Opened in 1935 as the first museum on the West Coast devoted to 20th-century art, the SFMOMA is still a favorite stop amongst locals and visitors alike. The museum has been at its current location, which was designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, since 1995.

Daily tours are available (except on Wednesdays, when the entire museum is closed), and they are free with museum admission. Those on a tight budget will be especially pleased that admission is free on the first Tuesday of every month. And on Thursdays, the museum is open until 8:45pm instead of 5:45pm — with admission half-price after 6pm.

Please check the museum’s web site for current and future exhibitions.

SFMOMA
151 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 357-4000

Relaxin' Girl | Email | Print | //

Any time I come across a store that says it will make clothes to order, it’s definitely a good day.

Lemon Twist is a lovely boutique just off of Hayes Street. The staff is so friendly. Featuring lots of great patterns, the clothes are hip yet totally wearable. And, if you like the style of a dress, but not necessarily the fabric, they’ll whip one up especially for you. I love the simple shifts, but the trench coats and blouses will also leave you drooling.

Lemon Twist
537 Octavia Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 558-9699

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As the temperatures start to drop, visions of lounging by the fireplace, sipping tea from a lovely Heath Ceramics cup, start to dance in my head. But what makes this vision even better? That said Heath Ceramics cup was picked up at a discounted price from the factory store — after a tour of the premises.

Here’s a little background info: In 1948, Edith Heath — an industrial designer and potter — founded her own ceramics studio. She specialized in tableware and tiles, eventually making her way into museums and stores across the country. Even after half a century in business, all of the pottery is still made by skilled artisans in Sausalito, using the methods that Edith herself developed (she passed away in December 2005).

About three years ago, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey purchased the company. The husband-and-wife team brought some of Edith’s old designs out of retirement and have managed to maintain her high level of quality as well as her wonderfully simple aesthetic.

The factory tour takes about 30-45 minutes and covers the entire building. You can get up close and personal here; there are no red lines that you aren’t allowed to cross.

Any pieces that aren’t quite up to snuff are considered “seconds,” and you can purchase them at the factory. The tour ends in the overstock tile room — which is filled with firsts and seconds. The factory store also offers plenty of tableware, as well as books and textiles (like Lotta Jansdotter aprons).

Since the tours take place at 11am, you may arrive in Sausalito a little hungry. No problem. The staff puts out some tea and light snacks. Go ahead and test out that tea cup before you decide to purchase it!

Heath Factory
400 Gate Five Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-3732

Open daily, 10am-5pm
Tours, Sat-Sun, 11am
(Call ahead for tour reservations)

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