Also, I need to pick something up for my wife, who is having a birthday next week...any suggestions on where to shop for unique (yet not super expensive) clothing or jewelry?

Looks like I am going to have some free time Friday afternoon and will most likely incorporate a visit to S7 in my plans, but a toy probably won't cut it for her (but will be awesome for me!).

Thanks!
Scott

san francisco is beautiful. visited two times in june, and enjoyed everyday. never ran out of things to do and the photography opportunities are endless.

Valencia Street between 16th and 23rd St. plenty of hip, young boutiques etc. Paxton Gate is my favorite as they sell exotic plants, artifacts, books, and taxidermy.

Paxton Gate is still open? Are they selling taxidermied mice in for wedding cake toppers still?

Thanks! I may get over to Valencia to check that out...Paxton Gate looks like it has some interesting stuff...not quite certain that a bat skeleton is just what the missus wants for her birthday, but might find something else around there that would do the trick!

Scott

"Upper" Haight Street between Masonic and Stanyan has lots of boutique-y clothing and jewelry shops. It gets crowded on the sidewalks on weekends but it's a good place to visit at least once.

Right next door to Paxton Gate, in the space with the pirate store & writing workshop (and an amazing Chris Ware mural) is where Baikin's own Howling Bull used to be.

was gonna suggest that as well, if you hate tourists like i don i would probably not advise union square, although if you are ballin they have LV and coach and all those other, overly price italian companies, up there