Marianne Smith, CMT

San Francisco's Cable Car Museum has the distinction of being recognized as one of the top 10 free attractions in the world. It also offers a unique peek into how San Francisco's signature means of transportation is constructed and operated. You will be able to take several photos from the second level that overlooks the various exhibits, as well as get close to different displays that feature vintage cars in either completed form or in various parts. The various informative displays illustrate the compelling history of cable cars.

People who love books love Litquake, the yearly literary festival held every fall in San Francisco. Renowned authors are on hand for lectures and book signings, and interesting panels, workshops and parties are also part of what makes Litquake such an essential event for both readers and writers of all backgrounds. One of the highlights of this event is the three-hour Lit-Crawl through the Mission District that features stops at galleries, bookstores, bars and cafes.

An evening at the ballet combines classical masterworks brought to life through the sharp and highly skilled movements of the various dancers who grace the stage at the San Francisco Ballet. The group has been touted as the most impressively diverse company in the country, and their busy performance schedule only solidifies that statement. With such impressive titles as Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet and The Nutcracker among the highlights of their season, its certain that whatever performance you choose to see, you'll experience the thrill of ballet entertainment at its finest.