Travel time from anywhere in San Francisco: 5 minutes to an hour, depends on where you come from. Ideal trip length: an afternoon. Nice to haves: shoes you can walk in and cash. Directions: Take the bart towards Daly City/SFO and get off at 24th and Mission.
24th street Mission, San Francisco.
One of my favorite places to wander is up and down 24th street! There are so many amazing, locally owned shops, restaurants, and coffee bars, really I could do about five posts just like this. Here are some of my favorite new spots (and some old ones that I just couldn't resist mentioning because I go there so often and they are always lovely).
Get off at the bart station and go up 24th towards Noe Valley for a pop into new local gem Mill Mercantile. They are having a sale right now so go soon!
Then go back down the hill and turn left on Valencia. Grab a coffee and muffin at worker-owned Arizmendi (my favorite is the blueberry corn muffin).
Now keep going south on Valencia and hit Painted Bird for some locally sourced vintage/thrift pieces. I've been quoted saying 'I only shop at Painted Bird'. This is only a half-lie, as things I don't buy there I sell back to them. They usually have Tarot card readings on Sundays.
Now turn back around on Valencia and turn right on 24th street. Beware of many delicious temptations, including the Crème Brûlée Cart and La Mejor Panaderia on Bartlett.
After you've recovered from your sugar high, keep going down 24th and turn left on Mission for a stop at Artillery for locally designed clothing and local artwork. Now turn back on Mission and left on 24th. Stop at Mixcoatl Arts and Crafts for sugar skulls or Luchador masks.
Keep going down 24th and just past Shotwell you'll find Adobe Books (formerly on 16th). Sit and read or visit their back gallery. Then keep going down 24th and peak into Press (Works on Paper) and buy yourself or a friend a goodie. One can never have too many pens, notebooks, or art magazines!
Time for coffee or juice--your choice. Sidewalk Juice or the original Philz will hit the spot. Are you starving? Soon you can stop in for a killer sandwich at Pal's Takeaway inside La Movida (we'll go back later for wine, don't worry). Further down towards Alabama, try La Victoria for some mexican bread and empanadas or the La Palma Mexica-tessen for the best crispy tacos. Ever.
Now stay on the North side of the street and check out Alley Cat Books (yes same owners as Dog Eared). They also have a gallery in the back. Now cross to the south side of the street for more book browsing at Modern Times. Then go to Wonderland SF for more locally designed clothing and local artwork. Tired out? Scared of going past Bryant? Good! I want St. Francis Fountain, Dynamo Donuts, and Pop's all to myself.
Go back down 24th towards Harrison and give yourself a pat on the back with some Humphry Slocombe ice cream. Try all the flavors. Now keep going down 24th and stop again at La Movida, they open at 4:30. Try all the wine.
Happy Wandering!!
What's your favorite store on or around 24th street? Where's your local gem?