One of my favorite day trips in San Francisco is probably overlooked by most savvy tourists when they breeze into town for some inexplicable reason.
Of course, I am referring to a captivating trek over the hill from the trendy Castro District to a well-kept secret which is Noe Valley.
A Village within a Village!
I happened across the delightful “find” many moons ago when I missed a stop on the Church Street trolley and ended up on the other side of the well-traveled tourist territory!
If an adventurous out-of-towner hops on one of the quaint street cars at Church & Market - and heads in the opposite direction of Safeway’s Grocery) a few blocks down the bustling thoroughfare (artfully lined with book stores, cafes, and trinket shops) - they’ll encounter one of the most breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline (on the left beyond the well-manicured park where gay dudes walk their dogs daily) ) as the trolley chug-a-lugs up a steep incline to the top of the crest of the hill.
A few moments later, after passengers have boarded or disembarked - the little train that could - lurches forward and is soon rambling along a track that twists-and-turns in-between a smattering of eye-catching turn-of-the-century homes and distinctive apartment houses that can’t help but fascinate tourists.
Suddenly, the spunky tram plunges downhill, as a panoramic view of a handful of quaint neighborhood nooks reveal their hidden charms in the distance.
To the right, the keen eye may spy “Twin Peaks” - the mountain - nick-named the "Maiden's Breast" by jaunty sailors with a taste for the ladies with lust in their hearts.
I’ll always remember the first time I caught site of the fanciful landmark on Maupin's gay cult classic “Tales of the City”.
The sleepy little neighborhood has a lot to offer - gourmet food, imported wine, baked goods - you name it.
All yours, for the mere cost of a bus token!
Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment