August 07, 2014 · By 4

If You're Going to San Francisco

If you're going to San Francisco...be sure to bring the Herb Lester illustrated map of SF along for the ride! First, let me introduce myself: Hi! I’m Jess! After an amazing stint at Rock Paper Scissors Ann Arbor, I packed my bags to explore the sights and sounds of San Francisco. While I loved the West Coast, I couldn’t leave my beloved RPS behind, and instead became the self-proclaimed “California Correspondent” for the RPS blog. Since then, I’ve spent the summer back in Michigan visiting friends and family (and my favorite gift and stationery store in all of the land). After spending a year in SF, I was stoked to find the illustrated map from Herb Lester at Rock Paper Scissors. Its title, “Distinctively San Francisco: A Guide to the Usual & Unusual” sounds just about right for the quirky, dreamy city by the Bay. Below is just a sampling of some favorite places that are highlighted in this awesome, one of a kind map – which is chock full of helpful tips and info on must see bars, restaurants, neighborhoods, and sights. Like the back cover or the map says, “unexpected things happen in San Francisco, here’s where to start finding them.” Sights above, included in Distinctively San Francisco (from left to right, top row then bottom): The Cliff House, Heath Ceramics, Coit Tower, Chinatown, the Ferry Building, Conservancy of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, Specs' 12 Adler Museum Cafe, view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Chrissy Field. Other things to note: Hella – people say it all the time. You’ve gotta expect it, but it’s your choice as to whether or not you embrace it. The word basically means “really.” For example, as a native Midwesterner, I might say “the weather was gorgeous today, hardly any fog!” Cali translation: “The weather was hella sick today!” Karl the Fog – San Franciscans have a love / hate relationship with Karl the Fog, the name given to the waves of cold fog that roll into the city, just in time to ruin your sunny day on the beach or a picnic in Golden Gate Park. He can definitely be a drag, but he has such witty social media accounts that you can't help but laugh. Light Jackets – If you visit San Francisco and you don’t pack a light jacket (and bring it with you everywhere) you’re gonna have a problem. Blame Karl.   Photos: Cliff House, Heath Ceramics, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Ferry Building, Conservatory of Flowers / Golden Gate Park, Specs', Chrissy Field / Golden Gate Bridge.