Friday, January 28, 2011

If It's Raining This Weekend, Head to The Gem Show!

Don't miss this weekend's Gem Faire at the Marin County Civic Center!

Over 70 dealers from all over the world will offer the largest selection of fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and much more at the lowest prices in today’s market. Finished and unfinished jewelry, rare gemstones, and jewelry making tools are available all under one roof. Plus, a chance to win hourly door prizes all weekend long. Take advantage of the lowest prices in the market for the largest selection and finest quality of jewelry.

This weekend from January 28th to January 30th at the Marin Center/Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael. Hours are Friday 12noon-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.
This is a community event. A weekend pass is $7.00 and Children under 12 are free.



There will also be classes & demonstrations for all ages and all levels of jewelry making:
  • Bead spinner & wire working
  • Gem, filigree & soldered chain classes

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Easy Hike Around Phoenix Lake

We were trying to dodge the raindrops on a momentarily sunny day at Phoenix Lake. The hike is perfect for family members of all ages since it is not too long or steep.

The trailheads near the lake are easy to get to. Phoenix Lake provides convenient access and an abundance of hike possibilities for any type of hiker. For a short and easy walk around Phoenix Lake, hike uphill to the lake from the parking area and then combine Bill Williams Trail, Gertrude Orr Trail, and Phoenix Lake Trail, for a stroll of about 2.7 miles. You can't get lost if you stay close to the water!







At 0.19 mile, the road passes by the spillway (a great artificial waterfall in the winter) and then crests near the shores of Phoenix Lake.

 

Phoenix Lake is a reservoir on Kentfield's Ross Creek in Marin County,  and is used as drinking water for Marin County residents. Construction was completed by the Marin Municipal Water District in 1907. At normal levels it has a surface area of 23 acres.

Highlight Community of the Month

Mill Valley


Nestled below majestic Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley is reminiscent of a charming European village. Surrounded by national parks, including Muir Woods, an ancient coast redwood forest, Mill Valley's lush landscape of hills and canyons is a favorite place for visitors who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golf and running. Two national financial magazines, MONEY and CNN/Money, recently named Mill Valley as one of the 10 top cities in America in which to live. They noted that millionaires and well-known names in the film and music industries, like Bonnie Raitt, Bob Weir and Sammy Hagar, make their homes in this quaint community.

Downtown activities center around Lytton Square, where people gather for coffee at the Book Depot Cafe or for a game of chess while conducting some serious people-watching. Fashionable boutiques and restaurants fill the downtown. The Sweetwater Music Hall, one of the top roots music clubs in the nation, is well-known for its live musical performances and famous guest musicians who occasionally drop in for an evening to improvise.

Mill Valley is host to a range of cultural activities. The Mill Valley Film Festival is an internationally recognized festival that has attracted leading filmmakers and movie aficionados for the past 28 years. The Mountain Play, produced in June in an outdoor amphitheatre, attracts thousands of theater-goers to the top of Mt. Tamalpais to watch Broadway musicals performed by talented local actors. The Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, a state historical landmark, was designed in 1904 by internationally known architect, Bernard Maybeck. Particularly notable for its unusual roof truss system, the Arts and Crafts style building exemplifies Maybeck's creative use of natural materials.

Mill Valley, home of the Marin Mountain Bike, hosts the annual Dipsea Race, the second oldest footrace in the United States. The race takes runners over a 7.1 mile course up and over Mt. Tamalpais to one of the most beautiful California beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Whether it's for cultural events, dining, shopping or recreation, Mill Valley is a draw for both visitors and residents alike.