It's that most beautiful time of year in Golden Gate Park's Japanese Tea Garden. For those of you who are put off by the $5 admission charge (and who isn't?), you can get in free on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10am. Outstanding color and a refreshing cup of tea are the highlights of a visit. My favorite place in the garden is the path in the back through a canopy of dwarf maples, a bright, brilliant green at this time of year. The concession for the operation of the tea house and the gift shop was recently awarded to a new vendor who has promised a more "authentic" atmosphere. That won't be too hard to achieve at the gift shop! Still, a beautiful and soul-renewing spot.
