The Perfect Side Dish For The Holidays

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Do you have your holiday meals planned? Whether you are bringing a dish or making everything, planning your holiday dinner can be stressful. However, the most important part of a holiday meal is being together with your friends and family. We have a few easy creative dishes that will be a hit this holiday season. Take an hour or two and make these delicious dishes, we are positive they will be a hit with your holiday party. 

Sweet Potato Casserole

A great classic holiday side dish is the sweet potato casserole. This holiday classic is one that everyone looks forward to this time of year. You only need a few ingredients and 45 minutes to make your tastebuds happy. Do you want to make this, but you do not have a dish? Head to Williams Sonoma to grab a 9 by 13 glass baking dish. Check out All Recipes to find the whole recipe to this delicious dish 

A Holiday Salad

Salads always seem like the easiest thing to make for a pot luck. However, take some time this year and get creative with a unique and handmade winter salad. We are so excited to try this Winter Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate and Almonds. This easy recipe is done in 30 minutes and feeds eight people. You can even find the fresh produce locally at Whole Foods. You can even pair this salad with a Citrusy Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal. See the easy steps to your delicious salad at Food and Wine. 

A Festive Chocolate Lollipop 

Cookies are what everyone craves at Christmas, but you can always mix it up with a delicious chocolate treat. Stick with the theme and make these Nutter Butter Reindeer Pops. These adorable lollipops involve taking a nutter butter dipping it in chocolate then adding decorations. These delicious treats end up looking adorable and tasting delicious. You can find candy to decorate with at The Candy Store. We think loved ones of all ages will like these adorable treats. You can find the recipe at Country Living. 

We hope all of our Wilson residents have a great holiday. 

Make A Difference This Holiday Season

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‘Tis the season! December and the holidays is a time to celebrate the spirit of giving. But who says you have to limit your gift giving to friends, families and coworkers? The holidays are also a great time to support local and national causes alike! Even better, with so many organizations to choose from, it’s easier than ever to support a cause that speaks to you personally.

At the same time, there are are so many organizations asking for help that it can be hard to decide who deserves your time and attention. To help you with this decision, we’ve listed a small handful of our own favorite local groups:

San Francisco Food Bank. The San Francisco Food Bank is on a mission to end hunger in the area. And to help do that, they distribute more than 41.5 million pounds of food a year! They'll be sponsoring multiple food drives with both schools and businesses during the month - and if you can’t make a planned event or if you’re too busy to stop by one of their donation drop-off spots, you can always support them directly online!

San Francisco SPCA. Who doesn’t love helping adorable puppies and kittens? Our local SPCA is a wonderful group, and the perfect group to support to help ensure that local animals are given food, warmth, shelter and care during the holidays. If you’ve thought about supporting this group with your time - or even with your spare pennies! - now is the perfect time to do it! (Of course, we’d advise planning on helping these guys for more than a few weeks if you plan on volunteering with them - as any shelter staff member or volunteer will tell you, cute animals need help year-round!)

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Foundation. The holidays can be particularly rough for families in hospitals - and are especially heartbreaking when the patient is a child. The UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Foundation exists to help families who are in this extremely upsetting state. In addition to collecting gifts for the children staying in the hospital, this foundation collections items that help family members just as much. Even donations of basic toiletries that families may need replaced as they’re sitting by a child’s bedside can bring a little bit of joy to what might otherwise be a depressing holiday season for these people.

These groups are just three examples of local organizations that are working to give back to the community this season - not to mention year-round! If these three don’t speak to your personally, though, have no fear. Thanks to websites such as greatnonprofits.org, it’s easy to look up organizations that are working out of San Francisco this season. With just a few clicks, you can find a group that you’ll feel good making a difference with!

What do you think - will you donate to one of these groups? Or did we not mention an organization that you personally love to support?

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for Everyone in Your Life

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It happens to the best of us. You’ve made a list and checked it twice, but you left off your second cousin...and now you need a gift with very little time to get just the right thing! Whether you’ve been invited to a last-minute party or you have unexpected guests, sometimes you need a last-minute gift. And if you don’t have time to go shopping or order something online, it can be a big challenge!

Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can go for a nice last-minute gift. Why not try…

Make Your Own Unique Wall Art

A wonderful gift that you can wrap up and put under the tree is a piece of totally unique handmade wall art. You’re probably thinking, “But that will take forever!” Fortunately, this DIY magazine wall art has a big impact and doesn’t take long at all. So head over to Dick Blick, grab a canvas and a stack of old magazines, and get to work on an unforgettable art piece your giftee is sure to love.

Everyone Loves a Tasty Treat

If a yummy edible gift is more up your recipient’s alley, delightful holiday chocolates make a tasty gift that they’ll love. Of course, you can’t just zip down to the mini-mart and grab a Hershey’s. We suggest Cocoabella for upscale chocolates that look as good as they taste. If you want to get even more caffeinated, take a visit to Equator Coffee, where you can buy a variety of single-origin coffee (after grabbing a cup for yourself, if you’d like!).

Give the Gift of Beauty

Flowers don’t have to be a boring, impersonal gift. A gorgeous arrangement can make a lovely hostess gift, or can even work well for a variety of other holiday occasions. Consider getting a bouquet from local florist Natalini Flowers. Florist Crispy Luppino creates totally unique and amazing floral arrangements that are sure to please your giftee.

And If All Else Fails?

The best part about living in San Francisco is the wide variety of delightful restaurants serving cuisine from all around the world. Take your lucky last-minute giftee for lunch or dinner at Oriental or farmerbrown. After all - what better gift is there around the holidays than the gift of time? Spending an hour or two together over a lovely meal is a great way to cement your relationship this holiday season.

Decorate Your Home For The Holidays

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Thanksgiving and Black Friday events are over, this means that it is time to decorate for the holidays. Living in an apartment can provide you with many options to decorate. You can create a perfect winter wonderland in any space with a little creativity and work. We have gathered a few apartment holiday decorating ideas that we love. Make sure to share your holiday photos with your Wilson neighbors on our Facebook Page.

Windows

The windows in your apartment may be a favorite for you. Do you have a great view of the city or community? Use this space to start your holiday decorating. First, you need to gather some materials. Go to Pier 1 Imports and purchase some icicle lights and window snow paint. Hanging the lights while giving the illusion of snow on your windows (even if you are in a warm climate) is the perfect way to jump start your holiday spirit.  Apartment Therapy can give you a few more ideas on how to make this look perfect. 

Tree, Mistletoe, or Wreath?

The classic holiday items are perfect for any space, but deciding what is appropriate for your space is important. Mistletoe will fit in any apartment, all you need is a doorway or archway. Grab some mistletoe from Target and hang it in a high ceiling area in your house. Also, to add some holiday scents to your home, you can purchase a wreath. Even if you are not able to hang a wreath in your apartment or doorway, you can lean it against the wall on top of a cabinet or dresser. We recommend purchasing or making a wreath with scented pine cones in the arrangement. This gives you a nice holiday smell in your home all December long. 

Be Creative

Getting in the holiday spirit is about your personal preferences. Do you have any decorations that are sentimental? Make sure to prioritize and put these up before anything else. These items will end up becoming your favorite pieces, and they will be displayed in every home that you live in.

Thanksgiving DIY

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Thanksgiving is almost here. If you are hosting Thanksgiving or helping out, there are plenty of things to do to be ready for Thursday. Food preparation, cleaning, dessert baking and of course setting the table. The table may seem like the least important task, but with a few creative touches you could have a gorgeous holiday table that all of your friends and family will remember. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect centerpiece for your new Thanksgiving tradition.


Flowers

The staple of any centerpiece are the gorgeous flowers. For a Thanksgiving centerpiece, we recommend sticking with browns, golds, oranges and reds. Apartment Therapy recommends using mums, goldenrods, hypericum and mystery greens. Instead of getting these flowers at the big superstore, head to your Union Square Flowers for fresh gorgeous flowers. Union Square Flowers is located at 780 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, just 5 minutes from your home at The Wilson.

Accessories
Whether you live in the city or in the country, you can always find creative ways to use what is available outside. Head to Mission Dolores Park and pick up some branches, pine cones or leaves from the trees. This is the perfect accent to your completed centerpiece. You may not use everything you find, but it is better to have extra than not enough.

Gather Your Supplies

You will need glue, rubber bands, scissors and more for your centerpiece. Head to FLAX art and design to gather your supplies. You can even get creative with what you want to include in the centerpiece. If you want to add some glitter or a coat of paint to stick with a theme, you can pick that up at FLAX art and design also. The final look of the centerpiece is all up to you.

Put It Together

Start by putting one stem and laying another across it. Make sure to continually attach your stems together. You keep doing this process in a clockwise motion. Once you have a few basic stems and flowers attached, start inserting leaves, branches or anything else you have gathered. Keep building this way until you have a bouquet that you are happy with. You can then insert the bouquet into a vase, or build a base out of the leftover supplies that you have.

We hope your new centerpiece comes out beautifully. If you want detailed instructions and images, please go to Apartment Therapy to learn more.

Thanksgiving Food Drives and Donations

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Thanksgiving is a great day to spend with friends and family. Every year we say what we are thankful for, as we have a day or two off work to relax and enjoy our time together. However, not everyone has a place to go on Thanksgiving. San Francisco has many organizations that raise money or collect donations for this specific time of year. Here are a few options that will let you give back this Thanksgiving.


The SF-Marin Food Bank helps supply over 47 pantries across the area. They have a goal to collect 500,000 pounds of non-perishable food via food drives and $8 million in donations by the end of December. These amounts add up to almost half their annual budget. Thanksgiving dinner is not the only thing these donations provide. They also organize regular meals and holiday meals throughout December.


The SF-Marin has other programs for helping others with Thanksgiving and other holidays throughout the end of the year. You can donate money on this page for the SF-Marin Food Bank. Every dollar you donate through November 26th will be matched by Sutter Health. This match donation program will continue up to $50,000. This gift will help the coordinators donate over one million pounds of food to neighboring food pantries and community partners.


Everyone loves turkey on Thanksgiving. The SF-Marin Food Bank is in need of 2,500 birds before Thanksgiving. These turkeys help provide Thanksgiving meals at all of SF-Marin’s Thanksgiving dinners. You can donate a turkey at either of these sites: Marin site: 75 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 or San Francisco site: 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107.


Finally, you can also volunteer for this great organization. They are looking for help with many of their food drives and other dinners they have throughout the year. They are in specific need of people that can speak Korean and Russian. You can sign up on their website SFMfoodbank.

We are so thankful for our friends, family and wonderful residents at The Wilson. Do you know of other organizations in need of help? Share them on our Facebook Page.

Cozy Up With A Drink And A Fire

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The weather is getting chillier, and that means the days of outdoor happy hours are limited. However, in San Francisco there are many bars and restaurants that bring the outdoor experience to the winter months. Cuddle up by a fire at these patio bars and restaurants for your work happy hour. You can stay warm while enjoying the outdoors all year around.

Zeki’s

The “friendliest bar in San Francisco” may be self proclaimed by the Zeki’s owners, but this Nob Hill location is perfect for the chilly winter months. The roaring fireplace is a perfect setting to sip your favorite cocktail long into the night. You can visit this cozy bar at 1319 California at Leavenworth. 

The Summer Place

It might have summer in the name, but you can still enjoy the chilly weather at The Summer Place. Their cozy fireplace makes it a warm location to enjoy the gorgeous San Francisco outdoors. Cozy up with your favorite drink, few friends from The Wilson and enjoy the night away. The Summer Place is a short drive at 801 Bush at Mason. 

Swig

Swig is a perfect place to relax after a long day at the office. The fireplace is in the center of the downstairs room that can get busy on weekends. We recommend getting there early if you want to sit by the fire. Swig is located at 561 Geary at Jones. 

Twenty-Five Lush

This bar is unique and a great place to hang out with friends. They have ‘60s-style suspended fireplaces making it one of the coziest bars in San Francisco. Make sure to check their website ahead of time to avoid coming in during a private event or party. Twenty-Five Lush is located at 25 Lusk at Townsend. 

The Riptide

If you want a bar experience that is cut right from a holiday movie, come to The Riptide. Their cheap drinks and logs cracking in the brick fireplace will keep you warm during the chilly winter air. They also have free snacks for you to enjoy throughout the night. You can find The Riptide at 3639 Taraval (at 47th Avenue).

These are just a few of the bars in San Francisco that are perfect for the chilly winter weather. Try a few and figure out which one is your favorite, before the first cold day hits. 

Nachos and Margaritas

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Today is National Nacho Day. This delicious snack has so many different varieties that you could eat a different type every day. In order to celebrate this holiday, we want to know about the best nachos in San Francisco. From spicy to unique, take the next week and try these nachos for your lunch, dinner or late night snack. You can even make your own nachos while relaxing at The Wilson.

Señor Sisig

Sigig is known around San Francisco, but it is also known in the wider community from the restaurant’s appearance on Diners, Drive-In’s & Dives. Guy Fieri sampled Sigig’s burritos and nachos for the world to see. He was even a fan of the many delicious options the restaurant has. Make sure to try their nachos with either the sigig-style pork or chicken. Check out their website to find their closest location.

Puerto Alegre

You won’t need to worry about a fork and a knife to dig into Puerto Alegre’s nachos. Their thin, highly fried tortilla chips are perfect to handle all of the toppings you desire. You can enjoy a plethora of cheese, sour cream, guacamole, picante salsa and high-quality carne asade. If nachos are not enough, you can enjoy a citrus cadillac margarita on the side. This perfect plate for two is great for a lunch or dinner between friends or loved ones.

Velvet Cantina

Velvet Cantina will never make you dig all around to get the most nacho ingredients on one chip. This restaurant makes sure to evenly spread all of the ingredients over their housemate chips. You can even add chicken or chorizo for a little extra. If you are still craving nachos after your dinner, you can try their s’mores nachos. These fried tortilla chips with graham crackers, Mexican chocolate and “flaming marshmallows”  are perfect to end your meal. 

Which of these specialty nachos sound perfect to celebrate National Nacho Day? We are so excited to try all of them on our nights free. Do you have a perfect nacho recipe? Share it on The Wilson’s Facebook page.

What Is Your Favorite Candy?

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Boo! It is almost Halloween, and we are ready to inhale as much candy as possible. Chocolate, pixie sticks and gummy worms are plentiful on this spooky holiday. We are glad we have these classic treats, but San Francisco has many unique candy shops that we are also excited to try on this “cheat day” every year. Head out with some friends from The Wilson and try this unique candy on Halloween this year. 

 Cioccolato

Can you imagine barrels upon barrels of candy? At Cioccolato, your dream can become a reality. This family owned candy shop on North Beach has candy as far as the eye can see. They have over 300 different flavors for you to choose from on your candy adventure. Their most popular flavor is called “Black Panther. This flavor consists of Milk and Dark Chocolate fudge, sea salt caramel and fresh peanut butter. Come in on Saturday and sample their flavors to decide what taffy and fudge you want to take home this year. 

The Candy Store

The Candy Store is located in Russian Hill, and it is considered one of San Francisco’s premier candy boutiques. This store does not specialize in one specific kind of candy. They have everything from nostalgic childhood items to new artisan confectioner creations. You can even be transported back a few decades with their old fashioned candy jars filled with all your favorite sweets. This is also the perfect place to go to for unique and customizable gifts and favors for any occasion.

Powell's Sweet Shoppes

Smorgasbords at dinner are great, but a smorgasbord of candy is something we are very excited for. Powell’s Sweet Shoppes have packaged candies, fresh gelato and delectable chocolate treats. This shop is a modern take on old-fashioned candy shops from history. There are so many varieties and kinds of candy, that many believe if you can not find it at Powell’s, it does not exist. You can snack on some candy while purchasing and playing one of the many candy inspired toys and games.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Here are a few stores that your sweet tooth should be very excited to try out on Halloween.

Halloween At The Bay

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Are you excited for Halloween? Whether you are dressing up as a devil, a witch or a celebrity, San Francisco has some amazing events for you to celebrate the night of the living dead. The Wilson is in a great location to be able to get to all of these local events. Check them out and have a great Halloween in the Bay Area.

ScareCo

Alameda has a 72-year-old historic naval ship called the USS Hornet. This old battle ship has turned into a floating haunted house. You can find ghoulish specters of officers as you explore the fog-shrouded deck. They have a huge Halloween bash on October 31st featuring a 70s, 80s and 90s cover band called The Cocktail Monkeys. You can also win $500 in their costume contest. ScareCo is located at 707 W. Hornet Avenue.

Clancy's Pumpkin Patch

Maybe you want a Halloween celebration that is a little less scary. Clancy's Pumpkin Patch is perfect for the people that want to celebrate the season. You can pick an assortment of pumpkins. They currently have sugar pie, Cinderella, blue, white, mini and striped pumpkins that you can carve for Trick-or-Treat. These pumpkins are also great for baking and decorating. After you have found your perfect pumpkin, take a hayride through the scarecrow-lined maze. This pumpkin patch is located at 1620 7th Ave. between Lawton and Moraga Streets.

Haunted Carnival at Pier 33

Halloween along the edge of the Bay will never be the same. Head to the Haunted Carnival at Pier 33 for a new kind of carnival that you have never experienced before. The Butterfly Lounge waterfront provides the venue for DjS The Les and TonyTone. If you arrive before 10:30pm you will get in for free. This event does fill up so make sure to get their as early as you can. You can party the night away with creepy clowns and costume carousers at the Butterfly Restaurant in Embarcadero.

These are just a few of the fantastic Halloween events around San Francisco. Do you have an event you are attending? Share the details on the The Wilson Facebook Page. 

Best Road Trips From San Francisco

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Even when you live somewhere as amazing as The Wilson, sometimes nothing is more relaxing than getting away for the weekend. When you’re ready to hit the road and get out of town, choose one of these hidden gems for your next trip.

Pescadero, CA

If you don’t like being on the road too long, head to Pescadero. It’s only an hour drive from San Francisco and the perfect spot for anyone who wants to visit historic sites. You can visit the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which is from 1872 and is one of the tallest lighthouses in the country. Also, head to Duarte’s Tavern for a social spot that’s been family-run since 1894.

Cayucos, CA

For anyone who enjoys the drive as much as the destination, the 227 mile drive from San Francisco to Cayucos is for you. Even for the people who think a three and a half hour drive is a little long, might think that this relaxed beach destination is worth it. If you plan your trip accordingly, you can see the elephant seals during their migration periods.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Lassen Volcanic National Park is the place for anyone who likes to be active on their time off. You can climb Mount Lassen or wander around Bumpass Hell, the hydrothermal areas. This is sure to please the adventurist inside of you.

San Luis Obispo

Beer fans need to take the time to check out San Luis Obispo. It has several craft breweries. You can even take Hop on Beer Tour to visit all of them. If you’re looking for a place to stay, choose the Madonna Inn. It has themed rooms that are sure to please.

Gualala, California

If you like to have your fun on the water, Gualala River is perfect for kayaking or just relaxing on the water. Also, if you hate being away from your dog, you can bring him along and you can both stay at the Sea Ranch Lodge.

Whether you want to get away for an afternoon or for an entire weekend, these trips from San Francisco are sure to be the getaway you’re looking for.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month all across the nation. There are hundreds of events designated to raise money for the research and treatment of breast cancer. There are many things you can do to help prevent breast cancer and help people see a few more birthdays each year. The Making Strides Foundation is focused on helping that cause.

Saturday October 24th in Hellmen Hollow is a walk to raise money for breast cancer research in hopes to make breast cancer eradicated in this century.  These Making Strides walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. You can sign up for a three to five mile walk and start to raise money for this cause. Your contributions will be helping those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, people who may face them in the future and research in hopes to find a cure.

Check in starts at 8am with the walk beginning at 9am. However, due to the number of participants, walk times may be scattered between 8 and 9am. Opening ceremonies start at 8:30am and they are held to symbolize the commitment each of us makes to eradicate breast cancer.

If you are a survivor, make sure to check in at the tent to receive American Cancer Society information and a special gift. There is also entertainment throughout the day on the main stage starting at 7am.  Since the walk is not a race, the walk will be completed when the final person crosses the finish line. You do not need to finish the walk if you are unable. After the walk, come to the meadow for refreshments, entertainment and snacks.

This event takes place rain or shine, so make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately. There is parking available, but public transportation is also an option for those who are not able to drive.

This is just one of the many events that are held to raise money for breast cancer. Get a team together with your friends at Wilson and go support this amazing cause.

National Cookie Month

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Did you know that October is Cookie Month? Cookie monster may love cookies, but we think we might have an even better appreciation for this delicious dessert. Cookies are delicious no matter where they come from, which is why we have found some of the best cookies in San Francisco.








Bun Mee

Are you craving a cookie right now? You do not even need to leave your couch to get a cookie from Bun Mee. Bun Mee delivers and can give you a sandwich and their famous coconut cookie sandwich delivered right to your door at The Wilson!

Mr & Mrs. Miscellaneous

Made from scratch at their Dogpatch shop, we want to try Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous Peanut Brittle this fall. This brittle is swirled into fresh cookie dough to give it one of the best tastes in San Francisco.

Knead Patisserie

Tucked in the back of Local Mission Eatery this bakery is one not to miss. You must try their Chocolate fleur de sel. Thick crystals of fleur de sel are put into a dark chocolate cookie. There are many great bites, but this is one of our favorites.

Batter Bakery

A former accountant owns this bake shop, and we are so glad she quit accounting to open it. She makes a chocolate mint cookie that is so soft and chewy you could eat 100 of them. The cookie has a light mint taste to not overwhelm your tastebuds.

Hooker’s Sweet Treats

The sweet treats that come from this bakery are all delicious. However, they have one that we think everyone in San Francisco needs to try once. They have a Caramel Praline that is both crunchy and soft. You can also have a delicious espresso, while trying one of their many delicious cookies and treats.

Mission Beach Cafe

This popular brunch destination has more than your favorite brunch treats of pancakes and bacon. After you finish your brunch, you must try their Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie for dessert. It is the perfect combination of chewy and soft, and it is also a great way to finish your meal.

We hope you get to try all these cookies and more during National Cookie Month. Share some of your own homemade cookies with your fellow neighbors… we don’t think they will mind!

It Is The First Day Of Fall

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Today is the first day of fall, and we are so excited for all of the great events that happen around San Francisco this season. It may not feel like fall, but that does not mean we cannot enjoy what fall brings to the area. San Francisco is home to festivals, halloween events and more throughout the next few months. We are already making sure these events have a place on our calendar. So grab your pumpkin spiced latte and meet us at one of these great events this season. 

GHOST SHIP VIII: ANNIHILATION

Do you want to be spooked? We love Halloween and all of the cute, creepy and scary events that revolve around this holiday. This event is held on October 30th and 31st, and there are a limited number of tickets per day. This is the 8th year that this spooktacular event will be held at Pier 70. Each ship has a different theme so make sure to give yourself enough time to experience both. 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Next weekend is the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco. The festival runs October 2nd-4th at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This free festival includes the normal lineup, but as the title suggests there is more here than just bluegrass music. There are hundreds of artists that you can watch throughout the weekend that span all genres of music. 

Fleet Week

Fleet Week is a San Francisco tradition. This year the event is Oct 3rd-12th at the Marina Green. This week includes more than just air shows. There are ship tours, a maritime village, high school band challenges and a blue angel practice. Come celebrate our nation with these various events throughout the week. Tickets are $50 dollars, but you can also get into the events by volunteering. Check out their website to learn more. 

Which fall event are you excited for in the Bay Area? These annual events are held every year and make us super excited for the fall season. We hope to see all of our friends from The Wilson at these great events throughout the next few months. 

Pumpkin Flavor Is Here

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What is your favorite way to eat pumpkin? Pumpkin pies, lattes and cheesecakes are just a few of the ways that you can eat the delicious flavor of pumpkins. Fall is getting closer, which means pumpkin flavored everything is in full swing throughout San Francisco. However, you do not have to stick with the typical pumpkin treats. The Bay Area is full of creative dishes that incorporate your favorite fall flavor. Try a few and see what dishes you can make with your friends at The Wilson.

Are you looking for one pumpkin meal for your day? Make sure to visit Burma Superstar on Clement Street. This restaurant opened in 1992 and has gained and impressive following. The fans have allowed Burma Superstar to expand to other locations in the San Francisco area. They also want to make the fall pumpkin fans are happy this season. You can sample their Pumpkin Pork Stew which includes tender slow-cooked pork stew cooked with kaboha squash and ginger, and Vegetable Curry Delux, made with tomatoes, squash, potatoes, eggplant, lentils, okra, tofu and mint.

If you want a pumpkin infused meal, then you must head to Trattoria Da Vittorio on W. Portal Avenue. This Italian restaurant makes sure to feature everyone's favorite fall flavor in their menu. This starts with the appetizer and goes all the way through the dessert. You can start with a pumpkin gnocchi with butter and sage sauce. Then, you must try their homemade pumpkin ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and pumpkin. Finally, finish your meal with a risotto with pumpkin, prawns, and Parmigiano cheese.

Finally, do you want that pumpkin flavor as soon as you wake up. Then, you must head to Baker and Banker on Octavia Street. Baker and Banker has a spiced pumpkin latte that will be a whole new flavor combination compared to the pumpkin spiced latte you are used to. They make this drink with genuine pumpkin puree. There will be no syrup or powder in this drink. Make sure to grab one of their delicious baked goods on your way to work!

Pumpkin is everywhere in the fall, and we are so excited to try the many pumpkin flavored dishes around the Bay Area.

Other Sources:CBS LOCAL

Better Breakfast in SF

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September is here, which means it is time to celebrate “BetterBreakfastMonth”. A great breakfast can give you the jump start you need to accomplish your day. September is the time to set up a new challenge and see if you can eat a better breakfast each morning. A pop tart or coffee may be in your daily routine, but we think your days could be better with a great breakfast from one of San Francisco’s restaurants. 

San Francisco Art Institute Cafe

The San Francisco Art Institute Cafe is only open while school is in session, but it is a great cafe to add to your morning routine. You are not just getting a delicious healthy breakfast at this cafe. You are also getting a spectacular view of the bay and the city to start your morning off on the right foot. They open at 8:30 am Monday-Friday during the school year. This delicious cafe will be an easy addition to your commute; as it is only 8 minutes from The Wilson.

Mel’s Drive In

Step back into the 50s for your favorite breakfast meal. You will love the delicious aromas of hotcakes, eggs and sausages as you sit in the booth that the movie American Graffiti was filmed in. They open at 7am Monday thru Friday so this place is perfect for the early risers on their way to work. 

Mama's on Washington Square

You are not going to get a breakfast for dinner meal at Mama’s on Washington Square. This breakfast establishment is a staple in San Francisco. However, you need to get there early because they close after lunch. Their quick service and healthy options make this the perfect stop before you start your long work day. Mama’s is open Tuesday thru Sunday from 8am to 3pm 

These are three of the many restaurants you can add into your daily commute. Start September 1st with giving yourself a challenge. Try to eat breakfast every morning during #BetterBreakastMonth. We think this will give you a whole new outlook on your workday.

Other Sources:

10best

Labor Day in SF

A three day weekend is quickly approaching and we cannot wait to relax in the California sun. You may want to have a nice relaxing weekend on the roof at The Wilson, but you can also explore the great events happening all around San Francisco this weekend. Theater, food and tours are just a few options to fill up your weekend with plans. Take a peak at some of the events below and decide how you want to start planning your weekend.

Shakespeare in the Park

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Grab your sunscreen and a blanket for some sun and a show at The Presidio. This year the performances are Saturday through Monday at 2pm. You can sit back on your blanket and watch the Shakespeare classic Romeo and Juliet. You can also visit the park on Friday the 4th for a music performance by the John Santos sextet at 6pm.

Music at Golden Gate Park

If you are not a big fan of theater, you can try the music scene out at Golden Gate Park. The Golden Gate Park Band will feature free American and patriotic music on Labor Day. The music starts at 1pm, and it lasts for about two hours. You can enjoy your day at the park with a picnic and some friends while listening to your favorite patriotic tunes.

Let’s Go Sailing

You cannot head to Alcatraz this weekend, but that does not mean you can’t enjoy the water. Alcatraz is sold out, but there are two companies that will let you cruise the nearby waters instead. Visit Adventure Cat Sailing Charters or Alcatraz Excursions and see which tours are still available for your long weekend.

Hiero Day

If you are willing to travel to Oakland, the Hiero Day celebration will be happening on September 7th. The celebration will be held at 3rd and Chestnut Street in Oakland. You can hear many great musicians while eating delicious food in the Oakland streets. This famous festival is a popular event every year in Oakland.

These are just a few of the many great events in San Francisco for Labor Day weekend. We hope you can relax and enjoy your home in San Francisco for the last weekend of summer.

A Great Day For Your Dog

Image From Pexels

What is your favorite thing to come home to? For us, it is the barking of our furry friend. Our dogs can become our best friends and family in the time they are with us. That is why today we are celebrating #NationalDogDay. Pets are part of the family at The Wilson, which is why we have many amenities to make their lives better. However, we have a few other ideas on how to celebrate this awesome holiday with your four legged loved one.

Spike Wants To Run 

Start your day at Mission Creek Dog Park in San Francisco. This popular dog park features more than an off-leash area. This park located at 485 Berry Street has drinking water, benches and gravel to reduce puddling. Let Spike run around with his friends and enjoy the gorgeous San Francisco weather.

Spike Is Ready For A Bath

The Pawington is the perfect place to treat Spike with a day of relaxation. Located near the San Francisco airport, this place is not just for travelers but also local residents. The grooming packages here are not just for a wash and brush, but they offer more luxurious services to really treat your four legged friend. Splurge for a pedicure and blueberry facial to make your dog feel like a mini celebrity for the day. Make sure to call ahead of time for a reservation because they do fill up fast.

Spike Wants To Run

Finally, before you call it a night, The Wilson has a pet run that will let Spike get all of his extra energy out from his great day. This is the perfect place for you to have a relaxing night as your dog runs around and enjoys the gorgeous weather with you. 

We are so excited to celebrate #NationalDogDay with our furry friends. Even if you are busy today, you can make this special day happen at anytime during the week. The Wilson loves our pet residents as much as our human ones. After your special day, share a picture with you and your furry friend on our Facebook Page.