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54 Mint Wine Bar’s Italian Charm

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SOMA’s new 54 Mint Wine Bar is technically a three-in-one punch of vineria (wine bar), ristorante, and alimentari (food store), but really it’s all imported deliciousness. As the only distributor of some of its Italian fine wines to the straight-from-Italy sheep’s milk cheese and handmade Italian plates, 54 Mint serves up an authentic Italian meal that tastes even better coming from the hand of the heavily accented servers.

This hotspot is the work of native Umbrian owners Alberto Avalle (of NYC’s Il Buco fame) and Claudio Ricciolini- and 54 Mint can’t be a better ode to their homeland. Even the famous Umbrian olive oil is sprinkled into nearly every dish and is even displayed beautifully for customers to buy.

During good weather, make sure to hit up the patio for some great people watching in the trendy SOMA district.

Melt The Day Away at Kabuki Springs & Spa

With daily stressors that can wear and tear at your body (and every last nerve), it’s nice to have a place to get away from the grind.  Kabuki Springs and Spa in JaSFkabukipantown accommodates the pampering needs of all, from private, alternative wellness services to San Francisco’s only Japanese-style community baths.

Designed to promote harmony and relaxation, Kabuki specializes in the exotic Pan-Asian experience.  Just $20 at the door and you’re led through orchid and Buddha-lined hallways to a private dressing area, then through the steam curtains into the bath house.   Serene music plays in the background as you melt the stress away in the hot tub, warm and cold baths, sauna, or steam room.  There is no time limit on relaxation at Kabuki, so take a rest between each bath on cedar lounge chairs and hydrate with cucumber water or detoxifying tea.

Open seven days a week, Kabuki hosts men-only, women-only, or co-ed days, depending on your preference.  Talking is strongly discouraged (have fun banging the Thai-style gong if it gets too loud for you!) and intimacy is not allowed.  There’s no need for anyone to feel uncomfortable, since personal peace, space, and wellness are Kabuki’s top priority.

The Cafe That’s Not For The Day

Picture 8The Cafe has been The Castro’s favorite venue for years, welcoming everyone gay and straight to enjoy a one-of-a-kind dancing and drinking experience.  Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, The Cafe’s makeover is like treating its faithful patrons to a thinner and more successful boyfriend.

Let the thump of The Café’s state of the art sound system lead you upstairs to any of the three bars for a two-for-one happy hour.   Try not to spend the evening staring blindly at any of the 12 HD flat screens, because there’s a much better view on the dance floor.  The Café also features an open-air atrium (complete with retractable glass awning should the weather get touchy) in the middle of the bar to help cool off after that Michael Jackson dance routine.

It’s been a long-standing tradition in the Castro to meet any night of theweek for The Cafe’s legendary happy hour.  You’ll see many familiar faces so don’t be afraid to go alone.  If all this isn’t enough, the bartenders are appealing too.

Exploratorium Allows You To Do Just That

At most museums you are told “Do Not Touch,” but that’s the exact opposite of the intention at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. This institution’s goal is to promote museums as education centers, and here they like their visitors to learn by doing. Whether it’s creating a tornado with your feet, putting samples under a microscope, or getting your hands wet touching sea creatures, the unique Exploratorium has hundreds of exhibits for your enjoyment in science, art, and human perception.

San Francisco Ski & Snowboard Festival

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The San Francisco Ski & Snowboard Festival is the premiere festival of its kind in the Bay Area. It features interactive ski exhibits, gear manufacturers, and autograph sessions with some of the sports’ most famous athletes. If that isn’t reason enough to attend, all attendees get a free lift ticket to put the new information to work!