Mill Valley Film Festival Opens Tonight

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Ginger Wilcox

The Mill Valley Film Festival returns for it’s 33 year tonight. The highly acclaimed film festival is recognized as one of the top ten film festivals in the country and is considered to be a launching pad for upcoming Academy Awards campaigns.

The festival features 143 fiction and non-fiction films — 82 features and 61 shorts representing 46 countries.  32 of the films are premieres.  21 Bay Area artists are featured.  Mill Valley is always bustling for this great event.  It’s a great way to capture the best of film and support our local community.

Films opening tonight include Conviction starring Sam Rockwell (expected to be in attendance), Hilary Swank, Minner Driver, and Juliette Lewis among others and The King’s Speech with Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush.

The Opening Night Gala takes place tonight after the screenings at the Mill Valley Community Center.

See you at the movies!

300 Million Dollar Yacht Anchored in Sausalito

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Ginger Wilcox

I had to go check out the 300 million dollar yacht anchored in the bay off the Sausalito harbor. Nice helicopter! The yacht belongs to 38 year old Russian banking, steel and fertilizer mogul Andrey Melnichenko. The 394 foot long yacht was designed by Phillippe Starck and completed in 2008. You can see other shots taken by the Walk Street journal here.

If you get a chance to head over to the Sausalito harbor, check it out. Talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous!

Sausalito Film Festival at Cavallo Point

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Ginger Wilcox

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Film is the ticket this weekend in Marin County as the Sausalito Film Festival rolls in to town.  The event takes place this weekend at Cavallo Point at Fort Baker in Sausalito.

If you haven’t been to Cavallo Point, the setting alone is well worth the visit.  It has some of the most breathtaking views in all of Marin.  Cavallo Point sits at the southern tip of Marin County at Fort Baker.  It overlooks the San Francisco skyline and a gaze up reveals the Golden Gate Bridge.

The film festival takes place today and tomorrow. I love the description of the film festival from their website:

In the heart of an artist’s community, with the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco across the water, lies the ideal backdrop for a premiere film festival experience.People around the world are drawn to Sausalito, certainly for its picturesque beauty, but possibly because it is so uniquely different from anywhere else. Creatives, nonconformists, the famous (and infamous) have felt its gravitational pull. Artists, writers, philosophers, rock legends and film stars have made it their home, in the company of boat-builders, bootleggers and ex-madams.

Films that speak to our naturally rebellious nature, our creative soul, our passion for cultural understanding. Films of all lengths and genres are presented – features, shorts, animation, and documentaries from around the globe. Coupled with conversations and presentations that will stimulate, and provoke the senses. Because this is no mere picture show.

The event features 13 exclusive bay area premiers and a total of thirty films, both full length and short film.  The centerpiece film is the award winning documentary, Climate Refugees which explains the growing reality of displaced populations due to environmental disasters. Be aware, some of the shows are already sold out.

  • What: Sausalito Film Festival
  • When: August 13, 14, & 15th
  • Where: Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA 94965 at Cavallo Point
  • More Information

Enjoy!

Hiking to Stinson Beach

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Julie Segura

If you are up for a good day hike, the Matt Davis/Steep Ravine loop is one of the best in Marin. The half way point is Stinson Beach, where you can relax for the day at the beach or grab lunch at one of the quaint cafes in town. I did this hike over the weekend and had forgotten how beautiful the redwoods and mossy trees can be. The single track trail hugs the creek so that you hear the trickling of water as you walk. There are fallen trees that you’ll need to duck under and a ladder to climb makes it fun, especially if you have kids with you.   Although there are many people on the trail, it’s very relaxing and at times you’ll find yourself completely alone.  The quiet and tranquility are amazing.

I can’t stress enough the importance of dressing  in layers because it can be very cool under the shade of the redwoods (which is 60% of the hike) and then can become very warm once you get into the open and closer to Stinson Beach.  You also never know what you will get once you get to Stinson, as the restaurant was sunny when we arrived there but the beach was foggy–only a couple hundred yard difference.  The trail to Stinson is mainly downhill so also be prepared for the hike back up.  For those who just want to go downhill, you can always take the bus back.

We saw a wide variety of people on the trail, from kids to grandparents, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable hike. It’s a great outing any time of the year and really under any weather conditions. The water level is higher in winter and spring but during the summer the creek is still active.

  • Where to start: Park at Pantoll parking area (there is a fee of $8)
  • How to get there: From Hwy 101 exit W on Hwy 1 for 3.3 miles, right on Panoramic Hwy for 4.9 miles to the Pantoll parking area.  From Mill Valley, go up Miller and take a left on Montford to Molino to Edgewood to Panoramic Hwy then 4.9 miles to the Pantoll parking area.
  • Distance: 7.0 round trip (it takes about an hour downhill and hour and half up)
  • Difficulty: Steep in some places and one area has a ladder to climb

San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival

Posted on July 17, 2010 by Julie Segura

27th Annual San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival this weekend!

Saturday July 17th and Sunday July 18th 10am-6pm

With the weather in San Anselmo in the 80’s what a great weekend to come out and enjoy the festivities at the Art and Wine Festival in downtown San Anselmo.  There are over 200 booths of Artists, a variety of music entertainment for both children and adults.  The activities for kids are in abundance including a puppet show, slot car racing, a train ride, a shark slide, a rock wall and magic show.

Haven’t eaten lunch yet?  Well there are also a variety of food booths from local restaurants.  Here is the entertainment guide for Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday, July 17

‘70s Bolinas Blast Stage
10 to 11 a.m.              Magic Circus  Magic act
Noon to 2 p.m.           Petty Theft (Tom Petty tribute)
3 to 6 p.m.                  The Who Show (Who tribute)

Trippin’ Tunstead Stage
10 a.m. to noon         Savannah Blue (Bluegrass)
1 to 3 p.m.                  Boys of Summer (Eagles tribute)
4 to 6 p.m.                  Zebop! (Santana tribute)

Sunday, July 18

‘70s Bolinas Blast Stage
10 a.m. to noon         Drew Harrison (the spirit of John Lennon)
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.      The Indestructables (‘70s rock)
3 to 5 p.m.                  The Sun Kings (Beatles tribute)

Trippin’ Tunstead Stage
10 a.m. to noon         Savannah Blue (Bluegrass)
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.      Wonderbread 5 (Crazy rock)
3 to 6 p.m.                  The Who Show (Who tribute)


More information

Image Courtesy of Rogersmj on Flickr

An Easy Summer Getaway: Heart’s Desire Beach on Tomales Bay

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Stephen Pringle

To beat the heat this summer try heading out to Heart’s Desire Beach at Tomales Bay State Park, just North of Inverness. It’s about 40 minutes from San Anselmo and well worth the drive, which in itself is quite relaxing and beautiful. Since it’s located on Tomales Bay and sheltered from the ocean the water is usually calm, making it one of the best beaches in Marin for families with small children. We also found that the shallow water in the summer is fairly warm, so swimming is much more pleasant than most beaches in the Bay Area. Bring your buckets and build a sand castle or bring your favorite book and just relax.

We went on a weekend and found a great place to set up our blanket and umbrella and stayed for more than three hours. It’s a good idea to bring a picnic and just make a day of it, with BBQ areas and a nice bathroom facility with showers, perfect to wash off the sand before you leave. The lower parking lot is really close to the beach so you don’t have to trek too far, but if it gets full there’s another overflow lot which is a bit more of a trek.

To get there just head out Sir Francis Drake past the town of Inverness and hang a right on Pierce Point Road until you see the sign for Tomales Bay State Park. Turn right into the park, pay the $6 fee and head down the hill to the parking lot. This is a great place to bring friends or have a playdate for the kids. We brought an extra layer of clothes just in case the fogged rolled in, which turned out to be a good idea.



Samuel P. Taylor – Camping in Marin

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Stephen Pringle

[imagebrowser id=4]

Did you know that 15 miles west of San Rafael is an awesome place to camp deep in the redwoods and next to a river?  Samuel P. Taylor State park is the perfect thing to do on a weekday during the summer. The weekends are usually booked by now but there are campsites available for weekdays.

We parked the car, opened the door and the kids vanished into the wilderness. The many trails throughout the park are absolutely magical. Giant redwood trees standing next to a 3 year old girl is quite a site. We had friends come out and visit for both days and the kids went wild. They made forts in the carved out tree stumps, collected caterpillars, watched for Racoons with flashlights, went swimming in the river, built a small house out of sticks, roasted marshmallows by the fire and just felt free.

I can’t believe Samuel P. Taylor is only 20 minutes from San Anselmo. Our favorite sites are sites 42 and 43 but you have to book those in advanced. They have a 3 mile long paved road perfect for riding bikes or just strolling around. It’s also a great place to go out for the day and have a picnic or BBQ by the river. There are a lot of picnic sites so feel confident you will find a place if you go out at the last minute.

We are so lucky to live in Marin near so much nature and great places for the family to unwind and truly spend quality time together.

If you are unable to see the slideshow in your browser, click here.

Kidszstock & Joan Baez to Rock Marin County This Weekend

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Ginger Wilcox

Joan Baez will be performing in Fairfax on Saturday at past of Kidszstock, a day long festival taking place in Fairfax on Saturday. The event will benefit Cascade Canyon School, a small progressive private school in Fairfax where Baez’s granddaughter is apparently a first grader.

I have to admit that I am totally jealous that I can’t bring my kids.   This event looks amazing.  Marin County musicians from the ages of 6-18 will perform all day.  The kids had to audition for the event.

The event will include an interactive community art project, vendor booths from local businesses, carnival booths, tell chillout zone, instrument making, cookie decorating and more.  (WOW!)

I am imagining the site will be gorgeous – described as the rolling hills in the wooded canyon.

  • What: Kidzstock Music Festival
  • When: Saturday, June19, 2010, 11am-7pm (doors open at 10:30)
  • Where: The Theater for Tolerance, an outdoor theater built from recycled lumber by volunteers from Fairfax’s Cascade Canyon School
  • Benefits: Cascade Canyon Private School
  • Tickets: Adults $25, ages 6-17 $10, kids 5 and under are free.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
  • Getting there: Parking is limited to street parking in surrounding neighborhoods.  Carpooling or public transportation is strongly recommended.
  • More Info

Dish Delivers- Mill Valley’s Hot New Dining Spot

Posted on by Stephen Pringle

Driving up Miller Ave today I stopped into the hip new restaurant called Dish for lunch. I was totally impressed with the décor, ambience, service and food. I like ordering at a counter and then having a runner bring me my food. They have great beer on tap and a nice outdoor patio perfect for people watching.

The concept of the restaurant is great because they support local and organic farms and businesses in the area like Equator Coffees, Cowgirl Creamery, Bell Weather Farms, just to name a few. I could tell a lot of the furniture was built using reclaimed wood and metal. Super cool!

I had the grilled eggplant pita sandwich with Tzatziki sauce, redwood hills feta, red pepper, and chick pea puree. Try it with the salad. It was delicious and full of flavor. The salad was huge and dressed perfectly. I love the concept of this restaurant. The menu is simple and the prices are really reasonable for what you get. Mill Valley needs a cool restaurant like this and good thing I don’t live down the street because you might see me here everyday.

Located at 507 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley.  Dish is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Mt. Biking in Marin on Tamarancho Trail

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Stephen Pringle

If you love nature and mountain biking then try riding Tamarancho (Boy Scout Camp) in Fairfax. Being one of the few legal single tracks in Marin, it stands out as one of the best of our rides. The 9+ mile loop takes you through areas of dense trees, sprawling meadows and streams, through large boulders and a few intense rocky areas, through shaded redwoods and sun blasted moonscape terrain. What a blast! It’s best to ride it clockwise for an easier ride.

You can buy a season pass for $45 per year or a $5 daily pass at Sunshine bikes in Fairfax. The best place to meet and park is at the Java Hut parking lot in Fairfax across from Sunshine bikes and Iron Springs Brewery (try the J.C. Flyer IPA). Head up through town going west to Iron Springs Road and you will find your entrance on your left about ¾ of the way up. And after your ride head to Gestalt Haus on Bolinas Rd. for a sausage and a beer. You can park your bike inside the bar and stare at your now dirty bike while drinking a beer. What a life!

[imagebrowser id=3]