Shopping in San Francisco

Be sure to check out their website for the lovely story as to how the original Farley’s location began. Know that this is the perfect place in Potrero Hill for coffee, tea, community and most definitely, your favorite magazines. If you’re waiting on a table at Plow or looking for a great spot in the sun at the new parklet, Farley’s is your place.

The Ferry Building is open every day of the week, but Saturdays are the most fun to visit thanks to the expansive, weekly farmers’ market (a smaller version happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Come here for stalls full of fresh produce, locally made cheeses, meat, fish, and plenty of ready-made food. Roli Roti almost always has the the longest line—and for good reason. Its porchetta sandwiches are crispy, decadent perfection. But be sure to save room for all the delightful eateries inside the building too: Hog Island Oyster Company, Fort Point Beer, Dandelion Chocolate, Humphrey Slocombe ice cream, and Reem’s Arab bakery are several highlights.

This was on our list of The Best Things to Do in San Francisco.

For a dose of culture, head to Park Life in the Inner Richmond. The goal of this gallery-cum-retail space is to feature today’s most engaging contemporary art. Located in a 1,400-square-foot former furniture store, Park Life showcases 10 exhibits per year. After perusing the artwork, make your way to the retail side, which sells international art and design items, including prints, jewelry, and housewares. Park Life also collaborates with artists to release new items ranging from books and zines to T-shirts and skate decks. And if you can’t make it to the shop, Park Life’s online store features many of their products.

An artist and an architect curate a cool mix of practical things here. You’ll find books on furniture and design, and interesting items like wooden radios and pencil sets. Lots of it is handmade. The store also sells chairs and tables that Luke and Josh, my shopmates, make. 4035 Judah St., (415) 682-0600, visitgeneralstore.com. This story appeared in the January/February 2012 issue.

Next time you’re in the Dogpatch neighborhood of SF, don’t miss the chance to swing by Rickshaw and create a custom bag. Tucked away in your Rickshaw bag you’ll find a tag with their special heart symbol, something called the Rickshaw “PCQ Tattoo”. This graphic represents three things that are near and dear to the team at Rickshaw (Passion, Craft and Quality) and when you own one of their bags, it’s apparent in every stitch. They’ll do pre-arranged tours to highlight their facility and even let you host your own design-it-yourself bag party. You can even bring your own fabric to contribute in the design of your bag! The options are endless. Support this fantastic Bay Area company and design that bag of your dreams! I’m certain the founder of this fabulous Bay Area company (Mark Dwight, former CEO of Timbuk2) has direct access to my brain. This store is my dream space and I can’t imagine a cooler place to design your dream bag, or pick out a few that have already come to be. Since my bags were the only thing consistent in my life on the road for over a decade, I became pretty critical of their abilities, limitations and level of quality. I discovered Rickshaw bags my last few years out there and their ‘Zero’ messenger bag became my daily go to.

It was by accident that I found Al’s, while trying to find parking for an event in North Beach. It immediately stole my heart with their window display of vintage inspired, hand made shoes and clothing and I’m so glad that I went in. The fact that Al Ribaya named his first store ‘Taming of the Shoe’ is reason enough to swing by this location! At this store in North Beach he will style anyone that walks in hoping to own his bespoke suits, bags and shoes.

When I went in this Haight Ashbury store full of totems to Hindu deities, patchwork tops and skirts, and crystals, loads and loads of crystals, I felt like I was back in Goa. The pachyderm-headed god is everywhere amidst the full shelves, floors, and ceilings. There is even a peaceful meditation room for anyone looking to calm their mind without the help of any nearby head shops.