Volunteer on the Coast

Saturday is California Coastal Cleanup Day and Marin has dozens of sites where you can participate in beautifying its beaches, bays, trails, and parks.  It’s super easy to get involved.

Just pick a location off the website and show up at the designated time. The number one trash item picked up is, surprise, cigarettes. Join your fellow do-gooders at the Bay Model Visitor Center from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. after for a BBQ celebration. Party at 2100 Bridgeway in Sausalito. 

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival

Don’t expect your typical suburban sidewalk stroll (yawn). Mill Valley’s Fall Arts Festival takes place in historic Old Mill Park where redwoods shade you from the 80-degree expected temps. There will be entertainment of the singer/songwriter, Americana, Celtic sort, and plenty of distractions for kids. For the adults in tow, a five-minute walk away brings you to Beerworks (see details below). Sat and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $10 General Admission, $5 Students and Seniors, free for kids under 12.

Booze on Belgians in the 'Burbs

Beerworks is a reason in itself to trek over to Mill Valley. The comfy spot serves up a few of their own homemade brews as well as a sampling of strong and lovely Belgian-style ales that refresh the palette especially well if you've just come off of Mt. Tam. A couple of weeks ago, they started dishing out a locally-sourced food menu of bites, small plates, and mains. It's quite a laid back sophisticatication they're aspiring for with roasted pig cheeks, grilled little gems, short ribs, and confit rabbit among the food options. Consider this your reward after a long hike. 5 p.m. - midnight, 173 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley.