Hayes Valley - Western Addition/JapantownHAYES VALLEY
 After
the demolition of the Central Freeway in 1989 (after the Loma Prieta
Earthquake) this once "frowned upon" neighborhood arose from the ashes
and re-birthed as one of the cities trendiest enclaves.  Within
just a few blocks there live some of the cities' hippest
restaurants, best galleries, low-key bars and funkiest boutiques. There is also a newly renovated park (Patricia's Green) named after Patricia Walkup, the park’s most devoted and tireless supporter, with lots of space to sit in the sun, a children's play area & revolving, large art installations. "...Where the crack houses and tenements once stood, now there are trendy fashion boutiques, SoHo-style funky art galleries, high-end interior-decorating shops, top-notch restaurants and hip nightspots." sfgate.com Points of Interest Pretty much all of the unique shops that make up Hayes Valley are the major points of interest! Make sure you check out Octavia's Haze Gallery - (498 Hayes St), it specializes in glassworks from Bay Area artists. How to Get Here: Take MUNI line: 5, 21, 47, 49 (exit @ Gough/Laguna) Cafes, Restaurants, Bars & Shops:
WESTERN ADDITION/JAPANTOWN
The Western Addition neighborhood, in the days of the Gold Rush, was occupied first by gold prospectors when the area was then known as the "Fillmore District". After surviving the 1906 earthquake this district soon became the City's first multicultural neighborhood.  Now
the Western Addition/Fillmore District has the same feel with an even
bigger melting
pot of cultures ranging from working class couples to high rise
executives. There is a wonderful variety of shopping, bars, restaurants & clubs that hold true to the history of the neighborhood, including the legendary Fillmore Auditorium and John Lee Hooker's Boom Boom Room.  The
Fillmore District, in particular, has long been considered the heart of
San Francisco's first full-fledged African-American community, gaining
the nickname "Harlem of the West" with it's world-class jazz clubs,
restaurants & churches. Even jazz greats like Duke Ellington & Billie Holiday would often appear to play in the neighborhood club scene.  Bordering the Western Addition/Fillmore district is San
Francisco's Japantown. Before World War II it was home to many
Japanese-Americans, but
the war resulted in hundreds of sudden vacancies that were quickly
filled by Jewish immigrants and then African-American GIs returning
from the war.Now the small neighborhood has a mixed cultural occupancy with some of THE best Japanese food, shops and bargains! POINTS OF INTEREST Painted Ladies- (700 Block of Steiner St.) aka- Postcard Row The "Six Sisters" Victorian "Queen Anne" homes painted beautiful hues of pastel across the street from Alamo Square. (If you ever watched "Full House" you will recognize the houses from the opening credits) Alamo Square Park- One of the most picturesque parks in the City with panoramic views that cover downtown to the marina and beyond. Within the four blocks of this park you will stumble upon some great sights... but make sure you look out for the "shoe garden!" St. John Coltrane Church- 1286 Fillmore street was established as The Church of Coltrane in 1967 after the jazz saxophonist's death because he believed in the "mystical power of music". The church has a Sunday noon "Divine Liturgy jam session" that attracts many music fans and players.  Japan
Center- This center is one of the few in the U.S with hotels,
Japanese shops and sushi bars. The focal point of the center is the
five-tiered Peace Pagoda that was given as a symbol of goodwill to San
Francisco by the people of Osaka.The Fillmore Auditorium- is a historic music venue made famous by Bill Graham. In the mid-1960s, The Fillmore Auditorium became the focal point for psychedelic music and counterculture in general, now you can see anything from modern rock to hip hop to comedy shows. Boom Boom Room- A historical San Francisco "juke joint" & jazz house named after jazz musician and Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer John Lee Hooker on October 3rd, 1997. Today you can see local and legendary musicians in this intimate, cultural venue. HOW TO GET HERE: Take MUNI line: 2, 3, 5, 22, 24, 31 or 38 (exit Gough, Hayes or Fillmore) Cafes, Restaurants, Bars & Shops
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