VISIT: WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE
It's one of the most talked about houses in America and over Halloween attracts many. It's the spooky house that Sarah Winchester built with stairs that go nowhere and walls that bar entry to rooms beyond. The eerie house is open for limited self-guided tours. There is also a virtual tour you can take online. This 100-year-old house that always brings the thrill of chills is a must stop around the year but especially this hallowed weekend.
HALLOWEEN: HALF MOON BAY
Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay is the place to be for the whole family this Halloween. This gem of a spot along the coast, just half an hour from San Francisco has been welcoming guests for many years and has been a family run farm for five generations, since 1918. Bring the fam for your holiday photo and check out the award-winning giant pumpkins that attract visitors from around the world and around the Bay every year. The farm will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MUST SEE TV: BILLY PORTER PRIDE
Star of stage and screen Billy Porter narrates a four part series about PRIDE in America. There's one special episode on our LGBTQ brothers and sisters of color who paved the way for many from wartime to civil rights time to modern day. It's a compelling series now available on HBO MAX and paints a rainbow-colored picture - warts and all - of the LGBTQ fight for equality.
COOK: FOR A CAUSE
Join rock star Chefs TANYA HOLLAND and Chef DOMINIQUE CRENN for a virtual cooking class "We Dine Together: Home Edition" benefitting Beyond Differences. The demos, the final two in this eight-week series (November 11 and November 18) help promote an end to isolation among our youth. Info here:
COOKING: WITH A MASTER CHEF
Join beloved Chef Hubert Keller with yours truly for a one of a kind cooking demo for the holidays. The Top Chef judge and "Secrets of a Chef" host invites you into his home "virtually" for the Holidays. The class on November 6 at 6 p.m. features a French classic cocktail and French dish for the season. Proceeds from the class support 18 Reasons - a non-profit cooking school in SF's Mission district. There will be an opportunity for a trip to Vegas for those who support.
EAT HERE: 25 LUSK AL FRESCO ROOFTOP
Enjoy brunch or evening cocktails & bites are one of the coolest spots in San Francisco - 25 Lusk near the Caltrain station. Under the culinary maestro Chef Mathew Dolan, this popular spot just launched dinner service with an over the top tantalizing six course tasting menu in the main dining room for a limited number of guests Wednesday to Saturday. Book quick this will sell out. Outdoors or indoors 25 Lusk has the feel goods, the good food and the killer cocktails and wine. Enjoy.
FESTIVAL: EAT DRINK SF
Raise a glass and enjoy a tasty meal at your favorite restaurant as Eat Drink SF comes to a climax this Sunday. Produced by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, this 10-day festival of all things culinary was launched to get diners back to their fave eateries. Call ahead to make reservations at your fave spots.
MOVIE THEATERS: OPEN FOR BUSINESS
It's showtime once again at many multiplexes and theaters around the Bay Area. Concessions are not up for grabs yet so bring your own candy supplies. Check your local theater websites or call first before showing up. The drive-in is still a good alternative for those not ready to cozy up and watch movies indoors. West Wind Drive-In will boost your spirits with the culmination of 13 nights of frights.
FAMILY FUN: DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM
The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio, SF is reopening Thursday, November 5 and welcomes one and all. The museum is a personal look at Disney through the eyes of the family. It includes personal collections from Walt Disney himself including original cartoon sketches and stories behind his cartoons. Visit the museum Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last gallery entry at 4:15 p.m., and will be closed Monday through Wednesday for the rest of the year.
COMING SOON: WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND
A whimsical garden of wonderful lights is coming soon to Golden Gate Park. The illuminated installation will run from December 1 through February 29 with a possible extension to June 1. The project is paid for through private donations to the Park Alliance's Golden Gate Park 150 campaign. Peacock Meadow sits in the park's east end between McLaren Lodge and the Conservatory of Flowers and across from the new pop-up Welcome Center on JFK Drive. The Entwined installation creates a whimsical wonderland where visitors can explore paths and sit under a grove of three entwined sculptural trees while practicing social distancing.
Have a spirited Halloween weekend.
Remember to wind back the clock an hour Sunday night.
Stay safe, socially distance, wear a mask and VOTE!
Liam's List premieres Fridays on KPIX and is also available to download in a podcast via iTunes.
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