Where in the World is Brisbane?
Known as the “City of the Stars”, Brisbane is one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets. It is a small, close knit community with a population of just under 4,000 people. It offers not only the tranquility of country living, but also offers lots of sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the year. And, best of all, you can be in the heart of downtown San Francisco within 10 minutes and it’s only about 8 minutes to the airport. There is a free shuttle to Bart as well as a Park & Ride lot for those who want to take the bus or train.
To my mind, Brisbane offers the best of urban living in a country setting. Nestled on the side of San Bruno Mountain, it is surrounded by trees. There are many hiking trails and even hidden staircases throughout the town leading through the canyons up to the mountain. It is a walking town where most daily activities can be accomplished on foot.
When thinking about Brisbane, the memories of many people harken back to what a wild place it was in the “good old days,” with visions of cowboys, lots of drinking and carousing. We still have a few cowboys, but today, the town is comprised of a terrific mix of all types of people….all ethnicities are represented,as well as a good mix of gay and straight folks, white collar and blue collar workers. We have famous film makers living here, as well as published authors, a world renowned rocket scientist, musicians, artists and many, many other interesting people.
The people are friendly and just about everyone is somehow involved in the community. For example, each and every year, volunteers make wood stars in varying sizes and provide them at no charge to anyone in town who wants one. Each year on the 1st Sunday in December, Brisbane hosts the “Festival of Lights.” Residents, as well as their friends and relatives, gather at the top of our main street and walk down to the community park singing caroles.
Once at the park, a few local groups do short performances and then Santa arrives. As soon as Santa is on scene, the holiday tree is lit and the season has begun. After partaking of the free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, we all head home and, if we haven’t already done so, light the stars on our homes. There are so many stars that they can be seen from as far away as Highway 101, which is why we have become known as the “City of the Stars.”
Brisbane hosts many other community events throughout the year, as well. They have an annual Community Festival, and throughout the summer they have fantastic bands for our outdoor “Concerts in the Park” series each Friday night. Everyone packs a picnic dinner and comes to listen and dance under the gazebo.
They also have an amazing classical music series at Mission Blue Center, a series so good that it has even been featured in the Chronicle’s list of things you should absolutely do on a Saturday night. And, amongst many, many other activities an author’s series hosted by our library. There is a beautiful community pool, a dog park, skate park and a marina.
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6 Responses to “Where in the World is Brisbane?”
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Kathy what a great post, you mentioned things about brisbane that I did not know and I have lived on the peninsula for over 50 years. great information. thank you
Great post Kathy! My husband works in Brisbane, on the marina side, and he gets to enjoy the beautiful scenery from his office. I’m sure he doesn’t know about all the great aspects of Brisbane that you describe. Your enthusiasm for the city is clear, so it’s no wonder that you have been such a successful agent in that area. Thanks for the information – I’ll be able to appreciate the stars a lot more when I drive by there.
That’s SUPER! I’m going to have to do one on San Bruno! I love looking at the stars in Brisbane at night during the holidays. Its so COOL!
I am heading to the Stars! Brisbane is like a hidden treasure. Thanks for the great info.
Very, very interesting, Kathy.
It very interesting to read about the history and charm of this quaint hillside town.
Looking forward to seeing all the “stars” shine this month!
Brian
Great post Kathy!
I know of Brisbane but I was not aware of all the things that it had. You obviously love the city and it is felt through your writing. Keep up the Great work.