Mill Valley

It's safe to say there is no place else in the world quite like Mill Valley. Located in an idyllic woodsy setting at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, it's charming and sophisticated, laid back and happening all at the same time. It's the kind of town where you'll see your neighbor at the market, yoga and all things organic are popular, dogs are almost mandatory, and young and old gather to play chess outside in the town square.

 

The short drive into town from 101 makes it feel like you're entering an alpine village, with crisp air and redwood-lined roads, culminating in a downtown that's storybook charming. There's a great family-owned market, a bookstore/cafe in an old train depot, a variety of upscale shops, and some of the best dining to be found in the county. In many ways, Mill Valley is what people from other places picture when they think of Marin.

 

Mill Valley has its own film festival each fall, celebrating independent and world cinema. Each June, the town hosts The Dipsea Race, the oldest cross-country trail running event in the U.S. For entertainment, comedy at The Throck draws crowds and live music at Sweetwater Music Hall.

 

Each neighborhood around Mill Valley offers something unique. Properties in Blithedale Canyon take solace under the redwood canopy with a stream trickling nearby and popular Railroad Grade hiking and mountain biking trails. Homes on the ridge offer views, along with easy trail access. Tam Junction is a quick jaunt to Tennessee Valley, Tam Valley Elementary, Muir Beach, Little City Farms, and the fastest San Francisco commute.

 

My favorite stager, The Still Collective, has a storefront in The Lumber Yard, where you can browse California-inspired home goods. Afterward, stop into Watershed for their incredible watermelon salad.