San Francisco Travel

“What’s New” is a listing of new venues, attractions and activities compiled by the San Francisco Travel Association. Past editions of “What’s New” and a list of “Recent and Coming Attractions” are available in the Media section of San Francisco Travel’s website, www.sanfrancisco.travel. The next edition of “What’s New” will be sent in August 2011.

When in San Francisco be sure to visit the San Francisco Visitor Information Center. Located at 900 Market St. on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza near the cable car turnaround at the foot of Powell Street, the center is open Monday-Saturday (and Sundays May through October).

Public transit is highly recommended when traveling around San Francisco. For bus schedules and information on San Francisco’s cable cars, historic streetcars and light rail system visit www.sfmta.org or call 511 (www.511.org) or 510-893-8729 if calling from outside area code 415.

CITY NEWS

San Francisco Hosts the 34th America’s Cup in 2013

Nearly 160 years old, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport.  Initially a one‐on-one competition between teams representing foreign yacht clubs, the America’s Cup has evolved into one of the world’s leading sporting competitions featuring the best sailors on the world’s fastest boats — the wing‐sailed AC45 and AC72 catamarans. The new America’s Cup World Series — featuring all of the America’s Cup competitors — will be held in the summer of 2012, with the 34th America’s Cup beginning July 13-Sept. 1, 2012, with the Louis Vuitton Cup, and finishing with the America’s Cup Finals Sept. 7-22, 2013. For more information, visit www.americascup.com. Media contact:  Stephanie Martin, 949-395-4523, stephanie.martin@americascup.com.

San Francisco’s “49 Hours of SF: Arts & Culture” Launches June 1, 2011

The San Francisco Travel Association has developed a cooperative partnership with the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the San Francisco Symphony for its summer arts and culture campaign.  Titled “49 Hours of SF: Arts & Culture,” it invites visitors to experience the most interesting 49 square miles on the planet in 49 hours and poses the question, “What will your 49 hours hold?” The goal is to inspire people to imagine a weekend getaway — plus an hour. Invoking the spirit of the legendary 49ers who came to San Francisco in 1849 seeking gold, the campaign will include “nuggets” such as 49-hour arts- and culture-focused itineraries by notable San Franciscans; interaction on several social marketing platforms; hotel, museum and performing arts packages. For details visit www.49HoursofSF.com (effective June 1, 2011) or call 415-391-2000. Media contact: Laurie Armstrong, 415-227-2615, larmstrong@sanfrancisco.travel.

Disney Cruise Line Makes Inaugural Call on Port of San Francisco; Reposition to Pacific Northwest for First Alaska Cruise Season Prelude to More West Coast Calls in 2012

On April 29, 2011 the Disney Wonder cruise ship made its inaugural call on the Port of San Francisco as part of Disney’s first Alaska cruise season. One of several new itineraries for Disney, the stop was part of the ship’s reposition cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, where it will sail 18, seven-night, round-trip cruises to Alaska. Disney and Port of San Francisco officials anticipate that Disney Cruise Line will make approximately six calls in 2012 as part of Disney’s continued focus on providing a variety of cruise itineraries. For information visit www.disneycruise.com or call 888-DCL-2500. Media contacts: Renee Martin, 415-274-0488, renee.martin@sfport.com or Christi Erwin Donnan, 407-361-2590/ 407-566-3648, christi.erwin.donnan@disney.com.

Improvements Continue for California Street Cable Car Line and Roadway
Phase Two Includes Closure of California Cable Car Line Through June 19, 2011

Ongoing improvements to the California Street cable car line and roadway will require closure of the California cable car line through June 19, 2011. San Francisco’s signature cable cars will still be accessible to riders on the Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde lines except for some brief shutdowns in late April and early June, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). During the closures, Muni bus shuttles will provide substitute service. The last major overhaul of the cable car system on California Street was completed in 1984. For more information about the cable car system and transportation alternatives, visit www.sfmta.com/cablecarimprovement. Media contact: Paul Rose, 415-601-1637(cell), paul.rose@sfmta.com

Bayview Opera House Joins National Park Service National Register of Historic Places          

One of the oldest surviving entertainment venues in San Francisco, the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre (BVOH) has been approved for the National Register of Historic Places by the National Parks Service. Effective April 1, 2011 the South San Francisco Opera House, the official name under which BVOH opened in 1888 as an entertainment hall attached to Masonic Lodge #212, joins revered landmarks ranging from the Old Mint to the cable cars. One of four city-owned cultural centers located in San Francisco, it is the first federal historic landmark in the southeast sector of San Francisco. BVOH, for all its historic status, remains a vital community space for arts and other social activities for the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. BVOH was the first cultural building constructed in the neighborhood and has served for decades as the chief social center for the district, regularly presenting performances, after-school and summer arts programs, and providing affordable space rental to community organizations. For information visit www.bvoh.org or call 415-824-0386. Media contact: Kate Patterson, 415-252-4638, kate.patterson@sfgov.org.

PERFORMING ARTS

Construction Begins May 2011 on New SFJAZZ Center in the Heart of San Francisco

In May 2011 SFJAZZ, the organization behind more than 100 concerts, including the renowned San Francisco Jazz Festival, started construction on their first permanent home at 205 Franklin St. The $60 million, SFJAZZ Center, slated to open in fall 2012, will become the first center anywhere in the country for jazz designed and built from the ground up. The Hayes Valley location is just blocks from Davies Symphony Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, the Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The 35,000-square-foot, transparent structure designed by Mark Cavagnero of Mark Cavagnero Associates, will feature a flexible, 700-seat performance hall, dedicated space for education and professional development; three rehearsal spaces; a digital music lab, and a sidewalk-level restaurant/café. Cavagnero recently completed the Oakland Museum of California expansion. For information visit www.sfjazz.org or call 415-398-5655. Media contact: Kevin Causey, 415-283-0306, kcausey@sfjazz.org; Marshall Lamm, 510-928-1410,marshalllamm@earthlink.net; or Ann-Rebecca Laschever, 866-PR-WEILL, arlaschever@geoffreyweill.com

San Francisco Opera Presents Three Complete Cycles of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen(The Ring of the Nibelung) as part of a Bay Area Ring Festival June 14-July 3

The composer’s epic four-opera cycle is widely considered as one of the greatest works ever conceived for the operatic stage. The four operas in this new production — “Das Rheingold,” “Die Walküre,” “Siegfried” and “Götterdöämmerung” — will be presented in San Francisco for the first time as a complete cycle from June 14-July 3, 2011. In conjunction with the presentation of “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” San Francisco Opera will join with other cultural institutions to present activities throughout the Bay Area as part of the Ring Festival, including lectures, musical performances, film screenings, exhibits and other events. A calendar of events for the Ring Festival and ticket information are available at www.sfopera.com.  Media contact: Robin Freeman, 415-565-6451, rfreeman@sfopera.com.

Teatro ZinZanni’s New Monthly Cabaret Lunatique Focuses on San Francisco Neighborhoods

Through the end of 2011 a series of late-night cabarets, each focusing on a distinctive San Francisco neighborhood, will showcase many local artists. Teatro ZinZanni’s glamorous spiegeltent at Pier 29 will be the setting for evenings focusing on the Castro, Fillmore/Jazz, Haight-Ashbury, South of Market (SOMA), On the Waterfront and The Hills. “We know that there is an audience in the Bay Area that is looking for exciting and unique entertainment late at night – because we search for the same thing when we head out into the night after our regular show …” said Teatro ZinZanni Managing Director Susan Outlaw. Doors to the lobby will open at 11:15 p.m.  Admission is $35 for premium and $25 general admission. For information visit http://love.zinzanni.org or call 415-438-2668. Media contacts Karen Ames, 415-641-7474, karen@karenames.com or Brenden Guy, 415-641-7474, brenden@karenames.com.

Blue Man Group Comes to Golden Gate Theater through June 19, 2011

Best known for their popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally fresh form of entertainment, Blue Man Group will unleash its high-octane show at the Golden Gate Theater, May 24-June 19, 2011. Although Blue Man Group has toured previously with its Megastar arena rock show, this marks the first theatrical production to tour North America. With no spoken language, Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all ages, languages and cultures. The theatrical tour features classic Blue Man moments as well as brand new content. Tickets for Blue Man Group start at $30 and are on sale now at http://shnsf.com/shows/bluemangroup. Media contacts: Anne Abrams and Erin Garcia, 415-551-2075, pr@shnsf.com.

West Coast Premiere: “Tigers Be Still” Slides in to SF Playhouse Summer Slot June 21-July 30, 2011

With the postponement of the world premiere “Alcestis (doesn’t live here anymore)” until next season to provide more time for musical development, the summer slot for The SF Playhouse, 533 Sutter St.,  will be filled with the West Coast premiere of Kim Rosenstock’s “Tigers Be Still,” June 21-July 30, 2011. Featured in the SF Playhouse 2008 reading series, the quirky, endearing and deliciously dark new comedy follows Sherry Wickman, a young woman who discovers that her master’s degree in art therapy is no guarantee that the perfect career and life are just around the corner. Far from it. For information visit www.sfplayhouse.org or call 415-677-9596. Media contact: Susi Damilano, 415-677-9596, susi@sfplayhouse.org.

Stern Grove Festival Announces Performers for 74th Season June 19-Aug. 21, 2011

Once again the Stern Grove Festival brings eclectic, renowned performers — from Aaron Neville to the San Francisco Opera — to an unmatched outdoor venue: a majestic yet intimate natural amphitheater among century-old redwoods and eucalyptus in the heart of San Francisco.  One of the longest-running outdoor festivals in the country, Stern Grove Festival has given generations of art lovers access to high-caliber performances, admission free. Performances begin at 2 p.m. on Sundays; however, fans of the outdoor series often turn up as early as 7 a.m. to stake out a patch of green and wile away the hours with a novel or the Sunday newspaper and a picnic repast until concert time. The lineup this year includes: Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings and Ben L'Oncle Soul (June 19);  Jazz Mafia Symphony featuring Chali 2na (June 26); Neko Case and The Dodos (July 3); Afrocubism and Pellejo Seco (July 10);  The English Beat and My First Earthquake (July 17); San Francisco Symphony (July 24); San Francisco Ballet (July 31); Aaron Neville and Quinn Deveaux and The Blue Beat Review (Aug. 7); Javier Limon featuring Buika, La Shica, and Sandra Carrasco and Luisa Maita (Aug. 14) and the San Francisco Opera (Aug. 21). Throughout the season there are also Kids Days programs (pre-registration required); Kidstage performances from noon-1 p.m. before every concert, and “Troc Talks” in Stern Grove’s Trocadero Clubhouse prior to concerts on June 19, June 26, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. For information visit www.sterngrove.org or call 415-252-6252. Media contact: Monica Ware, 415-252-6252, ext. 102, mware@sterngrove.org.

Summer & the Symphony Lineup Includes Movies, Johnny Mathis, Pink Martini, Chris Botti and Music of ABBA, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Gershwin June 27-July 29, 2011

The San Francisco Symphony’s “Summer & the Symphony” concert lineup includes a summer classical concert series, Orchestra performances with Johnny Mathis, Pink Martini, Chris Botti, and Arrival: the music of ABBA, and a screening of “Casablanca” with live orchestral accompaniment, as well as two evenings devoted to some of the best-loved Disney and Hollywood film music of all time. The Symphony performs two free outdoor concerts at Stern Grove and Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park. On the Fourth of July, the Orchestra plays inspiring folk, pop and classical favorites at the annual Shoreline Amphitheatre Independence Day concert and fireworks extravaganza, with beloved San Francisco Giants broadcaster Jon Miller narrating the classic “Casey at the Bat.” The summer series opens on June 27 with vocalist Johnny Mathis and ends July 29 with an evening of memorable movie scores. The Symphony will offer summer food fare and specialty drinks for sale at the concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, with table seating available in the Orchestra, First and Second Tier lobbies.  The Martini Brothers will perform ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s swing in the lobby prior to the concerts on July 7-9, 14-15, 17, 21, 28-29. A pianist will play songs for the crowd to sing along with in the Orchestra lobby prior to the concerts of July 16, 22-23.  Tickets for all concerts (except Fourth of July at Shoreline Amphitheatre) are on sale at www.sfsymphony.org/summer or by calling 415-864-6000. Tickets for the San Francisco Symphony Fourth of July concert and fireworks at Shoreline Amphitheatre are available through www.livenation.com. Media contact: SFS Communications Department, 415-503-5474, publicrelations@sfsymphony.org or visit www.sfsymphony.org/press.

“Billy Elliot The Musical” West Coast Premiere Set for San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre June 27-Sept. 17, 2011

Winner of 10 Tony Awards and named “Time Magazine’s” Best Musical of the Decade, Billy Elliot opens on June 27, 2011 at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. The West Coast premiere of this show which runs through Sept. 17 will feature music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry. The joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true, “Billy Elliot the Musical” is set in a small town. The story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever. The production has been awarded 73 national and international awards including 10 Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle. For information visit www.shnsf.com or call 888-SHN-1799 (888-746-1799). Media contacts: Anne Abrams or Erin Garcia, 415-551-2075, pr@shnsf.com.

“The Scottsboro Boys” and “Higher” Complete A.C.T.’s 2011-2012 Season

Susan Stroman’s 12-time Tony Award-nominated production of “The Scottsboro Boys” presented in association with The Old Globe will be the final show of A.C.T.’s 2011-2012 season. Shows for this season in order of performance are: 

• A.C.T.’s Associate Director Mark Rucker’s groundbreaking take on Kaufman and Hart’s dazzling classic comedy “Once in a Lifetime,” Sept. 22-Oct. 16, 2011 
• Bay Area premiere of David Mamet’s Broadway hit “Race,” Oct. 21-Nov. 13, 2011
• A.C.T.’s annual holiday classic (not part of season subscription), “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 1-24, 2011
• Bay Area premiere of Lorenzo Pisoni’s one-man show, “Humor Abuse, recounting his memories growing up as the youngest member of the Pickle Family Circus, Jan. 12-Feb. 5, 2012
• World premiere (not part of season subscription) of Carey Perloff’s “Higher” at Zeum Theater, Feb. 1-18, 2012, in which a high-powered Jewish architect, madly in love with her equally talented colleague, discovers that she is his rival in a competition to design a memorial in Israel.
• West Coast premiere of Lebanese-Canadian writer Wajdi Mouawad’s “Scorched,” with a cast led by Emmy Award winner David Strathairn, Feb. 16-March 11, 2012
• West Coast premiere of Jordan Harrison’s provocative comedy, “Maple and Vine,” March 29-April 22, 2012
• Artistic Director Carey Perloff’s production of “Twelfth Night,” A.C.T.’s first Shakespeare play produced in the past 15 years, May 10-June 9, 2012
• Bay Area premiere of “The Scottsboro Boys,” recent recipient of 12 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical. The true story of nine young African American men, unjustly accused of a shocking crime, is transformed into an unforgettable theatrical event, June 19-July 15, 2012.

Unless otherwise noted, all performances are at the American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St. Series subscriptions are available now through A.C.T. subscription office 415-749-2250 or visit www.act-sf.org; single tickets for individual productions will be available August 2011. Media contact: Evren Odcikin, 415-439-2418, evren@act-sf.org.

SHN Announces 2011-2012 Lineup; Season Opens with “Hair” Oct. 25, 2011

Formerly known as Best of Broadway, the SHN Series brings Broadway to the Bay Area, presenting a dynamic series at the Orpheum, Curran and Golden Gate Theatres. Six shows have been announced for 2011-2012 with a seventh to be revealed later. “Announcing the new SHN season is always a thrill for me,” said Carole Shorenstein Hays, president and founder of SHN. The series opens with “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, 2009 Tony award winner for best musical revival, Oct. 25-Nov. 20, 2011 at the Golden Gate Theatre. “Bring It On: The Musical,” a brand new musical comedy comes along Dec. 15, 2011-Jan. 7, 2012 at the Orpheum Theatre. Harold Pinter’s classic psychological drama “The Caretaker,” starring Jonathan Pryce is slated for the Curran Theatre, March 28-April 22, 2012. Called “the first great musical of the 21st century” by critics, “American Idiot” returns home to the Bay Area June 12-July 8, 2012. The Tony Award-nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album features the music of Green Day with lyrics by its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong at the Orpheum Theatre. Glorious new staging and dazzling re-imagined scenery mark a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schonberg’s legendary musical, “Les Miserables,” July 10-Aug. 5, 2012 at the Orpheum Theatre. London and Broadway’s smash hit, “War Horse” gallops into the Curran Theatre, Aug. 1-26, 2012. The powerful story of young Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, who has been enlisted to fight for the English in World War I, comes alive through life-sized puppets which bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life. Season packages for the seven-show series start at $213; for ticket information visit www.shnsf.com. Media contacts: Anne Abrams and Erin Garcia, 415-551-2075, pr@shnsf.com.

HOTELS

Holiday Inn & Suites San Mateo-SFO Tapped for Top Honors for Recent Renovation

After nearly one-and-a-half years of ongoing renovation, Holiday Inn & Suites San Mateo-SFO, 330 North Bayshore Blvd., San Mateo, has completed a top to bottom, inside and out transformation. The hotel was recognized during the 2010 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, October 2010.  The hotel is one of 41 hotels to receive an award for its renovation from a portfolio of more than 4,400 hotels.  Renovations on the entire property were completed in May, 2010. Both hard goods and soft goods were changed. The whole building had a complete facelift with new paint and furniture. All 110 guest rooms were completely redone with state-of-the-art flat screen TVs, microwaves,  refrigerators and orthopedic beds. The Bistro 330 Restaurant and Bar was also remodeled as well as the banquet room. High speed Internet and Wi-Fi were installed to provide access throughout the building. For information visit www.hisanmateo.com or call 650-344-3219. Media contact: Edgar Delgado, 650-344-3219, dos@hisanmateo.com.

Renovated Event Facilities Get the “Light” Touch at Hilton San Francisco Airport  Bayfront

Business and social events at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront, 600 Airport Blvd., are being transformed in the new Reflection Ballroom with the installation of a new lighting design that offers dazzling special effects, customer-selected color schemes and light shows that include logos and customized art elements. The renovation, completed in February 2011, encompasses the hotel’s entire 11,500-square-feet of meeting facilities, which include 10 separate event rooms, including a new meeting room. Technological advances in the newly designed space streamline audiovisual operations. All of the hotel’s meeting rooms are now Wi-Fi-enabled. For information visit www.hiltonsfo.com or call 650-340-8500.  Media contact: Ellen Eason, 415-242-5244, ellen@easoncom.com.

RESTAURANTS & NIGHTCLUBS

Bon Appétit! Dine About Town San Francisco Returns June 1-15, 2011

There’s always something tantalizing on the foodie scene in San Francisco and those in the know are looking forward to the return of Dine About Town™ San Francisco, June 1-15, 2011. Presented by the San Francisco Travel Association, Dine About Town serves up memorable meals from more than 100 of San Francisco's finest restaurants, offering two-course menus for lunch at $17.95 and three-course dinners at $34.95. Reservations may be made at www.dineabouttown.com through a partnership with OpenTable.com. American Express is the preferred method of payment for Dine About Town, and American Express® Cardmembers who register their card through www.dineabouttown.com can receive a $15 statement credit when they dine three times at participating restaurants. Media contact: Laurie Armstrong, 415-227-2615, larmstrong@sanfrancisco.travel.

W San Francisco Unveils Plans for New Restaurant Trace – Opening Summer 2011

W San Francisco, 181 Third St., has unveiled plans for its new restaurant, Trace, opening in summer 2011. Trace will mark the first of the hotel’s current restyling of the welcome desk, bar and restaurant venues to reflect a more “localist” lifestyle experience. With a focus on traceable ingredients and high-quality, conscious cuisine, Trace will capture the personality of the Bay Area along with a dedication to socially responsible eating.  Executive Chef Paul Piscopo will continue at the helm of the hotel’s signature restaurant alongside local foragers and a strategic partnership with celebrity organic food expert, Helge Hellmen.  “We are thrilled to introduce Trace as the first phase of our property refresh,” said Michael Pace, general manager, W San Francisco. In conjunction with the launch of Trace, W San Francisco will undergo a restyling of its bar venues as well. For information visit www.wsanfrancisco.com or call 415-777-5300. Media contacts:  Alison Stout, Colleen Gallagher or Thea Bakkar, alison@glodownead.com, 415-394-6500.

MUSEUMS

Wicked Plants, Slithering Reptiles and Hairy Arachnids –

It’s a Creepy Summer in San Francisco

This summer it’s mayhem under glass at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park with the installation of “Wicked Plants: Botanical Rogues & Assassins” through Oct. 30, 2011. Meanwhile at the California Academy of Sciences, also located in Golden Gate Park, “Snakes & Lizards: The Summer of Slither” uncoils May 9-Sept. 5, 2011. And the final entry in this creepy trio will be “Tarantulas: Alive & Up Close” at the San Francisco Zoo, June 11-Sept. 5 (Labor Day), 2011.

Based on Amy Stewart’s bestseller, “Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities,” “Wicked Plants” transforms the Special Exhibits Gallery at the Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Dr., into an eerie Victorian garden full of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. Visitors will be introduced to dozens of infamous plants that have left their mark on history and claimed many an unfortunate victim. As visitors enter the exhibition, they find themselves in a mysterious, untended yard behind a ramshackle old Victorian home. Peeking through the window, it’s clear that a crime has just taken place. A man is slumped over on a table, a goblet in his lifeless hand, as the lady of the house flees in the background. Crows caw, and a rusty gate creaks. In the overgrown garden, moss-covered statues rise out of a thicket of alluring plants — here lurk some of the greatest killers of all time. The exhibition features more than 30 species of wicked plants from those with famously scandalous histories to those that grow “innocently” in millions of gardens and homes today. Visitors can enjoy excerpts from Stewart’s book full of bloodcurdling tales and fascinating facts on signs throughout the gallery. For information visit www.conservatoryofflowers.org or call 415-831-2090. Media contact: Nina Sazevich, 415-752-2483, nina911@pacbell.net. 

Already home to more than 38,000 live animals, the California Academy of Sciences is adding 300-feet of exotic snakes and dozens of lizards for “Snakes & Lizards: The Summer of Slither.” Housed on the ground level of the Academy, Lemondrop, a 15-foot albino python, is the mascot of the exhibition. Upstairs in the main exhibit area visitors will be able to explore the evolutionary relationships between lizards, snakes and the rest of the earth — and play a bit of “hide and seek” with creatures who have honed their survival skills by blending almost seamlessly into their surroundings. Among the squamates, the group that includes both legged and legless lizards, including snakes, are “real” monsters and dragons: a gila monster and eastern water dragon. A 40-foot robotic snake from the 1997 movie “Anaconda” will also be on view. Throughout the summer there will also be special programs and an activity center for children. For information visit www.calacademy.org or call 415-379-8000. Media contact: Stephanie Stone, 415-379-5121, sstone@calacademy.org.

“Tarantulas: Alive and Up-Close,” sponsored by The Bernard Osher Foundation, opens at the San Francisco Zoo on June 11 with a special “meet and greet” with Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.  Throughout the summer until Labor Day, Sept. 5 the “eeeekk” factor will be raised a few notches with the arrival of these diverse (and some would consider, beautiful) giants of the spider world. This journey of scientific discovery portrays these eight-legged creatures in a new light and provides engaging and educational experiences for children of all ages and adults. Spider-Man will take short breaks during his visit June 11-12, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., so plan accordingly. For information visit www.sfzoo.org or call 415-753-7080. Media contact: Gwendolyn Tornatore, gwendolynt@sfzoo.org, 415-753-7174.

Summer of Stein – Or All about Gertrude at Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art through Fall 2011

Gertrude Stein (1874-1946), one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century, is perhaps most famous as a modern writer and the source of such oft-repeated phrases as “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.” But Stein’s reach across the arts was extraordinary, extending well beyond literature to include collaborations in opera, ballet and more, and her influence as a style-maker, art collector and networker was considerable.  Her life and legacy will be celebrated in a neighborhood full of distinctly different events in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena district starting in May 2011.

Through Sept. 6 the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., debuts the first major museum exhibition to fully investigate the fascinating visual legacy and life of Gertrude Stein.  “Seeing Gertrude Stein: Five Stories” is an art-filled biographical exploration of Stein’s multiple identities as a literary pioneer, transatlantic modernist, Jewish-American expatriate, American celebrity, art collector, and muse to artists of several generations. The exhibition also features Alice B. Toklas (1877-1967), Stein’s life-long partner, and explores the aesthetics of dress, home décor, entertainment and food that the two women created together.  For information visit www.thecjm.org or call 415-655-7800. Media contact: Nina Sazevich, 415-752-2483, nina911@pacbell.net.

Co-organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris, “The Steins Collect: Matisse, Picasso, and the Parisian Avant-Garde” reunites the collections of Gertrude Stein, her brothers Leo and Michael Stein, and Michael's wife, Sarah Stein. As American expatriates, the Steins were part of the vibrant cultural life of Paris in the early 20th century, where they hosted prestigious salons and developed close friendships with leading artists of the day, most notably Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, whose works they collected in depth and form the core of this presentation. This major touring exhibition premiered May 21 and will be on view through Sept. 6, before traveling to Paris and New York. For information visit www.sfmoma.org or call 415-357-4000. Media contact: Libby Garrison, 415-357-4177, lgarrison@sfmoma.org.

In conjunction with the exhibition, SFMOMA's Live Art program will restage a production of “Four Saints in Three Acts (1934),” composer Virgil Thomson's experimental opera based on Stein's original play. The opera focuses on two 16th-century Spanish saints — Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila —- as they contemplate their earthly lives. Bringing the piece into the 21st century, SFMOMA's production will seek to reactivate the avant-garde energy at the heart of the Stein legacy, and will revisit Thomson's insistence that the saints in the opera are really artists, punctuating the notion of creative community that the Steins so well represent. The opera will be presented in collaboration with the innovative chamber opera group Ensemble Parallèle, with original music and visuals by composer Luciano Chessa and video/performance artist Kalup Linzy. Performances of the opera will take place Aug. 18 -20 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA). For information visit www.sfmoma.org or call 415-357-4000. Media contact: Libby Garrison, 415-357-4177, lgarrison@sfmoma.org.

“Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave” at Legion of Honor through June 5, 2011

Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave is a painter by training, but textile and costume are her muses. Working in collaboration with leading costume historians and young fashion designers, de Borchgrave crafts a world of splendor from the simplest rag paper. Painting and manipulating the paper, she forms trompe l’oeil masterpieces of elaborate dresses inspired by depictions in early European painting or by iconic costumes in museum collections around the world.  Through June 5, 2011 the Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave., will be the first American museum to dedicate an entire exhibition to the work of de Borchgrave, although her creations have been widely displayed in Europe. Pulp Fashion draws on several themes and presents quintessential examples in the history of costume—from Renaissance finery of the Medici family and gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette to the creations of the grand couturiers Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. For information visit www.famsf.org or call 415-750-3600. Media contact: Robin Wander, 415-750-2604, rwander@famsf.org.

Exhibition at Museum of the African Diaspora Honors Romare Bearden through July 3, 2011

Presented by the Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., as part of Romare Bearden's national centennial celebration, “From Process to Print: Graphic Works by Romare Bearden” is an exhibition honoring Bearden's remarkable versatility as an artist and his mastery of the print medium. On view through July 3, 2011 the exhibition includes more than 85 lithographs, etchings, collagraphs, collagraph plates, screen prints, drypoints, monoprints and engravings produced over three decades.  The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to examine the print making process of this preeminent artist and to understand how key themes and motifs like trains, family life, rituals, rural and urban scenes, jazz and mythology extended his artistic imagination beyond collages, of which he is an acknowledged master, into the graphic medium. This touring exhibition is organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation. For information visit www.moadsf.org or call 415-358-7200. Media contact: Michael DeFlorimonte, 415-203-9801, michaeld@michaeldcommunications.com.

“Picasso’s Picassos,” — A Rare Exhibition of the Artist’s “Personal Collection” Opens at de Young June 11, 2011

The exhibition “Picasso:  Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris” opens June 11, 2011 at the de Young and will be on view through Oct. 9, 2011.  This exhibition of 150 important paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings created by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) is drawn from the permanent collection of the Musée National Picasso, Paris, the largest and most significant repository of the artist’s work in the world, and comes to the de Young as part of an international tour. Ranging from informal sketchbooks to finished iconic masterpieces, this unique collection of “Picasso’s Picassos” provides significant proof of the artist’s assertion that “I am the greatest collector of Picassos in the world.” The Musée National Picasso’s collection preserves the highly personal works that Picasso kept for himself with the intention of shaping his own artistic legacy.  Exhibited chronologically, covering all the phases of the modern master’s long career and featuring the various media in which he worked, this meticulously assembled presentation includes: one of his earliest Paris works, The Death of Casagemas (1901); La Célestine (1904), from the artist’s Blue Period; The Two Brothers (1906), from the Rose Period; African-inspired proto-Cubist studies for Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907); the Cubist Man with a Guitar (1911), the Neoclassical Portrait of Olga (1917), the artist’s wife; Portrait of Dora Maar (1937), the artist’s lover and famed French artist; six Surrealist bronze heads of the artist’s mistress, Marie-Thérèse Walter; the Head of a Bull (1942) fabricated from a bicycle seat and handlebars, and the late self-portrait The Matador (1970). For information visit www.deyoungmuseum.org or call 415-750-3600. Media contacts: Jill Lynch, 415-750-3553, jlynch@famsf.org or Robin Wander, 415-750-2604, rwander@famsf.org.

Exploratorium Offers Full Spectrum of Color-Related Exhibits July 1-Sept. 5, 2011

Get ready for this summer’s ColorFest at the Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St., a two-month extravaganza featuring a full spectrum of color-related exhibits, film programs, a speaker series, performances and activities. The museum floor will be transformed into a hands-on exploration of light and color. How does the eye see color? Why are there more colorblind men than women? Why do birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish see a broader range of light than humans? ColorFest will also feature explorations of color in history: Learn about the origin of pigments, from the bright red Cochineal insect dye used by the Aztec and Maya peoples to the deep indigo color created from plants of the genera Indigofera and Isatis. Discover how the first color photograph was produced 150 years ago using the three-color process. For information visit www.exploratorium.edu or call 415-EXP-LORE or 415-561-0360. Media contacts: Linda Dackman, 415-561-0363 or Leslie Patterson 415-561-0377, pubinfo@exploratorium.edu.    

EVENTS

San Francisco International Arts Festival Returns for Eighth Year May 18-June 5, 2011

Now in its eighth year, the San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) annual multi-disciplinary festival brings together the world community of artists and audiences to present and commission innovative, collaborative projects and performances. More than 40 performances presented by 23 arts organizations and ensembles will feature leading artists from the Bay Area performing alongside their peers from around the world. With its annual theme, “Truth in Knowing/Now: Threads in Time, Place Culture, SFIAF includes dance, music, theater and visual arts with events taking place at the Herbst Theater, Yoshi’s San Francisco, Mission High School, Z Space at Theater Artaud, the Southside Theater and counterPULSE. Among the perfomers are Iraqi Bodies, making their U.S. debut; the Barak Marshall Company from Israel, and Dancing Earth, a Native American contemporary dance ensemble. Teatr Zar, the resident theater company at the Grotowski Institute in Wroclaw, Poland, will make its Northern California debut, and Omar Sosa and John Santos, backed by the multi-talented Afreecanos Quintet, will make their first festival appearance in three years. For information visit www.sfiaf.org. Media contact: Siwei Tang, 415-399-9554, siwei@sfiaf.org.

Youth Has Something to Say: Brave New Voices Returns to San Francisco July 19-23, 2011

San Francisco-based Youth Speaks, the leading nonprofit presenter of spoken word performance, education and youth development programs in the U.S. is celebrating its 15th anniversary. This spring Youth Speaks convened hundreds of young people from all over the Bay Area and Northern California for the 15th annual Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam; a Grand Slam Champion was crowned May 20 at Davies Symphony Hall after more than four weeks of competition.  The program for which Youth Speaks is best known returns to San Francisco in July.  Brave New Voices, twice the subject of an original seven-part documentary on HBO, is an international event that invites young people from all over the world to perform and compete on some of our nation's greatest stages: the Apollo Theater, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theater, the Chicago Theater, the Disney Concert Hall, and once again this year the San Francisco Opera House.  Six hundred young poets from more than fifty cities across the United States and abroad are scheduled to perform at this year's event. Youth Speaks has the historic distinction of being the first U.S. organization to host a Teen Poetry Slam, and it is now widely recognized as the galvanizing force behind the youth spoken word movement in this country. Since its founding it has grown into an organization which serves more than 45,000 youths locally, and more than 250,000 nationally. For more information visit www.youthspeaks.org. Media contact: John Hill, 510-435-7128, jbhill23@gmail.com.

Ethnic Dance Festival Expands to Multiple Venues June 3-July 3, 2011

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to more than 100 different ethnic communities, sustaining dance traditions from around the world. Now in its 33rd season in addition to performances at multiple venues in San Francisco, the Ethnic Dance Festival will make a journey across the Bay Bridge to Berkeley. With a record 50 Northern California dance companies with almost three dozen events, 15 world premieres and 750 world dance and music artists performing everything from playful Peruvian courtship dances to urban American hip-hop, the Ethnic Dance Festival is considered the most prestigious gathering of its kind in the country. Esteemed “New York Times” dance critic Alastair Macaulay wrote of the 2009 festival: “What other city in the world has anything like the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival?" Many of the dancers and musicians presented are full-time professional artists and include Izzie- and Grammy- award winners in their ranks. Commissioned work and world premieres also figure prominently in the festival. For information visit www.worldartswest.org  or call 415-474-3914. Media contact: Scott Horton Communications, 510-735-9200, scott@worldartswest.org or bluescott260@hotmail.com.

Taste. Mix. Pair. Engage — SF Chefs, San Francisco’s Food, Wine & Spirits Week Returns Aug. 1-7, 2011

The country’s favorite urban West Coast food, wine and spirits festival returns to San Francisco’s Union Square for its third year Aug. 1-7, 2011. Produced by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGRA) and presenting sponsor Visa Signature®, the culinary festival will be anchored by the Grand Tasting Tent, set on San Francisco’s legendary Union Square with events hosted at the city’s participating restaurants and at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. In anticipation of the main event, throughout the month of July SF Chefs 2011 will host classes at the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market. As part of  SF Chefs Restaurant Week attendees can participate in cooking demonstrations, spirits classes and panel discussions hosted by notable industry professionals beginning Aug. 1.  On Aug. 4 the Sugar & Spice Party will showcase the use of spices in sweet, savory and liquid applications at the Westin St. Francis Hotel.  From Friday, Aug. 5-Sunday, Aug. 7, attendees can enjoy the Grand Tasting Tent and savor tastes from acclaimed Bay Area chefs, restaurants and premium wines from Sonoma County Vintners, Russian River Valley wineries and many more at each of the signature tent experiences.  More than 100 Bay Area chefs and restaurants have already committed to the event including Matthew Accarrino of SPQR, Gary Danko of Restaurant Gary Danko, Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake, Tyler Florence of Wayfare Tavern, Emily Luchetti of Farallon and Waterbar, Craig Stoll of Delfina, Joanne Weir and Martin Yan. Ticket prices range from $25-$150. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sfchefs2011.com. Media contact: Marla McLaughlin, 415-781-5700, marla@afandco.com.

Outside Lands Returns to Three-Day Schedule; Announces Lineup for Aug. 12-14, 2011

Outside Lands, now in its fourth year, is returning to a three-day schedule, Aug. 12-14, 2011. More than 60 bands have been booked for the music and arts festival including Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, The Shins, MGMT, Girl Talk, The Decemberists, John Fogerty and Erykah Badu. Music isn’t all that’s going on that weekend in Golden Gate Park’s Polo Field and Lindley Meadow. Taste of the Bay Area will feature nearly 40 local restaurants; concertgoers will also have access to one of the country’s most exciting wine experiences with more than 30 wineries pouring 100 different wines. The name “outside lands” stems from the 1860s when much of Golden Gate Park was sand dunes and uninhabited. On contemporary maps, the area was noted as the “Outside Lands.” For information visit mailto:www.sfoutsidelands.com. Media contact: Ken Weinstein, publicity@sfoutsidelands.com.

Litquake Literary Festival Honors Author Ismael Reed Oct. 7-15, 2011

From Oct. 7-15, 2011 book lovers and their passion will run unbridled at Litquake, San Francisco’s annual literary love-in. Boasting the largest lineup of authors and writing-related happenings on the West Coast, Litquake stars not only the Bay Area's rich trove of authors, but also writers from all over the world. Expect toasts to literary luminaries, including a special event at Yoshi’s San Francisco to honor Ishmael Reed, MacArthur Fellow and author of more than two dozen books, with the Barbary Coast Award. The award is given for literary achievement and in recognition of those who value the independent—and sometimes unruly—spirit of the Bay Area and keep it alive in their work. Reed joins a list of Barbary Coast Award honorees that includes Armistead Maupin, Tobias Wolff, Amy Tan and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. The closing-night Lit Crawl, which now takes place in two additional cities — New York and Austin — will rumble through the Mission District on Oct. 15 when its restaurants, bars and galleries host a libation-fueled quest for the written word spoken out loud that has to be seen to be believed. For information visit mailto:www.litquake.org. Media contact: Liam Passmore, liam@shaveandahiarcut.biz.

SPORTS

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Secures Saturday, New Year’s Eve Game Date for 2011

The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl has landed a prime Saturday afternoon, New Year’s Eve date for its 10^th annual bowl game at San Francisco’s AT&T Park. Kickoff for the nationally-televised ESPN contest is 12:30 p.m. (PST) on Dec. 31, 2011. The game will feature a PAC-12 team vs. Army. “We’re thrilled that our 2011 game will be held on a Saturday, the traditional day for college football, and on New Year’s Eve, when interest in bowl season is peaking,” noted Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Executive Director Gary Cavalli. With Kraft Foods, the world’s second largest food company, coming on board as title sponsor in April 2010, the game is the lone contest in the 35-game bowl lineup to directly associate itself with a social cause – eradicating hunger in the U.S. The game has sold out four times in the last five years. For information visit www.kraftbowl.org. Media contact: Doug Kelly, 415-625-2885, dkelly@kraftbowl.org.

Club America and Manchester City to Open Participation in the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge in the San Francisco 

FA Cup winners Manchester City and Club America will face each other on Saturday, July 16 (8 p.m. ET) at AT&T Park, San Francisco, as part of the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge, Major League Soccer (MLS) and CAA Sports announced today. The San Francisco event will mark both clubs’ first match in the Herbalife World Football Challenge. Manchester City will play a total of three games as part of the Herbalife World Football Challenge. The club will begin their participation in the event on July 16 in San Francisco, before traveling on to Vancouver on July 18 to face MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Empire Field.  Manchester City round out their matches on July 24 in Carson, CA, where they will visit the LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center. Following their match in San Francisco against Manchester City, Club America will also face FC Barcelona on Aug. 6 at Arlington’s Cowboys Stadium in the Herbalife World Football Challenge, as previously announced. Ticket information is available at www.WorldFootballChallenge.com. Media contact: Jens Weiden, 415-972-1808, jweiden@attpark.com.

Laser Slalom Revived on San Francisco Bay, Aug. 3-4, 2011

San Francisco Bay, “where the Wild West meets salt water,” according to a press release issued by the St. Francis Yacht Club, presents the perfect opportunity to revive a sailing classic, the Laser Slalom. Not familiar with how a slalom on water works? Here’s a start-to-finish rundown from Bill Kreysler, principal race officer for the event: “Two parallel rows of buoys are laid to windward of the starting area. Two sailors start one-on-one, each luffing nose-to-nose to a left side or right side … they hold position heading into the wind as best as they can until the race committee sees that both are nosed-up evenly. Then a start is signaled. The challenge is to tack upwind through their row of buoys, cross sides at the top, jibe downwind through the same buoys, beat back to weather, cross again and …jibe to a finish at the bottom.” The winner advances through a series of races. Considered one of sailing’s best spectator events, the competition will occur just offshore of the St. Francis Yacht Club, the event host. The Laser 4.7 World Championship July 26-Aug. 2, 2011 and the Laser Masters World Championship Aug. 5-13, bracket the Laser Slalom Aug. 3-4. For information visit www.sflaserworlds.com or call 415-563-6363. Media contact: Paige Brooks, 415-409-8240, paigebrooks@gmail.com or raceoffice@stfyc.com.

Giant Race Benefitting Project Open Hand Set for Aug. 27, 2011

The 2011 Giant Race will take place on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011.  Featuring a half marathon, 10K and 5K the Giant Race is one of San Francisco’s premier road races.  All courses will start and end at AT&T Park, traveling along the Embarcadero waterfront with the half marathon continuing through Pier 39, Fort Mason, and the Marina. Registration is open at www.thegiantrace.com and www.sfgiants.com/giantrace.While supplies last an entry in any distance also includes a 2011 Tim Lincecum bobblehead. For more than 25 years Project Open Hand has provided food, nourishment and emotional support to people facing life-threatening illnesses. Overnight hotel packages are available at the San Francisco Hilton – Financial District.  Visit www.thegiantrace.com to secure your lodging near the ballpark. Media contact: Jens Weiden, 415-972-1808, jweiden@attpark.com.

Cal Bears Play at AT&T Park This Fall; Non-Conference Games Include Fresno State at Candlestick Park Sept. 3 and Presbyterian Sept. 17 at AT&T Park

San Francisco is “bear territory” when the University of California Golden Bears football makes its 2011 Pac-12 conference home debut against USC on Thursday, Oct. 13 at AT&T Park. All Cal Bear home games will be played at AT&T Park this season as Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium is renovated. The Golden Bears return to Memorial Stadium in 2012. The Bears will play their first two Pac-12 games on the road against Washington on Sept. 24 and Oregon on Oct. 6. Cal will host Utah on Oct. 22, take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Oct. 29, before closing out their home schedule against Washington State, Nov. 5, and Oregon State, Nov. 12. The Big Game on Nov. 19 is at Stanford, followed by an away game on Nov. 26 at Arizona State. Non-conference contests include a game against Fresno State on Sept. 3, 2011 at Candlestick Park, an away game at Colorado Sept. 10, and a match against Presbyterian Sept. 17 at AT&T Park. For ticket information visit www.calbears.com/calfootballsf/.

ATTRACTIONS

There be Treasures There … Treasure Island Flea Marketplace

Treasure Island, renowned as the site of the 1939 World’s Fair, welcomed a new attraction on Memorial Day weekend, May 28-29, 2011 — the Treasure Island Flea marketplace.In addition to antiques and collectibles there will be new independent designer merchandise, handmade one-of-a-kind items, repurposed and up-cycled goods, shabby chic and French garden pieces, home décor, emerging designers, art, specialty food providers and more.  Co-founders Angie and Charles Ansanelli are curating an experience where shoppers will be able to connect directly with designers and collectors and also offering a blend of local entertainment and special events. The open-air market will be held on Treasure Island, Avenue of the Palms, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the last weekend of every month. Admission $3, 12 and under free. Parking is free. For information visit www.treasureislandflea.com or call 415-898-0245. Media contact: Charles Ansanelli, 415-898-0245, charles@treasureislandflea.com.

WINERIES, BREWERIES & TASTING ROOMS

New Tasting Room Debuts at Napa Valley’s Schweiger Vineyards in St. Helena

Schweiger Vineyards, 4015 Spring Mountain Rd., St. Helena, has just opened a new tasting room. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other classic varietals, family-owned Schweiger Vineyards is situated 2,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor.  The new tasting room opened this spring and is currently offering four tasting options by appointment: three- and six-flight tastings; vineyard tour and tasting; charcuterie-paired tasting and large group (eight or more) tastings. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment. Upcoming special events at Schweiger include their traditional lobster feed, “Claws for Celebration, June 25 and Sept. 3; and an old-fashioned Harvest Stomp billed as “you pick it, you stomp it” on Sept. 22 and 29 and Oct. 6 and 13. Reservations are required for both events. For information visit www.schweigervineyards.com or call 707-963-4882. Media contact: Gretchen Keith, 707-963-4882 or gretchen@schweigervineyards.com.

SIGHTSEEING AND TOURS

Something’s Brewing at Bay Area Brewery Tours

Bay Area Brewery Tours, a new sightseeing company, offers a fun, safe and inexpensive way to visit the Bay Area’s top craft breweries and taste many award-winning beers. Public and private tour options are available. The six-hour public tour includes transportation to three breweries, tastings, tours, lunch and a souvenir glass. The three- to seven-hour private tour includes transportation to breweries, tastings, tours, lunch and a souvenir glass. The principals behind Bay Area Brewery Tours have also provided a handy online list of breweries located in San Francisco, as well as those located north, east and south of the city and the distance from San Francisco to help brew fans pick their favorites. Advance reservations required. For information visit www.bayareabrewerytours.com or call 415-999-4989. Media contact: Jon McDermott, 619-961-7999, jon@bayareabrewerytours.com.

Night Vibes: Nite Tours International Opens Up Shop in San Francisco

Although Nite Tours International offers tours in several other cities, most notably Las Vegas, and they’ve long been the “go to” for fun bachelor/bachelorette parties, it is brand new to San Francisco. Nite Tours San Francisco is currently offering a Union Square Martini Wine Tour in San Francisco. Experience the flavor and history of Union Square while sampling Martini's or California wines.  It’s an evening tour so it’s perfect for the business, convention and casual traveler.  In the future, they will be offering a VIP Limo Club Crawl, a Culinary “Crawl” that visits five or six local restaurants in one evening and an evening wine country tour. Tours start at $49 per person; promotional discounts are available for online bookings. Neighborhoods vary and include North Beach and Union Square. Custom tours are available. For information visit http://www.nitetours.comor call 415-779-NITE (6483). Media contact: Jesston Haines, jesston@nitetours.com.

Segway Tours Glide into Golden Gate Park

San Francisco Electric Tour Company is now offering its famous Segway tours in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The fully narrated, eight-mile tour route explores the eastern section of the 1,107-acre park on winding trails and bike routes. Riders see the park’s best views and hidden locations while listening to the history and colorful tales of this oasis in the city. The quiet, eco-friendly vehicles are not only easy to operate but also bring riders closer to the beauty of the park. The park, built on sand dunes back in the last half of the 1800s, is larger than New York’s Central Park and covered with more than 75,000 trees. The tour highlights more than three dozen attractions in the park including the California Academy of Sciences; de Young Museum;  Japanese Tea Garden; Conservatory of Flowers; San Francisco Botanical Gardens; National AIDS Memorial; Stow Lake and Strawberry Hill and offers information on the designers of Golden Gate Park, historic events that occurred there and many other hidden gems. Tours are $70 per person, and reservations are strongly encouraged, as tickets sell out quickly. Tours are limited in size and ages 12 and up over 100 lbs (45 kilos) are welcome. Golden Gate Park Segway Tours departs daily; frequency varies by season. For information visit http://www.electrictourcompany.com.  Media contact:  Alex Lopez, 415-692-0927, alex@sfelectrictour.com.

Time Shutter® Brings Past and Present Together in New iPhone App and Website

Curious about what that vista down San Francisco’s famed Market Street might have looked like 100 years ago? Time Shutter® is a website that allows people to see what cities looked like a century ago and how they have changed. The website is complemented by a free iPhone application. Widely praised for its ability to bring past and present together, the free iPhone App offers 146 images; the paid version ($1.99) has another 100 or so images. Historical captions add context to the images. The app lets users see the city images in color 100 years ago through a geo-coded map, re-photograph places and make their own time transitions between old and new; San Francisco is the first city to be captured and New York is coming soon. There are also links to Zazzle.com where products — everything from postage stamps to mugs — can be created using the vintage images. For information visit www.timeshutter.com. Media contact: Omar Khan, 415-617- 0160, okhan@islco.com.

Red and White Fleet Introduces New Treasure Island Wine Cruise

Anchored in the heart of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Red and White Fleet has just launched a wine tasting cruise on San Francisco Bay. They are partnering with Classic Cable Car Sightseeing and The Winery SF on Treasure Island to provide a unique tour. On this casual and entertaining three-hour tour, locals and visitors alike will enjoy a comprehensive experience, including: sunset appetizer cruise; views of the city’s stunning evening skyline; a pass under the spectacular Bay Bridge; vistas of San Francisco and the bay from the vessel’s deck as well as from Vista Point on Treasure Island; a motorized cable car tour on Treasure Island; one-hour wine tasting at The Winery SF, complimented by artisan cheese and a barrel tasting. The cruise, $88 per person, will depart from Pier 43½ at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday and Friday of each month, May-November. Red and White Fleet also recently introduced two other new bay tours, including the “Bollywood-style” Indian Buffet Sunset Cruise and Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise sailing under both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. For information visit www.redandwhite.com or call 415-673-2900. Media contact: Molly Blaisdell, 925-300-7252, mollyb22@gmail.com.

WharfPass 2011 Includes More Attractions and Savings

Visitors can save as much as $36.99 over the cost of separate attraction purchases using the new and improved Fisherman's WharfPass for sightseeing, cruises and attractions at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Now in its fourth year, WharfPass continues to make travel to this much-visited destination one of the most affordable deals available. At $67 for adults and $41 for children, this two-day pass is the only visitor program that includes 20 of Fisherman's Wharf's major attractions and top activities. New this year, WharfPass delivers additional activities and discounts including Open Top Sightseeing WharfPass exclusive 90-minute full city tour, Gray Line Sky-View full city tour, Classic Cable Car city tour, and the return of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Visitors have six choices from the attractions they like best and may visit them over the course of two days. In addition to the savings on attractions and sightseeing options, the WharfPass provides 47 additional discounts on dining, shopping and sports fishing experiences. For information visit www.wharfpass.com or call 415-440-4474. Media contact:  Alex Lopez, 415-692-0927, alex@wharfpass.com.

Smart Destinations Offers Money-Saving Go San Francisco Cards, Customized Go Select Passes

Go San Francisco Cards, multi-attraction passes save travelers time and money by providing unlimited admission to more than 50 attractions in the region. Available for one to seven days, the passes can save travelers up to 40 percent. Go Select Passes are the first and only completely customizable “build your own” multi-attraction passes. Travelers save up to 36 percent on the cost of admission to the attractions of their choice, featuring the added convenience of print-at-home and mobile passes. Go Select Passes will be available in San Francisco on June 8, 2011. For information visit www.smartdestinations.com or call 800-887-9103. Media contact: Sarah Weddle, 240-446-6463, sarah@0to5.com. 

CityPASS Joins International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), the world’s leading authority, resource and representative of gay and lesbian travel, recently recognized CityPASS as a Silver Level Global Partner. IGLTA’s membership encompasses businesses from 83 countries, including hotels, airlines, tourism offices, travel agents, media outlets, tour operators, and other key travel industry companies and associations. CityPASS’s outreach to the gay and lesbian travel market complements similar efforts undertaken by several of its partner destinations, including San Francisco, where Mike Gallagher, co-CEO of CityPASS, and his business partner, Mike Morey, first launched the CityPASS concept in 1997. San Francisco is perennially ranked as one of the world’s top cities for gay travel, and its tourism office is a long-standing IGLTA member.  “San Francisco’s reputation as a warm and welcoming destination for LGBT visitors is directly related to the energy our hotels, attractions, restaurants, and other businesses actively put into creating that environment,” explained Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel, the city’s official destination marketing organization. Designed to save travelers up to half off the cost of visiting a city’s top attractions, CityPASS San Francisco includes a 7-Day Muni and Cable Car Transportation Passport (unlimited rides for seven days on all cable cars, Muni buses and Muni rail), as well as prepaid admission tickets to the California Academy of Sciences, Blue & Gold Fleet bay cruises, Aquarium of the Bay, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and a choice between either the Exploratorium, de Young and Legion of Honor museums.  For information visit www.citypass.com. Media contact: Deborah Wakefield, 503-292-4418, dwakefield@citypass.com.

VisualTravelTours Reinforces “Pictures Are Worth a Thousand Words” Adage

Now that e-readers work in daylight, include images and weigh so little, the traditional walking tour has a new platform. San Francisco Bay Area tours from VisualTravelTours (VTT) take the traveler on a dozen different trips in the San Francisco region. Available on Barnes & Noble’s NOOK and Amazon’s Kindle as well as most tablets and smart phones, VTT eBook virtual tour guides make the most of each vacation day or free time on business trips.  According to VTT CEO Marie Profant, “… our eBooks, which we call QuietGuides™, are generally 50 percent images and ‘pictures are worth a thousand words.’ This abundance of photos allows travelers to become immersed in their journey, confident they are viewing exactly what is in the description.” Bay Area resident and VTT Executive Editor Gordon Burgett describes some of the tour benefits: “You can use them at your own pace, on your own schedule, and even preview the tour, maybe while you’re waiting in the airport or on the train, so you know where you want to spend your valuable vacation time, or extra hours on a business trip.” The tours supply in-depth narratives of areas such as Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Angel Island, North Beach, Embarcadero and Ferry Building, Sausalito and Berkeley. Nearly 200 VTT tours of U.S. and international locations are ready to download from the company’s site, www.visualtraveltours.com. Media contact:  Marie Profant, 805-705-9179, mprofant@visualtraveltours.com.  

“Stairway Walks” Book Explores San Francisco’s Hidden Corridors and Fabled Ups and Downs

Ask a handful of San Franciscans what one of their favorite “musts” for visitors is, and a number of them will reply “stairway walks.” Adah Bakalinsky knows all 600 of them intimately.  For more than 20 years her book, “Stairway Walks in San Francisco,” has been a step-by-step guide to these unexpected, charming and, occasionally, almost clandestine corridors from Bernal Heights to Lands End. A seventh edition of Bakalinsky’s guide — informed by some 15,000 miles of walking the city’s corrugated surface — has just hit bookstores. Still packed with stories she has gathered from residents, gardeners and shopkeepers and replete with details on public gardens and stories behind the buildings at the top of some of San Francisco’s most beloved streets, the 276-page book also includes content updates for 27 “tried-and-true” favorite walks, two brand-new walks and one completely reworked walk, each featuring detailed, custom maps. The new edition also offers photos of some of the most scenic stairways, summaries of directions, public transit information and tips on nearby restaurants and shopping. For information visit http://bit.ly/j0uleO. Media contact: Hillary Bond, Wilderness Press, 859-815-7201, hillary@wildernesspress.com.

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SFO T2 “Ready for Business” – Newly Renovated Terminal Is Country’s Most Modern and Sustainable

San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 2 “T2,” opened for business on April 14, after a community open house and a VIP ribbon cutting on April 9. Home to Virgin America and American Airlines, the $383 million, 640,000-square-foot terminal is a major departure from the typical airport terminal. The emphasis is on sustainability and traveler convenience and comfort. Designed and built through a partnership between Turner Construction and Gensler, T2 offers 14 gates; comfortable, club-like seating near the gates;  a local food marketplace with offerings from celebrity chefs Tyler Florence and Cat Cora; dozens of works of art from local and international artists made available through SFO’s world-renowned public art program presented in partnership with SFO Museum and the San Francisco Arts Commission; a children’s play area; and a personal favorite of Art Gensler, founder of Gensler, a “recompose” area just beyond TSA security for passengers to re-assemble clothing and belongings. In a Gensler-issued press release, Gensler stated, “Our design for SFO T2 puts passengers first. We want people to enjoy the time that they spend at the airport and be delighted by unexpected experiences.” Eco-conscious travelers can refill reusable water bottles at the center of the concourse at hydration stations and the terminal is technology friendly. T2 is the first LEED Gold-registered airport terminal in the U.S. For information visit www.flysfo.com or www.gensler.com.

Lufthansa Becomes First Airline  to Offer Scheduled Airbus A-380 Service to SFO Starting May 10, 2011

On May 10, 2011 Lufthansa became the first airline to offer scheduled Airbus A-380 service to San Francisco with daily flights between Frankfurt and San Francisco International Airport.  “San Francisco International Airport’s International Terminal was specifically designed to accommodate aircraft such as the A-380,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “Passengers flying on the A-380 will be treated to world class service and amenities both in the air and on the ground.” The Airbus A-380 is the world’s most fuel-efficient aircraft, burning about 12 percent less fuel than other wide-body jets, and is approximately 30 percent quieter than the current generation of wide-body aircraft.

Air France Super Jumbo Jet Will Support Summer Travel Season at SFO June 6-Sept. 4, 2011

Air France Airbus A-380 will offer service June 6-Sept. 4, 2011 between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. The aircraft is scheduled to depart Paris at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 12:40 p.m. The return flight will depart SFO at 4:10 p.m. and land in Paris at 11:35 a.m. the following calendar day. This super jumbo jet is equipped with 538 seats, divided between three cabin classes. During the summer of 2011, Air France will be operating 10 weekly flights between Charles de Gaulle and San Francisco, including one daily flight of an A-380. Air France is the second carrier to inaugurate A-380 service into SFO. Lufthansa began flying the A-380 between SFO and Frankfurt on May 10, 2011.

Arrivals and Departures: Upcoming New Airlines and Routes at SFO

The following new airlines and routes have recently been added or will be added at San Francisco International Airport:

*LCC (Low Cost Carrier)

**See related stories above.

For information visit www.flysfo.com. Media contact: Michael C. McCarron, 650-821-4000, michael.mccarron@flysfo.com.

For general information on hotel packages and reservations; events; activities and transportation in San Francisco, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel. For lodging reservations, call 800-637-5196 within North America or 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TTY/TTD) elsewhere.

The San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide is available at the Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., at the corner of Powell and Market streets, lower level, Hallidie Plaza.  A virtual edition of the guide is also available online: http://guides.weaver-group.com/sf/ovg2/2010/.

A visitor's kit may also be ordered online at www.sanfrancisco.travel, by phone at 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TTY/TTD), by written request to the San Francisco Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94102, or via email to vic1@sanfrancisco.travel.  Domestic and international shipping charges apply.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop links with more than 31 international points on 30 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with more than 71 cities in the U.S. on 18 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 www.flysfo.com. SFO was voted “North America’s Best Airport” by passengers for its outstanding customer service and amenities.

 American Express® is the official credit card partner for the San Francisco Travel Association.

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