Forested Urban Hike in San Francisco

Nestled between two homes on Stanyan St. and 17th, as soon as you finish climbing the stairs Mt. Sutro's Historical Trail opens up to a lush dense forest complete with Eucalyptus trees, fern, flowers, wild blackberries, birds, and climbing vines. Located in the San Francisco Fog Belt, Mount Sutro is beautiful in all climates but very magical during overcast days.  There are many ways to navigate through the woods each just as wonderful as the next. You can check out the map here to decide if you want to head back after the T junction or continue on. Be sure to look for the mysterious wood tiki carving of a man if you continue to the left of the T junction.

Historical Trail was named after a survey revealed a trail from the 1880's. The trails have been maintained by the Sutro Stewards since 2006, the group improves the trails through trail and habitat restoration.

Stern Grove Festival: Music and Chill

Taking in a concert/picnic at San Francisco's Stern Grove Festival to me is one of the most unique things you can do during the summer. Imagine... eucalyptus trees, dragon flies, wine and free music; this is the life. Stern Grove Festival runs from June 17th to August 19th and offers a great line-up for every Sunday this summer. The grove allows picnics and coolers, so its one of the best places I can think of for a relaxing summer Sunday picnic.

 The Stern Grove Festival is  celebrating its 81st season and the line up includes Anoushka Shankar, Ziggy Marley and the San Francisco Symphony to name a few. My favorite pick for this year is Anoushka Shankar daughter of sitar player Ravi Shankar, Anoushka will be appearing on July 21st at the Grove.

Free Yoga in Golden Gate Park

This free/donation based class is a great way to start the day among the trees of Golden Gate Park. You can catch the class on Saturday's at 11:30 AM;  in a grove of trees next to the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. Part of the Purusha Seva Project, you can find the schedule here. Be sure to check before you go in case of cancellations.

Shinzen Sushi translates to Nature Sushi

Where is the vegan sushi?? Shinzen, Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya in the Mission offers some of the most thought out creations of vegan food I've ever seen. This might explain the line outside the place on this particular Saturday evening. I make it a rule not to wait in lines... but eating by yourself has it perks! I get a seat at the last spot at the sushi bar. The menu is genius for vegans, you can get Nigiri with roasted pepper, eggplant, tomato and green mango. The rolls have clever titles; Secret Weapon, Colonel's Pipe, the Surprise Ending (comes with a shot of sake in the center), the Candlestick ( presented with a flame on the side, seriously), and Hidden Agenda. I've heard from repeat customers that the ramen is excellent. The dessert delivered next to me (sorry for staring) looked exceptional, green tea ice cream with fresh fruit placed beautifully around the ice cream. The beauty is in the presentation, excellent flavor and a place that transcends beyond the monotonous vegan fare.

Exhibit at the Center for the Book

Degrees of Innovations is an exhibit by the alumni of Mills College hosted by the San Francisco Center for the book on Rhode Island Street in the Potrero. An innovative show with a diversity of pieces that include wall tapestries,  miniature books, a dimensional paper black hole, and a frayed book expanding beyond its normal boundaries; it offers a unique take on words, paper and images. The exhibit runs through January 14, 2018  at 375 Rhode Island Street.

Sunset Farmers Market

If your looking for organic fruits and vegetables this is a great stop for a Sunday morning. Nestled between two buildings in a parking lot the market offers a relaxing environment with a smaller feel than most farmer's markets in San Francisco.  My favorite booth is the Fifth Crow Farm booth, although a little bit more expensive they provide top notch quality produce. Be sure to stop across the street for some bakery goodies at Arezmendi's Bakery.