Weekend Warrior Inspo
Since Covid-19 has disrupted all of our lives it has been a bit challenging to enjoy doing things we did pre-Covid. Even activities as simple as going to sit at a park and enjoying lunch isn’t the same. Between wearing a mask and keeping a six-feet distance between us and everyone else, it takes a bit more planning before deciding what leisurely activities we can partake in. Things are loosening up slightly here in the Bay Area, giving us some wiggle room when planning the perfect weekend. It’s perfect timing because the weather as of late has been so gorgeous and kind to us, getting us back out on the street and enjoying the sun and warm weather.
Lately, we’ve noticed that a lot of heavily populated neighborhoods have had entire streets blocked off so that people can casually walk around, eat, window shop, etc. without the disruption of busy traffic. One neighborhood in particular, Hayes Valley, which usually has notoriously difficult parking and busy foot traffic, is joining in on this trend of blocking off streets and even entire blocks. We recently spent the afternoon in Hayes Valley enjoying the newfound freedom of walking, drinking and eating without any sort of car traffic whatsoever. What was lost in vehicular traffic was made up with foot traffic, it seemed like everyone was out basking in the sunlight, walking their dogs and snapping cute selfies at the park nearby. For us, we enjoyed a photoshoot of our own and breakfast sandwiches and coffee from La Boulange. Sitting in the shade outside was just what we needed. We have been craving the warm sun and a cool breeze while enjoying signature French snacks from a San Francisco classic. We were very aware of another pastime that we have taken for granted, people watching. It was such a joy to just sit back, sip our cappuccino and observe others also enjoy this day. Young teens with their gaggle of friends, older couples slowly strolling and new mothers window shopping with their little ones and we cAn’tt forget all of the cute puppies that were just as happy as we were to get out of the house.
After we finished our breakfast sandwiches and coffee, we decided to join everyone else in window shopping. In Hayes Valley there is an abundance of shop windows to peruse. There are travel stores, clothing boutiques, shoe stores and jewelry shops. One of our personal favorites is Dish, a contemporary women's store carrying brands like Rag & Bone and Rebecca Taylor. We head straight to the clearance rack where we are always guaranteed to find a good steal on designer brands. Then we cross the street and head into Undefeated, a trendy shoe store with a wide selection of fashionable (and comfortable) sneakers for men, women and children. We were inspired by our purchases at Dish to purchase a new pair to match our new outfit. By this time of day and due to all of the shopping we’ve done so far, we are once again famished. We decided to grab lunch at Papito’s, a modern Mexican restaurant known for their grilled shrimp salad, al pastor tacos with pineapple and signature house salsa. We indulge in all of these and a few beers and we finally decide to call it a day.
Spending the day in Hayes Valley was a dream. We found parking only two blocks away, the weather was astounding, we had good food and found some great buys. We’re making a mental note that Hayes Valley is a good place to head to on a weekend and when the weather is good. After all, we want to take advantage of every “good weather” day that we can before the colder, winter months arrive. Masks and all we continue to search for more neighborhoods that are restricting car traffic and we promise that as we find more ideal destinations such as Hayes Valley, we will let you know about them, but until then we wish you happy exploring.
xo
SS
Photography: Kailyn Chadwick / Model: Kamryn Chadwick