In a corner of the world known for fine family farms, gorgeous dairy land, and fresh seafood, inspiring meals and agri-tourism experiences await at every turn.
Whether you're looking to get away for the day or the weekend, there's something for everyone. Here's your spring itinerary for a visit to our neighbors to the north.
Cowgirl Creamery Dinner, March 20
(Courtesy of Cowgirl Creamery)
Eat, laugh, and connect at Cowgirl Creamery's Pt. Reyes Community Dinner on March 20th. While you indulge in a family-style dinner highlighting seasonal ingredients, you'll also learn about West Marin painter and ceramicist Susan Hall and how she finds inspiration in the surrounding landscape. Space is limited so get your tickets ($55) online, or call 866.433.7834 to reserve.
Room for more? Visit the original creamery on Fridays at 11am and 2pm for a 60-minute presentation on West Marin and the early days of Cowgirl Creamery. Experience a curd-making demonstration and guided tasting of all of your favorite Cowgirl cheeses. // 80 4th St. (Point Reyes Station), cowgirlcreamery.com
Thursdays at The Marshall Store
(Courtesy of The Marshall Store)
It's Thursday—you've either had a long day at work, or a long day of (hiking the coast) playing hooky from work. Take a load off with $1.50 oysters at The Marshall Store every Thursday from 10am to 4pm. Toss back as many as you like—they're serving the good stuff straight from their family farm, Tomales Bay Oyster Co. If oysters aren't your thing, go for the Bodega Bay Dungeness crab with the famous grilled garlic bread and all the fixings. // 19225 CA-1 (Marshall), themarshallstore.com
Tour Straus Home Ranch
(Courtesy of Straus Home Ranch)
You've stuffed yourself to your heart's content, and now it's time to find a place to stay. Look no further than Straus Home Ranch, a beautifully renovated 150-year-old farmhouse on the Straus Family Creamery's 166-acre organic ranch. You and nine of your closest friends can enjoy this working ranch hideaway, just one hour north of San Francisco. Awake to cows grazing behind the house and walk to the beach for tide pooling.
Take a walking tour of the historic working ranch where the original Straus' children will guide you through the fields to meet the cows and share stories about the history of dairy farming in Marin, as well as organic agriculture and environmental conservation. A moderately steep hill at the end of the tour reveals sweeping views of Tomales Bay and the Point Reyes National Seashore. Included after your walk is a guided sampling of local, artisan cheeses. // 22888 Shoreline Hwy (Marshall), straushomeranch.com
Saturdays at Marin Country Mart
(Courtesy of Marin Country Mart)
If you only have a few hours, the weekly farmers market at Marin Country Mart is a quick way to experience artisan ingredients from around the region all in one place. Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, you'll find produce and flora from local and seasonal farmers, premium seafood, meat and dairy from the likes of Belcampo and Fallon Hills Ranch, artisan kombuchas, vegan eats, and all the arts, crafts, and live music you can handle. There's stuff for the kiddos too: Treat them to face painting, story telling, and pony rides. // 2257 Larkspur Landing Cir (Larkspur), marincountrymart.com
Plan your next Marin County adventure at visitmarin.org.
