Yelp

It's been a while since a Weekly Yelp took you outside your comfort zone... well, at least out of San Francisco. But with Labor Day's long weekend right around the corner, one thing is abundantly clear -- everyone's getting out of town! So pack up your tote, hop in your Zipcar and go north, young (wo)man.

If you don't want to venture too far past the Golden Gate, join Chris T in Stinson Beach for pristine sand beaches, gorgeous hiking trails, and spectacular views. Whether you choose to rent a house, snag one of the Sandpiper's cozy cottages, or just end up in town for the day, you'll want to stop by the Stinson Beach Market to stock up for a lazy summer barbecue or picnic. Not up for cooking? The BBQ oysters, burgers and Bloody Marys at the Sand Dollar will remind you of the simple pleasures in life, and Natalie K recommends staying later into the evening for some live music. Join Suzanne B the next morning at the Parkside Cafe, where they serve up a brunch mean enough to wake the dead.

Bolinas is just a little farther up the shoreline, and perfect for city folks who want to entertain their inner hippie. Inevitably, you'll end up at Smiley's Schooner Saloon, one of only fourteen bars in the California to be in continuous existence for over 100 years (just don't expect to blend in with the locals, as Beth L fondly points out). For more Bolinas color, a visit to self-taught vintner Sean Thackrey's winery, located in a eucalyptus grove, is a must; if you ask Tom D, "we need more winemakers like Sean Thackrey -- and we certainly need more people like him as well." 

Or you could keep on going farther north towards Tomales Bay, where Nick's Cove has quickly become the first stop for folks like Brian H when they're looking for a "first-rate all-American roadhouse restaurant." But what the shuck, this is part of the world's oyster country, so make it on over to the Hog Island or Tomales Bay Oyster Company, the latter where they'll load you up with fresh-from-the-sea oysters, beers, charcoal and grilling tools. Vicky L even crowned herself the shucking queen after "getting through all those suckers." Want someone else to do the dirty work? Go straight to The Marshall Store, where you can find Lindsay P "slurping down cool and extremely fresh oysters paired with a fantastic cilantro mignonette."

There you have it, yelpers -- hopefully we've done our part to make your Labor Day as non-laborious as possible! 

13th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, September 6 & 7

The 13th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival is on September 6th and 7th, from noon to 5 pm! Chocolate treats from Bay Area bakeries and restaurants will fill Ghirardelli Square and extend onto Beach Street, alongside the waterfront. Activities include "Hands Free" Earthquake Sundae Eating Contests, chef demos, children's activities, live music, and chocolate tastings. The event is free and open to the public, and chocolate tasting tickets are $10 for 6 samplings or $20 for 15. The event benefits non-profit partner, Project Open Hand. 

For more info and to see who's "in," visit Yelp Events!