East Bay, Marin, South Bay - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

edshuck · 02-25-2006, 02:51 PM

While i am perfectly content in San Francisco, the balance of the Bay Area is wonderful, chock a block full of things to do. Lots of fine dining and plenty of B and B lodging.

For these I am not totally unqualified to report. But I am asking that folks familiar with those, tell all.

The entire wine country is a misnomer. Napa, Sanoma and Mendocino are not the only wine growing counties.

There are cheese factories all over. One I have visited is in West Marin (on the road to Point Reyes). Point Reyes has an oyster farm. In Olema there is a riding ranch to rent a horse and join a long ride along the sea shore.

Then there are really high class diners. Then of course there is The Point Reyes Light newspaper. I think it is still operating. They (a two person operation working on a shoestring budget) exposed a cult, almost died in the process and gained national attention .

There is lots to do. Comments. Suggestions. Entries.

edshuck · 02-25-2006, 06:25 PM

Copia is not easy to define. It is a school, museum, dining, entertainment and more.

take a look at the link.

Yes, the Julia in Julia's Kitchen is Julia Child. Before she died, she donated her kitchen to Copia.

Also the site is a delight to the senses.

edshuck · 02-26-2006, 01:44 PM

Five Brooks horse rentals. Olema is on the coast road north of San Francisco and Five Brooks rents horses for rides along the seashore and clifts over the ocean. Check their site.

edshuck · 03-01-2006, 06:01 PM

The Wine Train is a different venue. Take a look.

hanna · 03-01-2006, 06:10 PM

So, I'm guessing Modesto doesn't count on this thread? We have wonderful wineries here and also great cheese plants. And we are kind of east. Of SF that is.

edshuck · 03-01-2006, 06:21 PM

I do not know about others but to me it certainly matters.

Maybe a thread, and I am not joking about this, called "along 99". One of the truely great drives.

I need help, help, help with all this. Please!

Baseballmom · 03-01-2006, 06:39 PM

Ed, I think you're doing a great job!

Hanna Banana, now I really must come up to Modesto and we'll spend the day drinking wine and eating cheese -- hold the beans, though!

Even though I haven't lived in the East Bay for several years, we do go back to my alma mater at least once a year. Most foodies know that Berkeley is the home of Alice Waters' Chez Panisse, and there's also a cafe upstairs with a more varied menu. It was also the home of Cocolat, Alice Medrich's shop, which introduced gourmet chocolates (especially truffles) to the Bay Area.

Since I travel up there with my son, our tastes are not exactly gourmet, but for deeelicious Chicago-style pizza you can't do much better than Zachary's. And, as silly as this may sound, if you want a fantastic hot dog or sausage, find your nearest Top Dog!

Basically, you can find any cuisine you want, and most restaurants are pretty reasonably priced.

A couple of years ago we went on a tour of the Scharffenberger chocolate factory (yes, we got free samples). The factory is located in a nondescript industrial section of Berkeley near the Oakland border. They also have a Cafe there now.

My guess is that cruisers sailing out of SF might not have the time to cross over the Bay Bridge (or go underwater via BART) to check out the East Bay, but Ed, you're absolutely correct: There's lots and lots to see and do -- even after 30 years I still find new things to see!

Laurie

edshuck · 03-01-2006, 07:02 PM

I keep thinking the key would be "theme" trips, visits, tours. But then that goes against my '60s background.