Given the abundance of elevated screening experiences in Marin County—from San Rafael’s Smith Rafael Film Center and Tiburon’s Cinelounge to Larkspur’s The Lark and the Fairfax Theater in its namesake city—it’s clear that we have a thing for the movies. Well, not only merely movies but, more specifically, the communal big screen affair we call cinema.

Besides the surfeit of locations at which one can see film story writ-large on a silver screen, that dwarfs your smart TV and makes your phone look downright microscopic, Marin has spawned more than its fair share of filmmakers and franchises (looking at you, Fincher, Murch and Lucas). Moreover, we enjoy a disproportionate amount of film-themed events—consider the upcoming film festival calendar, which features the juggernaut of the Bolinas Film Festival in September and the Mill Valley Film Festival on its celluloid heels in October.

And it’s not just the venues or the visiting auteurs—it’s the audiences too. Marin cinephiles are a breed apart: opinionated, discerning and often vociferously on their Letterboxd accounts. They treat Q&As like sacred rituals and queue for documentaries like they’re blockbusters. That rare combination of cultural curiosity and cinematic literacy makes for a uniquely engaged moviegoing public—one that festivals love and filmmakers long to impress.

“Marin County’s longstanding appreciation for the cinematic arts and enduring love of film on the big screen continue to thrive, as evidenced by the packed screenings and community enthusiasm at the vibrant annual Bolinas Film Festival,” observes the fest’s founder, Enzo Resta. “It’s the latest proof that storytelling and film culture still hold a cherished place in Marin’s cultural heart. This community doesn’t just watch movies—it passionately celebrates them.”

Take that, Netflix.

In Marin, the pets have better wardrobes than some of us—and nowhere is that more apparent than Dogville, San Anselmo’s boutique for the discerning dog (and their well-trained human).

This is the kind of wonderful, whimsical and winning small town business that celebrates the pampering of our pets with a special premium put on pooches. It’s no wonder that Dogville won “Best Pet Boutique” in the Pacific Sun’s readers’ poll (and no, voting by canines is not allowed…yet).

Need raw, freeze-dried or canned food that meets your pup’s exacting dietary standards? They’ve got it. Toys that won’t disintegrate in five minutes? Yep. A bespoke bed for your cat who definitely thinks it owns you? Naturally. The staff is whip-smart on nutrition and happy to consult, whether you’re curating your own dog’s capsule wardrobe or buying a gift for someone else’s fur baby.

One of the great differentiators of Dogville from other pet stores is its engagement with the community and specifically the needs of the pets within its community. Case in point, currently one needn’t scroll too far on owner Staysea Colteaux’s Instagram feed (@dogvillesananselmo) to find birthday wishes for beloved customers—and the people who carry their leashes—as well as a GoFundMe for those whose four-footed loved ones need extra help with a medical or other issue. The love here is real, and it extends through the IRL experience of the shop itself.

Whether curating collars or benchmarking doggie beds, Dogville offers a unique means to do right by the faithful friends that do so right by us. Simply put, Dogville puts the “wow” in “bow-wow.”

Dogville, 554 San Anselmo Ave. #2621, San Anselmo. dogvillesananselmo.com.

When it comes to navigating California’s cannabis laws, Scot Candell & Associates doesn’t just know the terrain—they helped blaze the trail.

Since 1997, the firm has taken on injustice in all its forms, but in recent years, it’s become a go-to for anyone looking to legally grow, sell or simply survive the ever-shifting world of cannabis compliance. Hence, the firm’s win for “Best Cannabis Attorney (and practice).”

Need a license? Want to buy or sell a cannabis business? Staring down a regulatory riddle? Candell and team have you covered. The firm has deep ties to the top industry orgs, including the National Cannabis Industry Association, National Cannabis Bar Association (NCBA), NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and the California Cannabis Industry Association.

Candell has gone on record stating his belief that cannabis crimes should be reduced from felonies to misdemeanors and that the cannabis industry should receive government subsidies like some tech industries have. He also projects success for cannabis-infused beverages entering the edibles market.

The firm’s website (candell-law.com) boasts an active blog that keeps readers up-to-date on a variety of issues, like new retailer requirements as well as upcoming cannabis competitions, or even what to do if ICE comes to your door (pro-tip: don’t open the door). Candell and his team don’t just represent clients—they represent a movement. They champion patient rights and stay ahead of legislative curveballs.

In a field where rules shift faster than a dispensary sells out of pre-rolls, it’s critical to have an attorney who doesn’t just react to change but anticipates it. Scot Candell & Associates is that firm—offering expert counsel rooted in advocacy and an unwavering belief in cannabis justice. They work with growers, retailers, investors and patients alike, balancing razor-sharp legal insight with an activist’s heart.

Scot Candell & Associates, 4040 Civic Center Dr. #219, San Rafael. candell-law.com.

Named Best Co-Working Office Space by Pacific Sun readers, The Hivery in Mill Valley is more than just a place to work—it’s a movement. A hub for creativity, mentorship and meaningful connection, The Hivery provides women with the space and support they need to build the next chapter of their lives.

After shifting to a virtual model during the pandemic, The Hivery has triumphantly returned to its roots with a new brick-and-mortar space in Mill Valley. The reopened location features a spacious open-floor workspace, cozy private desk nooks and a sunlit backyard with picnic tables. It’s a haven for entrepreneurs, writers and creatives to work, collaborate and grow.

Founder Grace Kraaijvanger built The Hivery on three guiding values: kindness, creativity and community. Her goal? To create a metaphorical—and literal—space where the creative and collaborative process is embraced not just by artists, but by anyone seeking purpose-driven work and a life that matters.

More than 8,000 women have found guidance through The Hivery’s offerings: co-working, retreats, a signature incubator, master classes, and soon, a podcast. Whether you’re building a business or finding your voice, The Hivery exists to help you express yourself authentically, show up fully and surround yourself with others who believe in what’s possible for you.

“It’s a movement about working in an entirely different way,” says Kraaijvanger on her site. “We hug, we belong, we learn, we mentor and we elevate.”

In Marin, where the line between work and purpose is often beautifully blurred, The Hivery proves that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of one’s soul.

The Hivery, 475 Miller Ave., Suite A, Mill Valley. thehivery.com.

When it comes to cocktails in Marin, California Gold takes the medal (we’ll leave it to our readers to guess its hue). A landmark building poised on one of downtown San Rafael’s one-way thoroughfares, this beloved bar is known for its encyclopedic cocktail menu and neighborly atmosphere.

Inside, the decor is rich with historic charm. A handsome mahogany bar—dating back to 1906—anchors the space, stretching the length of the room and inviting patrons to settle in. Dim lighting, vintage maps, paintings of clipper ships and bronze statuary evoke the aesthetic of a turn-of-the-century gentleman’s study. It’s cozy, classy and full of character.

But don’t let the décor fool you into thinking this is some gold rush throwback. As owner Isaac Shumway once explained to the Pacific Sun:

“People always have this misconception that we’re a gold rush bar. But the real gold of California is its melting pot of people and cultures, how it literally brought people from all over the world.”

That sensibility carries over into the drinks. The classic gin martini here is a masterclass in balance: gin, vermouth, a twist of lemon rind—served ice cold, and with precision. In the colder months, hot spiked beverages—like the spicy Mexican hot chocolate—are seasonal favorites. There is also an equally impressive “Temperance Menu” for those skipping the booze but not bar borne experience.

Whether you’re toasting a special moment or a Tuesday, California Gold offers something elegant, well-executed and worth savoring, until it’s time to order another.

California Gold is located at 848 B St. in San Rafael. californiagoldbar.com.

Live better, love longer is the slogan of The Longevity Collective, and that’s a beautifully healthy sentiment that is easy to get behind. And it’s one that makes this locally owned facility a gem to its community.

This Fairfax-based wellness hub brings high-tech healing and holistic care under one roof, offering cold plunges, infrared saunas, red light therapy, cranial work and more—all designed to help the body heal, recharge and thrive. The treatments are science-backed, the space is warm and community-focused and the goal is refreshingly clear: Give people the tools to take charge of their own well-being.

The Longevity Collective focuses on two key pillars of health: reducing inflammation and increasing circulation. These two functions, when optimized, are meant to dramatically lower the risk of disease and help support the body’s natural ability to repair itself. With offerings that support muscle recovery, detoxification, lymphatic movement and nervous system regulation, TLC takes a comprehensive and efficient approach to long-term wellness.

Clients range from the already-health-savvy to those just beginning their wellness journey, all of whom are greeted with the same enthusiasm, and often by Mousse, the facility’s unofficial therapy dog. The vibe is casual and encouraging, with staff available to walk newcomers through each treatment and help customize a protocol based on individual goals.

TLC’s treatments are designed to work in tandem, with popular combinations like the cold plunge and sauna designed to deliver an immediate dopamine and endorphin boost. Other modalities target cellular health, circulation, inflammation and pain management, adding up to a whole-body reset that’s intended to support daily vitality and long-term resilience.

Beauty is not only skin deep; beauty is also in the life lived and the love given.

The Longevity Collective is located at 771 Center Blvd. in Fairfax. To learn more, visit the website at marintlc.com.