Place to shop: Flora Grubb Gardens, San Francisco, California, United States

About this place:

A brilliant combination of a plant nursery, garden-supply store, coffee shop, and botanical garden, Flora Grubb became a favorite San Francisco institution from the moment when it opened in 2007. Located in an industrial part of town, Flora Grubb is an urban oasis. The staff is knowledgeable and patient, the prices for plants are reasonable (if not cheap), and the architecture of the place is inspired. Well worth a visit for anyone interested in urban gardening, innovative public spaces, or a good place to chill out for a few hours.