents A Girl With Wings, where former Girl Scout Gail Turner Bauer will talk about her times growing up with horses, earning a pilot license and building her own experimental aircraft.

The museum will have badge and patch programs, and you can pay an additional fee to participate in their Flight Sim Zone, from 11-2.

Hiller is at 601 Skyway Road in San Carlos. Anyone participating with the scouts, who is not in scout uniform or with scout ID, will need to pay admission.

Day Trip: Tcho Factory Tour in San Francisco

This is a guest post from Jill Engel, awesome mom and a Bay Area native.

Photo courtesy of NiallKennedy/Flickr

Last week, my sister and I took our kids down to the San Francisco Embarcadero (Pier 17 1/2) to a young chocolate factory/store called TCHO (the phonetic spelling for the first syllable in chocolate).  What a delightful hour and a half we had at TCHO!  (please note, TCHO moved to Berkeley in March, 2014)

Our experience began with a video that told us the history of chocolate, showed us the company's various chocolate bean fields and taught us how chocolate candy is made. We then got to put on nifty hair nets so that we could walk around the factory and see the great candy machines in action. Last but totally worth waiting for...the tasting.  

Photo courtesy of Tonx/Flickr

We stood around the table and learned the importance of breaking chocolate in half and giving a sniff before you place the delicious pieces of heaven ever so gently on your tongue. As we let the chocolate melt in our mouths, we would intensely discuss the flavors we were experiencing. The kids were as into this adventure as we were.  

Day Trip: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

It's been a few years since we've been to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tide pool. We were overdue for a visit. Plus, my daughter is really into sea life, so this is her idea of heaven.

The reserve is in Moss Beach, about 6 miles north of Half Moon Bay. There's a small parking lot on site, or residential street parking as well. Look for my favorite "little red house" which is an apt name for such a cute cottage.

What's new at the Monterey Bay Aquarium?

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has some new things this fall. If you haven't been in awhile, now may be the time to plan a day trip!  This summer they reopened the Outer Bay galleries as the Open Sea, a million gallon tank. It focuses on the migrations of ocean animals across the Pacific and the constant motion of life in the open ocean. You'll see swirls of schooling fishes (sardines), jellies, predators such as sharks (hammerhead and sandbar) and tunas, barracuda, stingrays, ocean sunfish, sea turtles and seabirds share this wild territory. In one instant the water appears empty; in another, it teems with life.

The aquarium's pioneering white shark research project resumes this year, and a young great white shark  is currently on exhibit. 

Check out some parent getaway lodging in Monterey on our great list here. 

And check out three Bay Area aquariums worth the trip.

Getaways for Parents in the San Francisco Bay Area

It's not easy to get away without the kiddies - you need someone to watch them and it takes planning! One of my online groups was brainstorming about places to go, and I thought I'd post some of them here.

Where do you like to go? Please put your favorites in the comments section!

MARIN/NAPA/SONOMA
CARNEROS INN - This was recommended because each room is a private cottage with a secluded backyard. The mom also liked that there were four restaurants on site (and it's a PlumpJack resort, so you know the food and wines are good!). Children are allowed at the inn, but it's mostly adults, she said. There's a spa and seasonal specials. They have free outdoor movies on Saturday evenings June through October.

INDIAN SPRINGS - This Calistoga hot springs and hotel offers single rooms, lodge rooms and cottages. The main pool is a hot spring pool (it's awesome - I've been). The spa and mud treatments are great too, though my experience is that the spa was a little downscale (at least for the massage facilities). I enjoyed the mud bath - it's quite an experience if you haven't had one before. One mom said she loves it "if you just want to lounge and pamper and do some fine dining and wine drinking."


MOUNTAIN VIEW INN AND SPA - This is also a Calistoga place. The mom who recommended it said you can rent a private cabana with hot tub, and still access the main pool. It's downtown, so it's easy to dine/drink close by and not need to drive.


CAVALLO POINT - I'm told that this Sausalito hotel has an amazing spa, restaurant and cooking classes, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay. It also has great hiking nearby. 


VILLAGIO INN AND SPA - this Yountville hotel and spa is said to be relaxing, with a lot of nice restaurants and a great pool. Eat breakfast outside, and enjoy the complimentary afternoon tea.


MADRONA MANOR - outside Healdsburg, this hotel is in a stately old manor house that is nothing like a traditional hotel with tons of rooms. Rooms are homey (but nice) with floral touches - many 
with fireplaces. The mom noted that the restaurant is pretty as well.


MANKA'S INVERNESS LODGE - an hour north of San Francisco, this hotel came recommended by a mom who loved "the most amazing breakfast delivered to your door around 9:00. If you can get #7 (room), it was unreal, just a small room, with a killer bed, real fireplace with two comfy leather chairs. A deck with a hot tub and the bathroom that was to die for - a wonderful pedastal tub and wicked cool concrete shower."


BIG SUR/SOUTH BAY/MONTEREY
TREEBONES - This Big Sur resort has cute yurts where you stay. It's an ecoresort, with an emphasis on recycling and clean energy. There are hot tubs, massages (in your yurt) and beautiful scenery/hiking. Children are allowed (4 yurts are for families). Note that there are no restrooms in the yurts - they're a 1-2 minute walk.

RITZ-CARLTON - HALF MOON BAY - The views from here are gorgeous and it's not far away. As for recreation, they have a spa, golf course, tennis, horseback riding, Segway tours, bike riding, surfing and swimming. 


HIGHLANDS INN - Near Carmel, this is a beautiful location and in close enough distance to Carmel to enjoy its food and environment. The Inn, a Hyatt property, overlooks the Big Sur coast. The rooms are described by the mom recommending it, as really nice, with spa tubs in the room.

MONARCH COVE INN - This Capitola inn has private cabanas, and is situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean. however it is close to the beaches and downtown, and an easy drive to Santa Cruise. The mom recommending this place recommends eating breakfast at Gayles Bakery, and renting kayaks in the Monterey Bay.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort - near Monterey, this resort is supposed to be lovely - on the sand dunes. Guest rooms have fireplaces and views of the dunes or the ocean, as well as private decks and binoculars. Take advantage of the spa too.

SPIN DRIFT INN - This Monterey hotel is said to have European-style charm (and a great history). The hotel is on Cannery Row, with bay views.


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Deal of the Day: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom pass

Get an unlimited pass to Six Flags parks for $49.99-$59.99, which includes lots of other freebies. Including:
-unlimited admission to all 13 Six Flags parks
-free tickets for friends on select days
-free admission to Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park events
-a $300 coupon book
-pass is good through 2011

Get a season pass for $49.99 (same price as a one-day admission) if you and three others buy tickets together. Otherwise, pay $59.99 for the pass. Get them here on Travelzoo through May 31. The Bay Area Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is in Vallejo.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk Deal During the Holiday Break

From December 26-31, you can get an all-inclusive ride wristband for the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for $19.95. The rides will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

If you just want to focus on the big coaster there, the Giant Dipper, just pay $5 and ride as many times as you want. The Boardwalk is celebrating its one millionth Giant Dipper rider with this promotion.

Open rides will be the Giant Dipper, the Carousel, Double Shot, Speed Bumps, and kiddie rides the Starfish and Speedway.


To find 14 other things to do this holiday break, click here.

For things to do on and around Christmas in the Bay Area, click here.

Chinatown: Fortune Cookie Factory

While I have memories of visiting the fortune cookie factory on a family vacation 30 years ago, I had never taken my kids. So we headed out in search of San Francisco's Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Zachary really wanted a tour, though I kept telling him I didn't think there was an actual tour. My memory was of a dark room with women folding the warm cookies by hand. Enough to see, but not much to tour.

The sign says the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been around since 1962, but it looks much older.

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie "factory" is at 56 Ross Alley, between Jackson and Washington, Stockton and Grant. An old man sat out front eagerly inviting us inside. Once in the door, one of the employees greeted us with round samples of flat cookies that never made it to fortune cookie status. I took a photo of her handing them out, and she said loudly "50 cents a photo." So this blog post cost me $1, in addition to the cookies I bought. (I didn't pay for the photo above since it was outside the factory).

Inside you'll see three women sitting in a line (not facing each other so they can talk easily), each by a cookie machine. The batter automatically pours into a mold (you can see it behind the woman in the photo below), and goes around in a circle, getting cooked. They peel off the warm cookies, insert the fortune, and fold them into shape. It's hard to believe they're still doing this by hand. It was very hot that day, and the women sat there with long sleeves folding cookie after cookie. I felt sorry for them and wondered if they ever develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Not surprisingly, you can buy bags of cookies (plain, or chocolate and plain mixed) for $4.75. They also sell "adult' versions which I was anxious to try, but not with the kids around. You can also buy almond cookies for $3.75, but I didn't think they were very good.

You can see a pile of cash sitting atop the cookie machine in the photo. The old man selling us the cookies just grabbed change from up there. Not very official. No cash register, no wallet, no documentation of money paid. No taxes? Hmmmm...
I told my mom about the factory and how it looked a little different than I remember. It turns out the factory we visited in my youth was in Oakland. Ah, now that explains it.

If you go:
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has no website (what do you expect for a factory where three women hand-fold cookies?)
Where: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco (between Jackson and Washington, Stockton and Grant)
Cost: free (but photos are 50 cents each)

Also fun in Chinatown: Vital Leaf Tea tastings - just around the corner. A beautiful shop where you can learn about different teas - for free!

And - my friend June says there's a fabulous vegan restaurant on Ross Alley, near the fortune cookie factory, if you're hungry. I don't have the address, but the alley is only one block long

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Chinatown: Tea Tastings at Vital Tea Leaf

It had been a long time since I wandered through Chinatown. So we headed over there one day in search of the Fortune Cookie Factory. We found it (written up in a separate post), but we also found a few other fun stores to share with you.

Vital Tea Leaf was one of them. The clean and modern tea tasting salon is modern and inviting. There's a long tea tasting bar, with seats, fortune cookies and beautiful displays of tea. Tastings are free.

The walls are lined with jars of different teas - available for sale. The staff there can help you pick out whatever you're looking for - whether it's something to soothe your digestive system, or a pick-me-up.

Plus in the back you'll find other specialy teas, like bricks of tea (apparently tea used to be packaged this way and you'd just break a chunk off to boil into the beverage).

If you're a tea lover, you must read Sarah Rose's book For All the Tea in China. I mentioned it on the blog once before, but it's a fascinating story about how the English stole seedlings and trade secrets from China to grow their own tea empire.

Vital Tea Leaf has three Chinatown locations - the one we feature here is at 1044 Grant Avenue. There's also one on Pacific Avenue (at Jones Street). Admittedly, we did not do the tea tasting. With 4 kids and only 2 adults on this excursion, it was a bit too much to ask of our kids, none of whom like tea. Sigh. I'll have to go back without them.

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Day Trip: Bay Area Farm Tours

A question came up on one of the online groups I'm part of - what are great farm tours in the Bay Area? So I thought I'd list some here.

Of course you know about Harley Farms - I blogged about them recently. They're a goat farm in Pescadero, and they make their own goat cheese. You can read about Harley Farm here.

Marin Sun Farms offers free farm tours limited to 15 people. Kids must be at least 5 years old. They raise grass-fed animals and eggs.The next tour is Wednesday, July 21st at 10 a.m. in Point Reyes. Check their website, or contact them with questions at (415) 663-8997 x 201 or email david@marinsunfarms.com. They also offer escorted private farm tours starting at $750 for up to 25 visitors.

Tresch Dairy has almost 2,100 acres and 900 milking cows. You can tour it with Kathy Tresch, and you'll bottle-feed a calf, see cows being milked, churn and taste butter. You'll also take a hay ride to the heirloom apple orchard, taste Straus milk products and learn about sustainable agricultural methods and the important role farms play in preserving watersheds and wildlife habitat. It's a family-friendly tour.

The tour is on Saturday, July 10 from 1:30-3:30. Pre-registration required and space is limited. The tour is at  1170 Walker Rd., Petaluma. It costs $20 for adults, $10 for kids over age two (younger than that are free).

A fun strawberry family event is coming up at Dolcini Red Hill Ranch. They'll have activities including berry picking, ice cream making, farm game playing, and shortcake eating. Feed the chickens and tour the vegetable fields. Additional strawberries, eggs, snacks, and veggies will be for sale at the farm stand.


The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. meeting at Dolcini Ranch, 6970 Point Reyes - Petaluma. RSVP required - space is limited. Cost is $25/adult, $12 for kids.

Toluma Farm in Tomales has monthly guided tours of their goat farm, the first Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m . to noon. The request you email them for reservations. You can also schedule group or school tours with them. For Sunday tours, email tours@tolumafarms.com (and use TOURS in the subject line). You can bring your own picnic and have lunch there.

McClelland Dairy in Sonoma County offers several tours a month, to their dairy farm. Learn more about their tours here. You can play with calves in the nursery, check out the milking parlor, breathe  and milk a cow by hand. Cost is free under three, otherwise $7-10. Reservations recommended. Upcoming tours are June 26 and July 17 at 1 p.m.

Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo is a public/private venture between the local school district and a community-based nonprofit. They offer tons of tours and activities. The Loma Vista Farm is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the school year and follows the school calendar. Individuals or families can visit the farm unscheduled during these times. Contact them to schedule a visit for any organized group. Check the Loma Vista Farm Events schedule for occasional after-hours times. Call for summer hours (707) 556-8765..

You'll find lists of ongoing events at the Marin Agricultural Land Trust site, Om Organics, If you're a teacher wanting to take kids on a farm tour in Marin, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust can help you organize that and has a list of helpful education aids as well.

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Day Trip: Harley Farm in Pescadero

If there’s something I love even more than factory tours, it’s farm tours. And we took a great one at Harley Farms in Pescadero.

We went on a class field trip, though you can make your own family reservations (or take a group of kids yourself) with advanced registration. You could try walking in and signing up too, but they do book up. It’s a popular place!

The original farm was for dairy cows in the early 1900s. It ran til the 1940s, then sat vacant. About 17 years ago, Dee Harley and her husband started farming. They learned the art of making goat cheese from their friend Nancy, who used to buy their goat milk. After Nancy moved away, the farm started making its own cheese with milk from their six goats. Now Harley Famrs keeps 200 goats – all related to the original six (that’s called a “closed” population).

Field Trip: Whole Foods and Safeway - Behind the Scenes

A field trip to the grocery store at first seemed rather silly. I take my kids to the grocery store all the time, after all. They’ve seen all the departments and sampled foods from several of them.


But the behind-the-scenes tours of Safeway and Whole Foods were actually fascinating. Safeway let us go behind those swinging doors, where they store produce and crush boxes for recycling. We got to tramp through the bloody meat cutting area and see the giant mixers in the bakery.

The trip to Whole Foods, though, didn’t take us into any of the back areas. But it was still quite interesting. And the tour guide gave us factoids the kids could rattle off back home.

The kids were horrified to hear that the bakery staff had to arrive at 4 a.m., and the produce workers showed up at 5:30 a.m. The employees preparing the cased foods arrive early as well. “When do you wake up?” the kids asked of the guide. Fortunately for her, she gets to sleep in a little longer!

The favorite stop was the bakery, where the kids got to try Whole Foods’ cookies, and see the ovens that bake 20 loaves a bread at once.

Recycling and reusing was a big part of the tour. The kids learned that food that doesn’t sell at Whole Foods goes to the Samaritan House, which serves 500-600 donated meals from this store and other food venues. Whole Foods also recycles 80% of the store’s waste, whether recycling cardboard or composting food scraps. In fact, this store’s compost is combined with compost from other Whole Foods, and sold to customers for a few dollars a bag.

The kids were excited to visit the cheese shop, where they tasted cheddar and another type as well. They learned that Buffalo Mozarella actually comes from buffalo milk (not cow’s milk), and that many of the cheeses arrive in rounds weighing as much as 200 pounds. Cheddar cheese is not naturally orange. Rather, annatto is added to give it the distinctive orange coloring.

Oh - and if your kids like to cook, Whole Foods offers cooking classes, some of them geared toward kids.

Day Trips: Three Top Bay Area Amusement Parks

Warm summer weather and vacations spells out amusement part rides and cotton candy. While San Francisco isn’t known for theme parks (the same way a certain Southern California city certainly is), you can get your fill by renting a car for the day and heading to the coast. The roller coasters that is. Here are three Bay Area amusement parks to consider.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA): Set on the Pacific Ocean, this beach boardwalk has free concerts plus rides. Come for a few hours - come for the whole day. Don't miss the historic 1911 Looff carousel — It has one of the few “brass ring” machines left in the country. You can lean over from your wooden carousel horse and grab a ring, then toss it into a clown’s mouth a few seconds later. The Boardwalk has rides for all ages, whether you have toddlers or high schoolers.

Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy, CA): In the garlic capital of the world, this amusement park is best for the younger set and for parents who might find the horticultural exhibits fascinating. I do. With 40 rides plus water features, the kids will end up happy and tired. They’ll even love the 19 “Circus Trees,” (see exampleon the right) with branches and trunks grafted and shaped in surprising ways. In addition to a train and monorail, the park also has a large greenhouse with a Monarch butterfly garden. Plus deep fried zucchini. Yummy!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA): Head north to Vallejo, and you can ride a coaster that will make you puke, swim with dolphins, and more. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has a little something for everyone, with wild animals like a Bengal tiger, an Asian elephant, and a killer whale. Hopefully this one won't kill a trainer, as it did at a Florida park. As for the rides, they range from go-karts to a Tony Hawk spinning coaster.

Basket Tree photo by Donna62

Santa Cruz Boardwalk photo by Tibchris

Deal of the Day: Children's Fairyland membership for $40

I've posted before about Children's Fairyland in Oakland. It's a great place to visit with toddlers and perschoolers. Imagine an old-fashioned kiddie-land, and you've pretty much described Children's Fairyland. They have kiddie rides, story time, puppet shows and special events. It's next to Lake Merritt.

The Savvy Source has a deal good for the next two to three days - get an annual membership for $40 (actual value is $87, and park admission is normally $7/person over age 1). With that, you'll get unlimited admission, rides and attractions for two adults and three kids. Children's Fairyland has some fun events, including family sleepovers, summer camps and they offer birthday party facilities. I went to a birthday party there once - the kids had a great time.

Children's Fairyland says it's great for kids under age 8. That higher end of the age range might be pushing it for some families, but the rids include a mini ferris wheel, train, two carousels and themed play areas.

Get the deal here through mid-day Thursday.

Small print: the deal is only good for new members and is not transferrable. You must redeem the coupon for membership within 60 days. All the details are here.

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See the Sea - 3 Bay Area Aquariums Worth the Trip

The big daddy of San Francisco aquariums is of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and it’s definitely worth a trip. But it’s a couple hours drive from the city, so if that’s not on your agenda for the day, here are three accessible places to take the family and see the sea (creatures):

Aquarium of the Bay – Located right inside the Pier 39 complex, this Fisherman’s Wharf aquarium is extremely convenient and substantial enough to give you your aquarium fix. Not to be missed are the two walk-through tunnels, 300 feet in length, from which you can watch sharks, bat rays, sea stars and more glide gently overhead. The Touch the Bay exhibit allows kids to come into contact with true marine animals like Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays – if you’ll let them! Alameda County residents can go next week for free!

The California Academy of Science – This renovated masterpiece reopened to much acclaim in 2008. The Steinhart Aquarium has some very impressive tanks that are home to 38,000 live animals, which you can view from multiple angles (including from above). In addition to Northern California animals, you’ll see a Philippine reef, an Amazon habitat, a swamp (with albino alligators!), and African penguins. Here's a review of the California Academy of Science.

The Marine Mammal Center – This isn’t an aquarium, and therefore rarely makes it onto the tourist list – all the more reason to visit! The center rehabilitates seals and sea lions, and welcomes visitors to see the work they do. Take a self-guided tour of the marine facility, including the newly rebuilt hospital, outdoor pools and exhibits. They’re busiest in the spring when it’s pupping season, so look for lots of cute elephant seal pups.

Photo copyright - Deborah Abrams Kaplan - all rights reserved. Photo taken at the California Academy of Sciences.