For folks who live outside of our city, San Francisco’s fog renders it drab and dreary, devoid of color and life. But even with gray, overcast skies, San Francisco retains its vibrancy – especially in the Haight-Ashbury.

Here, each store is colorfully decorated, a feast for the eyes. From a pair of legs sticking out of the Piedmont Boutique to the neon signs of Amoeba Music, the Haight offers much-needed relief from the quotidian fog.

This effervescence comes from the neighborhood’s storied past as the countercultural hub of America, drawing rockstars and hippies from all over the world.

While they have mostly disappeared, their spirit lives on, even today.

Walking down Haight Street, it’s impossible not to notice the energy at every corner – at one corner; a ragtag band is playing a heartfelt rendition of a Rolling Stones song; just mere steps away, someone’s peddling hand painted jackets from the 80s.

This joie de vivre is contagious; next time the fog gets you down, try your luck down in the Haight. You won’t regret it.