The Many Faces of Marin, California

Between San Francisco and the wine countries of Napa and Sonoma lies a stretch of land that many forget when planning their Northern California getaways. Within Marin County you can find adventure, relaxation and excellent food and drink, but the thing that will really surprise you is how different each area of the county is. Mill Valley, Larkspur, Fairfax and Novato are a few of the places you may not know about, yet shouldn't miss.

Mill Valley
Mill Valley in itself presents two sides to the visitor. It's been named one of the top cities in the U.S. to live by Money Magazine and you won't find any shortage of shopping or office complexes, but Mill Valley is also the place of great outdoors. It is home of the Muir Woods National Park and below Mt. Tamalpais, making it a favorite of hikers and mountain bikers.

The Mountain Home Inn offers some of the most romantic accommodations on the top of Mill Valley. The trip - up a winding road without a guard rail - is not for the faint at heart, but once you are there the views are breathtaking and you can hibernate next to your fireplace and enjoy the inn's own bar and restaurant for a few days.

Larkspur
You may find Larkspur on the National Register of Historic Places, but it's definitely in the 21^st century. Local spots have been restored and beyond the downtown you can find the shore of the San Francisco Bay and an area full of windsurfers. This is a good spot for the active traveler, with 10 different parks offering various sporting activities.

The Courtyard Larkspur is a modern hotel with special features such as individual televisions in the booths at the lounge. It's located down the block from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal and across from a center that includes a weekly farmer's market of local produce as well as a wine bar where you can sample some nearby favorites.

Fairfax
The small town of Fairfax is not the place to go if you are looking for fast food or strip malls. It's hard to believe this neighborhood is just 16 miles from San Francisco. The businesses here are owned by the locals and include many small restaurants and bars. It's the place to find great music from the musician down the block or a former member of the Grateful Dead. You just never know who may stop by here.

If you come to Fairfax, make a stop at Iron Springs Pub & Brewery, where you will find everything from their now bottled Casey Jones Imperial Ale to tap specials like Oyster Spout. Be sure to have some of Miguel's Famous Poc Chuc with it.

Novato
Rumor has it that the Russians came to this part of California and were bothered by the shortage of spirits, naming the place "No Vodka." Whether this is truth or legend, you won't find a shortage of anything now in one of Marin's oldest cities. Explore history in the Marin Museum of the American Indian, check out the area's largest shopping complex or enjoy the 139 acre Stafford Lake Park.

At the Inn Marin, you don't have to be a guest to have a five star meal at Rickey's Restaurant & Bar, or stop by in the summer with the kids on Wednesdays for Swim & Jazz. Also in Novato, Hilltop 1892 - which has really been around that long - is a great place for both classic and unique cocktails, while taking in some great sunsets.

To learn more about Marin County and the other towns within it, contact the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau.