Shopping
A Mill Valley Year in Review: Joy, Pain, Sunshine…What Else? (Lately), Plenty of Much-Needed Rain
As we near the third year of an absolutely relentless, seemingly never-ending and ever-changing global pandemic, it can be difficult to take it all in, to view 2021 with a macro-level perspective, particularly as we are currently awash in the incredibly transmissible Omicron variant. Here’s as good a starting point as any: holy sh** vaccines are an absolute wonder!
Read MoreWinterfest Holiday Hunt Continues Thru Dec. 17 – More Clues, and Answers, Below
While we ready the return of an in-person Winterfest, we’re bringing back last year’s quasi-virtual, hugely popular Winterfest Holiday Hunt, a three-week, scavenger hunt-style contest at dozens of businesses throughout Mill Valley. Kids accompanied by a parent can travel around town, preferably by bike or on foot, to take photos of iridescent stars, as selfies in front of the stars they choose, in at least eight of the 40 participating businesses, including some amazing local restaurants and retail shops.
Read MoreOn the Heels of New State Indoor Mask Mandate, Marin Follows Suit, Effective Dec. 15
Though the vast majority of businesses in Mill Valley had continued to recommend patrons to wear masks indoors, the statewide policy shift was a direct reflection of the arrival of the new, highly transmissible omicron variant.
Read MoreOh What Fun: Mill Valley Winterfest Brings a Jolt of Holiday Spirit to Mill Valley!!
As usual, the giant rainbow slide was the main attraction for the kiddos, while a fantastic lineup of singers, dancers and musicians to perform throughout the day, including the Tam High Jazz Ensemble, Happy Feet Dance School, Natalia Betzler & Marin Conservatory of Dance. Chabad Mill Valley’s Brooklyn shop and community space led the lighting of a huge ice menorah amidst the eight days of Hanukkah.
Read MoreAmidst Supply Chain Insanity, Get Out of the House For Some In-Person Shopping That Lifts Up Your Community!
But while there’s still reason for safety-first caution with in-person shopping, there’s retail gold to be found in Mill Valley’s commercial districts, from the apparel and jewelry shops downtown and the the ever-vibrant Mill Valley Lumber Yard to funky Miller Avenue, eclectic Tam Junction and the vast Strawberry Village outdoor shopping center.
Read MoreTwo Neat Debuts 2022 Marin Calendar, the Perfect Holiday Gift for Lovers of Laughter, Gorgeous Photography and Marin County
Two Neat has been an institution in Mill Valley for more than 35 years – with a little something for everyone. Bjou and his team have outdone themselves this holiday season, unveiling the Marin County Calendar 2022.
Read MoreThe Case to #ShopMV: NY Times’ Wirecutter Says Shopping Local Returns 3x More Money to the Local Economy
When you buy local, your money does much more for your community than it does when you shop at national chains. Three times more money returns to the local economy when you shop locally, while eating at locally owned restaurants brings in two times more money.
Read MoreGive Back @ Winterfest: We’ll Have One Warm Coat and Toys for Tots Donation Stations – Dec. 5, 1-5pm, Depot Plaza
One of the most important elements of the annual Mill Valley Winterfest is an opportunity to give back. On Dec. 5 from 1–5pm at the entrance to the Depot Plaza, we’ll have a Donation Station dedicated to giving you the chance to do just that. We’ll be accepting unwrapped toy donations for the Toys for Tots program and the Performing Stars of Marin via the Mill Valley Fire Department and One Warm Coat.
Read MoreBook Passage’s Elaine Petrocelli Delivers Her Holiday List of Books to Give at Outdoor Art Club Via Zoom – Dec. 3, 1pm
At a free Dec. 2nd event, Elaine Petrocelli, co-founder of one of Marin’s premier independent book stores, will highlight new literature and suggest books for holiday gift giving.
Read MoreMusic Heals International Tees Up 8th Annual Benefit at Sweetwater Music Hall – Nov. 23
Sara Wasserman’s Music Heals International, which brings music and musicians to the children of Haiti and globally “to inspire achievement, resiliency, and creativity,” hosts its 8th annual benefit show at the Sweetwater Music Hall on Nov. 23. The lineup features DJ Logic, Jay Lane & Dave Ellis from RatDog, as well as the MHI All-Stars with Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz and many more.
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