We like to think of West Marin as our secret happy place—an escape where farm country meets the coast and we don't have to bump into anyone we know. But apparently, it's not so secret: This year, a Point Reyes stay earned the #1 spot on Condé Nast Traveler's reader's choice list of the best hotels in the U.S.
Plus, the iconic Buena Vista Cafe has been honored with a commemorative plaque, Karla the Fog made her Twitter debut, and more local headlines that have zero to do with death or presidential debates.
The Best Hotels in the U.S.: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards, Condé Nast Traveler
Number one on this year's list? Coastal stay Olema House in Point Reyes, which has all the elements of a perfect COVID-19 staycation: Inverness Ridge views; plenty of outdoor space; and local, seasonal fare. (7x7 checked in last year.) Read more.
Karla the Fog Steps In as Unofficial Twitter Replacement After Karl Goes Quiet, SFist
SF unofficial mascot of 10 years, @KarlTheFog has been silent on social media since January. Someone thought it was about time we got a replacement. Meet #KarlaTheFog—aka The Fog Goddess. Read more.
The Townfolk Project, Documenting Oakland's Community, KQED
After spending the last two years photographing and interviewing Oakland residents for his Instagram page @townfolkproject, Scott La Rockwell's portraits got a new backdrop—a boarded-up building at 13th and Broadway. Read more.
UC Berkeley biochemist Jennifer Doudna wins Nobel Prize, Kron4
Doudna and her colleague Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded for their new genome editing method that will allow for "groundbreaking new medical treatments." Read more.
Buena Vista Cafe gets landmark plaque honoring its Irish coffee–soaked history, Hoodline
While the caffeinated boozy beverage is truly native to Ireland, the Fisherman's Wharf spot first brought it to the United States in 1952. Before COVID-19, the bar went through 48,000 gallons of Tullamore Dew whiskey in a year. Now, the place has been awarded a commemorative plaque courtesy of the alcohol-enthusiast historical society E. Clampus Vitus. Read more.
Guy Fieri Is Back Feeding Firefighters in California,Food & Wine
The NorCal raised celeb chef and his team prepared 2,000 boxed meals (and 3,800 meatballs) for personnel battling the fires—and it's not his first time cooking for those impacted by California wildfires. Read more.
