Five Smart Stops in Marin
he sleek Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) system has been a chic and very easy way to get around in Marin County. But now, its shiny, ultramodern green trains just added the final two Marin stopovers this past month with Larkspur and Downtown Novato. The plush reclining seats, full tables, and snack bars with wine and craft beer has redefined public transit with a Marin County sense of cool. But the best thing about the SMART train line isn’t the trains themselves, but the things you can do and the places you can go while avoiding traffic and leaving the driving to someone else.
Larkspur
Across from SMART's new Larkspur station, you'll find the Marin Country Mart's Farmers Market, the place to be on Saturdays from 9:00 to 2:00, with over 25 local farmers and vendors and complimentary kids activities. If you are planning a stay-over at the Courtyard by Marriott, there are a number of health and spa options available to you at the Country Mart as well. Larkspur is also the kick-off point to most of Marin County and beyond by rail.
The best thing about the SMART train line isn’t the trains themselves, but the things you can do and the places you can go while avoiding traffic and leaving the driving to someone else.
Peak Pride
With lots of activities for all to partake in, this is a celebration for the entire resort! From daytime to evening events. Tickets are recommended ahead of time to guarantee entry into venues, but will be available at the door if space permits.
2/26/20-3/1/20
The North Face Dirty Feet Snowshoe Fun Run & Walk is a fun running and walking event consisting of two distances: approximately 5km and 10km, suitable for all ages. Lots of prizes, snacks, and hot drinks for everybody.
North Face Dirty Feet Snowshoe Fun Run & Walk
1/29/2020
If you are new to the wines of British Columbia, we are excited to show
you our passion through our events, and if you are returning, thank you
for your loyalty. Let the snow fall, the wines be poured and the food savoured!
Sun Peaks Wine and
Food Festival
3/5/2020-3/8/2020
Cahilty Creek is a proud partner with local yoga instructor Amy Atkinson, of Shift Power Yoga Kamloops. Amy will help you start the weekend off on the right track! A 60-minute power flow yoga class followed by a light snack and a 6oz pour of Okanagan Pinot Blanc or Pinot Noir.
Pinots and Poses
3/7/2020
An après gathering of fun, fizz and fries. There is always an occasion for bubbly - even with a twist! Curly Fries and fresh cut fires. We have you covered. Various kinds of bubbly joined together with different styles of French Fries, dressed for an occasion.
Fizz and Fries
3/7/2020
Join local artist Liz Derksen for a relaxing evening of wine and art. Liz is a local artist who paints bright coloured landscapes with a focus on her love of trees and will guide you as you paint and sip delicious wine from Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet BC.
Brushes and Berens
3/7/2020
Experience the magic of a Moonlight Snowshoe Tour. This outdoor evening begins with an easy 1km snowshoe tour Enjoy time to relax around a roaring campfire! On our return to the village, enjoy mulled wine in the Sun Peaks Lodge Steakhouse,
Moonlight Snowshoe and Mulled Wine
3/8/2020
Sun Peaks Resort is excited to host the 2020 U16 Canadian Alpine Nationals. We'll be welcoming skiers from all across Canada in this jam-packed week of skiing. They will be racing head to head in their respective categories of Super-G, Giant Slalom, and Ski Cross for the top spots in the country.
Canadian Alpine Nationals
3/9/2020-3/14/2020
Join us for the annual Sun Peaks Nordic Festival, including the Sprint Challenge and Loppet. Registration closes on March 12.
Nordic Festival
3/14/2020-3/15/2020
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Downtown San Rafael
Up the track a bit you'll find the gateway into Downtown San Rafael where you can experience its magnificently walkable downtown featuring an array of charming California boutiques like Art Works Downtown, host to the 2nd Friday Art Walk from 5:00 to 8:00, the nearby Northgate Mall, and one of California’s 21 Spanish Missions.
The best new innovative films are always playing at the art deco Smith Rafael Film Center, and live music often featuring the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh jams out nightly at the Terrapin Crossroads nightclub and gourmet restaurant that he owns.
You’ll also find farm-to-table Marin County cuisine at standout restaurants like legendary Tuscan eatery Il Davide. The Panama Hotel Restaurant is the overnighter’s spot to stay, serving gourmet lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The Roadside BBQ hits the sweet spot for comfort food.
Marin Civic Center
SMART’s Marin Civic Center station is named for the Marin County Civic Center, the last work commissioned by Frank Lloyd Wright and an absolute architectural wonder to behold. You can also take in that beautiful sight from a distance at nearby Lagoon Park, whose majestic water fountains and wildlife are unforgettable.
Every foodie needs to visit the Marin Civic Center Farmers Market at least once, as it’s the third-largest farmer’s market in California and held every Thursday and Sunday.
Novato's Hamilton
Novato’s Hamilton neighborhood is the kind of stunning, open-space California landscape that makes SMART rides so very scenic. You’ll see even more unforgettable sights at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA) and the adjacent Novato Arts Center, both of which are less than a 10-minute walk or a rideshare hail away from the SMART train station.
Take in that Novato scenery—perhaps with a glass of famous Northern California wine—at Beso Bistro and Wine Bar, which is also right next to the MarinMOCA. If craft beers and wood-fired pizza are more your thing, check out Hopmonk Tavern. And spit-roasted meats and smoked prime ribs are always cooking at Rickey's Restaurant at Inn Marin.
Overnight visitors will want to make reservations at Wildfox Restaurant, which is right next door to the Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn.
Downtown Novato
The Downtown Novato train stop is the newest addition to the line. You are literarily a few steps from Novato's Whole Foods for shopping convenience! Stroll along Grant Avenue’s quaint tree-lined street with its historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, wine tasting rooms with live music, and unique boutiques.
The SMART train fare and schedule information is available online to help you handle your SMART trip as intelligently as possible. This makes Marin County an up-and-coming choice for your staycation or weekend getaway because the new SMART line is really going places.
For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.
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