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1 day ago | 7x7.com | Kristin Conard

Spas in Northern California's most gorgeous settings are incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into their lotions and potions for massages, facials, and more. The fresher the product, the more nutrient dense—plus, being slathered down with lavender that grows just outside, gives you a unique connection to the land around you. For some serious R&R with the best natural and hyper-local ingredients, book a treatment at one of these luxurious spas from Carmel Valley to Napa Valley.

2 days ago | 7x7.com | Shoshi Parks

The first event of the year—the free, three-week-long photography festival In Plain Site—has turned the Alameda Point shoreline into an open-air exhibition of climate-focused imagery. “We like to think of it as a visual journey into our future,” says Tara Pilbrow, executive director of the West End Arts District, one of the initiative’s organizers.

5 days ago | 7x7.com | Lisa Plachy

Exciting pairings are on offer with Burdell and Hi Neighbor, Brandon Jew and Flour + Water, Hanson of Sonoma and Canella, and Darioush Wines and Movida. Feel full and fulfilled at a gala for the Bread Project and the first of a whole summer of shows at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, then head into the weekend for some exciting incongruities: dogs at the Giants game and costumed runners at Bay to Breakers. Jump ahead to this week's top events:Saddle up for Bike to Wherever Day. . .

5 days ago | 7x7.com | Shoshi Parks

So, most years, this is right about the time we’d be encouraging readers to plan a getaway to one of our iconic bastions of the natural world. But this isn’t most years. Deep funding cuts have left national parks struggling just to keep visitors safe, let alone to pick up all the garbage they leave behind, ready their campgrounds for summer, and operate normal activities.

6 days ago | 7x7.com | Rosie Merlin

When you want to combine the two, you need a bookish bar or literary lounge—and you're in luck. Over the last few years, a new crop of establishments that blur the line between literary energy and tasty drinks has grown up around the Bay Area. These six spots will have you curling up with both. Clio’s BooksStepping downstairs into Clio’s is like entering a deeply appealing combination of pirate ship captain’s cabin and vintage university library.