People say California has no seasons, but that just goes to show you how wrong people can be. Why, we've got football season, outdoor theater season, the Christmas shopping season, and, of course, opera season. This year, kick off the [more...]

The Black & White Ball is San Francisco's most notorious black tie event. Nominally a formal-wear benefit for the SF Symphony, the Black & White has become an [more...]

If your hands and feet have been especially good to you this month, you might consider returning the favor at Blush Nail Spa. The treatments range [more...]

When your dog needs to get spruced up for his or her upcoming play date, consider a quick trip to San Francisco Pet Grooming in the Castro. These groomers are fast and gentle and will leave your pooch looking fresh, clean and sharp as a [more...]

Tucked into a small storefront on a residential street, Pretty Nails Salon doesn't initially impress you. But the ladies who paint the nails inside are sweet and thorough, and you'll walk out with a lovely set of hands and feet for some [more...]

Sick of all those routine black tie events you keep attending? This year, forget the champagne fund raisers and charity luncheons and save your money for a ticket for the San Francisco SPCA's annual Bark and Whine Ball. Th [more...]

If you want to go wine-tasting without all the yuppie frills, check out Thomas Coyne Winery in Livermore. The people who pour the wine have a cheerful, "just [more...]

Recently opened under new management, Ruby Hill Winery has been in Pleasanton since 1887. (That's 1787 in Napa years, and 1408 in Europe years.) After a successful [more...]

If you want to go dancing for real -- not just the hyper shimmy that passes for dancing in clubs -- pay a visit to Harry Denton's Starlight Room. Located on the [more...]

The Rubicon is a restaurant owned by Robin Williams, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert DeNiro. Not only can you eat their food, you can watch THEM eating their food, [more...]

Maybe it's always been your dream to sleep with Keanu Reeves, a member of Pearl Jam, or Little Richard. (Hey, we've all got our fetishes; let's not judge.) Or maybe your dream is simpler: to find a fun, funky hotel to stay in when you [more...]

If you're looking to party with celebrities, you might stop in at the Redwood Room in the Clift Hotel. This is a party spot for celebs [more...]

The Golden Nail Salon in Pleasant Hill has the best massage chairs I've ever had the pleasure of sitting in. I am not kidding. With a dozen different settings, the chairs are like a giant Swedish guy named Jan who will cheerfully spend [more...]

Book two seats on the Napa Wine Train for a truly luxurious day out of town. The Train is fully stocked with all the plush seats, wide windows and chic dining cars a [more...]

Check in for a weekend at the Carneros Inn, a luxury resort in Napa owned by Plumpjack, a company founded by SF mayor Gavin Newsome. It's sort of like when you [more...]

Always wanted to sleep in a lighthouse? Never wanted to sleep in a lighthouse but kind of intrigued now that the subject's come up? Try the East Brother Light Station, a [more...]

Need a mountain retreat weekend but can't go too far from the city? Try the Mountain Home Inn on top of Mt. Tamalpais. Built in Bavarian style, this lodge [more...]

Paradise doesn't come cheap, but it's worth it. Take a weekend at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara for the ultimate in pampering getaways. Ocean views and [more...]

Get manicures at the Beauty Bar while you sip your enormous umbrella'd drinks. Perfect chance to check out your date's feet (be sure and count the toes -- I'm just [more...]

Before you are both under a mountain of diapers and suffering from endless exchanges of sleepless nights, indulge yourselves (both of you) at Berkley's Claremont Resort & Spa. T [more...]