written by Elizabeth Yeatman
Who doesn't love an endless summer?
Here in San Francisco, as I'm coming to learn, there's a phenomenon famously known as Indian Summer: In September and October, temperatures actually rise and the Bay Area's nagging fog burns away, making this the best time of year to be outdoors.
Having recently moved from New York, I have been eager to enjoy my first Indian Summer. With the sun shining and a cloudless sky, my husband and I embarked on our inaugural Indian Summer pursuit across the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. We had heard great things about a 9.5-mile hike through Mt. Tamalpais and California's famous Redwoods, called the Dipsea Trail. The half-way point of the trail treats hikers to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and local Stinson Beach.
There's something so refreshing about taking in the deep blues and greens -- but let's be honest, nothing beats a crisp glass of wine post-hike! Fortunately, we were able to reward ourselves in the charming nearby beach town of Stinson.
We sat outside at Parkside Cafe, and happily treated ourselves to a sweet at its uber-nostalgic ice cream stand. Summertime at its finest, if you ask me!
All in all, it was the perfect Indian Summer day trip from San Francisco -- and if this weather really lasts, we might have to repeat it. To keep up with the sun, I highly recommend these locally made Sunski shades inspired by the natural beauty of the Bay Area. (They even have a stylish Dipseas frame in their line!)
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