What better way to celebrate New Year’s than to leave the snow and miserable cold and head out to some sunshine on the beach. No, I’m not headed to a tropical island (this time!) but California will do. San Francisco City Tour + New Year’s at a quaint beachside hotel in Monteray is nearly perfect. A friend clued me in on free city tours given by volunteer guides in SF every day (http://www.sfcityguides.org/), and that turned into a great way to see and learn about a particular section of the city. The tour I took was all about the history of the many Victorian-style homes dotting the city, ending with the famous Painted Ladies. New Year’s eve was spent with a short walk on the beach and a binge run to Trader Joe’s and a liquor store. The hotel had evening wine and appetizers which went perfectly with the outdoor hot tub and the slightly nippy air. TJ treats & rose-all-day (j/k) helped ring in a sweet new year by the in-room fireplace. January 1st was a warm and sunny 50 degrees, perfect for a stroll along the coast line.






