Jack London is one of America's most beloved authors, having penned such classics as White Fang and The Call of the Wild, so it's no surprise that his hometown of Oakland, California would want to celebrate his life and achievements. The San Francisco Chronicle gives us a nice overview of Jack London Square's Water Street in Oakland, which features a variety of attractions dedicated to the late, great adventure writer. An exhibit called Spirit of Snark, for example, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the sailing of London's boat the Snark, which took him on some of his greatest adventures to the South Seas and Australia. The Jack London History Walk begins at Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, where London and contemporaries Robert Louis Stevenson and Joaquin Miller enjoyed drinking. Essentially unchanged since it opened in 1883, Heingold's is a great place to enjoy a beer and think about what inspired these giants of letters. Then pay a visit to Jack London's Cabin next door. Built from the timbers of his original Alaska cabin, it contains a rickety cot and not much more, providing a glimpse into the foundations of his tales of gold prospecting and the life it entailed. Of course, Jack London's Oakland was a rough-and-tumble town, with plenty of brothels. One such establishment has been reopened since 1970 as a fine restaurant. The Fat Lady Restaurant & Bar serves up hearty fare such as black angus ribeye steak and seafood pasta in a romantic atmosphere. Jack London Square is a mere five minutes away from the Four Points by Sheraton San Francisco Bay Bridge.

[image via the San Francisco Chronicle]