It’s almost Labor Day, and that means the countdown to the beginning of the more serious fall season has begun. See ya later, lazy summer days. Even here at the BRINK compound in sweaty Tucson – where we are anxiously waiting for the mercury to drop below 100 degrees – we are not looking forward to the (fast approaching) day when getaways to the beach are less sun-baked and more chilly. But don’t mourn the good times yet, make the most of these last days of summer. No matter where you are – BRINKGuide knows where you should be. Here are our top picks.
TUCSON
Arizona Inn / 2200 East Elm St / 520.325.1541
This historic hotel, that once catered to Hollywood stars, is the absolute perfect spot for a staycation (for us) or a vacation (for non-Tucsonans). Locals treasure this place as much as visitors.They’ve got glamorous amenities, wonderfully manicured grounds and they are a family-run establishment. Plus the prices are generally steep but if you get here before the weather becomes bearable again, you can get seriously good deals. A little heat (probably) won’t kill you and they have awesome pools for staying cool.
This weekend’s forecast high in Tucson: 100 degrees
SAN FRANCISCO
Suppenküche / 525 Laguna St / 415.252.9289
San Franciscans get a warped summer season, it just isn’t that warm. But this spot and Swensen’s (which we’ll get to below) are laid back and indulgent, hallmarks of the summertime spirit. There’s no better place to stuff yourself full of delicious, buttery carbs and hoppy beer than Suppenküche, on the corner of Hayes & Laguna. This is a traditional German Wirsthaus, with simple, flavorful and hearty meals, and gargantuan beers to wash it all down.
Swensen’s Ice Cream / 1999 Hyde St. / 415.775.6818
All filled up on beer & brats, walking in a gluttonous haze…you know where you have to go next: the ice cream shoppe. And there is no better place in San Francisco than the original Swensen’s Ice Cream, at Fisherman’s Wharf. We don’t have to tell you what to expect. You’re going to be served up delicious creamy treats, and the kitsch factor makes it even more fun. This is the way to end a night, and the summer.
This weekend’s forecast high in SF: 64 degrees
PORTLAND
Crow Bar / 3954 N Mississippi Ave. / 503.280.7099
Let’s face it: Portland’s a town made for drinking. And everyone knows summertime is the best time to enjoy a cold brew. So the only reasonable way to celebrate/mourn the end of those summer nights should be with a beer in hand. They have: 12 local brews on tap, premium whiskeys, pool, pinball and a jukebox. What else do you need to forget that school’s starting again, and work is back in full gear? A local Portland favorite, this is the type of place where the bartender will remember your name. And with the addition of a limited, but high-quality food menu…this is the place to forget it all and just hang out.
This weekend’s forecast high in Portland: 71 degrees
MADRID
LA 80 / Calle de la Sombrerería 8
If you somehow DO find yourself magically transported to Spain (lucky, lucky you), forget all about the fading days of summer and enjoy the night at LA 80. Located in the center of Lavapies, this eccentric disco-bar will get you dancing to 80s hits all night long, and well into the morning. So sweat your stuff and really enjoy yourself before things get a little more dreary.
This weekend’s forecast high in Madrid: 86 degrees
-Caroline Jackson & Alexsey Kashtelyan
