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

Image From Wikimedia

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!