An Afternoon in Half Moon Bay #ExploreHomeFirst

This week I spent an afternoon in Half Moon Bay, a small town on the peninsula with a population of around 11,500 people. Getting to Half Moon Bay from downtown San Francisco takes less than 40 minuets by car. As you can see from the photo above the weather was not perfect but it was still a great day with the family, having good conversation and eating delicious food.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

We originally went to Half Moon Bay to have the delicious dairy free clam chowder at Barbara's Fishtrap but when we looked across the street and saw the great out door seating at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, and a quick glance at the sky to make sure there was no rain coming our way, we decided to eat there. This place did not disappoint! The food was fantastic and they had an awesome selection of beer, I highly suggest the Blackberry Belgian Blonde. I was a bit thrown off by all of the beer infused deserts and decided to end things on a high note and not explore that side of the menu. 

Half Moon Bay was full of dog lovers and families picnicking on the beach. It was an awesome change of environment even if it was only for a few hours. We did end up taking some of the Fishtrap's clam chowder to go which was still great after a day in the fridge, I am drooling just thinking about it. I definitely suggest you make a quick stop in Half Moon Bay the next time you are in the Bay Area. 

Leave a comment letting me know how you will #ExploreHomeFrist

Safe travels,

Cirrena

#ExploreHomeFirst

Dolores Park, San Francisco

Over the past few years my list of new cities to visit has grown (and grown and grown) but working and going to school full time makes leaving San Francisco difficult for most of the year. So I'm finally reevaluating my travel bucket list and experiencing new things closer to home has made it to the top. 

In this weekly series, #ExploreHomeFirst, I'll be sharing my local experiences with you. This week I explored Muir Woods and drank Chinese Mai Tais at Li Po Cooktail Lounge with my college roommate, Sigvor. Check out some highlights of our weekend below!

Three Tips for Saving Money at a Giants Game

This past weekend I watched the Giants play the Phillies and it was a great game! The Giants won, which is always great, and I picked up some new knowledge that made my experience even better. So I wanted to share my secrets with you. 

AT&T Park

1. Cheap Seats

Depending on who the Giants are playing you can find tickets as cheap as $10 but keep in mind these are the nose bleeds, the highest and the farthest seats in the park. To enjoy the game at a lower altitude but comparable savings look for bleacher seats. These seats are located in behind outfield with a clear view of home plate, you'll be close enough to read the numbers on the players jerseys for just a few dollars more. Keep in mind these seats are not covered so there's no protection from the elements so keep your sunglasses, baseball cap, and sunblock near by.

2. Cheap Eats

Although hot dogs and Gilroy Garlic Fries are a delicious SF ballpark staple these treats add up quickly.  To save a few dollars pack your own lunch! If you don't want to carry food all the way from home there is a grocery store one block away from the ball park and a sandwich shop across the street, Bacon Bacon, that makes excellent sandwiches. Eat well at the game without breaking the bank by bringing your favorite snacks but remember bringing liquid are not allowed.

3. Cheap Beer

Beer and baseball go together like peanut butter and jelly but as we all know beer at a baseball game can set you back $13 for a Bud Light. So to help you and your wallet make it through nine innings here is a tip that true Giants fans(my brother included) are not aware of: if you enter the stadium through the Public House, a bar located at Willie Mays Plaza, you can get a beer for the same price as outside of the ball park and bring it to your seat in a plastic cup.  Their beer is cheaper and they have a better larger selection of beer. 

Safe travels,

Cirrena

My Top Five Favorite Cities(So Far)

The hardest part about being in graduate school is not being able to travel at the drop of a hat. I've been fighting the urge to book the next flight out of SFO for months but patience is a virtue. For the next two months I'll have to sit in class and daydream about my next adventure in January but who knows what surprises are in store for August. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Until then take a look at my top five favorite cities so far, in no particular order. Leave a comment letting me know some of your favorite cities. 

1. San Francisco, California, USA

Fort Funston, San Francisco, California 

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town Hall, Prague, Czech Republic

 3. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 

View of Melbourne from the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance

4. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido

5. Budapest, Hungary

Chain Bridge, Budapest

Safe travels,

Cirrena