Best of the County

✶ READERS’ PICKS ✶

This year we let you, the reader, tell us what you love the most in the county, and we opened up the ballots so readers could select any business or group they wanted in the categories of dining, entertainment, beauty, fitness and ecreation, arts and entertainment, and shopping. Of these, dining and fitness and ecreation drew the most voting; more than 1,000 votes were cast overall. To keep it fair for everyone, we’ve allowed a business to only win in one category. In the following pages, Christina Mueller gives colorful takes on what makes your picks the best in the county. For even more winners in categories such as kids, philanthropy and services, please go to marinmagazine.com/bestof2019.

ILLUSTRATION BY LEIGH WELLS

Dining

✶ 2019 READERS’ PICKS ✶

Lotus Cuisine of India BEST ALFRESCO DINING Beso Bistro

Set amid the palm and oak trees at Novato’s Hamilton Field, this family-friendly restaurant gets high marks for crisp salads, small plates (try the crabcakes) and refreshing rosés that epitomize a light summer meal. The communalstyle tables under the broad canopy are great for escaping the summer heat of northern Marin. besobistro.com

BEST BARBECUE Pig in a Pickle

Our readers are ahead of the curve, picking this barbecue joint at Corte Madera Town Center months before Michelin awarded Pig in a Pickle a coveted Bib Gourmand. The brisket and baby back ribs get plenty of attention, but it is the fresh veggies and range of sauces to splash on the meats that please Texans, Californians and everyone in between. piginapickle.com

BEST BAKERY Rustic Bakery

With four locations countywide, including the mother ship at Marin Country Mart, this bakery first became famous for outstanding flatbread crackers, croissants and baguettes. The sandwiches, such as rare roast beef with cambozola, come with your choice of bread, and the Marin mainstay Asian chicken salad is dressed with just the right amount of sesame and peanut to please the most discriminating palate. rusticbakery.com

BEST BAR Perry’s

The famous bustling scene at the original Perry’s in San Francisco magically crossed the Golden Gate Bridge in 2015 and planted itself among Larkspur’s enormous redwoods. Voters love the wide bar where the TV is always on and the well drinks are well- priced at happy hour. perryssf.com

BEST BREAKFAST The Whisk + Skillet

Kudos for this Mill Valley eatery’s all-day breakfast menu, which includes a popular California omelet (with avocado, of course) and the crab omelet when that’s in season. Equally important are all-day lunch options like dino kale with citrus vinaigrette and the potato cake salad with smoked salmon, known to convert even the carb-averse. whiskandskillet.com

BEST BREWERY Iron Springs Pub & Brewery

Sure, it’s green-certified and the Give Back Tuesdays program has channeled hundreds of thousands of donated dollars to Marin nonprofits since 2004, but this Fairfax brewery’s calling card is beer. From the original red ale Epiphany to Kent Lake

Kölsch, they make it all, winning countless awards along the way. ironspringspub.com

BEST BRUNCH State Room

What? A brewery that does brunch? Must be Marin. Yes, the ingredients are local and the bottomless mimosas are fun, but it’s the fried chicken with scratch biscuits, kids’ breakfast bento box and scarfable wood-fired pizzas that make this San Rafael beer-maker a daytime dining standout. stateroombrewery.com

Poggio Trattoria

BEST BURGER Gott’s Roadside

The Napa original descended on Marin and instantly changed the burger scene, bringing those garlic fries and the hamburger (special sauce and toasted egg bun) to the Bon Air Center in Greenbrae. Seafood lovers rejoice over the ahi burger, but it could be the cookiesand-cream shake that pushed Gott’s into the winners’ circle. gotts.com

BEST CHINESE Harmony

An extensive dim sum menu, including classic siu mai stuffed with scallops and shrimp, Peking duck with tea buns, and plenty of veggie and gluten-free choices, makes Mill Valley’s Harmony the North Bay’s go-to for Cantonese. But the Strawberry Village spot is just as popular for old-school favorites like kung pao chicken and glass noodle vegetarian clay pot. harmony restaurantgroup.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP Red Whale Coffee Bar

In a low-slung office complex near Mitchell Boulevard, the San Rafael brick-and-mortar of the Civic Center farmers market stand draws its own passionate following with ethically sourced coffees, stellar espresso drinks and a hang-worthy lounge with pinball. redwhalecoffee.com

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE Farmshop

The lively Larkspur bar is buzzy with people stopping by just to ogle the crowd and the roaring wood-fired ovens from which pizzas, puffed from the heat and oozing with melted cheese, emerge. Everything is insanely fresh and farm-to-table (duh!), and the seasonally changing avocado hummus also sets hearts afire. Yep, the avos are from Cali, too. farmshopca.com/marin

BEST FARMERS MARKET Sunday Civic Center Farmers Market

The sheer scale of the weekly Marin Civic Center event — some 200 local farmers, specialty food purveyors and artists — attests to the breadth and quality of Marin’s food shed. But the economic benefits to the community, when you buy from vendors at this and other markets managed by Agricultural Institute of Marin, are boundless. agricultural institute.org

BEST FROZEN YOGURT/ICE CREAM Swirl Frozen Yogurt

Organic, low-fat, no fat, full-fat, vegan, tart — the list of yogurts is big and the list of toppings bigger (30-plus) at this petite Miller Avenue shop. Bonus points for being entirely self-serve, including samples, giving fans of the cold stuff extra incentive to stop in. millvalleyswirl.com

BEST GROCERY STORE Good Earth Natural Foods

Committed to offering the highest-quality natural foods, this independent grocery’s two locations, in Mill Valley and Fairfax, are a celebration of organic activism. The vegetable and meat choices are as plentiful as the bulk bins, and the 99 percent organic salad, breakfast and hot bars offer ample customizable meal ideas, plus awardwinning gluten-free vegan pizza by the slice. genatural.com

BEST INDIAN Lotus Cuisine of India

Three dozen curries and tasty tandoori are just part of the appeal of this longtime favorite on the eastern edge of downtown San Rafael. There’s also Southern Indian thali and, for under $12 a person, the all-youcan-eat lunch buffet. lotusrestaurant.com

BEST ITALIAN Poggio Trattoria

Once again awarded a Bib Gourmand from Michelin and a Marin IJ Readers’ Choice winner in 2018, Sausalito’s Poggio earns raves for its devotion to community and excellent

Sol Food

service and cuisine. The seasonally inspired family-style Tuesday Night Suppers are yet another reason locals stay true. poggiotrattoria.com

BEST KIDS’ MENU The Counter

The official kids’ menu at this Corte Madera burger place includes veggie skewers, PB&J, grilled cheese and miniburgers with cheese. But bigger kids like the customization baked into the format here — just like adults, they want their Impossible Burger with vegan cheese on a gluten-free bun, too. thecounter.com

BEST MEXICAN/ LATIN Copita Tequileria y Comida

Tequila varietals (white, rested and aged) from over 40 distillers attract fans of the blue agave; chowhounds come for the beautifully prepared corn in all its forms. The freshly prepared masa is evident in the tortillas, tamales and chips and amplifies any taco filling, from oyster to carne asada. The ceviches remind you that Sausalito is seafaring at heart. copitarestaurant.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT Guesthouse

Open since last October in downtown Kentfield, Guesthouse has already built a reputation for craft cocktails in the bustling bar (try the Slingshot with bourbon and Campari) but the well-executed California cuisine by way of the chef’s Italian training and Chesapeake Delta heritage has won over the well-heeled of central Marin and beyond. guesthousemarin.com

BEST PIZZA Creekside Pizza & Taproom

Signature pizzas like the Poppy with smoked gouda, castelvetrano olives and lemon zest get plenty of oohs and aahs, as does the beer (including a gluten-free option) and cider pulled from the 40 taps. Vegheads love the big salads and the vegan cheese pie at this San Anselmo spot, which ventures beyond pizza with sandwiches and small and shareable plates. creeksidesa.com

BEST PLACE TO BRING A GROUP Terrapin Crossroads

The multiroom space with seating indoors and out seems designed for bocce-players and music-lovers alike. Comfy cushions around the fire? Check. Cool breeze off the water? Check. Great wine and food? Check. It’s all here in San Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net

BEST SANDWICHES Michael’s Sourdough

The bread is made on site and said to have magical qualities. It better, as it’s the only holder for the overstuffed wonders served here. Fans return over and over to this San Rafael shop for their faves, ordered by number, then swoon over the huge sandos piled with meat, cheese and enough shredded lettuce to ooze out the sides and onto your lap. michaelssourdough sanrafael.com

BEST SEAFOOD Fish

Fish set a new standard when it opened in 2004 with counter service and inside-outside picnic tables on a Sausalito dock: the sustainableseafood menu raised local awareness of the plight of wild salmon. Today, the chill vibe and well-sourced favorites (chowder, pasta con vongole, fish and chips) equally appeal to visitors. And now credit and debit cards are welcome. 331fish.com

BEST SERVICE Picco

The Larkspur fave gets as many kudos for front-of-house service as for the kitchen’s consistently superior

Fish

California cuisine. From servers and bussers to bartenders and hosts, the experience is professional, executed with precision and care. restaurantpicco.com

BEST STEAKHOUSE Buckeye Roadhouse

The smoker out back produces exceptional wings and brisket, but the leather banquettes and recessed lighting call for steak. At this legendary Mill Valley landmark, a baconwrapped petit filet mignon comes with a red wine sauce, and the Brandt rib eye has an herbed garlic butter sauce so decadent you’ll want to take a bath in it. buckeyeroadhouse.com

BEST SUSHI Sushi Ran

Regularly dubbed one of the top Japanese restaurants in the United States, the Sausalito eatery has set the standard for impeccably sourced seasonal ingredients, innovative and classic sushi and Pacific cuisine for more than 33 years. sushiran.com

BEST TAKEOUT DINING Sol Food

Mofongo or shrimp, mariquitas or pollo al horno, the Puerto Rican specialties at Sol Food’s two Marin locations definitely travel well. The food arrives in good shape and tastes just as delicious at home as it does on site. solfoodrestaurant.com

BEST THAI Thep Lela Thai Restaurant

The lemon drop alone is worth a visit to the bar, and the tom ka soup has the optimal amount of tamarind to balance the creamy coconut milk. And the mango-beet fresh rolls and yum yai salad never come off the menu, as their skillfully blended Thai and California flavors exemplify what makes this Mill Valley restaurant such a favorite. theplela.com

BEST VEGAN Cafe del Soul

Absolutely everything is made in house at this bastion of organic, GMO-free, vegan and vegetarian fare in Mill Valley and San Rafael. The quinoa bowl trend may have started here (top yours with tofu or chicken) and the wraps, salads and smoothies practically sing of health and well-being. cafedelsoul.net

BEST VEGETARIAN Burmatown

The big flavors of Burmese-Asian fusion ring true at this place on the Corte Madera–Larkspur border. The meatless tea leaf salad is a must-try, as are the bao “tacos” veggie option. And the vegetarian curry samosas are so popular they often sell out before the dinner rush is over. burmatown.com

BEST VIETNAMESE Pho Viet

Of course you come for this San Rafael restaurant’s namesake bowl of hearty soup with clear broth, beef, noodles and vegetables. But don’t overlook the pork chops with broken steamed rice and fried eggs or the lemongrass beef. phovietmarin.com

Shopping

✶ 2019 READERS’ PICKS ✶

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS/ HOME ACCESSORIES Hudson | Grace

With a mix of table linens, dinnerware, books, decor and vintage items, this shop at Larkspur’s Marin Country Mart is a go-to for hostess gifts or that hard-to-find butter dish or gravy boat. hudsongracesf.com

Book Passage

BEST BOOKSTORE Book Passage

Book nerds and word nerds together placed this longtime Corte Madera shop on the top shelf. Though the Sausalito location closed this summer, the lively Corte Madera spot and the newer location at the Ferry Building in San Francisco are going strong. bookpassage.com

BEST BOUTIQUE Viva Diva Boutique

The on-trend, instantly wearable tanks, rompers and jeans are just part of why voters showered love on this San Rafael shop. The staff’s oneon-one service (hugs included) feels like the personal shopper you always felt you needed but were afraid to ask for. vivadivaboutique.com

BEST CONSIGNMENT OR THRIFT SHOP Swan Dive

Located on an easy-tomiss corner near Corte Madera’s Menke Park, Swan Dive is known for sourcing only highquality designer items and giving fair prices to consigners and customers. Shoes, belts and bling round out the justswanky-enough goods. swandivestyle.com

BEST DEPARTMENT STORE Nordstrom

Perhaps it’s the recent revamp of the on-site restaurant to modern bistro Bazille (the kung pao Brussels sprouts really are good). We bet the consistent personal service in every department, from makeup to men’s, remains part of the appeal. And we love the knowledgeable staff in women’s lingerie; these ladies just get it. shop.nordstrom.com

BEST EVENING WEAR Hello Gorgeous

From bridal and prom to red carpet–worthy gowns and unconventional party wear, Hello Gorgeous has outfits for all occasions and weather. Shoes and jewelry to match? But of course, dahling. hellogorgeoussf.com

BEST EYEWEAR Rims & Goggles

Bespoke eyewear and brands focusing exclusively on eyeglass fashion (not jeans or sneakers) are hallmarks of this shop in Mill Valley’s Strawberry Village. We bet the free adjustments, even if you did not buy the pair there, also won voters over. rimsandgoggles.com

BEST GIFTS Poet and the Bench

Regulars stop by just for the conversation with curator Bonnie Powers and goldsmith Jeffrey Levin. Or to hang in the new, bigger location since they moved to the corner of Throckmorton and El Paseo Lane in Mill Valley. But it’s the designs that lifted their atelier into the winners’ circle. poetandthebench.com

BEST LINGERIE La Belle Fifi

Globally sourced, evocative lingerie is the eye-catcher in the window here in Corte Madera’s Town Center. Step inside for not just a gander at the right undergarment but an array of beautiful hair clips, comfy pajamas, wraps and attire that would look great at a resort or around town. labellefifi.com

BEST LOCAL JEWELRY STORE Moonstruck Fine Jewelry

The recent rebranding of Kathleen Dughi Jeweler did not dampen enthusiasm for the custom design, craftsmanship and personal service from owner and goldsmith Johanna Becker. moonstruckfinejewelry.com

BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING Secret Garden

It looks like a bed of roses just might be behind the walls, and it’s teeming with options when a christening, wedding or other event calls for outfitting babies, toddlers, kids and teens. secretgardenchild.com

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING Famous4

Recently name-changed from Famous For Our Look to Famous4, the downtown Mill Valley standby goes international to stock brands like Ronen Chen, Haupt and Alberto. The late hours Fridays and Saturdays (open until 10 p.m.) expand the opportunity to stop in and shop. famous4.net

BEST SHOPPING CENTER/MALL The Village at Corte Madera

Popular stores like Apple, Lululemon and Nordstrom are just a part of why Marinites flock to this outdoor mall. The dog-friendly vibe, places to eat, flower baskets bursting with color and chill playground also help make it an all-day hangout for a wide swath of locals. villageatcortemadera.com

Christopher Salon & Home

Beauty✶ 2019 READERS’ PICKS ✶

BEST COSMETIC DERMATOLOGIST Southern Marin Dermatology

The bay views and peaceful office are sweet, while the art of blending medical and cosmetic treatments like Botox, fillers and body contouring in a customized way for each patient is the hallmark of this Sausalito practice. Expect thorough and considerate care from real doctors. southernmarinderm.com

BEST FACIAL Eva Claiborne Beauty and Wellness

This Tiburon wellness spa is widely recognized for personal attention to every client’s needs. Not only does Claiborne have her eponymous institute for teaching Hungarian skin care techniques, she also just launched a pre- and post-operative product line and services. tiburonskincare.com

BEST MASSAGE Evo Spa

Open since 2004, this quiet spot in Mill Valley’s bustling Strawberry Village at first seems an unlikely place to truly unwind. But step past the heavy door to experience a sensory transformation, with treatments like the Heavenly Foot Massage, Raindrop Ritual Massage and Tension Tamer Massage. The small locker room belies the high-quality professional approach of the male and female bodyworkers who will calm and relieve your knottiest aches in no time flat. evo-spa.com

BEST MED SPA Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine

Dr. Faye Jamali and her clinical staff in Mill Valley stay ahead of the curve with injectable techniques and other services to enhance your natural assets. The procedures, like Vivace Microneedling with Radio Frequency and PDO Threadlift, performed by Jamali, provide a boost of wellbeing and naturally beautiful results. bellemarin.com

BEST MEN’S HAIRCUT/SALON SERVICES Drawing Room Marin

Maybe it’s the comfy chairs while you wait for your turn at this petite Larkspur salon. Or the warm welcome from the staff. But we bet it’s the standing appointments for $60 and the stylists’ skill with the scissors that nabbed the guys’ votes. 415.924.8400

BEST NAIL SALON Fingers and Toes, Faces and Places

With locations in Mill Valley, Greenbrae and San Rafael, this homegrown mini-empire sets the standard for efficient manicures and pedicures with tea service for you, fresh lemon and herbs for your footbath, and enough mini-fans to get you out the door in under an hour. 415.383.7534 (Mill Valley); 415.464.9999 (Greenbrae); 415.492.9000 (San Rafael)

BEST SPA International Orange

The pristine white walls and pinewood floors frame a calm space on the top level of Larkspur’s Marin Country Mart. Fans come to grab a steam, chill in the lounge or on the deck overlooking the ferry terminal before or after one of the many massage options (Thai, hot stone, signature massage). This original location, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Pacific Heights, started the IO tradition and even offers curative facials. internationalorange.com

BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUT/SALON SERVICES Christopher Salon & Home

Walking through the home store to the salon gives a clue that things are different here, comfortable and intimate with just the right amount of Christopher Downs’ New York edge. This full-service salon with locations in Mill Valley and Tiburon offers cuts, color, keratin treatments, blowouts and soon, lash extensions. christopher-salon.com

Mountain Play

Arts & Entertainment ✶ 2019 READERS’ PICKS ✶

BEST ART GALLERY Seager Gray Gallery

Rotating shows that highlight local artists, along with Donna Seager and Suzanne Gray’s personal touch and indepth understanding of contemporary fine art, make this downtown Mill Valley gallery a must-visit for collectors and lookie-loos alike. It’s a bright and sunny spot, yet we think the sweet outdoor garden space available for private events gave voters extra motivation to rate this the top place to view art. seagergray.com

BEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Bay Area Discovery Museum

Aiming to inspire creativity in kids up to age 10, this indoor-outdoor exploration space at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito is a wonderland of screen-free fun. Leave your phone behind and revel in the thrill of problem-solving and idea-generation in one of many activity-themed buildings. Or just enjoy the views of San Francisco and the bridge. bayarea discoverymuseum.org

BEST COMEDY VENUE Throckmorton Theatre

The Mill Valley performance space has long been famous for surprise visits by the likes of Marin’s own Robin Williams and many others testing out new material at Tuesday Night Live Comedy. That weekly showcase for seasoned and up-andcoming talent has been going strong for decades; meanwhile the historic venue features live music, film and theater, too. throckmortontheatre.org

BEST FAMILY OUTING Mountain Play

Marinites love the outdoors so much they’ve made an annual tradition of hiking, biking or otherwise traveling up Mount Tam to watch live theater in the fog-whipped open air at Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre for 106 years; some hike or catch the shuttle back down. (The show in 2019 was Grease.) Of course, for the first 17 of those years they could take the Gravity Train. No matter; it’s still the most entertaining family fun around. mountainplay.org

BEST LIVE MUSIC Sweetwater Music Hall

The snug room in this longtime Mill Valley joint makes it easy to see your favorite rock star or band up close. The mix of families with kids, hipsters and hippies creates a fun, relaxed vibe. And Mill Valley chef Gordon Drysdale turns out excellent cafe fare he calls “haute stoner” cuisine. sweetwatermusichall.com

BEST LIVE THEATER Marin Theatre Company

Though some productions update classics (like The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, a comedic continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice from the 2018–19 season), this Mill Valley theater’s forte is presenting new works and fresh voices on the American stage. Shows are chosen to engage audiences, introduce ideas and possibly expand your worldview. marintheatre.org

BEST MUSEUM Bolinas Museum

Regional history presented in works by artists from Marin and beyond gives this tiny five-room museum in downtown Bolinas a grander feel. From studies on ecology to stunning photos of the water’s edge, exhibits shed light on local phenomena and events and explore coastal themes. bolinasmuseum.org

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL Fairfax Festival

This two-day community celebration includes three music stages, a youth music showcase, a parade, a family movie night, and more organic food than is possible to eat. It’s paired with an EcoFest that brings an only-in-Marin social responsibility aspect to the festivities. fairfaxfestival.com

BEST TOURIST SPOT Muir Woods National Monument

Snugged into the side of Mount Tam in Mill Valley, this landmark park with towering oldgrowth redwoods still feels as low-key as the rest of the county. From a relatively flat 2.2-mile loop to steep ravines to the famous stairs that connect Stinson to Mill Valley, trails make the stunning conifers widely accessible for locals and out-of-towners alike. nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

✶ 2019 READERS’ PICKS ✶

Fitness & Recreation

BEST BIKE SHOP Mike’s Bikes

With shops all over the Bay Area, including San Rafael and Sausalito, Mike’s has become the de facto place for bike riders and gearheads to catch up on the latest cycling news or just hang out and chat. The pros in the tech department can tell you what will work for your bike (or not) without any sales-y talk, and the organized rides, trade-in program and bike donation drives make them heroes with carbonneutral enthusiasts of all ages. mikesbikes.com

BEST CROSSFIT Ross Valley CrossFit

There may be a CrossFit option in almost every town, but the X-fitters of Ross Valley vote theirs the best. The varying daily warm-up schedule, the hands-on approach of trainers, the supportive community, and the sparkling-clean equipment come together to make a workout at this San Anselmo gym a positive, nay, rousing experience for diehards as well as newbies. rossvalleycrossfit.com

BEST EQUIPMENT OR ATHLETIC-WEAR STORE Athleta

The company’s inspiring mission of empowering women and girls and its status as a certified B Corp (balancing profit with purpose) is onmessage for Marin. And the Town Center Corte Madera store’s wide array of styles that travel well and easily transition from workout to workplace have pushed Athleta to the top of voters’ list. athleta.gap.com

BEST GYM Pelo Fitness

Stop in at the San Rafael location 15 minutes before your first class to have your session customized to your fitness level. Then power through your workout in your own way. The comfy cycle seats are beloved by regulars, and the mix of classes, from yoga for cyclists to TRX and other combinations, bring in non-riders, too. Instructors make sure your posture is safely and optimally aligned. pelofitness.com

BEST FITNESS CLASSES Now Power Yoga

Susan Hauser’s own inspiring story of yoga as transformative therapy is one reason her classes are packed to bursting with local celebrities and yogis. The crossover integration of yoga into sculpt, Pilates and Power classes (which balance stretching, strengthening and breath) also helped make the studio a fitness winner. nowpower.yoga

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER Leslie Mueller

An instructor at Pelo Fitness and a personal trainer for more than 20 years, Mueller is also a champion triathlete. Dedicated followers appreciate her insistence on proper alignment, and her program, which she calls TriAlign, includes specific therapeutic exercises that stimulate deep postural muscles to allow joints to effortlessly balance. pelofitness.com

BEST PILATES STUDIO Club Pilates

Open just over a year, this Novato studio in the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center quickly found its footing with specialty classes, including those geared specifically to teens. Traditionalists will also find a range of options, as will seekers of something with a cardio beat. Shoutout to Becky Lang for keeping the instruction interesting and fun. clubpilates.com

BEST SPIN STUDIO SoulCycle

The heated, darkened room is calming, helping riders focus. The instructors are upbeat and funny, injecting a lighter note. Ardent fans, high on endorphins, are known to wave their towels and sing along to the thumping music. soul-cycle.com

BEST SUP SHOP 101 Surf Sports

Free morning paddles from this shop along the San Rafael Canal turned stand-up paddleboarding into a group activity and added a new component to this traditionally solo sport. Meanwhile, the impressive selection of used and new gear, reasonable rental prices, and customer service are what clinched this local fixture’s best-of spot. 101surfsports.com

101 Surf Sports

BEST SURF SHOP Proof Lab

The longtime yet ever-evolving Mill Valley hangout has a skate ramp and a coffee shop. The newer 2,000-square-foot San Rafael store has all the big skateboarding brands like Thrasher, Vans and Independent; the kids come to scope out the newest wheels, decks and helmets before heading out to ride. Parents dig the small-town community support. prooflab.com

BEST YOGA STUDIO YogaWorks

Three different Marin studios — in Larkspur, Novato and Mill Valley — have created a following of happy yogis. (Larkspur has the chillest vibe, while Mill Valley’s views over Pickleweed Inlet are om-azing.) The instructors rotate among locations, bringing their devotion to yoga and a broad mix of body-balancing poses. yogaworks.com

BEST FITNESS STUDIO Orangetheory

The music is thumping, the screens are showing your workout stats, the trainers are roaming, and you are doing circuits of treadmill, weights and water-powered rowing machines, a combo that practically ensures that your fitness routine never gets boring. So this is that afterburn fans of this program are talking about. orangetheoryfitness.com