In honor of good ol’ Christopher Columbus, do a little exploring this weekend.

SEE
Painters from Scotland
What: Palo Alto’s brand new gallery debuts with an exhibit of works by eight artists with Scottish ties.
Why: They’ve painted a lovely picture.
When: Thru Oct. 30.
Where: Chelsea Art Gallery, 440 Kipling St., b/t University & Lytton Aves., Palo Alto (650-324-4450).

Portraits, Figures, and Nudes, 1900-1960s
What: Lost Art’s latest exhibition.
Why: You love the naked truth.
When: Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Lost Art, 245 S. Van Ness Ave., ste. 303, at 13th St. (415-861-1530).

EAT
Gaslight Menu
What: The Big 4’s throwback to the historic era includes crab casserole, oysters, vegetable pot pie, and Veuve Clicquot sorbet.
Why: Don’t know much about history.
When: Thurs., 5:30-10 p.m.
Where: The Big 4, 1075 California St., at Taylor St. (415-771-1140).

Big Easy Menu at XYZ
What: Crawfish bisque and boulettes washed down with mint juleps and French Quarter martinis benefit Katrina survivors.
Why: Easy peasey Big Easy.
When: Fri., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: W San Francisco, 181 3rd St., at Howard St. (415-817-7836).

BUY
Anna Beck Trunk Show
What: New baubles from Bali, vino, and Citizen Cake cupcakes.
Why: She becks, you call.
When: Thurs., 6-8 p.m.
Where: Dress, 2271 Chestnut St., b/t Pierce & Scott Sts. (415-440-3737).

Borrelli Boutique Opens
What: Deck your dude in fancy duds from the Italian designer’s new Union Square boutique.
Why: Turn him into an Italian Stallion.
When: Anytime.
Where: Borrelli, 80 Geary St., at Grant Ave. (415-274-2588).