Joy is one of the themes of this Guide, so we’re celebrating some joyful experiences and the joyful people who make them happen. Support local organizations and businesses who make these experiences possible.
By Susan Lopes
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Our beloved Mount Tam
What sparks joy? Organizations and volunteers devoting their time and resources to the stewardship and protection of our mountain & trails. Bonus: we get to live here to enjoy it. Dipsea Race Foundation | dipseafoundation.org Supporting the stewardship of the Dipsea Trail and tradition and legacy of the Dipsea Race. Friends of Mt. Tam | friendsofmttam.org Volunteers to help you enjoy Mount Tam – hiking/ astronomy programs, Visitor Center management and more. One Tam | onetam.org One Tam is a park partnership for a healthy Mt. Tam. Join them! Roots & Branches Conservancy | roots-and-branches. networkforgood.com Roots & Branches has raised $200,000 for Mount Tam to date through its Sound Summit music festival. |
Nature and exploration camps galore
What sparks joy? The excitement of new adventures and experiences right here. Bonus: Camps are not just for kids. Big Dog Surf Camp | bigdogsurfcamp.com • 254 Shoreline Hwy. For over 12 years we’ve focused on making the best summer experiences for local groms. Marin GreenPlay Camp | maringreenplay.com Since 2009, Julie Hanft’s camps have made exploring nature a blast for local kids. Mill Valley Recreation | millvalleyrecreation.org • 180 Camino Alto. Dozens of spectacular camps, for a wide range of interest and ages. Shakespearience | shakespearience.net Offering a safe, nurturing, creative environment with Shakespeare and swords! For ages 9 and up. Terra Marin | terramarin.org • 70 Lomita Dr. Connecting children to the beauty, inspiration & teachings of nature throughout the year. |
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Ebikes to rent or own
What sparks joy? Get exercise and explore the scenery in our own beautiful backyard. Bonus: stay fit (by pedaling on the flatlands) with zero gas emissions. Mad Dogs & Englishmen | maddogscarmel.com • Mill Valley Lumber Yard. 129 Miller Ave., #802 Bike store that sells and rents premium quality electric bicycles and cycling accessories, 2nd shop in Carmel. Tam Bikes | tambikes.com • 357 Miller Ave. Independently owned bike shop specializing in Santa Cruz Bicycles, Specialized Bicycles, Yeti Cycles, and more! Art for the soul What sparks joy? Culture without going to the city. Bonus? So many opportunities and ways to experience art locally. Kim Eagles-Smith Gallery | kesfineart.com • 23 Sunnyside Ave. Represents contemporary painters and sculptors, buying and selling 20th century works from major movements of the last fifty years. Mill Valley Arts Commission | millvalleyarts.org Stroll through town for First Tuesday ArtWalk to view exciting exhibits featuring art by local artists. Mill Valley Arts Festival | mvfaf.org. For over 60 years Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival continues to celebrate the arts and community. Seager Gray Gallery | seagergray.com • 108 Throckmorton Ave. Continuing to inspire with virtual and real-time exhibitions: Art of the Book and Influence of Nature. The Image Flow | theimageflow.com • 401 Miller Ave., Ste. A The Image Flow Photography Center provides inspiration, guidance and services for aspiring and professional photographers. The O’Hanlon Center for Arts | ohanloncenter.org 616 Throckmorton Ave. OHCA provides an environment and spaces where creativity and community can develop, expand and flourish. Victoria Mimiaga Art Studio | victoriamimiaga.com • 129 Miller Ave. #621 Fine Artist Victoria Mimiaga has a studio/gallery upstairs in the Mill Valley Lumber Yard. |
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Seasonal blooms
What sparks joy? Year-round color to brighten even the grayest days. Bonus: Flowers have renowned health benefits, for us and our planet. Bloomingayle’s | gaylenicoletti.com • Mill Valley Lumber Yard, 129 Miller Ave., #402 Evokes your senses with curated gifts and nature inspired floral arrangements. CNL Native Plant Nursery | cnlnatives.com • 254 Shoreline Hwy. Specializing in native plants, organic veggies and herbs – everything you need for a thriving garden. Green Door Design | greendoordesign.net • 219 Flamingo Rd. 13 year local, family run and community orientated small business specializing in orchids, succulents and houseplants. Green Jeans Garden Supply | greenjeansgardensupply.com • 690 Redwood Hwy. Offering quality plant material for fine landscapes and gardens in the Bay Area. Mill Valley Flowers | millvalleyflowers.com • 54 Throckmorton Ave. A creekside shop in downtown MV, it’s the go-to florist in Marin for weddings & more. Sloat Garden Center | sloatgardens.com • 401 Miller Ave. & 627 E. Blithedale Ave. An independently owned, family-run garden center serving Bay Area gardeners since 1958. |
Keeping it clean
What sparks joy? Volunteers & other hard workers making a difference. Bonus: Cleaning our streets, watersheds and managing waste has benefits that reach beyond our community. Ambatalia | ambatalia.com • Mill Valley Lumber Yard, 129 Miller Ave. Inspiring others by demonstrating hands-on that reusing, composting and recycling makes a big difference. Clean Mill Valley | cleanmv.org Activists who believe that clean attracts clean, with group cleanups and the Adopt-a-spot program. Mill Valley Refuse Service | millvalleyrefuse.com Working with you to keep our community clean, healthy and safe. |
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Pet love
What sparks joy? The unconditional love we receive for adopting, bathing, feeding, and treating our furry friends. Bonus: we get back way more than we give. Critterland Pets | 336 Miller Ave. A classic local pet shop with a helpful, genuinely caring staff and great selection. Hopalong Animal Rescue | hopalong.org • 367 Miller Ave. Committed to eliminating the euthanasia of adoptable animals in NorCal through adoption and prevention services. Woodlands Pet Food & Treats | woodlands.pet • 701 Strawberry Village Your pet deserves the best food, treats, and supplies, and a fun Self-Service Pet Wash! |
Learning is fun
What sparks joy? Nourishing our kids with knowledge that enriches them as individuals, whether they’re far behind or way ahead. Bonus: Learning can be fun! Mathnasium | mathnasium.com/millvalley • 247 Shoreline Hwy., #A3 Learn how the experts make math make sense. Mathnasium can help! MV Code | mvcode.com • 38 Miller Ave. Offering physical camps in Marin along with virtual camps as part of our Livestream service. Sage Educators | sageeducators.com • 333 Miller Ave., Ste. 1 Sage is a community of students and tutors —a fun, productive environment where kids thrive. Tutor Corps | tutorcorps.com Exceptional individualized education. Private 1:1 online schooling for all subjects K-12. Dedicated teachers and personalized curriculum. |
You’ll find these must-do experiences and an array of other inspiring, practical content, from bits of wisdom to recipes and events (some day soon, we hope), in our 2020-21 EMV Guide, which appears within the August 2020 issue of Marin Magazine.