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

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.

Hike the Sunny and "Dark" Side of Bon Tempe Lake

This 4.1 mile hike is perfectly designed for all age groups and temperament. Being a moderate hike offering both shade and sun, stunning lake views and overhead Osprey sightings, it is reminiscent of a high Sierra-Nevada location.

Begin clockwise around the lake on the wide-open Sunny-side Trail with fantastic views of Mt. Tam; finish on the Shady-side Trail hiking through madrones, Douglas fir, and plenty of ferns. The trail is also dog friendly!

To get there from Hwy 101 in Marin, exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. toward San Anselmo and follow it west 6 miles to Fairfax. Turn left on Pastori, immediately right on Broadway, then left on Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. Go 1.5 miles to Sky Oaks Rd.; turn left. This takes you into the park. Make your first right after the entrance toward Bon Tempe and drive .5 mile and park.  There is a day use fee of $8.

New Farmers Market in Marin City

There's a new Saturday farmers market which opened in June at the Gateway Shopping Center!
Operated by the Agricultural Institute of Marin, which already runs five markets in the county including the Civic Center location, this new one has about 20 farmers and 10 specialty and prepared food vendors.

In addition to Marin City residents, the market hopes to draw people from throughout Southern Marin with its location near Highway 101 and plentiful parking.
The new farmers market in Marin City runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through September at the Gateway Shopping Center, in the 100 block of Donahue Street. For more information, visit www.agriculturalinstitute.org.

Have you noticed more four-legged friends eating out(side) lately?
Dogs are now welcome in Marin County's outdoor dining areas, thanks to the Marin County Department of Environmental Health.
Marin changed their policy on July First to now allow dogs to legally sit with owners at restaurants with outdoor seating.

The MCVB had the pleasure recently of dining at the Panama Hotel in San Rafael during their "Yappy Hour" with our four-legged staff members! Joining us was owner Dan Miller and his staff for some shared doggie fun and a real happy hour.

Pets are now allowed to dine out with their owners, but only when the dining area has access from an outside area. Animals will not be allowed to go through the food facility since the health and safety code prohibits them from coming inside, unless they are guide animals, signal animals or security animals.

Hike to Arch Rock in Point Reyes

Looking for a day hike in Point Reyes with a little bit of everything? The 8.2 mile RT from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to Arch Rock has just that. With just a gradual incline going out towards the ocean, you pass through meadows, old oak trees and Douglas Firs on a wide and easy path. You can also take your bike the first 3 miles and lock it on the racks provided, then hike the 1.1miles to the ocean.

Limantour Beach

Looking for a beach    just a little out there...?

We have the solution:

Hot days in Marin County are easy to deal with! At Limantour, you can have all the sand and ocean to yourself as you want. From Olema, take Bear Valley Road past the Visitor Center towards Inverness. Take a left turn onto Limantour Road and continue about 15 minutes to the water. Stay cool~