Saturday, December 21, 2013 – Bradenton to San Francisco
Our adventure started at the ungodly hour of 3:45 a.m., fueled by adrenaline and caffeine. The allure of a great deal on a non-stop flight to San Francisco was too good to resist, even if it meant tacking on an extra hour’s drive to Orlando instead of departing from our usual hub in Tampa. By 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, we touched down in San Francisco, famished and ready to embrace California culture.
We picked up our rental car and did what any self-respecting easterner would do upon arrival in California – we went straight to the closest In-N-Out. It’s now eleven years later and In-N-Out has spread as far east as Texas, but I usually still succumb to a Double-Double Animal Style when I travel to California. It hit the spot, as always, and properly fueled, we set out to explore.
With time to kill before hotel check-in, we headed straight for some iconic sights. First up was Lombard Street, the “Crookedest Street in the World,” made famous by countless movies, TV shows, and even an old Bill Cosby comedy bit. Driving its hairpin turns was equal parts exhilarating and absurd—San Francisco’s version of a roller coaster.
Next came the Golden Gate Bridge. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, it’s a marvel to behold in person. Walking across it, you gain a whole new appreciation for its sheer size and significance as the gateway between San Francisco Bay and the vast Pacific Ocean. The views, the wind, and the sense of history—it’s an awe-inspiring experience.
By late afternoon, we checked into the Hotel Adagio, nestled in the bustling Union Square shopping district. The city was alive with pre-Christmas energy, and we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves. Dropping off our bags and car, we hit the streets on foot, weaving our way through the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown and North Beach.
Dinner was at The Stinking Rose, a garlic lover’s paradise I first discovered on a business trip years ago. Chrissy, Delaney, and I had also visited on a previous trip when Delaney was a toddler and Aaron wasn’t yet born. The restaurant didn’t disappoint—garlic-infused everything, from appetizers to dessert, left us reeking of flavor for days. But since we all indulged equally, nobody had room to complain.
Stuffed and satisfied, we strolled back to the hotel, ready to crash. It had been a whirlwind day, packed with classic San Francisco sights, nostalgic flavors, and the promise of adventure to come. California, we’re ready for you.
Where Are We Going Now? 