Postcards from home - best views of the Golden Gate

Thank you to Coca-Cola for sponsoring this post.  All opinions and content are my own. #IworkwithCoke

It is no secret that my family loves where we live.
We are less than an hour south of San Francisco,
 and we take advantage of the city whenever we can.
Our getaways to this city, where we left our hearts, could be for just a few hours or overnight.
Great restaurants, exciting sporting events, inspiring museums, dynamic concerts...
San Francisco has it all,
 but there is one thing that leaves me breathless every time we venture north -
The Golden Gate Bridge!
This vibrant, majestic icon gives me a feeling of hometown pride every time I see it.

Our latest San Francisco adventure was all about the bridge.
During a fun lunch at Red Robin, on our drive up to the city ,we plotted our course.
Armed with their infamous Onion Rings and lots of Gold Peak Tea,
we debated on the best ways to see the Golden Gate.

We started in the Marina, at Crissy Field...

If you look to the right, you'll see Alcatraz...

I highly recommend doing a tour of "The Rock", 

it is fascinating and the views of the city are incredible.

Look behind you and you'll see the Presidio...

It is one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful military posts. 

The stately buildings now host cultural gems 

such as the Officers' Club, Walt Disney Family Museum 

and George Lucas's Industrial Lights and Magic.  

The grounds have fog-shrouded forests, beautiful fields 

and even weekly Food Truck festivals all with amazing views of the bridge.

But one of my favorite ways to enjoy the bay is strolling

the Crissy Field path on to Fort Point.

Summers in San Francisco can be colder than the winter,

 so often a quick stop at 

The Warming Hut is mandatory.

It is full of treats and gifts and a welcome cozy atmosphere along the way...

In typical Bay Area style, you never quite know what you will see.

For some, it is still the summer of peace and love in a festive VW Bus...

Before you know it, 

you are at the base of the bridge.

As you look toward Marin, the bay is on your right and the mighty Pacific Ocean to your left.

No trip to Fort Point is complete with out touching Hopper's Hands. 
Legend has it that a GGB iron worker named Hopper, 
noticed that visitors were ritually tapping the fence as they turned around.  
He made the infamous sign so everyone could slap the hand as they reached the end of the trail.
(and I am convinced it is good luck!)

There is nothing better than refueling your mind and spirit with a day on the bay.

Afterward, we relaxed on the Crissy Field Beach, took in the view and sipped on Gold Peak Tea.

It's home brewed taste is crisp, refreshing and comforting just like the city we love.

Enjoying life's simple pleasures is what it's all about...

and finding those special "golden" moments with family and friends is priceless.

Don't forget to drink it all in!

(view from Land's End, another favorite vantage point)

Home is only a sip away! The Iced Tea Conversation

My daughter was born in the South.

We only lived there briefly before returning to California,
but it seems that the roots run deep.

She loves all things southern, 

the hospitality, the food, the scenery,  the lifestyle and most of all 

the sweet tea!

She's a Junior in high school and in just two short years she'll be leaving for college. 

During a recent lunch at California Pizza Kitchen,
we had a powwow about where she's thinking of going.

I came prepared with a map and college guide book and braced myself...

While sipping Gold Peak Teas and enjoying a BBQ Chicken Pizza, 

we talked about all of the great schools in the West...

heading to my alma mater in the Rockies...

and the intrigue and allure of the East Coast...

There are many steps to take and lots of looking to do 

but she confessed that she may be leaning toward 

the simple and sweet South.

A place with so many wonderful colleges,
where the people are friendly, life is a little simpler
 and the sweet tea flows freely...

Until then, she can enjoy a little taste of the South with Gold Peak Teas
 right here in California.

They are crisp, refreshing and especially for Carolyn, bring a unique sense of comfort. 
It is always her beverage of choice.
You should see her face light up when we go a restaurant like CPK 
and she sees their teas on the menu.
But make no mistake she's a "Sweet Tea Girl" all the way.

I grew up in California and had never heard of sweet tea until we moved to Georgia.

So I prefer unsweetened iced tea, it reminds me of how my Grandma used to make it.

Evidently our time in the south didn't influence me!

I love to enjoy its home brewed taste with just a touch of fresh mint,

and when I am feeling really festive, I serve it in heart shapes.

They are so fun and easy to make -

paired with Gold Peak Tea, they just make you smile.

Slip a large fresh mint leaf into a clean heart paper punch...

press down...

and they are ready...

So cheers to the future, to special conversations over iced tea 

and to the taste that brings you home.

I'm curious, 

are you sweet or unsweet?

Thank you to my friends at Coca Cola or sponsoring this post.  All opinions and love of Gold Peak Teas are entirely my own. #IworkwithCoke #sponsored