I realized the other day that I have lived in San Francisco for a long time.  It happened when I was talking to a neighbor who said, “you know you have been here a long time when you refer to new restaurants as going into the old [insert former occupant] space.”  As we talked, I realized that I hadn’t taken inventory of the changes in my neighborhood for a while.  Sure, I still go to the same places I have always loved, but I have also noticed plenty of new things going on in the Marina and Cow Hollow over the last several months.  So, I decided to take a walk around over the weekend.  Here are a few noteworthy things that I found.

In addition to their space in Presidio Heights, Margaret Elizabeth now has an outpost at 2230 Chestnut Street.  If you are a fan of her beautiful jewelry, the shop is the perfect place to try a few on for size.  And, they have plenty of additional items – from bags, to bowls, to kitschy cocktail napkins.

Glassybaby moved their Presidio Heights outpost to 2070 Union Street.  We love their beautiful votive holders and especially love that the profits go to many different good causes.  Want to know more about the biz?  Take a look at our posts, here or here.

Do you want to really enjoy “Sunday Funday” (or Saturday, for that matter)? The Lot SF, a Pop-Up Beer and Spirit Garden is open every weekend this summer at the corner of Fillmore and Lombard streets (the old KFC parking lot, if you have lived here a while).  While I didn’t notice a ton of food, it was a great spot for a beer or cocktail on a sunny day.

If a beer garden isn’t quite your scene, take a walk up to The Italian Homemade at 1919 Union Street.  You can order a meal and glass of wine to have at the shop, or pick up something to take home.  Best part?  They make the pasta while you watch.  It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

While Cabana Home (3024 Fillmore Street) isn’t new, I think it can be easily overlooked.  It is not large, but the home decor shop has some wonderful pieces for sale and a very helpful staff to assist you in finding the perfect item.

Toss Designs (2185 Chestnut Street) is also not new but it gets seasonal merchandise so frequently that it may as well be.  While it has some pieces year around, it is my go-to spot for fun seasonal items and a great spot to pick up a gift.

Really, the list goes on.  It is impossible to provide a complete list of the many shops and restaurants in the Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods.  Here are a few more highlights.

And, here are a few more great options (some old, some new) to keep you sustained during your shopping outing.

If you haven’t been over to the Marina or Cow Hollow neighborhoods in a while, plan a day soon.  You won’t be sorry.