San Francisco

The updated edition of the free Access San Francisco guide for travelers with disabilities is now available. The 34-page book offers detailed information about 150 city venues and travel services that have accessible facilities that have been inspected by an ANC access specialist. These include hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions, shopping centers, recreation facilities, public transportation and others. Inspection notes which add extra insight have been included for clarification. For example, one note states, Path of travel from the street to the entrance is rough paving. Contact: 415-391-2000, (TDD) 415-392-0328

The Baylink Ferry Service has expanded its fleet with the addition of the M/V Solano, a high-speed 135-foot catamaran which ferries 300 passengers between Mare Island in Vallejo, San Franciscos Ferry Plaza at Market and Embarcadero, and Pier 41 at Fishermans Wharf. The trip operates daily. Contact: 877-643-3779.

The San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design has opened at 550 Sutter Street. It offers innovative exhibits and educational programs which celebrate the art and artists of contemporary craft and design. The museum features works in progress and displays showing design trends. It also hosts visiting featured exhibitions and artists. Contact: 415-773-0303, www.sfmcd.org

The Asian Art Museum invites visitors to view its copies, cracks, do-it-yourself fix-its and other imperfections among pieces in collections. The Fakes, Copies, and Question Marks: Forensic Investigations of Asian Art exhibit is part science lesson and part crime scene investigation by examining the authenticity of artworks through forensic testing to reveal the sometimes inexact science of classifying art. The exhibit artifacts are drawn primarily from the museums own collection.

Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World, June 12-Sept. 11, features nearly 200 sacred objects from the Potala and Norbu Lingka palaces in Tibet. This exhibition offers a rare insight into the artistic and spiritual traditions of the Dalai Lama and his followers. Contact: 415-581-3500

Del Monte Square, located near Fishermans Wharf, is the site of what was once the worlds largest fruit and vegetable cannery which was operated under the Del Monte name starting in the 1920s. The historic buildings are now home to the Argonaut Hotel, The Visitor Center of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, THE CANNERY and a year-round Certified Organic Farmers Market. The renaming of this area honors the roots of this historic site and celebrates early San Francisco commerce and the influence of the Del Monte company. Throughout the complex are displays and landmark signs that describe various aspects of Del Monte Squares history. Events with historical themes are also planned. Contact: 415-771-3112

Amusing America is at the San Francisco Museum and Historical Societys Mus?e M?canique located at Pier 45 at Fishermans Wharf. This free exhibition tells the story of amusement parks found in American cities including San Francisco and how they influenced the lives of many, from the Gilded Age of the 1880s and 90s to World War II. Displays feature many artifacts including the familiar Laughing Sal, an oversized mechanical manikin which greeted visitors to the citys Playland-at-the-Beach. Antique games which were features of various amusement parks, arcades, swimming baths and dance pavilions are also displayed. Contact: 415-537-1105

Day at the Bay, a popular San Francisco entertainment group, has introduced an all-new cabaret program called A Musical Stroll Along Broadway. The program is filled with music, comedy and lots of nostalgia. The package includes the cabaret show plus lunch options at venues featuring a classic Chinese meal or a Greek feast. After the show, docents lead tours to interesting area sites. This is the perfect package for a day trip or mystery trip. Contact: 415-491-4908.

Vampires are not just for Halloween. Vampire Tours of San Francisco offers spooky tours of the gothic side of Nob Hill. The tour guide is Mina Hacker, the vampiress who was made by Count Dracula in 1897 and who has resided in the darker part of this city for over 100 years. She beckons visitors in a fun and entertaining way into the world of vampires and tells tales of their influence in shaping San Francisco as we know it today. Contact: 650-279-1840.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com


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