It's Summertime in Marin County-Now What?

 

Deck Views from Mill Valley 

As I was sitting on the deck of my Mill Valley home, I thought, the last breath of spring faded away yesterday, the promise of summer fun is here. Summertime in the Bay Area is a wonderful time-the days are warm, the breezes gentle, and there are lots of things to do with or without children. Along with the typical “touristy” attractions, like Alcatraz and Pier 39, I have included some events that take place off the beaten path, not only in San Francisco, but also in nearby Sonoma County.

Without The Kids:

• Wine tasting on the Healdsburg Square- take the picturesque drive up Highway 101 to Wine Country. Healdsburg has a unique approach to wine tasting, offering many different wineries within walking distance of each other. Some of these wineries are LaCrema, Kendall Jackson, Murphy Goode and Edmeads (their 2007 Ciapusci Vineyards Zinfandel is to die for). There are also many, many delicious restaurants to stop and eat at while you are there, such as the Healdsburg Bar and Grill, The Charcuterie, Dry Creek Kitchen and Spoon Bar.  

• While you are enjoying Wine Country, take some time to visit Relish Culinary Center in downtown Healdsburg. Here you can find a wide variety of cooking classes and information, from a bread baking class, to a mozzarella and burrata cheese making seminar. This place is a must see!

• deYoung Museum- I realize that you can take kids to this, but I prefer to leave mine at home and really enjoy the beautiful art that they have. This museum is in Golden Gate Park (across from the California Academy of Sciences), and the summer is a great time to go. If you love fashion, be sure not to miss the Balenciaga exhibit (it runs until July 4^th). Starting June 11^th, masterpieces by Picasso will be featured. Visit the deYoung Museum website for more information.

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With The Kids:

• Bay Area Discovery Museum- quite possibly one of the most fun places to go. Set at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, there are endless activities for kids to do.Kids will have a blast in Lookout Cove, where they can explore a shipwreck, hike a beautiful trail or imagine building the Golden Gate Bridge. There is also a spot dedicated to the toddler set. In the Tot Spot, little ones can splash around in a stream or explore the woodlands.Check out their website for admission prices and hours.

• Sonoma Marin Fair- this small, family friendly fair takes place from June 22-26 in Petaluma in beautiful Sonoma County. The fair has an old fashioned feel, and has everything from livestock exhibits, cooking demonstrations by famed local chefs (this year one of the chefs isDuskie Estes, owner of Zazu in Santa Rosa and seen on Food Network’s Next Iron Chef), concerts and of course, the world famous Ugly Dog Contest. And don’t forget to stop by the Clover Dairy booth for a free ice cream cone (if it’s your lucky day, it might be handed to you by local Dairy Princess, Amanda Moretti).

• Marin County Fair- is celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge’s upcoming anniversary, by showcasing its 75 year history! This fair takes place June 30^th-July 4^th in San Rafael. The fair has concerts, special events and a must see fireworks show.

• Snoopy Ice Arena and Charles Schulz Museum- take a drive to Santa Rosa and beat the heat by ice skating at the famous Snoopy Ice Arena. There are plenty of times to choose from, or you can enjoy the Fire and Ice BBQ Special every Thursday night from 5-8, where for $10, you can have a hamburger (or veggie burger) or hot dog with salad, drink and dessert and skate rental is included in the price!

These are just a few fun summer suggestions, enjoy!

Lea Kuehnhackl - Realtor   415.381.9394 

Related Links

• Summer Fun