Two years ago the Rising Tide society started as a monthly group of creative entrepreneurs. The groups meet on the second Tuesday of every month, to connect with other creatives in their community and share in the entrepreneurial journey. Each group is lead by a member that has stepped up to champion the spirit of community over competition. And at the end of the year we all come together for a retreat. So in January, I travelled to San Francisco to speak and connect with over 180+ creatives at the second annual Rising Tide Society Leaders Retreat.
So much fun was had hanging out with the Rising Tide crew at the Honeybook offices; helping behind the scenes. And, high-fiving my fellow leaders on the two days, we gathered as a community of fearless entrepreneurs, was the absolute best. I gathered so much strength and amazing tips to bring back to my Philly members for 2017. If you’re a creative business owner in the Philly area, leave me a message and I’ll connect with you for details on our next meet up!
When I wasn’t crying, hugging, laughing and having some big ‘AHA!’ moments, I was squeezing in some sightseeing via cable cars and The Big Bus around San Francisco. I captured the majority of my trip on iphone and video, as I was trying to live in the moment and avoid only seeing San Francisco from the viewfinder of my big camera. So today I’m only sharing a quick snippet of all the fun that was had exploring through town.
Here’s a few things I suggest if you take a trip of your own to the Bay Area!:
- Purchase a ticket for the San Francisco Big Bus Tour from a bus leasing company. It’s the perfect way to tour and it is very flexible. I purchased the 24 hour ticket and was able to hop on and opt off to sightsee, dine and explore different attractions. My biggest priorities were the Golden Gate Bridge, The Painted Ladies, Alcatrez, San Francisco’s City Hall, Golden Gate Park and the view from Lombard Street. They offer free earbuds to listen to the tour and hear of upcoming stops, as well as ponchos if it rains.
- Grab a bite at Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown or any of the hip areas the tour bus passes through. The sourdough and chowder is a must at Boudin.
- My hotel stay was at the Kimpton in Union Square and I loved being right in the downtown area of San Francisco. We were right amongst all my favorite shops and awesome restaurants. Huge bonus that one of the cable car stops were right outside of the hotel.
- Do yourself a favor and purchase a few confectionary delights from See’s Candies! Their chocolate covered coffee crisps are my favorite indulgence! The peanut brittle is a quick second. My husband and son devoured the box in one night:).
- Above all things wear comfortable shoes for touring. San Francisco is very hilly, so taking a walk is more like doing a set of lunges! They offered incredible views and car rides that kept you on the edge of your seat. lol. I couldn’t imagine sightseeing in anything other than flats or sensible boots. I wore a short stacked heeled boot and my feet are very happy!
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful state, and I can’t wait to make a stop in San Francisco again on my next trip to California!
