I just found out a dear friend is getting married in San Francisco this summer. They actually live in Atlanta but SF is their favorite city so they've decided to have it there.

I have not been there in YEARS. What's new hip and happening, what to do, where to go? I'm gonna buy a copy of TimeOut San Fran tonight and start thinking of stuff to do.

any favorite bookstores? any neat souvenirs unique to SF to adorn my new house with?

and, what's the most romantic thing you've done in San Francisco?

hi flygirl. SF is one of my favs too. I'm not your girl to lead you to "hip and happening" -- getting old, I guess -- but theres something to do around every corner. Great museums, parks, shopping, hotels, restaurants, theatre, people watching, everything! The most romantic thing I've done in SF? Got engaged to my husband 17 years ago! Found a diamond ring in my champagne cocktail at the Compass Rose at the St. Francis. Still go back each trip, just for the memories! Have a great time!

If you're shopping for a new home, don't miss Gump's. It's a wonderful store, with one of a kind items.

Your broad question is leaving me a bit stumped, but I'll give it a shot.

My favorite new thing in SF is the new Ferry Building. They're turning it into food heaven, with tons of artisanal purveyors, restaurants, and several farmers' markets a week. A few merchants have yet to move in, but most or all should be there by this summer.

The Asian Art museum moved to a new, bigger home last year.

Not sure when you were last there, but parts of the Mission District have become quite gentrified over the past 6-8 years and there are tons of hip food and drink places there.

The best bookstore is always City Lights in North Beach.

I moved away about 6 months ago, so I'm not all the very latest hip stuff, but if you want some restaurant or bar suggestions, just let me know your price range and taste and I'll think of some favorites.

thank you everyone, this is a good start!

flygirl I think just being in SF is pretty romantic! But my favorite romantic thing (so far) is a ferry ride to Sausalito on a pretty afternoon with lunch at Alta Mira. Alta Mira is an old hotel (last I was there it looked like it hadn't been renovated for 30 yrs) with a great outdoor terrace with fab views. You don't go for haute cuisine-salad or something simple. A lot of old time stars used this hotel for a rendezvous. It's a long trek uphill from the ferry stop so a taxi is best (or drive). Other eating places that have been mentioned that are walkable from the ferry are Valhalla, Scomas & Waterstreet Grille-BUT none of the places with views have terrific food.