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🍩 George's Donuts & Merriment, located in West Portal (I know, I said "West Portola" in the vid) has both classic and innovative donuts made by Chef Janina O’Leary, inspired by both her time in France and her Michelin background.

Here's your plan for enjoying donuts at George's Donuts & Merriment in San Francisco

NEW Parisian-style cafe in San Francisco. ☕ 


Visit George's Donuts & Merriment in San Francisco for a Parisian-style cafe experience with unique donuts, champagne brunch, and a cozy, aesthetic ambiance.

Donut Tasting

✅ Before you go
• Get there early! They’ve been selling out every day 

💪 Pro tips
• You can come in and choose donuts from the glass case in front, but I recommend stopping by and sitting down for some french fries, sandwiches, or salad - the European experience. 🥖
• Get the strawberry champagne, key lime pie, and churro donuts. oh, and they have actual champagne too. 🥂

Head to George’s Donuts & Merriment 

I've never felt more like I was in a Parisian cafe

than I did in George's Donuts & Merriment in West Portola.

I stopped by after their grand opening to

get some donuts for my brother's surprise birthday.

It's probably the most beautiful cafe I've ever seen in San Francisco.

Chef Janina has spent years creating these old world doughnut recipes,

and the team of three spent days hunting in vintage

shops for the perfect platters to put them on.

All the details are impeccable and King George is actually real.

if you stay celebrate and enjoy the french fries and the donuts.

He's the owner's grandfather who owned a laundromat next

and this place is kind of an ode to the owner's childhood,

They do have some evening plans in the work.

Really fun like date night menu with za’atar focaccia almonds and olives…

Right now they're closing at 3:00 because they're selling out super quickly.

So the reco is to come by midday for a champagne brunch

and make sure you try the key lime and brioche doughnut.

Enjoy a fun and unique night out with flavorful ramen at Nojo Ramen Tavern followed by rooftop rollerblading, drinks, and city views at SVN West.

Ramen & Rooftop Rollerblading 
🍜🛼🌆

Enjoy rich, flavorful ramen—especially the Soy Sauce Tori Paitan—at Nojo Ramen Tavern in FiDi, perfect for a delicious start to your night out.

Ramen Dining

✅ Before you go
•  They don’t take reservation but you can add your name to the waitlist online. 

💪 Pro tips
• Their specialty is the Soy Sauce Tori Paitan- a must order! 

Nojo Ramen Tavern 

Rollerblade on a rainbow-colored rooftop rink at SVN West, enjoying city views, a live DJ, drinks, and snacks for a fun night out.

Rooftop Rollerblading

✅ Before you go
• Purchase your tickets: https://bucketlisters.com/experience/svn-west-rooftop-skate-rink
• Don’t forget your socks! 

💪 Pro tips
• They also have special events for 21+ that I want to check out! 
• Your ticket comes with skate rentals. 

Rooftop Rollerblading 

Here's your plan for a fun night out featuring ramen and rooftop rollerblading.

You'll start your evening at Nojo Ramen Tavern.

which has a braised chicken thigh served in their ramen.

The broth was rich without being too heavy,

The floor was decked out in rainbow colors with

stunning views of the city as the backdrop.

There was also a DJ playing music and keeping the vibe high.

Rollerblading turned out to be trickier than we expected,

we took a break and ordered a couple of drinks from their full bar.

They also had some tasty snacks that we enjoyed while soaking in the views.

perfect for a group outing or a cute date.

Here's your plan for easy hikes, giant sequoias, scenic drives, and relaxing in Three Rivers.

Watch the video 👇

Perfect for a long weekend, this three-day guide takes you through the must-see gems at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. All trails are easy, under 3 miles, and well paved so get the group together and check it off your bucket list. 

3-Day Guide to Sequoia National Park 🏞️

Arrive in Three Rivers, settle into your lodging, and relax before exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Perfect basecamp to rest and prepare for your adventure.

Arrive & Relax

✅ Before you go
• Entry to the park is $35 per car and its valid for 7 days from purchase. You can purchase the pass upon entry. If you have the America The Beautiful National Parks pass, just show your pass and ID.
• Book lodging in Three Rivers or a campsite at the park. We stayed in this Airbnb and it was great for groups: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19953111?
• Cell service is limited — AT&T has better coverage but you’ll still need to download offline maps from Google Maps covering your route from SF, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon
• Grocery stores in Three Rivers are expensive. Instead, pick up snacks and any cooking needs from Visalia, CA on your drive into Three Rivers.
• The drive is 5hrs from SF without traffic but you’ll likely make stops here and there to stretch your legs and pick up snacks/food.

💪 Pro tips
• Bring a small cooler to keep snacks and beverages in the car – gatorade, sandwiches, fruit, etc.
• Always bring hand sanitizer with you – not all bathrooms in the park have soap.
• Download a variety of playlists so you’re not left with awkward silences during the drive
• Refuel before going into Three Rivers. This way you don’t have to stop the next day.

Drive to Three Rivers, CA & Relax

Start your Sequoia adventure with a scenic drive to Kings Canyon National Park. Swap drivers for winding roads, enjoy the forest views, and be ready for easy hikes.

Scenic Drive

✅ Before you go
• This will be the day with the most driving. So plan ahead to take turns.
• Using low gear is recommended, especially as you leave the park so you need to get familiar with this if you’re new.
• Make some sandwiches, bring gatorade, water, and other snacks in a small cooler. There is no food or fuel to purchase inside the park
• Weather is generally cooler in the grooves but always check in advance. Even on hotter days, it’s best to do the hikes early or after 3pm
• Download the hikes from AllTrails in advance– don’t rely on cell service!
• While the trails are easy and well maintained, bring your hiking shoes

💪 Pro tip
• Bring mints to help with any car sickness – those winding turns are something!

Day 1: Drive to Kings Canyon National Park 

Stroll the Big Stump Loop for 1.7 miles among colossal tree stumps, meadows, and the historic Mark Twain giant. Perfect for easy hiking and nature photos.

Nature Walk

✅ Before you go
• All Trails map found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/big-stump-loop--4
• There’s’ a descent amount of parking at the trail head with bathrooms and picnic tables.

💪 Pro tip
• Have fun marveling and walking among the big stumps throughout the trail.

Day 1: Big Stump Loop (1.7 Miles, Easy)

Marvel at the colossal General Grant Tree, the second largest sequoia in the world, on a short, easy loop. Explore the Fallen Monarch and historic Gamblin's Cabin.

Giant Tree Walk

✅ Before you go
• AllTrails map found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/general-grant-trail
• This loop is very popular so you’ll likely need to circle around before finding parking

💪 Pro tips
• Go inside the Fallen Monarch! It’s crazy how large this tree is.
• Kings Canyon has so much more to see! We’re only hitting some highlights but it’s worth making a trip just for this park. 
• After you’re done, take a break to eat and hydrate before hopping back on the road.

Day 1: General Grant Tree (0.7 Miles, Easy) 

Climb the steep stairs of Moro Rock for sweeping Sierra views—an invigorating 0.7-mile hike with epic photo ops at the top!

Scenic Hike

✅ Before you go
• AllTrails map found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/moro-rock--3
• The drive from Kings Canyon to Sequoia is about 1hr and it’s winding. Because of that, it’s going to be exhausting so this is the time to trade drivers or co-pilots.
• The shuttles only operate during the Summer – take advantage of them and give your legs some rest.

💪 Pro tips
• Since you’re parking at the museum, go take a peek inside. Some cool history!
• There’s another giant sequoia right at the entrance of the museum. It’s a great spot for picture taking!
• If you’re struggling with getting a picture of the full tree – try panorama mode 📸

Day 1: Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park (0.7 Miles, Easy)

Relax back at your Three Rivers lodging after a day of hiking—enjoy golden hour by the river if you have access.

Drive & Relax

✅ Before you go
• Here’s another opportunity to switch drivers. It’s another hour drive back down to Three Rivers.

💪 Pro tip
• If your lodging is near the river or has access to it, take advantage and spend golden hour there.

Day 1: Drive Back to Three Rivers 

Wander through wildflower meadows, explore Tharp's Log cabin, and spot wildlife along the easy 1.8-mile Crescent Meadow loop in Sequoia National Park.

Meadow Hike

✅ Before you go
• AllTrails Map found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/high-sierra-tharp-s-log-and-crescent-meadow-loop
• Make sure you have sufficient fuel in the car before driving in.
• Again, pack some sandwiches and reload on snacks/hydration. It’s another long day and you’ll be munching throughout.
• Careful with bees – especially during summer

💪 Pro tip
• Lots of blooming flowers in Spring/Summer here to take pics with!

Day 2: High Sierra, Tharp’s Log & Crescent Meadow (1.8 Miles, Easy)

Stroll the Congress Trail to see massive sequoias up close, including General Sherman. It's an easy 2.9-mile walk through lush meadows and some of the world’s oldest trees.

Hiking Congress Trail

✅ Before you go
• AllTrails Map found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/congress-trail
• Depending on how you’re feeling, you can choose to eat your sandwiches before you start this hike. Since it’s longer, you will need energy/hydration so make sure you bring snacks/water with you during the hike as well.
• This is a very popular hike. Most people only come for General Sherman so once you go down, if there’s not a lot of people by the tree, go see it first. Otherwise, you’ll loop to it at the end.

💪 Pro tips
• Take your time walking through the meadows. You’re literally in the land of the giants in this hike!
• There are lots of cool spots throughout the drive in the park. You can pull over and snap pics but always be mindful of the road. Avoid blocking traffic on narrow ones especially in the shuttle routes.
• This hike will wear you out so it might be a good idea to switch drivers or take a nap before you drive out of the park.

Day 2: Congress Trail (2.9 Miles, Easy) 

Enjoy authentic Greek fare at Tony’s Taverna on Wheels; bring your own drinks and relax outdoors after a day in Sequoia. Order ahead for pick-up or dine at their new sit-down spot.

Greek Dinner

✅ Before you go
• Menu can be found here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tony-s-taverna-on-wheels-three-rivers
• Depending on the time you go, it can get busy so you can always call ahead to place an order for pick-up and then just eat at the picnic tables there.
• They recently opened a sit-down restaurant as well! If you’re feeling fancy, go check them out.

💪 Pro tip
• This spot is BYOB, so feel free to bring your drink of choice to enjoy in the open air

Day 2: Dinner at Tony’s Taverna on Wheels 

Hike the scenic Tokopah Falls Trail for river views, waterfalls, and an easy nature walk – perfect for a relaxed day in Sequoia National Park.

Waterfall hike

✅ Before you go
• AllTrails map found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tokopah-falls
• This hike takes you along the river and through some waterfalls. If you have time, do it!

OPTIONAL: Day 3: Tokopah Falls (4.0 miles, easy) 

Sometimes you just need to escape to the mountains.

So here's your plan for a long weekend of easy hikes,

and chill hangs at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

so use the first day to settle in and rest.

then drive 1.5 hours to the Big Stump Trail.

It's an easy 1.7 mile loop with peaceful meadows,

This one was literally chopped down in 1891 just to

prove to East Coasters that these giants were even real.

It's the 2nd biggest sequoia in the world,

1650 years old and still standing strong.

You'll also see Gamblin's cabin and the Fallen Monarch,

which people legit lived in back in the day.

This is where you'll take a break and munch

on your snacks before driving to Sequoia National Park.

so park at the Giant Forest Museum and take the shuttle to Moro Rock.

now you can wrap up the day with golden hour back at your home base.

Start with a 1.8 mile crescent metal loop.

Through wild flowers and hit Tharpe's log,

a 2.9 mile path through giant groves with some of the oldest trees in the park.

This trail lets you get up close and personal to those giant sequoias,

and that forest smell you wish you could bottle.

It's the largest tree in the world by volume.

Here's your plan for touring a historic Painted Lady house with stories and intimate events. Watch the video 👇

This isn’t a regular tour - this is an invitation into someone’s home. Full-time resident of Blue Painted Lady house in Alamo Square, George, invites you into his home any day at 4.00 PM to tour the house and hear stories about San Francisco (he’s very well connected and a San Francisco history buff). He often does really intimate but very specials events at his house (like jazz concerts) and - while this tour is 100% am amazing event in itself - it’s also a way to get “in the in.” 😉 

Tour an actual lived-in Painted Ladies house

Tour the iconic Blue Painted Lady at 712 Steiner Street with local host George and hear fascinating San Francisco stories daily at 4 PM.

House Tour Reservation

✅ Before you go
• reserve through Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/3412558?viralityEntryPoint=2&s=76

💪 Pro tips
• If you want to get in touch you can text or call him at 415-377-8559

Reserve the tour 

He lives in one of the most famous houses in San Francisco,

as seen on the opening to 90s sitcom Full House,

and countless other cultural memorabilia.

George started doing daily tours of this house.

He advertised them on his now viral TikTok account,

and people would just walk up to the door at 4 o'clock.

maintaining the historical integrity of the house.

His family is oddly intertwined with the legacy of San Francisco.

This house is a living museum of everything that

has happened in the city since the gold rush.

We've been here since 1849 with the gold rush.

He's never actually purchased anything for the house.

I don't think we've bought anything in the last 50 years.

as well as a penchant for immigration history.

Now George is kind of like a local celebrity.

People recognize him in Alamo Square and his dogs are famous,

Not infrequently I get bouquets of flowers,

and he's had a few really cool events at his house.

One of my favorite things that we do at the Pointed Lady is have chamber concerts,

and a lot of chamber music was written for small

And there were only 32 of us at the house.

It was basically like a really intimate house party.

People ask me how to get on the invite list,

but really the only way to go to George's house and get to know him.

So go check out the Blue Painted lady tour any day

at 4 o'clock because you never know what will happen next.

Here's your plan for magical summer evenings with live music, food, and giant troll art at Filoli Gardens. Watch the video 👇

Filoli’s Summer Nights bring the gardens to life with live music, food, and twilight strolls every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5-8pm, June 11-September 18, 2025. This year, six giant troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo add a whimsical, eco-friendly twist—each one with a unique personality and message about nature, creativity, and stewardship. It’s a magical midweek escape where art meets the outdoors. TROLLS: Save the Humans are on display from June 7-November 10, 2025.

Trolls🧌+ Summer Nights🌸 at Filoli Gardens

Explore twilight gardens, live music, and whimsical troll sculptures at Filoli Gardens in Woodside during Summer Nights—perfect for a magical midweek escape.

Garden stroll & art

✅ Before you go
• Tickets can sell out—especially for Summer Nights. Reserve in advance online for your preferred date: https://filoli.org/summer/
• You’ll be wandering woodland trails and gardens to find all six trolls, so skip the heels, wear comfy shoes.
• Summer Stage Concert Series runs August 17–19 and 24–26, 2025, bringing live music to the garden’s Meadow at sunset. Each evening features a different genre. Book tickets here: https://filoli.org/summer/ 

💪 Pro tips
• Summer Nights (Wed/Thu, June 11–Sept 18, 5–8 PM) includes both twilight hikes & acoustic nights—plus exclusive troll access.
• Food trucks line the meadow—grab a drink or popsicle before your hike or stroll. Choose early to avoid dinner-time crowds.
• Evenings in Woodside can get chilly after sundown—bring a sweater or light jacket.

Head to Filoli Gardens in Woodside

Midweek magic alert! Filoli's summer nights now come

with charming trolls tucked among the trees.

We arrived to Filoli Gardens and kicked things off

on the meadow with seasonal popsicles and drinks,

soaking in the vibes before heading off to explore

the larger than life trolls by artist Thomas Dambo.

Every Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.,

Fioli turns into a whimsical wonderland for summer nights,

Troll activists invite us to reconnect with nature,

all while injecting midweek nights with a dash of playful magic.

we stopped by the gift shop to snag some cute troll merch,

then wander through the rose and lavender Gardens

while live music played in the background.

Summer nights at Filoli are a perfect midweek escape,

equal parts magical and mellow and memory making.