UNION STREET

Union Square not enough shopping for you? Or, perhaps you're looking for something a little less crowded and a little more boutique-y.

NEXT STOP: COW HOLLOW'S HIDDEN TREASURE!

If you're a newcomer to San Francisco, you may not have heard of the shopping and dining that's available in the Union Street area of Cow Hollow. Let me assure you, once you've discovered it, you won't be disappointed!

Situated in and around historic Victorian & Edwardian buildings, in an area that supported dairy farms before it became one of San Francisco's most posh places to live in the late 1800s (Cow Hollow), the shopping district encompasses several blocks of walkable & unique shops, bazaars & boutiques selling everything from custom framing at Artisans of San Francsico to home decorative accessories from all over the world at Z Gallerie.

Many of the shops, gallaries, and cafes, are in cute little courtyards or up and down the cross streets, so don't forget to explore there as well!

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES

• T. Z. Shiota on Fillmore: if you're interested in Asian pieces, art objects, and Japanese prints, T. Z. Shiota's has been operated by the Shiota family for over 100 years
• For a wearable art boutique, try Mimi's on Union
• Are you looking for unique and gorgeous jewelry? Union Street Goldsmith is a wonderful place to start!
• For clothing & accessories, there's the flag-ship store for Bebe,
  A/X Armani Exchange, Fog City Leather, and Three Bags Full, all on Union
• Are you a wine lover? Check out PlumpJack Wine Store on Fillmore
• Need something for the four-legged member of the family? Bella and Daisy's, also on Union, can help you out with treats, beds, clothing - best of all, you can bring your pooch along!

Pooped from all that shopping and in need of sustenance?

Rose's Cafe at the corner of Steiner & Union is a good choice.

Or try The Brazen Head on Buchanan Street if you want a truely neighborhood place, or Balboa Cafe on Fillmore (you might even see part-owner, Mayor Gavin Newsom).

A LITTLE BIT OF SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY

If you find yourself in San Francisco on the Second Sunday or the Second or Fourth Thursday of the month, take the opportunity to visit the Octagon House at Union & Gough (pronounced goff) Streets.

The Octagon House was built by William C. McElroy in 1861 and was one of five octagon houses in early San Francisco. It houses collections representing the decorative arts of the Colonial & Federal periods plus period documents & signatures!

There's no charge to visit Octogon House, although a contribution toward maintenance is always welcome.

Follow one of the links below to explore other famous San Francisco attractions:

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