pearl of adriatic Russian Treasure A delightful shop specializing in all that is colorful and whim sical from Old Russ

Russian Treasure A delightful shop specializing in all that is colorful and whim sical from Old Russia, including the famous nested dolls. d The Cannery, 2nd Floor, 2801 Leavenworth St Map J2 (415) 346-1104

The Presidio This vast swathe of greenery has only recently entered the city s repertoire of parklands. It has the potential to be even more amazing than Golden Gate Park, providing that the Right decisions are made by the Presidio Trust, whose job it is to make the new national park financially self sufficient by 2013. The war of words and proposals is raging at the moment, mostly over exactly how commercialized pearl of adriatic the property should be allowed pearl of adriatic to become (see p95).

Japantown The Japan Center was built as part of an ambitious 1960s plan to revitalize the Fillmore District. Blocks of aging Victorians were demolished and replaced by the Geary Express way and this Japanese-style shopping complex, with a five- tiered, 75-ft (22-m) Peace Pagoda at its heart. Taiko drummers perform here during the Cherry Blossom Festival each April (see p74). The extensive malls are lined with authentic Japanese shops and restaurants, plus an eight-screen cinema, and the Kabuki Springs and Spa. More shops and restaurants are found along the outdoor mall across Post Street. This neighborhood has been the focus of the Japanese community for some 75 years. d Map F3

A friendly, eccentric place, filled with period eclectic touches. Rooms have names such as the Bordello Room, and Friend s of Dorothy each with its own tale to tell. d 4 Bayview St, San Rafael (415) 457-3993