I left my heart in........

San Francisco. The city by the Bay. The Golden Gate. One of the most picturesque cities in the United States, and a great base for a vacation. And one of the gayest places around.
The city started off with the Spanish exploration of west and southwest. Always looking for gold and the Fountain of Youth, if the had waited, it is called plastic surgery. San Francisco became the port of preference after gold was found at Sutter's Mill. about 100 miles inland past Sacramento. Travel by ship was the most common way during the period, and will a fantastic natural harbor, San Fran thrived. When gold was discovered in the Yukon, it became the place to load up on supplies for the miners heading north.
The city does have one kind of minor problem, its straddles the San Andreas Fault. On April 18, 1906, the fault let loose with a sizable quake. The damage from the quake, and resulting fire, almost destroyed the city. In what was probably the first example of damage control by politicians, the devastation was down played to lure people to return to the city. I guess it worked well, the city still thrives and continues to grow.
So how did it become so gay? It supposedly started with the US Navy. San Francisco was the drop off point for sailors that misbehaved in the head. Wonder where that led? Being kicked out of the Navy for being a homosexual was not something that was well accepted in middle, north, south, east or west America. With no place to go, the sailors just stayed there. With its accepting attitude more people moved there since they fit in with society. No need to stay in the closet in Peoria.
The Castro became the center of the gay ghetto. Bars, restaurants, and shopped lined the street. Bed & breakfasts opened in restored row houses. It was its own thriving neighborhood in a very diverse city. Today it is still the heart of the gay community and a good place to get a feel of an accepting community.
Besides the city of San Francisco itself, there are lots of attractions within an easy drive. There is Carmel and Monterrey to the south with its famous Cannery Row. To the north, coast redwoods abound in the Muir Woods, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse has a dramatic setting. If adventurous, a little farther north is Bodega Bay, the setting for Hitchcock's thriller The Birds. Just short drive to the northeast is the wine county of Napa and Sonoma. The wineries offer tours and the local cuisine is legendary. When taking the tours and tastings, try new types and varietals, maybe you will find a new favorite. You can pick up a few bottles as mementos.
So if San Francisco sounds like a great place to visit, check out Damron Vacations, the knowledgeable agents can arrange the perfect get away. And don't forget your Damron Guide, with over 40 years of experience, it is a great way to find the perfect bar, restaurant, or shop to make your experience complete.