Bensdad

Lacoste Lane has to be one of my favorite streets in Bakersfield. The yards are clean and tidy, the houses well presented and most are set back a good way from the road. The trees and gardens complete the scene making it a very picturesque area. If only the air was better! This is well worth the time to go visit. A high-lite of what Bakersfield has to offer.

Do you like trains? I do. Jackson St is a great location for watching the UP in action. There's no fences opposite the station so you can get a clear picture of operations. There's usually a little more to see down under the Beale Ave overpass. The railway police can get a little pushy despite it being public property, but I've haven't had too many problems with them. The best views are down on Kentucky but the vertically challenged may have some trouble seeing over the fence down there ;) You can see through it, but it sort of hinders the experience.

Running parallel with the Union Pacific, Kentucky St offers some good railway spotting opportunities East of Beale St. The rail yards are fenced but that doesn't prevent you from getting a good look at the rail operations as they occur. You can get a different view by heading over to Edison Highway near Washington St. You're a little further from the action though but get a more unrestricted view. The area is typical of low income housing however there are a few really nice homes that would have been quite something when they were constructed.

Home to the Bakersfield Railway Station, this should be reason enough to check it out. This structure has lots of character although I'm sure those with a keen eye for architecture will tell you it's a bit of a rogue. No matter, it's an interesting building with plenty of charm and appeal to go around. For the rail lovers, you can head further East to watch the yard operations. There's a good amount of activity here usually and the view is quite good in places.

Baker st, to me, is typical of the "business routes" in Bakersfield. There's a lot of business to found along here and plenty of parking to go with it. My key interest, despite having clients along here, is Bakersfield Railway Station. Heading south, along Baker, you get a great view of the station as you cross the tracks. If you have a few minutes up your sleeve, park off Sumner and go check it out. Further North, there are some great examples of home owner pride. There are some very attractive structures, picket fences and a great community feel. The south is a little more commercial and home to more businesses.

Well maintained yards, nice houses, quiet traffic. There's no escaping the air quality of Bakersfield, but a nice house in a nice neighborhood makes it that much more tolerable, I'm sure! This street is part of a nice, quiet neighborhood, displaying a different side to Bakersfield from what you might expect.

Yet another pleasing street in this neighborhood. There are some newer, unusual (for the area) houses to be seen throughout. Tidy yards, a great sense of community pride, and mild traffic levels make this a very pleasant street and surrounding area. I quite like the curved streets in this area although it can make it a little confusing to navigate when you're new to the area. It surely does make for a break from block after block of driving. That said, numbered and alphabetized streets do make navigation a breeze. They're just not as nice to drive around ;)

At first this may look like many other streets in this neighborood. The thing that makes it stand out in my mind are an unusual mixture of deciduous trees and more than one stand apart garden. Forming the outer perimeter to a number of other streets, Half Moon does have some unsightly fences that have been constructed as a sound barrier for the houses behind. The advantage to this arrangement, of course, is that you have an unusual opportunity to see many houses from both the front and rear. If you're at all like me and like to look at the different styles of housing, then this is a wonderful experience. Sounds barriers aside, there are some very attractive houses through this street and some sensational gardens. A rarity in my travels here.

Planz Rd acts as an arterial for traffic into Corvallis Park. While it can get congested in places it usually flows pretty well. Watch the traffic lights at Wible though. I've seen an unusally high number of people who run the red here. I'm not ready to be a statistic just yet ;) The road is wide and housing is set well back. The area seems to deteriorate, however, the closer you get to the airport however.

This is one of those stand out places that you'll find in many cities. Typical of the non-boxed approach of the newer estates, the layout here is on a smaller, tighter scale and very unusual in the immediate surrounds. Heavily wooded, the houses here are set into a very pretty neighborhood. The street itself can feel quite narrow at times. A combination of street parking and the houses being built quite close to the kerb are the primary reasons behind that. This is a gated community but there's been a couple of occassions when the gates have been wide open and the invitation there to peek at how the other half live ;)

I love the drive up though here. The road is quite narrow and heavily wooded, however there is such an eclectic sample of old San Francisco in the houses along this street. There are places where it feels as if this was some grand project. A contest if you will, between architects of the day.

There are no side walks to speak of, so it really isn't conducive to parking and taking a walk to go rubber necking at these places, but it's well worth your time to take a slow drive through here to see a little slice of architectural heaven. There's truly a lot to explore in this neighborhood.

When I think of Oakland, I think of trains on streets, great food, and water. Moving a little north of the bay is something a little different. Lake Merritt, to me, seems oddly out of place this close to the hard flowing water of the San Francisco Bay. That's not a bad thing. As you drive along Bellevue you'll come across Lakeside Park. It's a great place for a picnic and quiet change from the energy that I find in the shopping districts of Oakland. A great place to take the family and a nice spot to just sit and relax for a while.

Piedmont ave is home to some really great places to eat. It is littered with cafes and restaurants, art stores, brick-a-brack, and most anything else you might wish to look at. There is a wealth of shopping on offer and well worth the time to explore all that is on offer along here.

When you're done, head north and take a look at the Mountain View Cemetery. That may sound very dark, but it's a very pretty drive and a very pleasing resting home for many people over the years. It doesn't feel cold and miserable at all. There's much interest to be had exploring the history that is there to be seen.

When you come off the Nimitz freeway, as you head north on the way into the hills, yo get a real feel for the pleasant trip ahead of you. Grassed shoulders, planted shrubs and tree lined embankments make for a very nice start to any major road. If only they could have continued that theme. Sadly, the beauty is soon removed and you're back to bland and often beaten up scenery. Thankfully, that too is shortly lived and the freeway becomes pleasurable again just in time for the climb into the hills. A rollercoaster ride, of sorts, but a good drive North. Things can get a little congested around Caldecott tunnel at times though.

Jefferson St is a good example of the development taking place in Oakland. While there are still some very seedy areas, Oakland is slowly transforming into a much better place than how it has been reputed in the past.

There are some very attractive new buildings that have gone up in the past few years. Down around 15th St are some great examples of how to mix old and new. For the folk who enjoy architecture and how it's changing, go check out this neighborhood.

Oakland, like many places, is a continuing development. A good place to see the transition from old to new is 3rd street. There are places along the street where you can literally get the feel of old Oakland along with what it is becoming. Many of the building have that old industrial "charm" that many new building seem to lack. To the merits of the developers, the new buildings through here blend in well with the older sites as opposed to starkly contrasting and making the area feel disjointed and out of place.

There's plenty of street parking and lots to see if you stop and take the time to look.

There aren't a lot of places I like to harp on about. Jack London Square is one of them, however. I've been coming here for close to 20 years now. The changes that I've seen over that time have been terrific. The area has really picked up for the better and it's one place I truly enjoy visiting on a regular basis. Friends used to think I was crazy for driving two hours just to go have a coffee and chill out in the Barnes and Noble while I read the paper. They're used to it now ;)

Seriously. There's a great vibe here. Jack London Square offers a lot for a relatively small area. The best part about it is that it feels "local." It's the sort of place that takes you away from your home without feeling like you've ever left. It's the sort of place you look forward to going back to.

Please, visit here and explore what's on offer. There's something for almost everybody, I'm sure. If you don't find something you like, grab the ferry over the bay to SF and enjoy the salt spray and views :)

If you're looking at spending the day walking around Jack London Square then you'll need somewhere to park. Washington St has a conveniently located parking garage on the intersection of W Embarcadero. Prices are reasonable and the location is superb for access to the marina and shopping district.

Take heed. Don't rush out of the southern exit of the garage. I did the first time I parked there and nearly stepped under an East bound Amtrak. Scared the pants off me at the time. Let me tell you, trains driving along the streets take some getting used to ;) We still joke about it to this day.

Embarcedro W is one of those streets that is a destination in itself. Over the last 15 years, this area has really been under the development hammer and the results show. Jack London Square is alive on weekends and a great place to go to eat and hang out with the family.

For the lovers of trains, this is one of the few remaining places in the US where trains still travel the streets. It's a very surreal thing the first time you drive along the tracks and have to give way to the local Amtrak service from Oakland Station. My kids love it though. So do I :)

There's plenty of parking around the place and plenty to see and do. I suggest staying in the area, grabbing an early ferry in to San Francisco from Jack London Square, enjoy the sites in the city, then back to explore Oaklands offerings before dinner at LJ Quinns Lighthouse.

I truly love this area and the changes it has undergone over time. I hope you do too!

I scouted Fresno a little while back for a place for my mom. One of the streets that really stood out was Mayfair Blvd. Tidy yards, set back houses, low traffic and easy access to the day to day things you requires. There were no suitable houses for sale at the time but I was really taken back by the feel of this neighborhood. This whole area has a pretty good feel about it.

When I think of Oakland, I think of Embarcadero. Well, that's not completely true. When I think of Oakland, my mouth starts watering and I think of LJ Quinns Lighthouse. The fact that it is on Embarcadero is secondary. Seriously. Go there. The food is awesome, and the atmosphere matches. Service is great and they have plenty of fine beverages to help you enjoy the view of the marina. There's also some great history here. Make sure you take the time to find out how they moved the restaurant from its original location. Oh, and regardless of your sex, go check out the mens room on the restaurant level. There are some people about with a great sense of humour :)

A short stroll to the west is a Motel 6 for those visiting the area. Be fair warned that this area can get a little rough at night. The motel itself is nice enough with a couple of rooms to the rear that face out onto the wharf and the water way. Prices are good for those on a budget and it's a good location to base out of if you are exploring the area.

I love driving along here. The planners got it right when they designed this little neck of the woods. Tall palm trees guide you along as you make your way down past the Rainbow Harbor and the marina. I don't know that I'll ever get over the sheer volume of vessels that get moored in there.

Traffic can get a little congested at times but it's still a nice drive through this area. There's plenty to see and do in this area and kids will love the parks. Mom and dad may like them as well :) This is a really nice part of town.

Okay, so this isn't technically a street. But it doesn't carry traffic of sorts so I'm going to write about it anyway :) The Shoreline Bike Path runs the full length of the beach, from the marina, down through Bluff Bark, past Belmont Pier, and down through City Beach to the Bayshore Aquatic Playground. It's a well maintained concrete strip that snakes its way along the sands. If you're looking for some exercise while taking in an ocean breeze and the occasional sea spray, then this is the place for you. Who knew you could get fit while relaxing at the beach? Just kidding. It's a beautiful place to spend the day.

No trip to Long Beach would be complete without cruising the boulevard. East Ocean runs the length of Long Beach west to the Middle Harbor before forming the Harbor Freeway. One thing I really love about it is the smell of salt air. You really know you're close to the ocean when you can taste that sticky, sea breeze :) I find it the most noticeable around Bluff Park, which sort of makes sense since it comes pretty close to the water here. It's mostly apartments along here, but there are some shopping districts as well.

I have some friends who live on Petaluma. They love it there. I don't mind visiting them there as well. I don't know that I'd want to live there myself, but it a fairly quiet street and people seem to mind their business. When I'm there, I tend to hear the noise from the freeway a fair bit but my friends say they don't really notice it. All over, it's a clean street with tidy yards and low traffic.

I'm not a huge fan of Long Beach. I have some friends who live here and they really love it. I don't begrudge them that at all. I just don't see what the fuss is myself. That being said, I do really like this street. There are some insanely large homes along here. Not all of them are attractive, but it's grounding at times to take a walk and see how the other half live ;) A tidy street that seems to be lacking the heavier traffic of some of the neighboring thoroughfares. It's a nice place to take the time to look at the scenery as you pass through.

All this money and they couldn't afford a wider road ;) I know, I know, I'm just joking. Just make sure your insurance is up to date before you drive around here. Seriously, it's narrow! I understand that space is money and that this is prime real estate here, but if I'm going to drop that sort of money on some digs, I want a garage to house the family truckster. There's a couple of nice houses to look at through here, but you might want to park your car and walk. There's no room for error as you navigate through here on the off chance that you are just taking a gander.

I don't know that I've ever seen so many speed humps in such a short distance. The length of road between N Elm and Linden is like a proving ground for suspension systems. I think the local planning committee may a monopoly on the shock absorber market ;) Granted, they aren't those huge speed humps that are being deployed in some other areas, but it was just the sheer number of them that took me by surprise. Great fun for the kids though ;)

I discovered, quite by accident, that E Hill St has a really nice view at night. It's elevated enough that you get a really good, unobscured view of the lights at night. My only issue is that it's a bit of a maze though here. Day or night, the view makes up for it. I don't know what it is about a little elevation that gets you up above the "streets." Maybe it's an escapism thing going on. Either way, this is a nice looking little neighborhood with a pretty outlook on a clear day or night.

I was feeling pretty catty, after writing up about the Los Alamitos Traffic Circle, and it got me to thinking about the amount of times I've gotten "lost" on the Outer Traffic Circle. I use that term very loosely. If it weren't for the proverbial dent in this wheel (something happened at Ximeno Way with the planners), you could feel like you were driving around in circles. Pun intended :P

Seriously though, The outer circle is awesome. I much prefer going a little out of my way than passing through the inner circle (we don't get on well.) It's generally a much quieter route.

Ugh. There's probably a dozen different ways to spell that. Now before I say anything more about this stretch of road, let me state that I truly understand why this was put in place, what the planners had in mind, and just how well this sort of thing can work. Somehow, there seems to be an abnormal number of drivers who don't understand however. It may just be my bad luck, but every time I've driven through here I've left with my heart trying to exit my chest via my mouth, and the feeling that if I were cat, I'd be one life shorter. A place to be avoided during any sort of peak flow unless you absolutely have to use it.

That being said, it's just a few, out of the many, key intersections that seem to be the worst. Traffic entering from N Lakewood Blvd and the same of Los Coyotes that, usually, leave me wishing I was somewhere else.

I don't usually associate beauty with business areas out side of commercial/retail sectors. I have to make an exception when it comes to W Shaw Lane however. The business developers did a really good job when they laid this strip out. Plenty of trees and well set back buildings make this an attractive business park to visit. The lane is a little narrow to negotiate due to a fair amount of on street parking, but then it is a "lane" and not a "street" I guess. I have a couple of clients along here and it's always a pleasure to go and see them.

N Feland, not unusually, is another street that is broken into several sections by cross traffic. That said, there are parts of this street that are simply beautiful. Now, in all fairness, I haven't traversed each and every part of it. But the parts I have seen have left a very good impression on me. Nice gardens, clean yards, well presented houses, and not a whole lot of traffic to talk about. My favorite part is the cul-de-sac of N Santa Fe. Go check it out for yourself :)

I can be pretty picky about areas and houses in particular. There's just nothing bad for me to say about this area of town and in particular, W San Ramon. You're left with no doubt as to the pride the residents feel about their properties when you visit this neighborhood. Beautiful gardens, many houses set well back from the road, well maintained yards, and absolutely no traffic. Well, except people like me who are scouting for properties :) I don't think the residents even chose to drive, just so they can enjoy the peacefulness.

I have to say that this area of town really caught me off guard. I simply wasn't expecting to find such a consistent group of well maintained houses and yards. This is a quiet street with a really well turned out appearance. It is clear that the residents take great pride in their homes. I's recommend just parking the car and taking a walk through the area. There are some nice gardens to be seen and you'll experience the neighborhood at "ground" level :)

It's hard not to hum along to the dulcet tones of Dionne Warwick as you drive along this visually pleasing stretch of black top. That could just be me though. Now, I'm a sucker for tree lined streets and W San Jose does not disappoint. There's such a great variety of shapes and textures. Amidst the greenery are some really beautiful homes and yards. The neighborhood has an overall warmth to it and it is well located in terms of facilities and amenities. A pleasurable place to visit and, no doubt, an equally excellent place to live.

I'm not a fan of "cookie cutter" homes. Not for the most part anyway. There have been exceptions, but not in this case. Driving along Fairmont, it feels claustrophobic despite a reasonably wide road and set back houses. For me, there seemed to be so little variation from one home to the next. I like when houses complement one another and architecture blends from one place to the next. They just don't have to copy verbatim from one place to the next. I understand the cost savings for developers in doing this, and that those cost savings can be passed on to the buyers, but it's not my cup of tea.

I'd love to live here. Seriously. It is SUCH a pretty street. The houses are nice, the yards are clean, the traffic is low. I also love that it isn't just a straight piece of road. I know that curves aren't cool for city planners, but boy do they make a difference to street appeal! This area comes across as a neighborhood full of pride. If The Duke™ were to visit, I'm sure he'd give it four "Howdy pardners ..."

N Augusta St should fall into my pet hate category of "broken" streets, but it doesn't. I looked at a property, that was possibly coming up for sale, in a cul-de-sac portion of one of the divisions and I was really impressed. Located right near Manchester Park, the street was beautiful. Really nice neighboring houses, tidy yards, and a quiet area. Close to the park, and easy access to all amenities, this would make an ideal investment. The sale never came about, but I can't blame the owner for not wanting to move :)

E Pico is one of my pet hates. There's nothing wrong with the street itself; It has tidy yards, low traffic, and it's well maintained. My issue is that it's hard to navigate unless you know the nearest cross street. Like several roads in Fresno, E Pico is made up of several short East-West blocks that are broken up by larger North-South roads. You can't simply drive along it when you're trying to find a street number. The advantage here, of course, is that the individual sections seem to have very low traffic congestion ;)

This street totally reminds me of some of the places where I grew up. Kids playing on the street, open yards, friendly neighbors. This is a nice, quiet street with very little traffic. A nice looking neighborhood with tidy yards and well presented houses. A great looking place to raise a family.

Tioga way is a really nice street to visit. The houses are always well presented and clearly proudly owned. The street is clean and tidy and the neighborhood seems to be a great place to live. Close proximity to the country club, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere else. I found a lot of streets in this area to be similar in appearance to Melbourne, Florida.

I love trees and park areas. I really love tree lined streets that have adjoining park spaces. There's something about all that tranquillity and getting older ;)

I need to take Pope Ave to get to a clients house. Well, actually it's a little out of my way, but I really like driving along here. A quiet street that backs onto the Del Paso Country Club (Hey Ramone, you still owe me a round of gold buddy!) and Seely Park, trees form a canopy in places along it's length giving it a feel of being narrower than it really is. It almost has a country lane feel about it.

I really nice street in what seems to be a really nice neighborhood. Take a drive if you're ever over that way.

The first time I drove along this street, it felt oddly familiar. It reminded me of many of the streets around Melbourne, Fl. If it weren't for the weather, I'd swear I could have been a few thousand miles East of my actual location.

This is a nice little street. Smaller, older houses, well maintained with tidy yards, the over all appeal to live here is quite high. A quiet street, this would make a great place for retirees to settle down I'm sure. Always a short, but pleasant drive.

Okay, that's a lie.

I'm one of those people who tend to over think things. For example, why did the town planners name this Cottage Way? Maybe Cottage was a person rather than a modestly sized house. Yes, that must be it. Cottage Way is a pretty busy street. That's not what I'd envisaged it to be when I first drove onto it. In fact, it offers very little evidence of cottages ever being here. That being said, it is a nice street as far as street appeal goes. A tidy street, it has a good mix of business and residential areas. Just not many cottages.

I really like this street. I have a client who lives here and it's always a pleasure to visit his family. The street is always clean and well presented, people clearly take pride in their properties and the traffic is minimal. Many of the houses are older, but they've been looked after or done up nicely for the most part, and John says his neighbors are awesome.

There's a park on Eleanor Ave that had me confused for a while. I visit a client here about three times a year. When I first came here, I thought Johnston Park was the back end of a golf course. It was after a few trips that I finally took more notice of it and could see that it was simply a park. That aside, Eleanor feels almost divided when you drive it's length. The Western end, near Johnston Park, is pretty run down. The houses are older and some are pretty beaten up. But, by the time you get a few blocks east, the street surface is better to drive on, the houses are cleaner, some newer, and the whole atmosphere seems to change. I've seldom experienced this in such a short distance.

Palo Verde is a pretty short street compared to most I guess. It's one of those streets that I think has a lot of opportunity. There's a couple of nice houses there that people have obviously done up, and a couple more that could go down that same path with a little help. I've often thought the location is pretty good, with a school and shops close by, and there's one house I've thought would make a great project if it ever came up for sale. Like a lot of places in this neighorhood, I think there's a lot of potential here.

Howe Ave would have to be one of the longest streets in Sacremento. Well maybe not, but it sure does seem that way when you drive along it. Running north to south from the Capital City Freeway, there are are a couple of nice parks along it that are worth visiting.

Bellview park, to the north, is a really nice picnic spot. Great for the kids and parents alike, the park is a little bigger than it first seems from the road.

Further to the south is the streets name sake playground, Howe Park. More of a sports field, it has plenty of space and a nice pond to sit by and enjoy. A worthy destination on those quiet Sunday afternoons.

Maybe they should have named this street Hollywood Blvd instead? Long rows of palm trees, dividing East West travel make this a pleasurable, if otherwise oddly arranged, street to take a drive along. You would be forgiven if you thought this street seemed strangely familiar the first time you visit it. Houses aside, this street could have easily been taken from Santa Monica or a dozen other popular Southern California locations. An interesting street worth a look if you're visiting.

I have a confession to make. I'll often look at my travel map and visit places based solely on their name. Take Penny Lane for example. What self-confessed Beatles lover would miss an opportunity to visit such a site. Okay, it may not be the hallowed ground of the famous song, but it's worth a visit just so that you can bring it up idly in conversation with your friends ;)

This seems like a fairly nice street. It's a quiet neighborhood with most of the houses being set back a good way off the road. Lots of trees, it appeared to be clean and tidy when I went through. A sound mixture of new and old, it seems fairly typical of what Modesto has to offer.

One of the things I like to do, when I travel away for work, is to cruise through the different neighborhoods to see how the other folk live. It's a great way to get ideas for our own place. Yes, I steal other peoples gardening ideas ;)

On a fairly recent visit, I stumbled upon Highland Ave. Straight away it reminded me of some streets where I grew up as a kid. Not so much the look, but the feel. As I rounded the bend, there were some kids playing street hockey and further along, another group shooting hoops outside someone's home. It took me back to when I was a boy and some of the good, and also awkward, memories of growing up in the suburbs.

There's a mixture of old houses and new, tidy yards, and a strong feeling of community. This is a real nice place to cruise and take in the scenery.

I typically stay at the Best Western Town House when I visit Modesto. It isn't great, but the location is good and the price reasonable given the close proximity to the city centre. It's a reasonably quiet area, with nice, tree lined streets; A feature that appeals to me greatly. In fact, my favorite areas of Modesto have lots of trees. It helps to break up what can otherwise be a harsh, sun beaten area.

Apart from a few commercial properties, the bulk of the street is residential. There are nicer streets to see in the area, but if you want reasonable accommodation walking distance to the city, then this is one place to consider.

I really like this area. It has a bit of a 'maze' feel to it when you navigate the streets for the first time. That doesn't detract from the overall feel I get however. It's a nice, clean neighborhood, with scenic, tree-lined streets and nice looking properties. I really like where I live, but if I was going to move to Modesto, this is where I'd want to be.

Close to the city centre, you can clearly see that the residents here take pride in their homes. It's a nice, shady recluse from the harsh sun that weather-beats other areas of town.

To the driver of the silver GMC pick up who tore my drivers side mirror off in August. I know this is a nice street. The houses here are great to look at. I like to look at them too. I try not to veer on to the wrong side of the road to side-swipe oncoming vehicles though. Your truck looked pretty new too. You didn't look like someone without insurance. If you hadn't taken off leaving a wake of destruction, I may have had the opportunity to find out.

Despite my bad experience, I don't let it glaze my view of this otherwise charmiing street. There are some show stopper homes to see along the way. Just watch for other rubber-neckers, or park your vehicle and take a walk if you're sight seeing.

My client, Rick, has a great laugh by booming, "Welcome to Las Vegas!" every time I catch up with him. You might think that would get old over time, but I get a laugh out of it too and it makes for a good way to ease into the serious side of business.

Turning to the street, there's not a whole lot of it to review. It's pretty much an older looking part of suburbia. It's a mixture of business and residential properties and plenty of available parking. If you find yourself in Modesto, go visit Las Vegas while you're so close and give your friends a laugh :)

I have a client on Chicago Ave. I wish he'd move. Seriously. I don't like speaking ill of places, but sometimes it just has to be said. Chicago Ave is a dump. All cities have them I guess, but this road feels so far removed from the rest of the city; At least the parts I need to frequent when I visit.

When I first picked up this client I was all, "Oh hey! Chicago Ave. My wife is from Chicago!" That wore off pretty quickly, however, the first time I visited him.

There's been pockets of development there, but at the end of the day, there are plenty of other places to visit around Modesto. Cross this one off your list.

I've been really surprised by the quality of eateries in the Modesto area. I've been travelling this area, on and off, now for almost 15 years. Things have definitely improved over that time, and one place I enjoy spending time is the plaza area of 10th St.

I'm a sucker for good Asian food, and the Paper Moon Cafe has just that. It's a great vibe as well, with a nice area to go for a walk after your meal to exercise off some of your load :) Plenty to see and do, and a place you'll want to return to.

I always enjoy my visits here. It makes being away from home just that little bit more tolerable.

I have to be honest here and say that I haven't really explored this street as much as I'd like to. One of my clients took me to lunch at the Queen Bean Coffee House and that was that. This is a refreshing change for someone who frequents Starbucks for a their regular java boost. Good food, nice atmosphere, the service is a little slow, but I can live with that.

Now, back to the street. It's a pretty, tree lined street, clean, with a real quaint feel to it particularly (if I remember correctly) down at the Southern end, just before you get to Yosemite Blvd. It has a nice suburban feel to it. Don't forget good coffee ;)

Let's get this out there straight away - McHenry Ave is a big road. It's wide, it's open, and it can get real busy depending on when you try to use it.

I visit Modesto a few times a year on business, and several of my clients are on McHenry. One thing I've noted, more so in the summer, is that it "feels" like you're somewhere else. There are days when it feels like Venice Blvd, just more ... open. Other days, it feels like you're in Pheonix. That could just be the heat there though ;)

All that aside, you should probably go eat at the Orient House Restaurant. Good food, good prices, friendly staff. Just what the hungry traveller should aspire to ;)

My first thoughts about Pleasant Street is, "It's not." I started dissecting my thoughts about what it was that bothered me. I deemed many of my reasons to be unreasonable. Trees growing at seemingly unnatural angles, buildings that don't complement one another, narrow confines and altogether too many parked cars on a street that is too small to meet the apparent demand. I felt almost petty listing down my dislikes. It's not that I don't like the buildings either. In fact, there are some very attractive buildings to be found along it's block long existence.

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to put my finger on what it is that rubs me the wrong way here. It could be a collection of irritations or something more underlying. I don't know. It's simply not the pleasing experience one might expect from a street named such.

This area is a real hidden treasure in my humble opinion. I don't know how many times I've walked through this neighbourhood and wished I could own it all :P Seriously. It's almost quaint by design.

There's a real interesting mash of architectural design, old and new, and a clever use of space given the odd street layout where 19th street crosses. A tidy, quiet neighbourhood, the only thing that would make this a more pleasant area to stroll around is if it weren't quite so steep. If that were the case, however, choice of architecture would have no doubt been different and things may very well have been different.

This is another tiny pocket of San Francisco that everyone should visit at least once. Just not all at once okay? We don't want to disturb the tranquility that exists here :)

Coles Street is simply a pleasure to visit. If I had to live in the city, this would be my ideal. The only decision I would have to make is where on Cole I would want to live. That would be very tough to make and not one I could make very quickly.

Split in two by the Panhandle, Cole runs North-South through an area known as Cole Valley. Given it's relatively small footprint, Cole St manages to pack quite a lot into this definitive space. A fine balance of residential and commercial properties adorn the street. Visually, it is an appealing street of clean and tidy appearance. There's most certainly a sense of pride here among the residents.

Should you take the time to visit this side of town, be sure to check out the restaurants and eateries around Cole and Carl. Simply awesome.

Have you ever visited a place that seemed so out of character with it's surrounds that you had to take a moment to remember where you are? I have, and it happens every time I visit Lupine.

Let me qualify that a little. I love San Francisco. I have an almost unhealthy obsession with it in fact. I'll sing her praises to anyone who'll listen. I think given what the town planners had to work with, they did an amazing job at laying out the roads.

Now I'm the first to tell you that I don't know what the history of Lupine is. It seems to me like it was almost an afterthought. There's a couple of pockets like this over on this side of town. You locals will know what I'm talking about, right? What's more, the architecture just doesn't ... fit. It's so bland and uninteresting. Granted, there's a lot of questionable architecture in this area, but much of it can be reasoned off as a bad dose of the '70's. Lupine is newer and shouldn't need the same excuses. Maybe I'm being too hard but it just feels like I've driven into a totally different city.

Bordering the southern side of Alamo Square, Hayes Street could arguably be overlooked as falling into the shadow of Steiner and its so called "painted ladies." Wandering off into Alamo Square on any given fair weathered weekend, you'll be rewarded by a sea of pooches and the people who have brought them there, balls, Frisbees, coffee aroma and childrens laughter. You may even want to venture off to the East to look at those iconic, colored, "weatherboards." Honestly, there is so much beautiful and intriguing architecture to be seen in this area. Park the car, grab your camera and be prepared to break a sweat as you explore this street and it's surrounding area. There's something here for everyone.

Palace Drive is not all that special as far as roads are concerned. What is special however is the namesake that it partially encloses.

The San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It's a worthy destination for any history buff, movie afficionado (There have been many notable movies that have used this location. My wife and I are guilty of "dancing like fairies of the night" here on occasion. All you Mike Myers fans will know exactly what I'm talking about) or anybody who just wants to see some really amazing architecture. For the science buffs, there's the Exploratorium - an insanely cool interactive science museum. Take the kids, but I dare you not to get involved as well.

That said, you'll probably want to park on Palace Drive when you visit there. That has to count for a few extra points ;) Right?

The Embarcadero is destination within a destination. It allows you to view the city from an almost unique perspective.

Bordering the eastern side of the city, separating it from the bay, what was once home to an industrial work horse is now home to an ensemble of businesses that appeal to the hungry, the shoppers, the tourists, and those who simply want to escape the crowded streets and urban clench that office life can harbor.

Wide, open road, long lines of palm trees, the restored, colorful facades of the wharf buildings and the sounds of sea gulls circling above the bay, all contribute to the restful feeling that surrounds this part of town.

No, Jack Kerouac Alley is not a street. If it were, it would be one of the shortest in the whole of the city. That aside, it is a landmark location worthy of mention.

Once, little more than a dark and seedy shortcut between Grant and Columbus, it was known to the city as Adler Alley. Lawrence Ferlinghetti, founder of City Lights Bookstore which is located on the northern corner of Columbus, petitioned the city to rename the alley and clean up its image. The city eventually agreed, renaming the alley and eventually giving it a deserving facelift.

Today, the alley is a brighter place to visit. For movie fans, the southern corner of Columbus is home to the bar Vesuvio which featured as "Cafe Roads" in Mike Myers "So I married An Axe Murderer." - A reference not lost on fans of the beat generation. Likewise, City Lights Bookstore, a landmark in the literary history of San Francisco, shares a home here as well.

It may have lost the "feel" from 50 years ago when the likes of Tim Leary, Jack Kerouac, and Paul Krassner could be seen hanging around, but it's still a place where the nostalgic can come to visit and walk in the footsteps of some respected, historical icons.

There are two things that I really love about Lombard St. The first is that it takes you down to Telegraph Hill, but that's for another review. The second, is probably the what Lombard St is most famous for - The "Bring Your Own Big Wheels" downhill extravaganza! Bet you didn't see that coming :)

Well, technically that's not true. The BYOBW is no longer held on Lombard St. But if, like me, you feel the need to shed a tear at the relocation of this annual spectacle, then you need to visit Lombard between Hyde and Leavenworth and observe a moments silence.

While you're there, take a walk down from Hyde to Leavenworth. You'll see much more than if you drive. You'll also rediscover your legs. That is unless you're some sort of marathon runner or moountain climber. Your kids have too much energy and won't leave you alone? No problem! Challenge them to race each other up and down the street. Sleep well kiddies :)

If you had to list five streets in San Francisco, chances are, Powell St would be one of them. And for good reason.

Powell St is North-South thoroughfare taking you from Market St through to Fishermans Wharf. For me, there are some quintessential stops along the way:

Lori's Diner. - If you want to experience a '50s diner in all its glory, then look no further. Good food, excellent atmosphere, sensible prices and a good time to be had all around. Bobbie socks and Brylcreem are optional.

Union Sq. - Okay, so this is where I asked my wife to marry me. Who wouldn't do the same? The city lights at night, the valentines art display surrounding us in the square, an unusually warm February evening, and buskers music while walking off a fantastic meal. That aside, it's an icon in itself. Who am I kidding? I'm really very biased about it :)

The Sir Francis Drake Hotel. - I'm not recommending you stay here. Far from it. We stayed there once and it was horrible. Tiny, cramped, dark room with heavy linen and an ancient AC unit that was louder than the cable cars outside our window. You do need to go see the doorman so that you can truly appreciate the clothes you get to wear to work. Unless you are one of the doormen there, in which case I apologize to you and hope that they're more comfortable than they look.

Cable Cars! - You can't visit San Francisco without riding a cable car. There are several locations that facilitate this, Powell St being just one of them. Popularity of these noisy pieces of historical significance have never seemed to die in popularity. Squeeze inside or take your life in your hands by riding the running board in thrill seeker fashion!

Are we there yet?

Powell st is a terribly long street with an awful amount of wonderful places to visit as you make your way along it. I've mentioned but a few of the things that I like about it. It's simply another part of this wonderful city that makes it was it is. An incredible place to live or visit.

I <3 SF

Privacy, peacefulness, fresh mountain air. These are just a few of the qualities of life when you live on Morse Lane.

Yes, we're a fair way out of the city. Yes, it's tricky to find the first (and sometimes second) time you come to visit. And no, we don't have all the conveniences of city living in arms reach of our door. However, driving home after a day in the office is ALWAYS a pleasure. I love winding my way up into the hills, seeing the small local owned gas station and convenience store on my way home. I love how fresh the air is and how peaceful the drive can be on most days.

Our street dead ends so we don't get a lot of unnecessary traffic. We don't really see our neighbors as the houses tend to be spaced a fair distance apart at our end of the street. That's not so bad though as we don't have to worry about disturbing or being disturbed when a party is thrown or the music gets cranked up loud :)

Public transport isn't so great, but that's to be expected. So long as you have a car, and are preparred to travel a when you do need to leave the house, then this is a fantastic place to live.

I've been lucky to have experienced living in a few different areas around Pittsburgh. Few of those locations could match Bensonia Ave for all around liveability. Friendly neighbours, tidy yards, and an all round feeling of pride made this a great street to live on. I really loved doing yard work through the warmer months, hearing kids play in the street, and very little other extranious noise. A quiet street with very little through traffic. If it weren't for a job posting in San Francisco, I'm certain we'd still be living there.

Close by to the mall, public transport, park lands and the city, we were offered the best of everything within easy reach.

I guess you really need a boundary to define where work and play separate. In the Pgh, that has to be Commonwealth Place.

In itself, as far as streets are concerned, there's nothing much to write about. It's narrow, not overly long, has a roughly 120 degree bend in the middle and is open to traffic. So what's so special about it? Well, if you work in the city, and like me, wish to escape from the urban jungle, even briefly during the warmer weather, then you'll need to cross it to get to Point State Park.

For me, it serves as a boundary between the city and somewhere that I can take refuge while I eat my lunch. There's something so wholly peaceful about eating lunch in the park. Maybe it's just me.

Lunch all but over, trudging back to the glamorous world of cubicle madness, Commonwealth Place signals the return to work for many of us.

This is one of my all time favorite locations in Pittsburgh. I always feel at peace with the world. Even when my team loses.

Nestled between Heinz Field and PNC Park, running along the northern shoreline where the Allegheny becomes the Ohio River is N Shore Drive. Boasting awesome views of the city and three rivers, it is a well known location to local sports fans. You won't visit here to shop or dine - You'll come here to take in the view before watching your team steal victory from their opposition! Well, that's what we always hope for at a game, right? Right.

Next time you're there, take the time to walk down along the river. It's a very relaxing way to spend some of your time. There's more to be seen here than initially meets the eye. If you see me along the way, make sure you stop and say hello :)

Wallaston Ave is a nice, mostly quiet cul-de-sac on the Northwest side of town. I'll get to that in a moment though :)

This was the second house I lived in when I moved to Pittsburgh. The street was great, we had really nice neighbours, and the folk we'd see as we came and left would mostly smile and acknowledge you if they saw you. Being a narrow street and a dead end to boot, we rarely got traffic that wasn't warranted. Those of you with kids will understand the bonus there. We liked the area, and being close to the city for work. The only thing I would say about it was that the house would literally shake with the passing freight trains. It was enough to be noticeable at first, terrifying the first time (until we worked out what was happening) but we got used to it after a while and it no longer caused us any sort of interruption to our regular schedule. If you really like trains then this is the location for you!

A tidy street overall, with easy access and good community spirit. I very much miss living there.

Criss st is a short, narrow block tucked away in the back of Sheraden Park.

I lived there for a few years and saw the neighbourhood go through a few changes in that time. When I first moved in it felt like a really nice neighbourhood; peaceful, sunny, close to the ball park. By the time I left there, crime seemed to be increasing - I had a number of items stolen from my fenced in yard over a period of months. Unwanted traffic, people doing burnouts on the streets at night, seemed to be getting more and more frequent. It just wasn't the same place anymore.

I've been back there to visit since then and it's still a nice looking street. People take pride in their houses, mostly, and if the crime has decreased, it would still be a great place to live again.

Grandview Ave is home to the upper stations for both the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines at Mt. Washington. Both offer superb views back to the city, while the Duquesne Incline offers a little more in the way of "attractions" at the station.

Along the length of the road are a number of decks that protrude out over the hillside, offering spectacular views and an air of vertigo for those challenged by heights.

The street is home to several several, more upscale, restaurants in what is sometimes referred to as the "restaurant row." Fine dining, great views and a convenient location make this a worthy visit for most people. One of my favorite places to eat is the Georgetown Inn at 1230 Grandview.

Carson St follows the river from McKees Rocks down to Glenwood Bridge. It wavers between narrow and uncongested, to a gritty industrial feeling from "old school" Pgh with the bustling traffic to match!

W Carson holds a couple of treasures for the rail enthusiasts. It is home to the lower stations for both the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines at Mt Washington. Both are worth the ride to the top for the views they offer of the city and surrounding area.

E Carson is home top a plethora of small shops, pubs, cafes and bars. Park the car, grab the kids and take a walk along this little, treasure trove. There's always something new to discover when you visit this part of town.

The Penn Lincoln Pkwy is the major East-West distributor on the south side of the city. Formed from the William Penn Hwy it is a major thoroughfare for the city workers. During peak hour, West bound travel in the afternoons, and East bound in the mornings, can be quite congested and slow moving.

To the West it becomes the William Penn Hwy for the journey to West Virginia. You'll also pick up the Orange Belt on your way to, or from, Pittsburgh International Airport. Heading east, as you emerge from the Fort Pitt Tunnel to cross the Monongahela river, you will be faced with a picturesque view of the city. West bound travellers use the lower deck of the Fort Pitt bridge and as such are offered no such view when departing the city.

Travelling East from the city, the Penn Lincoln Pkwy eventually re-forms as the William Penn Hwy just shy of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

On a clear day, or in the evenings overlooking the city lights, the East bound approach is worth it just for the view.

Smallman St runs parallel with Penn Ave to form the hub of Pittsburghs' strip district. Here, you'll find an array of retailers offering a diverse range of fresh produce and groceries, wholesale factory outlets, and antiques. More of a shopping destination, there are however some clubs and bars to be found here for those looking to expand their social circles. A little more "industrial" than Penn, it is still a worth inclusion if you're visiting the strip.

Pittsburgh is a very neighbourhood orientated city with a rich history and community appeal. Penn Ave runs through the heart of one of the most notable neighbourhoods that Pittsburgh has to offer - The strip district.

With it's historical charm, heady aromas, and bustling atmosphere, Penn Ave is a fantastic destination for an early Saturday start. Grab the family and head out to one of the cafes for a hearty breakfast before exploring all that the strip and it's surrounding area has to offer. Truly, there is just so much there to see. Great food, outdoor dining, eclectic gift shops, fresh fish and produce, ethnic groceries and more. If you're more of a night person, there are a number of great bars and clubs for you to explore as well.