{STATE-OF-THE-ART}

California's favorite museums are dusting off to prepare for treasures old and new.

The 125 year old Crocker Museum in Sacramento reopens next month, October 10th, after tripling in size- making room for more blockbuster exhibitions. In S.F., the SFMOMA has brought on Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta to helm its $250 million expansion project. Following a national search, Berkeley's BAM/PFA selected Diller Scofidio + Renfro to design its new complex, targeted for 2014 completion. Beginning in 2013, The Autry in L.A. will gradually open 25,000 square feet of additional gallery space. And if that isn't enough to fill your culture calendar, the Eli and Edythe Broad Museum has been greenlit for construction in Downtown L.A.

{POST-IMPRESSIONIST MASTERPIECES AT DE YOUNG}

This fall, directly from the Musee D'orsay 120 late Impressionist paintings by artist including Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Seurat will be on view in San Francisco.

The de Young will be the only museum in North America to host this celebrated collection rarely seen outside of France. From September 25th - January 18th, 2011

{WINE, DINE & EXPLORE}

This is great news! now you can discover the Academy of Sciences and its world-class exhibits on a guided tour after the museum closes to the public every Sunday. Enjoy an exclusive wine reception, an in-depth look at selected exhibits, a visit to the Academy's rare gems and minerals collection, followed by a delicious three-course dinner in the famous Moss Room

The California Academy of Sciences is San Francisco's premier science museum, located in Golden Gate Park and dedicated to exploring, explaining and protecting the natural world.

For reservations or to inquire about other tours, visit here

{TOMALES BAY RETREAT ...}

September is always busy and hectic month for me so I am looking forward to stay here pretty soon and relax at this waterside beautifully furnished chalet located in Marin County, The Poet's Loft, complete with hot tub, wood-burning stove, boat dock and sweeping views of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes Peninsula.