Tag: Bay Area

Cultural Events, photography3 Comments

Flashback Friday: Alameda’s 4th of July Parade 2017

Darlene

The 4th of July Parade in Alameda, California (10 miles/16 km east of San Francisco) is one of the largest Independence Day parades in the United States, with over 170 floats and 2,500 participants. A little over 3 miles/5 km long, the parade route is also the longest route in the United States, drawing over 60,000 spectators from around the Bay Area. Unfortunately, there won’t be any floats, horses, marching bands, dancers, or vintage cars this year. The 4th of July Parade for 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic. In honor of the holiday, I’d like to share 4 … Continue reading Flashback Friday: Alameda’s 4th of July Parade 2017

California, Food & Drink13 Comments

Specialty’s Café & Bakery Closes After 33 Years

Darlene

I’ve been going to Specialty’s Café & Bakery for work lunches for over 15 years. So when I learned that the San Francisco Bay Area-based chain would be permanently closing their doors after today, May 19, 2020, I was shocked! The reason for the closure? The pandemic. Their website explains that “Current market conditions attributed to COVID-19 and shelter-in-place policies have decimated company revenues.” Founded in 1987, the company operated over 55 cafes in California, Illinois, and Washington state. Before the pandemic, Specialty’s was popular among busy office workers who wanted a quick, but nutritious lunch, like salads, sandwiches, and … Continue reading Specialty’s Café & Bakery Closes After 33 Years

Art & Museums, California, Family Fun9 Comments

Like I’ve Been There Before: ‘Friends’ 25th Anniversary Pop-Up Experience in San Francisco

Darlene

Fans of the hit show, “Friends” will have a blast at the pop-up experience that recently opened in downtown San Francisco! Visitors can enjoy two floors of interactive digital displays, view actual props and costumes used on the show, and step into recreated show sets, like Central Perk and Monica and Rachel’s West Village apartment Continue reading Like I’ve Been There Before: ‘Friends’ 25th Anniversary Pop-Up Experience in San Francisco

California, Postcards2 Comments

Wednesday Postcard: Alcatraz Island

Darlene

Bonjour! This week’s carte postale features Alcatraz Island, which is located in the San Francisco Bay! – Alcatraz is the Spanish word for pelican – This small island was once a fort and a military prison – From 1934 to 1963, “The Rock” was a maximum security federal penitentiary For more information: Alcatraz Island – National Park Service Alcatraz at a Glance – Parks Conservancy website Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt! Continue reading Wednesday Postcard: Alcatraz Island