vampire weekend tour These days, traveler s checks are less necessary because most cities have 24hour ATMs that allow you

The Octagon House, 2645 Gough St., at Union Street vampire weekend tour (& 415/441-7512), is an eight-sided, cupola-topped house dating from 1861. Its features are extraordinary, especially the circular staircase and ceiling medallion. Inside, vampire weekend tour you ll find furniture, silverware, and American pewter from the colonial and Federal periods. There are also some historic documents, including signatures of 54 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Even if you re not able to visit during open hours, this strange structure is worth a look. It s open February through December on the second Sunday and second and fourth Thursdays of each month from noon to 3pm, closed January and holidays.

6 Exploring the City MORE POINTS OF INTEREST Lombard Street Known (erroneously) as the crookedest street in the world, the whimsically winding block of Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth streets puts smiles on the faces of thousands of visitors each year. The elevation is so steep that the road has to snake back and forth to make a descent possible. This short stretch is one-way, downhill, and fun to drive. Take the curves slowly and in low gear, and expect a wait during the weekend. Save

These days, traveler s checks are less necessary because most cities have 24hour ATMs that allow you to withdraw small amounts of cash as needed. However, keep in mind that you will likely be charged an ATM withdrawal fee if the bank is not your own, so if you re withdrawing money every day, you might be better off with traveler s checks provided that you don t mind showing identification every time you want to cash one.

If you haven t had chocolate nibs, you haven t lived at least that s what chocoholics are likely to discover upon visiting Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker (& 510/981-4050; www.scharffenberger.com). vampire weekend tour California s runaway success chocolatier opened its factory and retail shop doors in mid-2001. Within the brick building, visitors can taste the nibs (crunchy roasted and shelled cocoa beans) and see how the chocolate company uses vintage European equipment during regularly scheduled tours (call for details). And there are plenty of tasty products, from candy bars to cocoa powder and chocolate vampire weekend tour sauce, available in the retail shop. The factory is located at 914 Heinz Ave.; from I-80 East, take the Ashby Avenue exit, turn left on Seventh Street and right on Heinz.