Big Jim’s Patriots Road Trip Guide to: the Bay Area
Boy, that season opening win in Cincinnati sure feels like it happened a long time ago, right?
The last few weeks for the Patriots have been… not great.
A (mostly) hard fought loss against Seattle is one thing, an uncompetitive blowout at the hands of the NY Jets is another.
So here we are going into their Week 4 matchup, on the road, against the injury riddled San Francisco 49’ers.
Do I love their chances?
Reader, I do not.
However, I DO love your chances of having a wonderful time in the Bay Area – especially if you, the traveling Patriots fan, follow this week’s travel guide!
1) DO: CHECK OUT SOME OF THE WELL KNOWN TOURIST TRAPS!
San Francisco is full of iconic sights, and if you’ve never been to some of them, you’ve absolutely gotta go.
Specifically, The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the crooked madness of Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf – where you can stuff your face while watching street performers and attractions like Pier 39 with all the adorable (yet stinky) sea lions.
2) DO: GO TO ONE OF AMERICA’S FINEST TIKI BARS!
If you love delicious, rum fueled drinks in fun, island themed glassware like I do, then you MUST make it over to Smuggler’s Cove.
The decor is vibrant, with tiki-themed artifacts and an ambiance that’ll transport you to an island paradise getaway.
3) DO: GET A BIG BOWL OF A SAN FRANCISCO STAPLE!
Are you familiar with cioppino? If not, well, friend you’re in for a treat’s treat.
Cioppino is a hearty Italian-American seafood stew that originated in San Francisco, influenced by the city’s rich fishing culture and Italian immigrant heritage. It typically features a variety of fresh seafood, such as Dungeness crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish, all simmered in a flavorful broth, and it’s one of my all-time favorite dishes. You’ll be able to find it pretty much anywhere in San Francisco, but for my money, I’d highly recommend you go to Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood.
4) DON’T: LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR RENTAL CAR
If you’re Ubering or walking around the city, this obviously won’t apply to you, and frankly, based on both my experience and of friends that live there – the horror stories of San Fran are significantly exaggerated. However, it is definitely in your best interest to avoid the Tenderloin district. And as the headline says – if you’ve got a rental, don’t leave anything in your car, and you’ll be totally fine. The city has its fair share of car break-ins, but way less other crime than you would think.
5) DO: START YOUR DAY AT DEVIL’S TEETH BAKERY!
A favorite of both locals and any pig who’s ever stuffed their face there (like me!) Devil’s Teeth Bakery is known for their delicious, freshly baked goods, it’s particularly famous for their “Devil’s Teeth Sandwich,” which features eggs, cheese, and various fillings on a freshly baked biscuit.
They also offer a variety of pastries, including the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had. You can’t go wrong with anything you buy here, it’s all outrageously delicious.
