Faves and raves by Ann Brinkley (Click on the pick to see Ann’s faves)
Personal stats
AGE: Looks younger than a Lowell ’74 grad
YEARS IN THE CITY: Eight + 20 (I came back!)
NEIGHBORHOOD: Potrero Hill
OCCUPATION: Holistic chiropractor at Potrero Hill Healing Arts
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Dog mom, artist, health advocate, holistic healing clinic director, fun lover, information gatherer
FAVORITE PLACE TO RIDE MY BIKE
SF Bay Trail
WHERE: China Basin to the Golden Gate Bridge and back
WHAT: 500-mile shoreline trail around the Bay
INFO: www.baytrail.org
My Bianchi Café Sport cruiser and I get a great workout on level ground (very few hills) and, if we feel like it, head over the bridge to Sausalito then ride the ferry back home.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WALK MY DOG
The Wave Organ
WHERE: Jetty past Golden Gate Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Road in the Marina
WHAT: Wave-activated acoustic sculpture
INFO: www.exploratorium.edu/visit/plan_your_visit/wave_organ
Sounds come from the waves hitting the tubes, and I love listening at the different tubes to hear the combinations of natural tones and rhythms. And there are plenty of interesting places for Miss Scotter to sniff around.
FAVORITE CLOTHING STORE
Kate’s Closet
WHERE: 1331 18th St., between Texas and Missouri streets
WHAT: New and vintage men’s and women’s clothing
INFO: (415) 624-3736
The clothing here is both consignment and made by local designers, and all of it is smart and snappy. There are occasional trunk shows which bring in super-contemporary goods. And there are enough accessories to highlight any look.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR ICE CREAM
Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous
WHERE: 699 22nd St., at Third Street
WHAT: Homemade goodness
INFO: (415) 970-0750
Talk about amazing flavors! Order a “Beer & Brittle” or “Burnt Sugar” if you want a lift. They handmake all the ice creams, sorbets, cones, cookies — everything! You cannot walk out of there without a smile on your face.
FAVORITE PLACE TO HEAR GOOD MUSIC
Stern Grove Festival
WHERE: 19th Ave. and Sloat Boulevard
WHAT: Free concerts in a natural amphitheater
INFO: (415) 252-6252 or www.sterngrove.org
The acoustics here are amazing. The giant eucalyptus, redwood and fir trees make the air smell wonderful. And the sight lines are great whether you’re at a picnic table, a lawn chair or a blanket.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS
Collage Gallery
WHERE: 1345 18th St., between Texas and Missouri streets
WHAT: Eclectic collection of have-to-haves
INFO: (415) 282-4401 or www.collage-gallery.com
I can spend hours in this place! Stunning jewelry, clothing, furniture, home décor — all made by local artists and artisans. Many objects are reinvented or recycled, and half the fun is figuring out how they were remade.
FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE A PICNIC
Mission Creek Garden
WHERE: 651 Channel St., west of Fourth Street
WHAT: Pocket park with plenty of lawn space
INFO: (415) 543-9063 or missionbayparks.com
A tiny oasis of green overlooking Mission Creek and the funky houseboats that populate China Basin.
FAVORITE PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR A BITE
Serpentine
WHERE: 2495 Third St., at 22nd Street
WHAT: Deliciousness in Dogpatch
INFO: (415) 252-2000 or www.serpentinesf.com
I love Serpentine because it is bright and airy during the day and striking at night. The hearty menu satisfies every palate. I hate to say how great the weekend brunch is because I’m afraid it will become so popular that I won’t be able to get in.
BEST PLACE TO GET INSPIRED FOR MY GARDEN
Flora Grubb Gardens
WHERE: 1634 Jerrold Ave., between Third and Phelps streets
WHAT: Beautiful plants and flowers in unique designs
INFO: (415) 626-7256 or www.floragrubb.com
You can get plants, cuttings, design ideas, planting kits, pots and a great cup of coffee. The very nice and knowledgeable staff make shopping an educational experience as well as a fun time.
