My husband and I are planning a SF trip right after thanksgiving. Can SF-philes offer any suggestions regarding favorite hotels in the Union Square area; great shows to see; whether we'll need to dress casual or dressy for the trip (we're from Florida and don't have a lot of winter clothes!); non-touristy restaurants and activities and sites to see, etc. Are there any festivals that particular time of year? Any great art galleries (retail, not museum) to see? Also, the best route from SF to Lake Tahoe (we hope to get some skiing in, too) Thanks for your input...

Biggest problem I see with your questions is weather. That is the cusp of the weather change in the Bay area. It could be beautiful and bright skies and perfect weather, but not much snow in Tahoe, or it could be cold and rainy in the city with good skiing in Tahoe. Two years ago we ate our first course at Thanksgiving dinner out on the deck---last year we were already huddled inside with El Nino! SF is a fairly formal city--I certainly would include a dark blazer, some dark print skirts or a pantsuit in plain dark colors--bluejeans are OK for the day, but not really at night except in the most informal places. The classic SF Hotel in Union Square is the St. Francis and down the street is Kuleto's Restaurant, an easy walk. There are lots more, however, but I don't know what your budget is. (SF tends to seem expensive to a lot of visitors---prices are pretty close to DC or NYC) Lots of art galleries--hard to recommend without knowing your taste, spread all around the city. The best place for galleries though is Carmel which is about 140 miles south and a gorgeous little destination on its own. So many things to do--
Suggestion you contact the SF Convention and Visitor's Bureau and for $2 they will send you the latest edition of "The San Francisco Book". A good place to start. Also a lot on the web--just search with some search engine. Wish I could be certain about the weather for you, but expect it to much cooler than Florida. Email if you need specifics. Otherwise, the good news is that that is just at the beginning of crab season------yum!

Sorry didn't read the whole post. I think the best way to Tahoe (this assumes you're going to South Lake Tahoe) is straight over the Bay Bridge on I 80 to Sacramento and then 50 to SLT. If you're going to N. Tahoe probably better to stay on 80 until Truckee and go south from there, but I've never done this and most people go to South Lake Tahoe---there will probably be those who will disagree with me, however. And, three unique things that are very SF are the Beach Blanket Babylon show at Club Fuggazi in North Beach (must reserve ahead), the Alcatraz trip( must wear the recorded headphones), and Muir Woods. Keep in mind that the weekend of Thanksgiving is a zoo in SF-----if that's what you had in mind, I think I would go to Tahoe first.

You should check the following website -- it has a lot of information about what to do, etc. for SF. http://www.citysearch.com Good luck and have fun!

We have stayed at a lovely little place called The Inn at Union Square. It is small, only 30 rooms, but very service oriented. They serve a nice continental breakfast and afternoon tea, wine and hors d'oeuvres. It is located one-half block west of Union Square. Our stays there have been very enjoyable. Their number is (415) 397-3510 or (800) 288-4346.

Valerie: I've always had good luck at the Holiday Inn Union Square, about two blocks north and on the cable car line. Good places to eat nearby are Roxanne Cafe, Sotano Grill and Sears for breakfast. For a dressy night on the town, we had dinner at the Garden Court at the Sheraton Palace Hotel, then had drinks at the Top of the Mark. Use a Muni pass to get around town; buses go almost anywhere. Have fun!

It never gets cold in SF, but it can get wet. The best way to get to the premier ski resorts are I-80 direct to North Shore Lake Tahoe (Alpine Meadows, Squaw), or I-80 to Highway 50, changing in Sacramento (you'll pass within a quarter mile of my house in Sacto!). Heavenly Valley is at South Shore.

Any time of year is great is SF. I disagree with the post about being a formal town. I've never worn a blazer or suit coat to dinner anywhere in SF. I suppose you might want something fancy if you go to stuffy places, but the best food is in smaller, less touristy places anyway. Do get a guide or check the web. But you can hardly go wrong what every you do. And if you can, drive. It's fun to see how well you do against the cab drivers. I've never gotten in an accident, yet! BART is OK, but Muni is a hassle. Cabs are the easiest if you don't have a car. If you have more specific questions, e-mail me. Oh, BTW, there are great galleries in SF. Forget Carmel. It's a two hour drive, anyway.