There's something different about San Francisco, and I'm not just talking about its Victorian architecture, its cable cars or the fact that the Golden Gate Bridge is painted orange. If anything, these are the end results of something that runs much deeper through the city's seven by seven mile area: its eccentric spirit.

Although it's easy to see why Northern California's Napa and Sonoma valleys are so popular, their commercial success has come at a cost. The area's quick expansion has meant that smaller wineries have mostly been swallowed up by larger, more commercially-viable estates. For this reason, if you're looking for a low-key wine tasting experience in a smaller, family-run environment, the tri-valley may be your best option.

Situated in the tri-valley area just a forty-five minute drive from San Francisco, Livermore is worth visiting whether you're stopping over en route to surrounding wineries, or are just looking to soak up some small town simplicity.

Twenty minutes from the metropolitan sprawl of San Francisco, over foggy green hills and down a winding road to the Pacific Ocean, you'll find the little farming community of Half Moon Bay.

Originally called San Benito, Half Moon Bay was established with the distribution of Spanish mission lands in the form of land grants by the Mexican government in the mid-1800's. Because it is cut off from the rest of the world by the mountains of northern California's Coast Range, the town retains much of the simple charm of its origins.

Looking for some of the best Mexican food you'll find north of the border? Considering the fact that California was once part of Mexico, it's not surprising that Mexican food throughout the state is plentiful. In San Francisco, where the ratio of restaurants to square miles in a U.S. city is surpassed only by New York, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to authentic Mexican food. Whether you're after a quick burrito at a neighborhood taqueria, or a sit-down dinner at a more upscale venue, here's a guide to the best Mexican choices the city has to offer.

Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the legendary historical El Camino Real trail is the still under-discovered wine region of Paso Robles. Hot days and cold nights offer an ideal climate for this region specializing in Syrah and also known for growing outstanding Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, and Merlots.

Gentle rolling hills, valleys and sharp cliffs ensure a variety of micro climates ideal for wine-growing. Set amidst bucolic back roads and rolling hills, a wine tasting tour of Paso Robles blends visual pleasures and culinary feasts.