Fiori Flowers

2314 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 346-1100
View Map

Appropriate for nearly any occasion, a bouquet of some freshly cut Springtime flowers or a potted orchid in bloom is a perfect choice for a last minute gift. Wrapped in simple brown butcher paper and tied in place with a thick ribbon, the mix of colors from the bouquet are understated and elegant. If you’re going for something less cliche than roses or tulips, fragrant hyacinthus or something oversized like sunflowers and hydrangeas are a good bet. |Fiori|

Hours of Operation:
Mon- Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm

Cherry Blossom Festival

1706 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Mid April, Annually
View Map

For over forty years, San Francisco has celebrated the arrival of flowering cherry blossoms with a two weekend long celebration in the middle of |Japantown|. Originally a tradition in Japan called |Hanami| (flower viewing), celebrations there consist of outdoor parties and feasts amongst the blooming trees that can go on until the wee hours. Since the flowers typically only last a week or two on the tree, the cherry blossom is said to symbolize the fleeting beauty of life.

The parade on the last day of the festival begins at the Civic Center, travels down Post Street and ends at Fillmore Street. This year’s parade had its share of taiko drummers, Japanese Animation costume contest winners, and beauty pageant winners, not to mention some impressive |Matoi| twirling. At the tail of the parade, scores of people carrying large barrels of sake make offers of rice wine in anticipation of the staple crop planting season. The festival also features local merchants selling their wares and numerous food venders serving everything from BBQ to ramen noodles. |Nor Cal Cherry Blossom Festival|

Dolores Park

500 Dolores Street,
between 18th and 20th
San Francisco, CA
94110
View Map

Named after the |Spanish Mission| down the street, Dolores Park is one of the city’s best places to relax in the sun and take in the beautiful views of downtown. Nestled between the Mission and Castro districts, the park always attracts a very diverse mix of people. Public facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, two soccer fields, and a playground. Unfortunately, the park will be closing some time in the Summer of 2010 to undergo a $3.5 million re-development of the playground and surrounding landscaping.  The work is not scheduled to be completed until 2011, renderings look more like a theme park than the charming neighborhood park of today. More information on the project can be found here: |Friends of Dolores Park.org|

Beer and Oyster Festival

Fort Mason
99 Marina Blvd,
San Francisco, CA, 94123
View Map

On the third Saturday of May for the past 10 years, the Beer and Oyster Festival has been a great daytime drinking event held at the meadow in |Fort Mason|. Clear skies and temperatures in the upper 80s, large cups of Harp Ale and Guinness, raw and barbequed oysters on the half shell, live music, and of course the nice Marina scenery all make for a memorable Springtime event. |SF Beer & Oyster Site|