08.19.10


Bonus Sherpa: Ready Made Marin

Ease it up and stretch it out on any of these Marin hikes—all less than 4 miles. Good day North Bay.


Rodeo Round Up: The Marin Headlands has more points of interest than an iPhone app, and one of the best ways to see them is via a 3.5-mile hike from Rodeo Beach to Point Bonita Lighthouse. The views just keep on coming as you cross Bird Island overlook, go in search of an old shipwreck, detour to the lighthouse, and pass one of Marin's best barbecue spots.

Lake Lolling: Go on a 1.8-mile stroll around the highest and smallest of five lakes on Mount Tam's less-traveled north side. Keep an eye out for osprey and pond turtles.

Inn Love: Grab your favorite hiking partner and some picnic goodies for a 3.75-mile hike on Mount Tam. Start at the elegantly rustic Mountain Home Inn and make your way to the charming 104-year-old West Point Inn; the picnic grounds here dish out heart-throbbing views of the Pacific and San Francisco Bay.

Ring Around the Mountain: Close to Corte Madera lies an unassuming yet expansive grassland preserve that was saved from becoming a subdivision. Meander for 3 miles around Ring Mountain and clamber atop Turtle Rock for panoramic views of Mount Tam, Richardson Bay, and downtown San Francisco.

Humble Gerbode:
Just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge is a bowl-shaped valley with bowl-you-over views. Gerbode Valley is the lesser-known yet equally impressive neighbor to Tennessee Valley, with miles of hiking trails to explore.


Dress Code for Adventure

When the world is your playground you need clothing and gear that can keep up. The kicker? It should look great. Athleta is here to say that women can have athleticism and be stylish too. Their clothing—designed by North Bay locals—is dialed into performance, durability, and good looks. And the only place that has it is their new Mill Valley store. Twist Tops and WorkitOUT Knickers add extra pep to morning runs. Hikers and explorers can weather the elements beautifully, while gym goers and yoga buffs can stretch and sculpt wearing breathable Kickbooty Pants (the name says it all). But there is life after sport, which is why Athleta has apparel that looks great on and off the trail: skirts, skorts and dresses are all part of the dress code for adventure. There's no more need to compromise: Slip into something that fits your active lifestyle and looks great too.

BONUS: Pick up the new keepsake Weekend Sherpa To Go—a series of one-of-a-kind glossy postcards at the Athleta Mill Valley store. Each postcard provides an itinerary for your next North Bay adventure—hiking, biking, and hidden beaches. Visit the Athleta store to collect them all! (While supplies last.)

Athleta, 800 Redwood Hwy, Strawberry Village, Mill Valley; 415-383-3772. Weekend Sherpa To Go postcards are only available at Athleta's Mill Valley store while supplies last.

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