Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Francisco Specials
Entrepreneurial spirit in San Francisco is strong and
innovative. Owners of small shops, designers, and buyers take
much pride in bringing unusual and hand-crafted wares to
their customers, and will often tell you the histories of these
original items. From comic post-cards to fine handcrafted
Florentine paper, and from Chinese herbal teas to high-tech
electronic gadgets, all kinds of goods are available. Nestling in
hidden corners or clustered with other tiny shops, these
specialty outlets create an environment that makes shopping
in San Francisco an exciting experience.
for its impressive selection of
elegant houseware and
ornaments. Located in the
North Beach District of the city,
Schein and Schein
offers an
impressive collection of antique
maps, books, and engraved
prints, including many from the
14th to the 19th centuries.
Toys, Games, and
Gadgets
The
Academy Store
and the
Exploratorium Store
sell books,
kits, and games that make
learning fun. At
Puppets on the
Pier
, on PIER 39, new owners
get puppetry lessons in the
shop. There are over 500
different puppets to choose
from, including marionettes and
finger puppets. The compre-
hensively stocked
Gamescape
sells any type of game that
doesn't require electricity, such
as traditional gameboards,
collectible cards, and role-
playing books.
Don't let
Jeffrey's Toys
' tiny
storefront fool you. The deeper
into the shop you go, the more
aisles open up to reveal a
massive selection of puzzles,
dolls, comic books, and just
about any toy you can imagine.
The
Chinatown Kite Shop
takes shopping to new heights,
displaying an extraordinary
assortment of flying objects.
These range from traditional
to World Champion stunt kites,
all making attractive souvenirs.
In the heart of the Inner Sunset
District, anything and
everything related to magic
can be found at
Misdirections
Magic Shop
, a paradise for
serious magicians or those who
simply want to buy a few tricks.
Specialty Shops
Luxurious handbags, luggage,
accessories, and scarves are the
hallmark of
Coach
, one of
America's preeminent designers.
This city outlet also has friendly
and attentive staff. At
Comix
Experience
you can find a wide
range of comic books and
memorabilia from the
newest offerings to antique,
expensive oldies.
Exquisite Italian ceramics
(majolica) are on display at
Biordi Art Imports
in North
Beach, where handpainted
dishware, vases, and platters of
all sizes are for sale. Those who
would like to experience the
authentic atmosphere of
Chinatown will find it at
Ten
Ren Tea Company of San
Francisco
. At
Golden Gate
Fortune Cookies
(see p101),
descendants of Chinese
immigrants allow customers to
taste samples before buying the
San Francisco fortune cookies,
which were a Chinatown
invention. Sixty-year-old
Flax Art and Design
features
a huge selection of hand-
made papers, customized
stationery, and artist's tools.
Precious gems, glittering gold,
and watches by some of the
world's finest jewelers can be
found at
Tiffany & Co.
and
Bulgari
.
Elle-meme
is a unique
specialty store that carries
exquisite vintage jewelry dating
from as far back as the 1880s.
temporary fix for the acquisitive
urge. Here are a few
establishments that cater to
those shoppers who care
enough to make a contribution.
Proceeds from
Out of the
Closet
, a treasure trove of a
thrift store, directly benefit the
AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The
Golden Gate National Park
Store
is a not-for-profit shop
offering park memorabilia,
postcards, maps, and books.
All the profits made at
Under
One Roof
benefit various groups
working to help San Francisco
Bay Area men, women, and
children living with HIV/AIDS.
Souvenirs
All sorts of souvenirs, such as
T-shirts, keyrings, mugs, and
Christmas ornaments, are
decorated with motifs
symbolizing San Francisco
at
Only in San Francisco
and
the
Cable Car Store
. Souvenir
and novelty caps of every color,
shape, and size are available
at
Krazy Kaps
, while shop
entrances in Grant Avenue
and Fisherman's Wharf are
lined with baskets filled
with inexpensive gifts.
Antiques
Set in San Francisco's most
sophisticated shopping area is
the
Sacramento Street Antique
Dealer's Association
. This
collection of stores offers an
array of antiques from furniture
to small household items.
A shoppers' paradise that is
great for browsing.
Fans of Art Deco should seek
out
Decorum
on Market Street
Museum Shops
Museum shopping is another
option for visitors to San
Francisco, and shops offer
delightful and exquisite gifts to
suit all budgets, ranging from
science kits to reproduction
jewelry and sculpture. In San
Francisco's Golden Gate Park,
visit the
Academy Store
in the
Shops for a Good Cause
San Franciscans take great
pleasure in shopping for a
good cause: it assuages the
conscience, and provides a
