Many of us who’ve landed in this enclave known as the Bay Area instantly recognize the good fortune of living on a landscape so diverse and beautiful. Even then, it’s possible to get mired in the pragmatic aspects of life -- and forget just how spectacular even the most common, overly-photographed, and touristy destinations appear to those who arrive on our shores for the first time.

So, in an effort to recap some of my best "firsts," and the things which continue to awe visitors, here’s a bullet list of the "musts" your first-time house guests or repeat visitors should experience in our fair land.

• Must Sees in San Francisco

^{Sutro Baths & Cliff House at Sunset
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

She's under-appreciated and trod upon, even though she does just about everything for us -- our mama Earth. So make plans to show a little love next month . . . and to learn more about living on this planet with a softer footprint.

This year's Earth Day Events include free music, family activities, public environmental art, and eco strolls.

^{Pictured: Marin Headlands
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

I can think of a few things I wouldn't want frozen, so don't quote me on the "anything" part. But the deep freeze will seem like the place to be as we move into a Bay Area spring. So, a quick update on the frozen dessert scene around town.

If you're new to the city and over-heated, here's a diagram (by way of Google) that will help you figure out where to cool down in the probiotic, dairy kind of way: Map of Frozen Yogurt and Gelato Shops in San Francisco.

If you're more linear:

San Francisco Frozen Yogurt Shops
San Francisco Gelato Shops

And -- it's not yogurt and not gelato, but it's a big-time favorite. If you're near Dolores Park, stop in at Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop for a sweet fix.

It's World Water Week (March 22 to 28) and The Tap Project is raising funds to bring clean, accessible water to children worldwide. The project began in 2007 and donates funds to UNICEF's water and sanitation programs. A few stats from the Tap Project website:

• Every day, 4,200 children die of water-related diseases
• Nearly 900 million people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water
• One dollar raised through the Tap Project can provide a child with safe drinking water for 40 days

To be a part of the Tap Project, find a list of participating restaurants in San Francisco, and then donate $1 or more for the tap water you'd normally get free with your meal. You can do a restaurant search here.

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}