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US $9.00
Union Square: San Francisco's Retail and Cultural Pulse
by Barbara Wade
Extensive shopping, scrumptious dining, authentic cable cars and delightful street performers. These are just a few characteristics of Union Square. Hotel accommodations in and around Union Square make touring downtown San Francisco easy and convenient. Are you planning a visit for business, pleasure or both? Because of the central location, you'll benefit greatly from finding a Union Square hotel near Moscone Convention Center. This will grant you access to everything downtown San Francisco offers.
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
Union Square is most famous for it extensive collection of retail stores. The third largest shopping area in the United States, you'll find some of the finest premium department stores, specialty shops and high-end boutiques in the country in Union Square, including the newly opened Westfield Centre, home to San Francisco’s Bloomingdale’s. Hotel proximity to this retail district is exceptionally nice as you can skirt in and out of your room to drop off bags and packages.
Union Square saw revitalization in 2002 when it underwent renovation and restoration. Originally a public park, it was named for the demonstrations held there in support of Union soldiers before the Civil War. The renovation made the square itself more accessible and created a spacious meeting spot for visitors and tourists. Union Square is also the location for Macy's giant annual Christmas tree, which appears every November, ongoing outdoor art shows, and free concerts during the summer.
To easily make your way around downtown, you may want to hop a cable car. No trip to San Francisco is complete without a ride on one of these. The intersection of Powell and Market streets is of special interest to cable car enthusiasts because it is a turnaround point. Drivers get out, turn the trolley car and point it in the opposite direction so it can continue on its way. Trolley car routes offer fast accessibility to major attractions including Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown.
Popular Attractions
A surprisingly short distance from Union Square is Fisherman's Wharf, comprised of an open-air market layout with vendors of crafts, clothing, prepared meals, sourdough bread, fresh produce, gifts and more. Stroll down the boardwalk as you leisurely lick an ice cream cone. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities with resident sea lions, Alcatraz prison and other interests from Pier 39. After lunch, make the short jaunt up the hill to the Ghirardelli chocolate factory (free samples are usually available).
Within easy walking distance of Union Square, Chinatown offers as much wonder as Fisherman's Wharf with authentic, affordable Chinese food plus vendors of all types sharing their wares inside and out. Genuine Chinese silk clothing, Chinese groceries, souvenirs, furniture and art can be found within the hundreds of shops in this small community. From the gorgeous gateway on Grant Avenue to the awe-inspiring Bank of Canton building, you'll find Chinatown an amazing place to explore.
Culture and Conventions
A hotel near Moscone Convention Center will give you direct access to the numerous conventions and cultural events held in San Francisco each year. With elite facilities, the Moscone Convention Center hosts conventions, tradeshows and banquets year-round. Just a few blocks away, San Francisco’s main theater district brings Broadway and off-Broadway shows from the East Coast to the Bay Area for limited-run performances.
The prestigious American Conservatory Theatre is a wonder to behold with its early 1900 architecture. You'll find popular performances at the Curran Theatre next door, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presenting productions from African-American writers, the Golden Gate Theatre and more. Buying tickets on show day affords you to save 50% if purchased from the TIX Bay Area booth in nearby Union Square.
In addition to shopping, tours and conventions, Union Square is also home to numerous art galleries with most on Geary, Post and Sutter streets. Well-respected names, including Russeck, Weinstein, Meyerovich, Koch, Haines, Bransten and others, make collectables as well as pieces from emerging artists readily available.
From conducting business to having fun with your family and friends, finding a Union Square hotel near Moscone Convention Center will open the city of San Francisco to you. You'll be able to experience all the sites, sounds and tastes with the ultimate in convenience.
About the Author
Barbara Wade writes articles for the Sir Francis Drake, a timelessly elegant Union Square hotel near Moscone Convention Center with luxurious accommodations in downtown San Francisco. Visit http://www.sirfrancisdrake. © 2007, All Rights Reserved
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