The Costa Group wishes you an Independence Day filled with fun and celebration!
4th of July Displays Light Up The Sky Around San Francisco
Marin County Fair Celebrates is 75th Anniversary: "What A Ride!"
The Marin County Fair is celebrating its 75th anniversary. With its "What A Ride!" celebratory theme, the fair kicks off on June 30th and runs through July 4th at the Main County Fairgrounds in San Rafael. This 5 day community event features exhibits, family fun activities, rides, games, live performances and fireworks.
The inaugural Marin County Fair and Harvest Festival was held in 1925 in Novato. Since then, the event has earned a much-deserved reputation for 'celebrating art, agriculture and the community.' Thanks to the event's commitment to conserving water, solar-powered stage and carousel and its impressive record of composting and recycling 94% of its waste, the fair is proud of its claim as the "Greenest County Fair on Earth."
Bands the likes of Kool & the Gang, Sheila E., the Plain White T's, the Wallflowers and Foreigner perform live each night. In addition to live music, the Marin County Fair encourages Marin and residents from around the Bay Area to participate in the competitive exhibits that give the fair its distinct hometown vibe. The 2015 event featured over 800 categories, 13,500 exhibits and some 7,000 entrants in exhibits that covered everything from performing arts to baking, fine wine to fine art.
Many families come to the Main County Fair to experience the creativity of the talented, artistic, technologically savvy and green-thumbed exhibitors. Programs range from international short films to fine arts to chickens, tamales and quilts, just to name a few. The fair is known for offering traditional and innovative competitive student exhibit categories.
The juried Fine Arts, Crafts and Photography Show is considered by many to be the best among the 78 fairs in California. The International Short Film & Video Festival is the only one-of-its-kind in North America at a county fair.
Fireworks displays light up the sky every night at 9:30pm over the lagoon. This 'extravaganza of music, rockets, Roman candles, meteoric showers and spectacular bursting cascades' is a favorite among families from near and far.
Image courtesy of Marin County Fair website.
The Marin County Fair is often defined by buzz words of change: “cutting edge,” “out of the box,” “trend setting.”
“It’s certainly all of these things in the fair industry, an inspiring and model county fair,” said Gabriella C. Calicchio, Director of Marin County Cultural Services. “The Marin County Fair combines classic fair exhibits with innovative new ideas. Add to that one-of-a-kind events, cuisines both local and global, a welcoming staff, cultural diversity and a rich history and legacy. This is the reputation and brand that the Marin County Fair has built over the last 75 years.”
In keeping with its innovative reputation, the Marin County Fair has an interactive smartphone app that gives attendees a map of the fairgrounds, allows them to quickly find food and drink vendor locations and check the schedule for events happening through each day. The 2016 Marin County Fair App in the Apple App or Google Play stores.
The Marin County Fair is open daily 11am to 11 pm from June 30th through July 4th. The Marin County Fairgrounds are located at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael. More information and tickets are available on the fair website.
The Glory of Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. The 1,017 acre green space that runs from the tip of the Panhandle to the Pacific serves up an amazing amount of beauty and culture, including two renown museums, gorgeous copses of trees, play and picnic areas and miles of garden pathways perfect for a bike ride, leisurely stroll or even a Seqway tour.
If you're looking for a peaceful escape or a day of culture and exploration, look no further than Golden Gate Park. In addition to the Park's lovely green spaces, here are 5 of it's top cultural experiences.
1. Conservatory of Flowers
Bursting with elegant tropical plants, orchids and carnivorous species, The Conservatory of Flowers has captivated guests for over 100 years. According to their website, the Victorian architecture has a long and storied history, and is the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America. As a city, state and national historic landmark, the Conservatory remains one of the most photographed and beloved attractions in San Francisco. Tickets are affordable and range from $2 to $8.
2. de Young Fine Arts Museum
Founded in 1895, the de Young Museum has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city and a cherished destination for millions of residents and tourists for well over a decade. In 2005, the museum re-opened in its state-of-the-art new facility that showcases priceless collections of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, Textile arts, and art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum also offers a variety of rotating special exhibits. Tickets $6 to $10.
3. California Academy of Sciences
This scientific-focused museum centers around the multi-story Osher rainforest exhibit that includes plants and animals from numerous tropical locations. From the rainforest, visitors can enter outer space in the Morrison Planetarium, then dive beneath the depths of the ocean in the Steinhart aquarium. Experience the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta temblor at the Life on a Dynamic Planet exhibit or take part in an interactive workshop, attend a lecture...or stay over night at the Penguins & Pajamas Sleepover! Tickets are available online and range from $25 to $35 per person.
4. Japanese Tea Garden
The oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, today the Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the block or around the world with the opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility and harmony of a Japanese-style garden. The garden includes classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden. Stop for a cup of tea in the custom-designed irori (farmhouse style family table) Tea House. Entry fees are $2 to $8.
5. Koret Playground & Carousel
Opened in 1888, this play area dedicated to the sheer enjoyment of children is thought to have been the very first of its kind in America and has housed 3 separate carousels. The current carousel was built in 1914 and operated at amusement parks as well as was part of the World’s Fair on Treasure Island before being placed in Golden Gate Park in 1940. Its 62 colorfully painted animals include a dragon, camel, and goat as well as horses, frogs, dogs, roosters, and pigs. Painted panels inside the carousel depict various Bay Area landscapes. In addition to the carousel, the one-of-a-kind playground offers a place for kids to climb, slide, jump, swing and imagine.
6. San Francisco Botanical Garden
A living museum within Golden Gate Park, it includes 55 acres of landscaped gardens and open spaces, showcasing over 8,000 different kinds of plants from all around the globe. Thanks to the City's unique microclimate, the Botanical Garden can grow and conserve plants from all over the globe, including plants that are no longer found in their native habitats. Open 365 days a year, San Francisco Botanical Garden offers a place where visitors can experience nature, learn about plants and the environment in an 'outdoor classroom,' relax and seek respite from city life in an urban sanctuary. Admission ranges from $2 to $8.
Whether you are a naive San Franciscan, new to the area, a visitor from the Bay Area or across the globe, Golden Gate Park is bursting with adventure and culture as well as play and peacefulness.
3 Places In Marin County That Combine Great Food With Nature
If you're a nature AND a food lover, here are three places in Marin County that offer the best of both worlds.
1. Muir Woods National Monument
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature, Muir Woods is the place to do it. The Japanese call this shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.
Twelve miles north of San Francisco, the 6 miles of paved and boardwalk pathways lead 'forest-bathers' through old growth redwood groves where banana slugs, ferns and peace reign. The Main Trail wends along a 2-mile loop through 700 year old giants redwoods shrouded in fog, over Redwood Creek to Hillside Trail.
Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, over 1 million people visit Muir Wood annually.
Nine miles away at Stinson Beach, the Siren Cafe serves up a casual atmosphere, ocean views, juicy burgers, tilapia tacos and an impressive wine and beer list.
2. Mount Tamalpais State Park
At 2,571 feet, Mount Tamalpais is Marin County's highest point. With copses of redwood trees, meadows overflowing with wildflowers and oak woodlands, Mount Tam offers incredible photo opportunities at every turn.
A favorite among serious hikers, those who wish to enjoy a more leisurely stroll can take the .7 mile Verna Dunshee Trail, a loop that encircles the east peak. With vistas that include Ocean Beach, the Farallon Islands, wine country and Richardson Bay, this peaceful path serves up all nature has to offer.
Take a short 11-mile drive into Mill Valley and dine at Molina. Their seasonal fare includes king salmon and scrumptious wood fired foods.
3. Point Reyes National Seashore
A triangular peninsula that juts into the Pacific, Point Reyes National Seashore encompasses 100 square miles of bluffs, sea stacks, forests and untamed landscape.
Abbotts Lagoon Trail is a 2 mile trail that meanders through the native habitats of quail, osprey, river otters and jackrabbits, up, over and through dunes, lagoons and driftwood piles to the Great Beach.
When you're ready to indulge in a hearty meal, head to the Saltwater Oyster Depot overlooking Tamales Bay in Inverness. Their locally sourced oysters head the menu (hence their name) but they also offer rockfish and BBQ pork ribs among other delicious choices.
Marin County is a treat for the senses, an ideal blend of nature, serenity and civilization.
Article excerpt from Via Magazine.
Haight-Ashbury Street Fair This Sunday, June 12th
The 39th annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair (HASF) is happening this Sunday, June 12th from 11am to 5:30pm along Haight Street between Stanyan Street and Masonic Avenue.
According to the Fair's website, since 1978, HASF has produced the annual, one-day street fair that allows the community to celebrate the cultural contributions this district has made to San Francisco. This festival provides the neighborhood with the opportunity to showcase the variety of mercantile, cultural and community services available in this district. By creating a festival atmosphere, the street fair creates a stage for many artisans, musicians, artists and performers to present their work to the public. And, as a community service, HASF enables many non-profit organizations a chance to conduct outreach campaigns.
Since the event began, every Haight-Ashbury Street Fair has its own poster image that "reflects the many facets that make this event memorable and one of the most anticipated events in San Francisco." A contest is held annually, with poster submissions coming from anyone who wishes to contribute. Many of these original works of art have become highly sought after collector Items. This year's winner of the 39th Haight Ashbury Street Fair poster contest is Lily Prillinger, whose work is shown below.
Click here for more information on the Haight Ashbury Street Fair.
Two stages offer live music through the day, including Crystal Garden and American rock band, Jefferson Starship. Amazing food and a variety of artisan crafts and products are also available for sale. A fair like to no other, HASF honors the legacy of the Upper Haight.
The Haight-Ashbury Street Fair embodies the unique diversity and culture of San Francisco that residents and visitors alike appreciate about this amazing City. The Costa Group is proud to serve the residents of San Francisco!
San Francisco's Disney Family Museum
Set in the Presido is a little piece of magic. Disney magic. The Walt Disney Family Museum explores the life of Walt Disney himself, from his early childhood growing up on a farm in Missouri to his creation of Mickey Mouse and a lifetime of bringing wonder and magic into the lives of people around the world.
The ten distinct museum galleries focus on various aspects of Walt Disney's life, his experiments with sound imagery and personality animation led to a creative revolution in art and technology and how his imagination sparked everything from animated films to theme parks.
On May 18th and running through January 9, 2017, the Museum is hosting the Wish Upon a Star: The Art of Pinocchio exhibit. "This never-before-seen exhibition created by the museum allows visitors to discover the artistic process and step behind-the-scenes to explore how one of the most influential animated films in history was produced: Walt Disney’s 1940 feature-length masterpiece Pinocchio."
In addition to it's galleries and special exhibits, the Disney Family Museum offers various studio courses and workshops that allow students of all ages to delve into the world of Disney by offering instruction on the fundamentals of art, design and animation or experiment with new techniques and materials to ignite individual creativity.
Located at 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio, the museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (except some holidays). Tickets are available online: $20 for adults, $12 for ages 6 to 17, $15 for seniors. Children 5 and under are free with paid adult admission.
The next time you're looking for a bit of Disney magic but can't make the trip to Disneyland, San Francisco's Disney Family Museum is filled with color, creativity and just a bit of pixie dust.
Driving Marin County: 4 Scenic Routes Not To Be Missed
With awe-inspiring views just around every corner, Marin County promises a vacation state of mind a short drive from San Francisco. For driving enthusiasts or nature lovers up north or down in Silicon Valley, these four scenic routes are a must-do.
Much of Marin County can be easily explored by car. Whether you're looking for a top-down day in the convertible or a photo opp adventure, these stunning drives guarantee that you can do Marin in style. Even if you're not a shutterbug, its worth bringing your camera (or using your smartphone) to capture the Marin mountains, hills, and valleys.
Image courtesy of Summitpost.org
4 Scenic Marin 'Sunday Drives'
1. Conzelman Road: If you're driving north from SF, take the first exit from the Golden Gate Bridge towards the Headlands and drive Conzelman Road. Prepare yourself for unforgettable views of the coastline and gentle rollercoaster turns.
2. Lucas Valley Road: For a more relaxing experience, the winding Lucas Valley Road has plenty of twists and turns sure to put a smile on the face of any driving enthusiast. Watch as the green spring grass changes to gold in summer months.
3. Point Reyes National Seashore: A drive to Point Reyes National Seashore, with its dramatic and wild landscape, is sure to meet your need for sun, sand and scenery.
4. Mt. Tamalpais on Panoramic Highway: Finally, find yourself atop a 2,571-foot mountain peak with panoramic views of Marin’s hills, San Francisco, and the East Bay. The drive up Mt. Tamalpais on Panoramic Highway serves up canyons and sweeping hillsides, redwood forests, oak woodlands, and open grassland.
These four scenic drives are the ideal way to explore all the beauty and majesty that Marin has to offer.
Article excerpt from 7X7.
Essential Gadgets for Summer Road Trips With Kids
Summer is almost upon us and for many, that means hitting the highways and heading out on family road trips. When traveling with children, being properly equipped can make the difference between hours of, "Are we there yet?" and a peaceful, safe drive for all.
Touch Screen Tablets
Tablets are thin, light and have a long battery life, ensuring even young children can stay occupied watching movies, reading books, playing games, listening to music and more. They're also great for taking pictures as you drive to your destination. Its wise to have the tablet in a case or secured to a mount on the back of a headrest for younger children.
Data Storage
Unless you have an unlimited data plan and great service along the roads you'll be traveling, having an external drive to store movies, videos and music playlists will be sure to save the day.
Dashcams
Many families enjoy capturing their road trip adventures via dashcams but these devices also offer security in the form of video evidence during an incident or accident.
Earbuds and Noise-Canceling Headphones
Earbuds or headsets are a necessity to allow kids to enjoy their own entertainment without disturbing others. For children who need to block out ambient noise so they can rest (or for adults who need an auditory break!), passive or noise-canceling headphones are a must.
Chargers
Your devices are of no good without power so remember to bring a car charger or two that works with each device. Portable backup batteries are also great if you're out of the vehicle and want to have reserve power for your SmartPhone or other device.
Of course, good old coloring and sticker books and car games are always fun and good to have in stock if you want to limit 'screen time'. Having food and drinks on hand is also a necessity so remember those as well before hitting the road.
Happy trails!
Oops! Some Bay Area Landmarks You're Probably Mispronouncing
The Bay Area has its own way of doing things. And this includes pronouncing things in a very particular way. By saying things incorrectly, you may just be announcing yourself as a tourist or a 'newbie' VS a native.
Many local proper nouns, including Gough Street, Arguello and Ghiradelli, have very specific pronunciations that those new to the Bay Area tend to mispronounce. Others have distinct pronunciations longtime natives use just for fun. And then there are the ones that continue to be debated among locals.
SFGATE compiled a list of the most commonly mispronounced landmarks, streets, cities, determining the "correct" way to say them by surveying Bay Area natives working at the Chronicle. Some words have a oh-so-very San Francisco way that often defy the rules of any language. Click the gallery below to learn which pronunciations you've got correct, which you may need to revisit and which can be said multiple ways.
