13Jul09
Everybody wants to save money these days, and more than ever, the budget conscious have began
taking “staycations” rather than splurging on an elaborate retreats that put a strain on the wallet. The good news is, staying close to home can open up many doors which will allow you to discover things about your own city you never knew were there. However, this idea can get overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Rather than driving around aimlessly, or making overzealous plans that will leave you longing for your usual haunts, I think I’ve found a way to make stepping out of your comfort zone a little more fun: kick things up a notch and make it a theme weekend. If you’re unsure of what you want to do for your stay-at-home vacation, pick a topic you like. Interested in old architecture? If you’re in San Francisco, you’re surrounded on almost every corner with historic buildings, new and modern high rises, and rows of railroad style classics.

Getting a closer look at some of these beauties is simple. Just hitch a ride from the
Powell Street cable car line for a mere $5 dollars and ride up to Nob Hill. Get off at California and take a walking tour of the majestic
Grace Cathedral. Meander to the West side of Huntington Park and drink in the sights of the
Fairmont Hotel, then head inside for a refresher at the bar. Afterwards, wander the hilly neighborhoods for some exciting Victorian buildings and a great leg workout.
For me, this past weekend was all about the sights, sounds, and tastes of Asian culture. Find out how I made my own theme weekend, and check out more pics of the day when you
read on.