A Day in the Neighborhood: Outer Sunset, San Francisco

I am slightly biased, but the Outer Sunset might be the best neighborhood in San Francisco. And it's not just because I live here! It's definitely a hidden gem and there is so much to explore. 

Easy access to the beach and lots of good coffee shops are what first sold me, but the addition of new restaurants, bars and shops that have been popping up all over the place is a sure sign that other people are catching on to the secret. Its easy to get to the heart of the city, but when you're out in the Sunset you feel like you're a world away. I like to pretend I live in a small beach town instead of in one of the biggest cities in the country, and most days it feels like that - as long as the weather is cooperating! 

I've put together an itinerary for my perfect day enjoying the neighborhood. Hope it inspires you to come visit! 

Start your day at Andytown on Taraval & 47th. They have a few locations in the neighborhood but this one is closest to the beach! Window shop at Tunnel Records before heading down to Ocean Beach with your coffee in hand. Watch the surfers from the dunes, then head north on the beach for a leisurely morning walk. 

Head to Noreiga Street for a breakfast sandwich at Devil's Teeth Baking Company. Their sticky buns are the size of my head and equally delicious. 

Make your way to Judah Street along the ocean-front path. No trip to the Sunset is complete without a stop at the famed General Store. Browse their vintage finds, pick up a candle or get inspired in their back garden. Some of the best outdoor space around. 

Then, pop in to Black Bird Bookstore next door. They have a well-curated selection of adult books, an amazing kid section in the back and a thoughtful selection of home goods.

While you are probably not hungry after a filling breakfast sandwich, Trouble Coffee will tempt you with some of the best toast around (and that's saying something in San Francisco!), plus their delicious coffee. 

A few blocks up on Irving, you'll grab lunch at Hook Fish Co. Place your order (I usually go with the fish tacos but everything is local and sustainably caught), then snag a seat outside in the sun. 

Across the street, pop in to chat with local artists Eric Rewitzer and Annie Galvin 3 Fish Studio and pick up one of their famed "I Love You California" prints. Mollusk Surf Shop is on the corner and is a fun place to browse for beach goods. They can also outfit you with a surf board and gear if you are looking to hit the waves. 

Finish your day with a date-night worthy dinner at Outerlands and enjoy the ambiance, local wines and seasonal menu. This is also a very popular weekend brunch spot if that's more your speed. 

While you're in the neighborhood, here are some of my other favorite spots worth checking out:

• The Rip Tide - locals bar on Taraval. Cash only! 
• White Cap - A new cocktail bar with surf-inspired drinks
• Judahlicious - smoothies & healthy food
• Streamline - coffee shop with breakfast & lunch options
• Tunnel Records & Beach Goods - shop with gifts, cards and records 
• The Pizza Place on Noreiga - Casual restaurant serving pizza, huge salads and wings
• Yoga Beach SF - bright and airy yoga studio 2 blocks from the beach

How to Enjoy A Day to Yourself In New York City

New York City. Where you can simultaneously feel connected to the center of the world and completely anonymous. My love affair with this city is fed by way too infrequent trips to visit. But that may be part of the allure for me. Since I never have enough time to do everything on my ever growing list to check out and see everyone that I’m long overdue to catch up with, I always leave feeling slightly haggard from rushing to try to fit as much as possible in (or over celebrating when I do see dear friends). You can lose an afternoon just trying to get across town, so a poorly planned schedule can seriously throw off a visit.

Last week I was in the city to celebrate a girlfriend’s upcoming wedding and extended the trip by a few days to visit my brother. I ended up with a blissful day completely to myself. Here’s how I spent it:

9AM - Wake up late

Jetlag after travel from the West coast is real. I couldn’t pull myself out of bed before 9am.

9:30AM - Walk

After checking a few quick emails, I headed outside and was pleasantly surprised with a gorgeous fall day. I love how much you walk in New York, weather you have a destination or are wandering aimlessly.

10:30AM - Workout at SoulCycle

Would a trip to NYC be complete without a quintessential workout experience? Don’t be intimidated, come to work hard and be prepared to sweat. And if you can’t take the intensity for 45 solid minutes, the good news is it’s nice and dark in the studio.

12PM - Manicure at tenoverten

This salon offers a relaxing, enjoyable experience while focusing on natural products.  The bright and airy location in Soho feels like you are in a friend’s chic apartment, not at a nail salon. A nice pick-me-up and rejuvenating experience.

1:30PM - Lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda

After seeing this place all over instagram, I decided I needed to check it out for myself. If you are lucky enough to snag a spot at the cozy bar at the Soho location, warm up with a cup of tea and their famous avocado toast.

2:30PM - Shop

Because no trip to New York is complete without some shopping. I spent some time wandering down Elizabeth Street in Soho, my new favorite shopping street, and came across some of my favorite brands. Clare V, Cuyana, Steven Alan, Kit & Ace….among many, many others. I also tracked down my new obsession, the workout apparel Outdoor Voices. Their shop in Soho is just so much fun. I basically tried on everything. Their new colors are so good.

6PM -  Dinner at The Mercer Kitchen

This cozy spot in the Mercer Hotel is a perfect place for an intimate, yummy dinner. I am still thinking about the Angel Hair Pasta with mushrooms and parmesan.

Boulder in the Summertime

Most people will tell you to go to Colorado in the winter so you can ski. Don't listen to those people. Of course I love to ski, and Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world. And you should definitely go to Colorado and ski in the winter if that is your thing. BUT, people in the know will clue you in on a (increasingly less) well-kept secret....

Summertime in Colorado is actually the best time to visit. There is just so much to do. Hiking, biking, camping, hoping from brewery to brewery and dining alfresco are just a few of the (many) activities to partake in.  Town is (a bit) quieter, the CU students are gone, the wonderful farmers market is in full swing, and the Colorado sun (minus humidity) gives you just the right dose of summer heat. And if that sun gets too hot you can always escape to the nearby Rocky Mountains for some fresh air. 

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in town, here are (a few of!) my not-to-be-missed stops. 

Hike Mount Sanitas. Trust me, the climb is worth it. 

Re-fuel afterwards with a Green Monkey smoothie and a juice at Wonder Press.

Caffeinate at Boxcar Coffee while perusing sister store Cured's well-curated selection of gifts and sampling their gourmet cheeses. 

Pick up the Buff sandwich at Dish.

Work up a sweat at BOCO Fit, my favorite workout.

Take in the views with a cocktail on the Flagstaff House patio.

Relax over a glass of wine at The Kitchen Upstairs.

Check out more of my Boulder tips and favorite haunts over in Travel Notes.