San Francisco- city culture

 Although our trip was a couple of months ago, I wanted to share a couple more San Francisco posts. These are photos of the most interesting city I've ever been to, and I'm starting with one of my favorite parts, the Golden Gate bridge.

 The bridge was neat to see, but the best part was the breathtaking view all around the bridge. I rented a bike this day so I could ride around and photograph, so I actually biked over the bridge. It was a very neat experience.

 We went out on a date one evening, and walked and walked all over the place, admittedly a little tipsy. It was so fun to see all of the artistic window displays. We felt so alive walking around that night!

 Hand-blown glass

 Antique sewing machines

 Amazing arrow display

 Plant headed maniquins

 Colorful metal horse sculpture

 Entrance to Chinatown at night

 My date

 We checked out many of the touristy spots...

 And enjoyed everywhere we visited, even if Chad got us lost and took us up and down huge hills all the way across town until we finally found what we were looking for.

 Lombard Street. So cool!

 

 

Painted Ladies

 

 

Chinatown... I loved the lanterns and the cheap stores. Chad thought it was a bit overwhelming, but I enjoyed it.

 Kite Store

View from across the bay (we got lost in the rental car and accidentally took a bridge across the water.) Oh well, it was a nice view at least!

We stumbled upon the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival, and I liked the dragon dancers (you can see it on the left.)

More photos from my bike ride..

Haight Ashbury- exactly as I pictured it! Psychedelic, colorful, and outlandish. (I liked it.)

What an eclectic and fun place San Francisco is!

Thanks for checking out my photo-verload :)

Rockport and Gloucester

Route 1 and Wine Country

First, we drove north of San Francisco along windy Route 1. We pulled over a) for the beautiful scenic spots and b) because my weak stomach was having issues with the twisty road. It didn't ruin things though... just a little set-back

 Then we headed toward Wine Country, stopping along the way at a great restaurant/garden. It had roses and irises surrounding every table! I should have didn't take note of the name of the restaurant (or wineries- Chad probably knows though).

The restaurant was decorated for Mother's Day. Both of my moms would have loved this place! Flowers everywhere!

And at the first winery. I loved the snap dragons.

And poppies

Then at Hess- the water lilies were dreamy. I even got to see an Andy Goldsworthy exhibit at the art gallery! I wish I could have taken photos.

 What a fun, beautiful, and relaxing adventure we had on our first full day in California!