Where in San Francisco? One Leidesdorff Place

My Evening in San Francisco

I was invited to the Entire Productions Launch at One Leidesdorff Place in San Francisco the beginning of May by a friend, who is an event planning colleague. One Leidesdorff Place and the Merchant Exchange Building are widely known, I don't think the casual sightseeing tourist will seek out and wander to this part of majestic, inspiring history located in the Finance District of San Francisco, California and Montgomery Streets.  My advice, you should.

Entire Productions Bash at One Leidesdorff Place

As we entered one of San Francisco's  extraordinary 4,400 feet event venues, I immediately knew we would be uncovering several surprises throughout the evening.  Walking through the One Leidesdorff Place entrance, we stood in a small reception area with a high ceiling and I saw draped curtains in front of us. After we were greeted, we walked through the center of curtains which were pulled back and into the main room.

The elegance of the venue with the Entire Production artistic lighting effects made a very special, sophisticated evening.  Lighted vines of leaves climbing the walls created a revealing ambiance along with the Entire Production logo illuminated above the bar area.

The evening began with sipping a vodka cocktail and tastes of passed hors d'oeuvres creating an exclusive feeling. We watched the fine artist, Jeremy Sutton, draw digital portraits of guests, and dancers on pedestals as we talked with other guests.

Entire Productions at One Leidesdorff Place

 It was fun to stand back and watch reactions of others with amazement and smiles on their faces as they explored through the venue.  We walked up a small spiral staircase to the mezzanine level to find people gathered around tables with Foley Family Wine tasting, cupcakes, and guests painting graffiti on a large screen. We tasted delicious bites of sushi inside edible seaweed cones.

 

It is nice to relax and meet many new people and even current friends while listening to the music and enjoying this excellent designed event.  Thank you, Entire Productions! (Pictures of this event courtesy of the Fun Tour Guru)

Bonus from this Event

If this wasn't spectacular enough for the evening, I need to include this very special tour opportunity of San Francisco's Merchant Exchange Building, by the very  passionate venue host, Jason Eriksen, of the 4,300 feet Julia Morgan Ballroom and the Credo, Feed the People, restaurant.

Jason walked us through the elaborate lobby with the barrel-vaulted ceiling of marble, gold leaf, and bronz, and I immediately envisioned special receptions and weddings held in the area.  We went up to the 15th floor and walked through Daniel Burnham Bar and Lounge, with a 27 feet curved mahogany bar.

As we entered the Julia Morgan Ballroom, we saw a 20 feet creamy stone fireplace and the honey-combed ceiling of mahogany octagonals.  Jason walked us through the excellent maintained and full scale catering kitchen for the ballroom and we saw smaller meeting rooms surrounding the ballroom which might be used for break out meetings or as places for guests from wedding parties to prepare.  Jason was incredible as he described every intricate detail during this tour. Thank you Jason! 

Julia Morgan Ballroom, Merchants Exchange Building

History of Merchant Exchange Building, San Francisco

Additional information about these magnificent venues I discovered in-depth on this trip is as follows.  Thank you to Jason Erikson, for use of these pictures of the Julia Morgan Ballroom and One Leidesdorff Place and the Daniel Burnham Bar and Lounge.

One Leidesdorff is named for William Alexander Leidesdorff, founding father and California pioneer from 1841 known for launching the first steamboat to sail in the San Francisco bay, and built and operated one of the city's first hotels.  

One Leidesdorff Place, San Francisco

The Merchants Exchange Building was constructed in 1904 by Daniel H Burnham of Chicago. Burnham, who constructed the Union Station in Washington D.C. and the Flatiron Building in New York City worked with Willis Polk, who constructed the Hallidie Building, Kezar Stadium, Pacific Union Club on Nob Hill.  

This building survived 1906 earthquake and was used to provide water and power to neighbors while rebuilding from the disaster. The Merchant Exchange Building was home to the Commercial Club of San Francisco where city leaders and business people went to socialize. There have been numerous black tie fundraisers  through the years, 1915 to present day, the latest with First Lady Michele Obama in February 2012. 

Daniel Burnham Bar & Lounge

In 1995, Clint Reilly was instrumental in the extensive effort to restore the Julia Morgan Ballroom in honor of the most famous tenant in the building of Morgan of 44 years. Julia Morgan helped design the Ballroom with the Beaux Arts style of Hearst Castle. 

A spectacular San Francisco  evening I won't forget ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Facebook, the Talk of Silicon Valley this Month

With the news of Facebook and their IPO this month (May 2012), I thought I would stray off the beaten path and share with you a couple of pictures of the new Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, CA.  It is located midway on the peninsula of San Francisco bay area - easy access from Highway 101.

Of course, I couldn't get in. Oh darn, and Mr Zuckerberg was in New York today so there was not any chance for interviews with him.  

Do you think Facebook might swap a picture for a share of stock? 

Facebook Campus, Silicon Valley, Bike & Walk Friendly

I did find a July 22, 2010 Mashable article by Amy-Mae Elliott listing 10 unusual and interesting Facebook facts.  You may have read these before, they are fun and worth another read. 

My 3 favorites are:

• Don't feel intimidated by other people with 500 friends or the 845 million active users on the site, up on Facebook, this article mentions the "average Facebook user has 130 friends." So most of us are right on with the number of friends in our networks.  Afterall, you do want to be able to spend time with conversations, right?  
• People ask me about the meaning of "Poke?" This tool has never been defined and is there just to have fun with. Use your own imagination.  
• Did you know, as far as Facebook goes, California (home of Silicon Valley) is the most social state, with an amazing 15,267,160 users in the region, according to Facebakers in this article.  What does this really say about those of us in California? I know I will hear from some of my global friends about this statistic - as I always do. 

(Now, may I add some self promotion) May I get your help to get to 100 fans ~ will you LIKE my Facebook page?  


Going off the beaten path in Silicon Valley - another technology business icon ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Found Unusual Antiques and Art at Lunch, Capitola

I have only a few words today and a very special treat with fun pictures.

I do want to share with everyone this unusual antique art piece on the wall that I found when I turned around after I ordered my lunch in this Capitola bakery today.     

Unusual Antique Art

This is almost like visiting a museum - and during your lunch hour!  

Lunch

What did you find today?

Merging business with pleasure, off the beaten path ~~ The Fun Tour Guru

Where Do You Find Cowboys, Missions, and the Movie, Vertigo?

“As I mosey on back to my Plaza Hotel room after eating my dinner grub, I decide to have a night cap at the Plaza Hotel Bar Room before I retire.”  Where am I? 

Which town has the Alfred Hitchcock movie Vertigo, cowboys, and a Spanish Mission in common?

Plaza Hotel

One of my favorite places that I never tire of when I want to escape the bright lights and city sights is a short thirty – forty minutes south of San Jose, keep driving past Gilroy.  Yep, it is a typical small western town with a main street.

San Juan Bautista State Historical Park

San Juan Bautista, CA. 

Why do I keep returning to this town?

I think one reason is that it has (almost - minus the cars) the same look even though this town spans over three periods of time – the Spaniards in the 1700s, gold rush days in the 1800s, and the early 1900s with James Stewart and Kim Novak filming Vertigo.  You will get caught up in your own fantasy era that you wish to connect to.  

Downtown San Juan Bautista

Inside helpful hint: Be prepared to feel shaking at times, as this town lies on the San Andreas Fault.  Yet, this town is still here today and with many fun events going on.

Mission San Juan Bautista is one of my favorite California Missions because of the historic buildings sitting around the park area; which overlooks agriculture fields in a valley.  If you can, plan your visit on the first Saturday of each month (during the summer) and you will find these buildings come alive through their Living History Days. Volunteer pioneer docents dressed in period costumes will take you on walking tours and tell you fun stories of what life was like in the early days - ask them about working in the stables and black smiths. 

 

Historical State Park

This mission was most likely made famous from Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, Vertigo.  Try to rent the the movie before going. Do you remember the famous scene of Jimmy Stewart climbing up the steps of the tower behind Kim Novak before she jumps?  Look closer, because you will not find this famous tower today.  The original tower was torn down because it was aging and rotten.  A disappointed Hitchcock after he discovered the tower was gone, had the tower matted in with an old painting of the mission using studio effects. 

Mission San Juan Bautista

My Favorite Things to Do Downtown

After taking the walking tours of the historical buildings and mission, I always have fun exploring all of the antique shops on main street and (of course, you should know me by now) I like tasting samples at the bakery.  

I stop for frosted margaritas and lunch on the patio at Jardines de San Juan (831) 823-4466.  Sometimes you may even catch the mariachi's playing here.  

Another reason to return is to visit other restaurants in town like JJ’s Homemade Burgers (831) 623-1743.  Or you might try: Basque Matxain Etxea Restaurant, Dona Esther Mexican Restaurant, La Casa Rosa, Mission Cafe, and the Faultline Restaurant.  (There are more...)

Inside helpful hint: A fun side trip that I found near town is to taste wines along the San Benito Wine Trail near by. 

What is your favorite part of this town?

"Now I best be getting back to my room at the Plaza Hotel to get some shut eye, keep this town on your list of things to do" ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

View from San Juan Bautista Mission

Additional information about San Juan Bautista State Historical Park (dates, walking tours) at the California State Parks website. 

Images: Credited to DW (me)

Best Socks and Wine Jelly Found in Carmel & Monterey CA

Why do I keep returning to this area?

When I go to Carmel and Monterey, I always seem to find something new or a different story.  Yes, I see many changes, with new stores, restaurants, and hotels – I always find one new interest that stands out – my find may even be a familiar shop that has been around for a few years.
 

On this trip, I found two specialty stores.

Visiting Carmel and Monterey was one of my first day trips after moving to California. It is difficult for me to describe the different experiences you will find between my favorite laid back Santa Cruz region which I visit quite often for quick walking escapes from my Silicon Valley office and the drive over to the southern side of Monterey bay.  Same bay, different experiences!

This may sound a bit corny, I still get goose bumps on my skin as I head south along Highway One looking at the Artichoke fields when I visit these towns, Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove, snuggled along the coast with the white sand and rocks between hills outlined of distinguishing Cypress trees.

On this trip, although it was not raining, the weather changed frequently, between sunshine and fog all day. The waves in the bay are huge as they crashed upon the sand and rocks.  After a quick stop at Capitola Bakery to get some of my favorite bites, I continued my drive.

 
My actual lunch stop had a view was along the coast near Pacific Grove.    ----->



I continued to downtown Carmel as I only had a couple of hours to spend on this afternoon.  I always like to browse and get acquainted with any new shops and galleries on
Ocean Ave. I wandered around quietly looking for unusual small gifts.


Socks in Carmel?

When I darted down a small alley, I saw this Sockshop Carmel, wondering who would want to buy socks while they were in Carmel?

It is an error in my thinking, as I found people smiling in front of the window display while gazing at these different types of socks. I followed these people inside and inched my way around the store taking the time to look at all the goodies.  Socks were found on one side and candles (Wicks and Wax) were on the other side.  

I admit, I am not a fashion diva, I had fun exploring the different type of socks, from designer socks to specialty support of various activities.  My five minutes turned into an hour spent in this small shop. And yes, I did make fun purchases.

Gourmet Jams and Jellies
 
Continuing my walk, I admired the windows of a second store Kurtz Culinary Food Shop before going in. I really wasn’t interested in the tasting of sauces and jellies until......................... I saw the Cabernet Sauvignon jelly.  Yum! I went closer to the display and picked up the jars to find several different types of wine jelly (Cab, Chard, etc). I tasted samples, swirling them in my mouth as I do when I taste wine.  The wine flavors were delicious! 

I forgot to take a picture, I did talk with the store clerk (part of the family) to find out the location of Kurtz Orchards, (*perhaps another trip for me?) where all of these products came from is Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada, with two specialty food shops – Niagara and Carmel.  Oh, and I now have two delicious recipes, Artichoke Spinach Flatbread and Peanut Butter & Niagara Harvest Jam Cookies.

My Insider tip:

If you forget your map, remember to find the Map Mural of downtown Carmel located behind the small shopping center located on Ocean. 

Sockshop Carmel and Wicks and Wax
Doud Arcade, Ocean & San Carlos, Carmel
(They have stores in Pacific Grove and Monterey Cannery Row, too)
(831) 624-6044

Kurtz Culinary Food Shop
SE Corner of Ocean Ave at San Carlos, Carmel
(831) 625-5267

Disclaimer:  I found these stores on my own journey, trip to Carmel. I did not receive any incentives or compensation, they do not know (yet) of this story. And, images are mine, please make contact me for permission to use.   

Today, it is about finding fun stores in Carmel CA off the beaten path! The Fun Tour Guru

Using Social Media - Lessons to Learn

Thursday Thoughts, a lighter side ~ Engage and Have Fun with Social Media

(Harry, lounging in his easy chair with his feet propped up, is deep in thought and dreaming of lands far, far away as he is browsing page after page of the internet travel blogs, travel magazines, and online travel ads)

"Maude, I just found a excellent trip for a really great value for us to take this summer; cruising down the Danube through Germany. Shall we reserve?" 

(Maude, active absorbed in her own Facebook strategy she just learned)

Image - DW

"Hey Harry, I think I have this Facebook thing finally figured out!"  

"Okay Maude, when do you want to teach me how to set up my page?"

"Well, I am not sure when I will have time to teach you or take a vacation because this is keeping me pretty busy right now. 

It is full time work! Every time one of my 500 friends I have found has a birthday, I go to the store, buy a birthday card for them; and then go to the post office to get stamps and mail the card to them!   Whew! Happy Birthday"

Image by

Adriano Gasparri – Creative Commons

 Finding Ways of Keeping it Social, 

     and good for the economy too......... The Fun Tour Guru 

Image Credits:  Adriano Gasparri– Creative Commons

A Familiar Hotel in Sunnyvale, CA - Silicon Valley - is now Dust

Today's travel tip ... are online hotel guides as up-to-date with reviews as we may think?

Silicon Valley – History is Going, Going, Gone to Dust

I love tradition.  Unfortunately, we must clear the paths of tradition and get ready for the next stage coming through.  At least that is what it is like in Silicon Valley.

As I was driving on Highway 101 last week, I saw this new change. I took the time to turn off the highway and investigate. Yes, it is true. The once familiar hotel landmark in Sunnyvale, Four Points Sheraton Hotel, some people may even remember it as the Sunnyvale Hilton has disappeared to dust. 

1250 Lakeside Drive, Sunnyvale - Hotel to Dust

Located on 5 acres near Lawrence Expressway and Highway 101, people will remember this property surrounded by a small lake as a popular corporate meeting and event place – and with a nice restaurant, bar lounge, and meeting room space.  I remember attending quite a few monthly association meetings and events at this hotel.

Is this your hotel room tonight?

Online Information on Hotel Buildings

It is interesting when I do a quick Google research about the current status of this hotel, I wasn’t able to find out too much about the change and disappearance of this hotel in articles. And seriously, how many of us take the time to research something like this? Please know the actual hotel website or corporate site (Sheraton) has been updated.   

It can be confusing to find many active postings from familiar online hotel guides which have not been updated.  I saw reviews posted as recent as 2010.  I did take the time to update Yelp and Trip Advisor myself through this research. (I noticed my Trip Advisor review is still pending).  How many people update real information like this?  The reviews I read were about service and how clean the hotel is. 

I know it is easy for local people to get information about this - what if you are on business from out of town - even international visitors, and looking for a place to stay from these hotel guides?   How current are hotel guides and travel articles ratings? Who returns back to articles and ensures they are updated after one or two years?
 

Do you know of any hotels that have disappeared? And, if you live in Silicon Valley, south bay area, do you know what is the new plans are for this property?

Please post your comments below.

Insider tip: 

Nearby, the Faultline Brewery is still very active (as seen from the number of cars in the parking lot at happy hour this same day) and is located on the opposite side of the small lake adjacent to this former hotel property, still with the lake view.  

Out and About ~ The Fun Tour Guru