Summertime Fun

 

In summer for an hour or a weekend everyone can be a kid again. There are so many fun things to do all around the Bay Area it might be best to flip 2 coins, NSEW. Mark Twain said July was the coldest winter in San Francisco but with 11 micro-climates choose head over the Gate when the fog rolls in hiding the top of the towers lending an air of mystery.

Ferry to Sausalito for Friday night music and farmer’s market or just for the sunset.

At Tiburon’s Boardwalk market, a documentary is being made about Jeanie’s Java Hut. Check the posted filming schedule to be in it. It is the gathering place for the town.

Join Carol for a walking tour of Tiburon. Along the way the interesting history she tells of the beautiful area is both fascinating and fun. On Mt Tam,120 years ago, in just one ravine, hunters pushed out flights of animals including 100 bears, mostly grizzlies. Forty years later the last one was shot. For the first time since white people pushed out the animals, a brown bear was seen on Mt. Tam earlier this year. The photo is how people used to go for a picnic on the picturesque mountain. Contact Carol for tours meeting at the Tiburon Ferry at (415) 225-3837

It is fun to Ferry to Tiburon. If a picnic was not gathered at the Ferry building, go up a block to Boardwalk market. They make a mighty mean set of sandwiches and more.

Tiburon is having their annual Triathlon that supports the local volunteer Fire Department which is partly volunteer.

Catch the ferry to Angel Island from Oakland, San Francisco or Tiburon. Take a tram around Angel Island, the views are fantastic and the guides tell the tall and short tales of the varied and interesting military history of the island.

Ferry to Larkspur for music and farmer’s markets, check the schedule.

Take a trip to Alameda’s Winery by Ferry in the middle of the day. Those who purchase a bottle of wine can use and enjoy Rosenblum’s lovely picnic tables and benches.

Music Music Music, take the short hop across to Jack London Square in Oakland. There are many venues for music close to the landing. Enjoy the music at Jack’s Bistro for an evening of wonderful dining and enjoyable music.

Got kids? Lake Merritt has many week-long summer camp options between boating and swimming still available for kids. Paul Cayard began his sailing career at Lake Merritt. Kids can learn to row and kayak at the Jack London Aquatic Center. Cal (510) 238-2196 for Lake Merritt Information

Treasure Island Sailing Center now has youth summer sailing camps with room for more. Feel like a kid again by taking a sailing class on the Bay with one of the many fine schools for adults.

Ferry to Vallejo where the weather is so warm you’ll swear the catfish are jumpin’ just like they ota in Summer Time. From there it is easy to get to Marine World to meet the new Killer Whale and fill a day on the many rides.

When it gets down right hot, head off to Concord’s Waterworld and have fun on the whooshing and splashing down the super waterslides.

Every chance that comes by, stop by your local lemonade stand and support our next generation of young business people. It is only 25 cents for a refreshing glass, the memories are free.

Take a trip to the wine country. Stop in Windsor for a bite at Chez Felice. The restaurant is on the new town center. Open only 3 months with neighbors only a month old. The Green is celebrating its opening on August 1st with Joe Montana helping Chef Lorie Souza from Chez Felice serve PBJ sandwiches from her new and inventive kid’s menu that also includes Macaroni and Trees and a Bugs Life. (707) 836-9922

Safari West on the north side of Santa Rosa has many babies to show to all visitors around the base camp and even more to see on their safari rides. With summer’s longer daylight hours Friday and Saturday evenings again offer Wild Child walking safaris while parents enjoy the base camp happy hour, kids learn all about how animals native and from far away adapt to their environments. The creative program leader is great. For more information about the program, Kids go Wild call (707) 579-2551

Take a train, anywhere and back. A bit short for time? Amtrak now offers a fly and ride program working with United. It allows an affordable way to enjoy a train ride to San Diego or Seattle and get home in a two days. Want to see the country? Don’t drive, train.

Do not forget to check out what is new for July at the Exploritorium. They have a tour of Saturn and many more exciting and fun exhibits for kids of all ages.

Doing something fun in August, send pictures into Bay Crossings for August Dog Days.