Eco-conscious San Francisco

(FSB Magazine) -- San Francisco is so environmentally minded that even its Moscone convention center - where a major wireless show (wirelessit.com) convenes this month - is partially solar-powered. Some of the city's indie hot spots also embrace sustainability and local resources.

STAY: The stylish Orchard Garden (theorchardgardenhotel.com) is near the financial district and Union Square shops, so you'll hardly need to drive. Its wood furnishings are made from unendangered forests, and everything from its toilet paper to rug pads to concrete is recycled.

Orchard Garden Hotel

Essencia's sweet sandwiches

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DINE: Essencia's (essenciarestaurant.com) local and organic menu changes seasonally but always offers Peruvian-style lamb in cilantro sauce and steak with yucca fries. For dessert, alfajores - dulce de leche between butter cookies - are a must.

SHOP: Instead of burning fuel on a road trip, why not take a walking art tour? October is Open Studios month, when artists welcome the public into their studios on weekends (artspan.org/ open_studios.php). For a one-stop look at art from around the area, visit Artist-XChange (artist-xchange.com) in the Mission district.

SNACK: Bi-Rite Creamery (biritecreamery.com) uses cream from a local farm. Flavors change every season, but you'll never go wrong with the salted caramel. The best place to enjoy it? Nearby Dolores Park, where you can take in pan oramic views of the city.