A friend of mine mentioned there is an honest-to-goodness castle in San Francisco. When I asked where, she said "over there by Hunter’s Point somewhere". That’s all it took; I was on a mission to find this “castle”. In Ireland alone, there are 30,000 castles, so how hard could it be to find one in San Francisco? After all, it’s something that would definitely stick out in a country that’s only just over 200 years old.
Google is a wonderful thing. One search and I found it, in a manner of speaking. From there it took tracking down the owner and getting permission to visit the property and find someone to answer my questions.
The owner’s daughter gave me a tour and the historical rundown on the property because it’s been in her family for a while. It houses natural springs which were once the only water source for the entire city. From there it became a brewery which was closed down during prohibition and there is actually only one bottle of the original brew left and she has it. The top floor still houses a swing arm which was originally used to move pallets of beer bottles.
Currently, the castle is used for corporate events, weddings and private parties so if you get the urge to party in a real castle, go for it. It’s spectacular! You can visit their website for booking information at www.thealbioncastle.com.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
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Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
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"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
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The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
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The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
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This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
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You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
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"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
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"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
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Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
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San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
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"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
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156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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