Book three or more nights at www.49hoursofsf.com and receive 25% off the entire stay
January 28, 2013 – “San Francisco is known as a city of unique characters and strong personalities. That’s never been more true than now when the city’s cultural offerings are represented by some unforgettable individuals,” said Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association.
To help visitors make the most of 49 hours – that’s a weekend plus a little more – San Francisco Travel suggests nine different itineraries at www.49hoursofsf.com and visitors can build their own using the itinerary builder feature. They can even share their plans via Facebook, Twitter and email.
First, meet Snow White. She doesn’t look it, but she’s celebrating her 75th year in film. The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio of San Francisco displays more than 200 works of art in their exhibit “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic.” Through April 14, learn how this tale of the girl who bit the most decidedly non-sustainable apple changed animation forever.
What would Snow White do in San Francisco? No doubt she’d see her tale told – in true irreverent San Francisco style – at “Beach Blanket Bablyon,” America’s longest running musical revue. She might pick up a few items for her seven little friends at Macy’s on Union Square. Or she might take on the 2,000 sq. ft. mirrored maze at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Mirror, mirror on the wall indeed!
Cinderella will be coming to San Francisco in Christopher Wheeldon’s darkly magical ballet, set to the music of Prokofiev with wildly imaginative sets and costumes. The San Francisco Ballet is the first company in the United States to welcome this very special production of “Cinderella.”
Cinderella’s visit to San Francisco might include the local premiere of “The Clock” at SFMOMA with thousands of film clips edited into a 24-hour montage. She might dance the few steps from the Ballet to the newly opened SFJAZZ Center, the first free-standing venue specifically for jazz in the nation. Or she could be pampered like a princess at a local spa such as Burke Williams in the Westfield Center or shop for the perfect princess-cut diamond at historic Shreve & Co.
If these ladies are looking for the strong, silent type, they can do no better than the fine figures on display at the Asian Art Museum’s exhibit, “China’s Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor’s Legacy.” February 22 through May 27, ten of more than 8,000 life size figures will be on display.
These stone-faced fellows might enjoy lightening up at San Francisco’s comedy clubs like the Punch Line and Cobb’s Comedy Club. Or tapping their toes (if they have them) at “Jersey Boys” at the SHN Curran Theatre, March 9 through April 28. They might feel right at home touring the SS Jeremiah O’Brien WWII Liberty Ship or exploring Fort Point and the former military fortifications beneath and around the Golden Gate Bridge.
Vermeer’s enigmatic “Girl with the Pearl Earring” offers her intriguing gaze at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park through June 2. She’s in good company with “Rembrandt’s Century,” an exhibit of 200 rarely seen prints and drawing from her era.
With her taste in jewelry, the Girl might enjoy shopping at Favor, where carved resin, silver and gemstone jewelry is made in an upstairs studio. She can smell the tulips of her homeland at the Dutch Windmills and Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park or at PIER 39’s Tulipmania Festival, February 16-24. And she can have a wholesome snack of artisanal breads and cheeses at Acme Bread and Cowgirl Creamery in the Ferry Building Marketplace.
San Francisco Travel is encouraging visitors to get to know these cultural characters with special offers. Through the end of April, stay three or more nights at participating hotels booked at www.49hoursofsf.com and receive 25% off your entire stay.
San Francisco Travel’s Arts and Culture Explorer Maps invite visitors to go deeper in the neighborhoods of Civic Center, Golden Gate Park, the Mission and Yerba Buena, with online and printable maps and points of interest, available at http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/arts-culture/arts-culture-explorer.
The number 49 has long had special significance for San Francisco. The city’s population exploded with the Gold Rush of 1849. The city itself measures 49 square miles (or “49 square miles surrounded by reality,” as one luminary once said). Motorists can tour the city on the 49 Mile Scenic Drive. And don’t forget that famous football team with 49 in the name that’s playing in the Super Bowl on February 3.
“49 Hours of SF” is supported by American Express, Amtrak, the Asian Art Museum, the de Young Museum, the San Francisco Ballet and the Walt Disney Family Museum.
The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, packages, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel or call 415-391-2000. The Visitor Information Center is located at 900 Market St. in Hallidie Plaza, lower level, near the Powell Street cable car turnaround.
For an insider’s perspective, join more than 500,000 people who follow San Francisco Travel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/onlyinsf. Follow “OnlyinSF” on Twitter at http://twitter.com/onlyinsf.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 31 international points on 30 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 75 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit flysfo.com. Follow SFO on twitter.com/flysfo and facebook.com/flysfo.
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Note to editors: Photos and press releases are available at http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/media/.
