It’s safe to say there is no place anywhere else in the world quite like Mill Valley.  Located in an idyllic woodsy setting at the foot of Mt. Tam, it’s charming, sophisticated, old school, new school, laid back, happening, crunchy, stylish, liberal, and fabulous, all at the same time.  It’s the kind of town where you might see Sammy Hagar or Tyler Florence at the market, where yoga and all things organic are popular, where dogs are almost mandatory, and where young and old gather to play chess outside in the town square.  Mill Valley has its own film festival each Fall celebrating independent and world cinema, and each June the town hosts The Dipsea Race, the oldest cross-country trail running event in the US.

The short drive into town from 101 feels a little like you’re entering an alpine village, with crisp air and redwood-lined roads, culminating in a downtown that’s storybook charming.  There’s a great family owned Market, a bookstore/cafe in an old train depot,  a variety of upscale shops, and some of the best dining to be found in the county.  A popular comedy night happens every Tuesday at the Throckmorton Theater, where big names like Robin Willimas and Dana Carvey have been known to stop by.  In many ways Mill Valley is what people from other places picture when they think of Marin…and yes, many residents own hot tubs.