If you ever get a chance to visit San Francisco, make it a long trip. This is one of the best places to visit for knitters and non-knitters among us. There was so much to do in the five days there, that I was really dissapointed to leave. However, I did get a few things crossed off my list, and had a blast doing them all.
Let's start with the yarn! 
On my first day exploring the city I began with a mani & pedi and then off to Artfibers. Knitters must NOT leave the city without visiting this store. I spent almost two hours there, because I couldn't decide what I liked most! The fibers were so interesting and different, and because of their fabulous yarn tasting menu, I was able to sit and swatch as many different kinds of yarn as I liked. The best part is that they let you take the swatch home! No charge, no frogging, no problem. I ended up getting some really amazing yarns that I'm so excited about.
This is a picture of the store, where knitters can hang back and do a few rows. See the model on top?
On to the goodies!!!
This is Bistro , a metallic ribbon nylon-cotton blend. Knit up, it has a chenille-like feel. 
Next is Chameleon, a nylon-viscose blend that has tufts of microfiber. It looks really funky swatched up. I'm thinking this is going to make a very unique hat this winter.
Lastly (before my wallet blew up) Phyz caught my eye. This yarn was so pretty and sparkly, I got enough for a sweater. Yes, I did just get some of a similar shade at the Suss sale, but I couldn't pass this up. The picture does not do it justice at all.
Later that afternoon, I took a walk through Chinatown and visited some cool shops and had lunch. I finished the day at a fortune cookie factory, where I actually paid $.50 per picture to take pictures. I also got some delicious and very unique fortune cookies. (See Post Title)
The next day I toured the Mission disctict to see the murals by local artists. I'll be putting pics in the gallery of the trip, but here's a taste of a few now.
I can't believe these are in buildings- homes, apartments that people live in on a daily basis. They were stunning and I'm so glad the picture and came out as good as they did. It just so happens that Imagiknit is also in the Mission disctrict, so of course I fit it into my tour. 
The really cool thing about this store is firstly, that it's divided in two rooms, animal and plant. *this picture is the plant room* Then the yarns are arranged by gauge so it's easy to find yarns for a project. I was able to take a break and work up a few rows on the couch and it was really relaxing. I ended up getting one skein of Meilenweit Cotton Spirit for an eventual sock adventure. No picture shown :( However there was a really great quote in the window that I did snap a picture of:
The rest of the trip was a blast. The next day Austin and I rented a car (a Mercedes!) and drove up to Napa valley for some tastings. On the way, we made a quick stop at the Muir Woods for a hike in the fresh air and gawk at the redwoods.
Napa was really amazing, even the air smells like wine. We got so much wine it's getting shipped back separately! The next day we drove back early to SF for some more sightseeing before flying out at 2pm. We squeezed in driving down Lombard St., Coit Tower, and Haight Ashbury. In the day and a half of free time, we really packed it in. I definitely want to make it back to SF soon. There was so much to do and see, and it was hard leave. A short, but very fun trip.
Sounds like an absolutely amazing trip!! Love those murals. And isn't the view from Coit Tower unbelievable? Lombard St is a trip... Can't wait to see more pictres and what sort of "unique" hat you make out of that ArtFibers!
Posted by: lisa | August 05, 2006 at 10:32 AM
Oh man--your pictures are making me jealous!! I am glad you had a fun time, and next time I am in SF (hopefully this spring) I will have to hit up some of those yarn stores!
Posted by: karin | August 05, 2006 at 10:56 AM
what a great trip! i'm glad you went to such out-of-the-way, interesting spots. and i'm just getting caught up on your blog and want to say how GREAT about your "loml." you two are precious.
Posted by: carrie m | August 05, 2006 at 08:58 PM
Wow, you trip looks like it was perfect! Isn't SF the coolest place? Glad you enjoyed it so thoroughly!
Posted by: Jessica | August 06, 2006 at 12:23 PM
i love the pictures of the fortune cookie factory - so worth the $.50! glad you had fun. Imagiknits and Art Fibers are two of my top 5 favorite knitting stores of all time. You got some great sutff!
Posted by: KnitsNPieces | August 07, 2006 at 10:13 AM
what a great time! i'm going to have to glean some san fran details from you for my trip next month. artfibers looks awesome. i can't wait to see what you've got in person.
Posted by: gleek | August 07, 2006 at 11:33 AM
Dude, I am so jealous! I love all the pictures and I'm drooling over the yarn. I need to get over to SF pronto.
Posted by: Marie | August 07, 2006 at 03:15 PM
Were I, for some horrid breach of knitting etiquette or such, suddenly banished from The City, I would find my way to San Francisco. It's a lovely city (and the proximity to wine country doesn't hurt a bit.) And, saying that, I still have yet to visit a yarn store there!
It looks like you guys had an awesome time. I love those pictures and can't wait to see what comes of the yarns. How did you find the fortune cookie factory?
Posted by: Katie | August 08, 2006 at 10:24 AM
I love the idea of a fiber tasting menu! looks like a great trip and now you've got me wanting to cross the country!
Posted by: ann | August 09, 2006 at 04:14 PM
hey baby. can i touch yer swatches?
Posted by: maria | August 15, 2006 at 08:58 PM