As an architect, I’m always drawn to small towns where design feels integrated into a place. Not just one landmark building, but in storefronts, sidewalks, gardens, galleries, hotels, public art, and the way the town meets its natural landscape. The towns below stand out to me because each one has a strong sense of place,…
Blog Posts
Carry-On Packing List: How I Pack Carry-On Only for Every Trip
I have spent years refining my packing system, testing different kinds of luggage for different trips, and figuring out exactly how to make carry-on travel work. Ever since I needed help lifting my overstuffed backpack on a train in Italy in 2008, I’ve refused to pack more than I can carry myself. Since then, I’ve…
Best Things to Do in Golden Gate Park: A Local’s Guide
Golden Gate Park is one of the best places to explore in San Francisco. Stretching more than three miles from the Haight to the Pacific Ocean, it is even larger than Central Park and packed with gardens, museums, lakes, walking trails, and hidden corners that feel worlds away from the city. After living in San…
How to Visit the de Young Museum in San Francisco
If you’re visiting Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the de Young Museum is one of the best stops you can make – whether you want to spend a few hours admiring art or just pop in for the free observation tower and sculpture garden. As a San Francisco local, it’s one of my favorite…
Angel Island Day Trip from San Francisco: Hike Mount Livermore Without a Car
After 18 years in SF, spending the day on Angel Island is one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco, and one you can do without a car! Somehow it still flies under the radar for many visitors, despite offering one of the best combinations of ferry rides, hiking, and panoramic views of the…