I Love Hayes Valley!

The other day my brother, Lane, emailed me asking for recommendations of places to go for his friend heading to San Francisco on a quick visit. I immediately typed- Hayes Valley, of course!

[caption id="attachment_1267" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Hayes Valley is where artists and innovators are coming to fill the store fronts with all things fashion and home goods ranging from kitschy handmade to glossy high end. The stores themselves are like a walking tour of creativity and the restaurants- though more and more are chains, sadly- still sport delicious food at a variety of price points- mostly affordable.."][/caption]

There are several streets in the city packed with cool shops and eateries. But Hayes Valley offers such cool a diversity of shops and a range of eateries. It's becoming a bit trendy with chains like Stacks, The Grove, and La Boulange sneaking in, but the vibe is still fresh and innovative with long time stores and fresh shops popping up all the time.There's no Starbucks or Peet's, no Gap, just cool shopping experiences with local goods and artistic wares.

I thought nothing of the recommendation- it was just the obvious choice for me! Several days later I got a text from my brother that read... and I quote, "This was sent from my friend who is visiting SF: your sister is the crack dealer of shopping recommendations."

Obviously I can't take any credit for one of the coolest shopping areas in the city- I just love to visit and share it with anyone who thinks that Union Square is the only place to be.

Here is but a smidgeon of what you'll find in this hot spot of a neighborhood...

[caption id="attachment_1268" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="301 Hayes @ Franklin- coffee shop, lunch spot, great for meeting friends and prof. people too! Roomy, comfy, great food"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1269" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Room Service- 549 Hayes Street Funky lighting, throw pillows and retro vibe reproduction furniture. Sofas can be made custom length"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1274" align="aligncenter" width="319" caption="Lavish- 508 Hayes Street Gifts galore with eco-friendly products and lighthearted decorations and cards"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1275" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Ver Unica- 437B Hayes Street- An adorable vintage shop with a few new pieces thrown in"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1277" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Zonal- 568 Hayes Street New and vintage home goods. I've been coming here for at least 10 years and it's still fresh and ever evolving- definitely on my favs list"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1279" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lava 9- 542 Hayes Super innovative handmake jewelry by a wide range of artist, leather goods and other fun stuff"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1282" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Tartine Cafe Francais- With fresh pastries and peaceful courtyard seating, you'll be back!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1281" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Peace Industry- 597 Hayes offers beautiful pressed wool rugs, pillows, totes, and all kinds of unique eco-friendly pieces and artwork"][/caption]