by Amy Alkon

Q: I’ve been seeing this guy long distance. I haven’t really been feeling it and kind of let it drop off, thinking he’d get the hint. He keeps texting and calling. I keep telling him I’m just really busy. The truth is, I’ve met somebody else. Do I have to tell him?—Dreading It

A: Even milk and meat have the courtesy to let you know when they’re expiring. You, on the other hand, reeled in a guy’s heart, watched it flop around on the carpet, and then misplaced it under a pile of old newspapers.

“Life is short!” you hear people say. And it can be—if you’re in the habit of Snapchatting while meandering across bus lanes. But as the stoic philosopher Seneca said, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” Unfortunately, other people sometimes waste it for us, like by expecting us to “get the hint” that they’re done with us. By the way, men, especially, tend to be poor at hint-taking. So yes, you actually have to tell the guy—rather than continue with your current approach: “I dumped you. You’re smart. You’ll figure it out eventually.”

To be human is to procrastinate—to put off till tomorrow (or the second Tuesday of never) what we could do today. Behavioral science research finds that we are biased toward the RIGHT NOW, irrationally overvaluing a small payoff we can have right away over a substantially larger one down the road. We’re especially quick to put off anything that involves duty (and its conjoined twin, discomfort). This is irrational because deferring almost always costs far more—like if we delay going to the doctor until we not only have a tumor but one with 3,651 Facebook friends.

Likewise, instead of cleverly escaping the stress of breaking up, you’ve built stressing about it into your daily routine: Coffee … ignore uncomfortable text … feed the cat … duck his call. It seems that ending the daily feel-bads should be motivation enough for you to clue the guy in. The problem is, the human motivational system tends to be in-activated by “avoidance goals”—negative outcomes we’re trying to avoid, such as avoiding feeling guilty for stringing a guy along. (It doesn’t help that the “reward” here—shifting from feeling guilty to feeling relieved—is abstract and intangible.) What we find most motivating are “approach goals,” positive outcomes we strive toward. To recast breaking up in that way, offer yourself an immediate and tangible reward, like treating yourself to a big sloppy dessert right after you do the deed.

Telling him in a timely way is something you do not just for him but for you, because what you do becomes who you are: Murder and you’re a murderer; garden and you’re a gardener. Keep a guy on the hook and … well, OK, that one goes a little off track. But doing the right thing, the kind thing, would take what, five uncomfortable minutes on the phone? The cumulative dread of doing it probably feels way worse than the actual doing. Plus, the momentary awfulness seems a small price to pay to become a different sort of person—one who doesn’t make a guy feel like the kid whose mom was supposed to pick him up after soccer but instead moved to Belize.

Q: I saw your recent column about a hiking date, and I was wondering whether I’d seem cheap if I asked a woman on a hike for the first date. A buddy says it’d seem rude to a woman to not be wined and dined, and I’d come off as chintzy or poor. I’m neither, but hiking’s fun, and I like the idea of not spending big on first dates (most of which are busts anyway).—Mountain Man

A: On a first date, a woman should be getting to know you, not getting to know how much you can put on your MasterCard before the waiter comes over with a big pair of scissors. Sure, some women will find you cheap for suggesting a hike—mainly those who resent having to trudge up hills to procure a funding source with a penis. However, even women who are into exercising aren’t always into doing it where they may get close enough to a bear to see that it could use one of those little nose hair trimmers. For these women, you might offer “activity date” alternatives, like bowling or attending a street fair or a gallery opening. These might also work better for first dates with any women you barely know—alluring as it is to hear, “Hi, I’m a total stranger, and I’d like to take you off to a dark, wooded area where there’s no cellphone reception.” (Your shallow grave or mine?)

by Annie Spiegelman, the Dirt Diva

Ecotonix (www.ecotonix.com), the green product developent company that brought us the award-winning Green Cycler, a kitchen pre-composter that shreds food scraps, has come up with something even more amusing for dirt-lovers: Worm Bombs! “With our Worm Bombs launch, we plan to continue building awareness about the importance of recycling food waste back into our gardens,” says Gail Loos, inventor of the Green Cycler and Worm Bombs. “Worms are the hardest workers in the soil and now gardeners can explode their worm population in order to increase soil fertility. With Worm Bombs, you can plant worms as easily as seeds. These cleverly packaged pods will hatch in about three weeks in your garden soil. Newly hatched worms are far more adaptable to their environment and will start to naturally enrich and rejuvenate soils immediately.”

OK, worm nerds. I know you’re wondering: Which species of worms?

Inside each Worm Bomb are six worm species: Aporrectodea caliginosa (grey worm), Dendrodaena veneta (European nightcrawler), Eisenia andrei (tiger worm), Eisenia fetida (red wiggler worm), Lumbrieus terrestries (common earthworm/nightcrawler) and Lumbricus rubellus (red marsh worm/European earthworm). Loos created multiple species, since each of these will thrive in differing conditions and at different soil depths. Each Worm Bomb contains more than 50 cocoons with five to 10 eggs inside. Up to 500 baby worms will hatch in just weeks.

Not a fan of bringing out-of-state worms to California? Soil scientist Stephen Andrews agrees. “I want my local worms wiggling their way through the pore space of my soil rather than having some imports invading and taking over,” Andrews says. “My approach—feed the soil, and the worms will come. Compost, compost, compost!” OK, Dirt Dude, but I’m still getting one!

Why should we worship the worm? Because they are eating machines. By tunneling through hard soil, worms help air and water enter, as they break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use. In the process, they secrete slime, which contains nitrogen, one of the most important nutrients for healthy plants. After all that pigging-out, they produce pinhead-sized excrement called “casting,” which fertilizes your plants organically. One pound of red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) in a compost pile can eat nearly 65 pounds of food scraps in three to four months. They are busy working 24/7 in your yard for free!

It’s said that in the late 1800s, British scientist and brainiac Charles Darwin spent nearly 40 years studying earthworms. Obviously, this respected scholar and naturalist had way too much time on his hands. He SO would have benefited from Wikipedia. Maybe then he wouldn’t have bored his friends to tears for 40 years with his controversial theories of evolution, and signed copies of his painstakingly detailed but endearing tome, The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms, with Observations of their Habits. A real page-turner …

Loos, who believes that every experienced gardener is a worm fan—or should be, came up with the Worm Bomb idea while traveling around the country telling the Green Cycler story. She realized three important facts:

1. Most first-time or failed, wannabe composters neatly bottle up their leaves and food scraps in a big plastic bin on legs. Their all-too-common mistake is lack of contact with the ground. She preaches the importance of contact with the earth when composting. “Let the earth, bacteria, fungi and worms do the hard work; you simply add feed, moisture and movement.”
2. Adult worms are difficult to ship, store and sell. Worm cocoons solve these problems. Further, worm hatchlings acclimate easily to where they hatch and they stay in their cocoons until conditions are right—i.e. the soil is warm and moist. And since they have not been raised in a manure bed, for example, they will thrive where planted. Adult worms are not as happy to change—much like humans!
3. Many yards and gardens have been denuded of worms by over-application of chemicals and under-application of organic matter. The quickest solution to converting a lawn or garden from chemical reliance to organic growth is through the application and feeding of worms. Multiple field tests have shown that plots can be converted to organic in one growing season by adding one worm cocoon every square-foot. Of course, the worms must be fed with organic material and all chemicals avoided during the conversion. Worms can even convert a Superfund site.

“During development, we were drawing upon successful studies conducted by the EPA and leading universities since the early 1970s,” Loos says. “That’s when the idea of planting encapsulated worm cocoons was first proposed and tested. This idea has been used in commercial applications for 40-plus years. We are the first to add worm-nurturing bedding and a compostable (edible) ball to the mix, thus improving the overall rate of hatchling success.”

Loos likes to share a story from a teacher who has won major environmental education awards by teaching kids about vermiculture (worm farming): “The year before we got the worms, we just had a garden, and I remember some of the boys found bugs and worms and tried to squash them on the sidewalk,” says Mark Mailhot, an elementary school teacher at Montgomery Village School in Orangeville, Ontario. “The year after we got the worm bins, it was funny to see the same boys digging through the dirt, carefully pulling up worms and setting them aside until they had finished tilling, and then distributing them all over the garden. I could see they had developed an understanding that these little creatures were part of something bigger.”

You can find Worm Bombs locally at Sloat Garden Center (for locations, visit sloatgardens.com), or online at greencycler.com for $14.99 per bomb.

Tell Annie how your worms are doing at th*********@*******nk.net.

Get ready for the spectactular Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden Spring Plant Sale 2015 on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, and Saturday, April 25; 10am–3pm. Shop for plants and enjoy free workshops and family-friendly activities. College of Marin, Indian Valley Campus, 1800 Ignacio Blvd., Novato. For more information about the farm, visit marin.edu/IVC/organic-farm.html.

by Richard Gould

Part three, chapter one of THE HUNGER GAMES came in for criticism last fall for trying to milk every last dollar out of fans, and to be sure MOCKINGJAY–PART 1 is hardly a standalone the way the first two were–if you start here you’ll be lost. But the film’s two-plus hours are anything but filler: This brooding chapter has the internal logic of a series breather, and as a tension-builder for the fireworks to come–it can’t be beat. We join Katniss as she arrives back at the hub of the uprising, District 13, where shadow-like President Coin is marshalling resistance forces for an assault on the capital. To win hearts and minds, the movement needs a figurehead–and Katniss is a natural for the part–but she finds herself put to use in propaganda in ways not unlike Snow’s at Panem. One only hopes the rebellion’s motives are more pure. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Julianne Moore star. Non-Panemaniacs can steer to an equally thrilling cult series from across the pond, the BBC smash SHERLOCK, which has gone to world fame since first airing in 2008; three seasons (nine episodes) are now available on Blu-ray. In this superbly clever updating of the Conan Doyle stories, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the consulting investigator for hire, whose fin-de-siècle spirit is retained even as the detection brings newfangled tech like GPS and text to bear. No fan of the originals will fail to be charmed by Cumberbatch and his Watson, Martin Freeman, who have all the intellectual chops and bravura of the books–along with old favorite nemeses like Irene Adler and Moriarty. A Christmas special is expected this year.

1ST YEAR HALL OF FAME: BEST DAY SPA

The philosophy at Evo Spa centers on “self-EVOlution,” and the idea that one’s body can heal itself when provided with nurturing therapies. A place where you can put your worries aside, relax and unwind, Evo offers everything from facials and massage to waxing, spray tans, acupuncture and Chinese medicine. They even have an oxygen aroma bar. “We’re always perfecting and enhancing our services,” says Elizabeth Bevil, spa director. Asia Thorpe, lead esthetician, says that she’s very grateful that Evo has landed in the Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to keep growing as a company and as a family,” she says. “We really just want to nurture each other to be the best that we can be, so that we can give back to the community.”

Evo Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., Suite 216, Mill Valley, 415/383-3223, evo-spa.com

2ND YEAR HALL OF FAME: BEST BEAUTY SUPPLY COMPANY

Located in Novato’s Vintage Oaks shopping center and in downtown San Rafael’s Montecito Plaza, Marin Beauty Company is a family-owned business that was established in 1988. Marin Beauty Company boasts a 1,000 square-foot retail floor and a 1,000 square-foot full-service hair salon. As their website says, “We have everything you need from head to toe … have it done, or to go.” The hair stylists and colorists have a combined total of more than 50 years of experience, so it’s safe to say that you’re in good hands.

Marin Beauty Company

140 Vintage Way, G-11, Vintage Oaks, Novato, 415/892-3600 and 417 Third Street, Montecito Plaza, San Rafael, 415/454-4500, marinbeautycompany.com

BEST NAIL CARE

Lavande Nail Spa offers nail care services, facials, waxing and massage, so after a visit, you’ll be looking fresh, and ready to take on the world. All natural manicure baths—consisting of lavender, rose petals, milk protein and fresh mint—will soften your hands and refresh your cuticles, and anti-aging peels—including those made with blueberry and pomegranate antioxidants—will rejuvenate your face. A menu of massages—Swedish, deep-tissue, aroma-nirvana, hot stone, reflexology and sport— includes an enticing couple’s treatment.

Lavande Nail Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., #803, Strawberry Village Center, Mill Valley, 415/388-6699. Various other locations throughout California, lavandenailspa.com

2ND Three Sisters Salon, San Rafael

3RD Happy Nails, San Rafael

BEST HAIR SALON

“We can do any style, from classic to off-the-charts edgy,” says Monica Brewer Goodell, one of 22 professionally trained hair designers at  Brewer Phillips Hair Design. The regular Best of Marin winner offers customers world-class cuts, color and keratin treatments, and a creative, energetic, family-friendly environment that makes everyone from small children to the elderly feel welcome. Classes are frequently offered so that hair designers can stay on top of the current trends, the work of local artists is featured on the walls and the salon donates to nonprofits that are close to the hearts of the owners. “Thank you for making me look and feel better,” hair designers often hear from customers. “We’re very honored, and thankful for our loyal clients and friends,” Brewer Goodell says.

Brewer Phillips Hair Design

906 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/485-1437, brewerphillips.com

2ND Hairfax Studio, Fairfax

3RD Edward’s Salon, Mill Valley

BEST BEAUTY SUPPLY COMPANY

For all of your hair and body care needs and more, Northgate Beauty Shop & Salon is the place to go. They offer haircuts and color, manicures and pedicures and waxing services, and a great selection of beauty supplies—all at amazingly reasonable prices. “Not only are Lee and Kim absolutely adorable and professional, but both give terrific haircuts for a reasonable price,” says a customer. “I’ve paid three to four times as much in posh beauty salons (often too chatty and crowded) and have not been nearly as satisfied with the results.” The Northgate Mall location makes it easy to combine a beauty outing with a shopping spree.

Northgate Beauty Shop & Salon

5800 Northgate Mall, Level 1, San Rafael, 415/ 479-8112,

shopatnorthgate.com

2ND Beauty Store & Salon, Novato

3RD Gateway Beauty Supply, Sausalito

BEST MASSAGE

Hall-of-Famer Evo Spa makes an appearance this year as the winner of both the best massage in Marin and the best facial. So what sets them apart? “Five-star service,” says Asia Thorpe, lead esthetician. “Top-of-the-line products, treatment and a highly trained staff,” adds Elizabeth Bevil, spa director. Appreciative of a loyal, dedicated clientele, the 12-year-old business offers clients massages that include therapeutic, deep-tissue and hot stone, along with a special “Tension Tamer” massage, chair massage and a “For the Mother-to-Be” massage. Evo uses only organic, vegan massage cream and oil, and all massages are performed on a BioMat that utilizes far-infrared rays for deep-penetrating heat. When customers leave after a massage, Thorpe says that they often tell the staff that it was the best massage they’ve ever had. “They’re blissed out,” she says.

 Evo Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., Suite 216, Mill Valley, 415/383-3223, evo-spa.com

2ND Mill Valley Massage, Mill Valley

3RD Stellar Spa, Corte Madera

BEST FACIAL

Evo Spa does it again! “It’s about healing and transformation,” says Ashally Park, front desk lead at the spa. Clients range in age from 13 to 90, and experiences are tailored to the needs and wants of each and every person who walks in. Facials include cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, nourishment with botanical extracts and serums, massage, masque and moisturizing. Natural face-lifting treatments and anti-aging facials are also offered, as well as tinting and make-up application. Every month, Evo highlights a treatment and a product line, so you’ll always be offered new and exciting experiences.

Evo Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., Suite 216, Mill Valley, 415/383-3223, evo-spa.com

2ND Stellar Spa, Corte Madera

3RD Champagne Salon & Day Spa, Tiburon

BEST DAY SPA

A room with a view: That’s what you get when you visit the Healing Arts Center & Spa at Cavallo Point, located on the scenic and tranquil grounds of historic Fort Baker. The spa designs their own treatments that director Jenny Helling says are “effective, therapeutic and impactful, and true to the natural world,” and include massage, facials, aromatherapy, body treatments and water therapies. The treatment rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and in summer the doors are open, giving the place a tropical feel. A tea bar with healthy snacks is featured, and you can find your bliss beneath the pines at a heated outdoor meditation pool. The staff members say that they are treated very well, and that this good cheer extends out to guests. What’s not to like?

Healing Arts Center & Spa at Cavallo Point

601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 415/339-4767, cavallopoint.com

2ND Stellar Spa, Corte Madera

3RD Frogs Hot Tubs, Fairfax

BEST FLORIST

Few things can brighten up someone’s day like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers, and this year, Natalie & Daria’s Flowers and Gifts was voted as a cut above the rest. The family-owned and operated business serves Novato, San Rafael, Greenbrae, Larkspur and Terra Linda. The team creates arrangements for any occasion, and offers fast and convenient ordering through a floral app. Rare and exotic flora can be paired with chocolates, fruit baskets, candles and a plush animal toy to customize a unique gift. A “deal of the day” makes it easy to find the right flowers at a price you can afford.

Natalie & Daria’s Flowers and Gifts

479 Entrada Dr., Novato, 415/883-0522, natalieanddarias.com

2ND Linda’s Flower Box, San Anselmo

3RD Hearts & Flowers, Belvedere, Tiburon

BEST GLASSES AND EYEWEAR

If you’re looking for eyewear that won’t make you look trendy, Mill Valley’s Rims & Goggles is the ticket. In the past couple of years, the independently owned optical boutique has been investing in more “independent eyewear.” So in addition to carrying big-brand names like Prada and Coco Chanel, the store carries their very own brand called Rims & Goggles Eyewear. These independently made glasses are designed by artisans in Italy, so you’ll be looking fashionable and unique.

Rims & Goggles

606 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, 415/383-9480, rimsandgoggles.com

2ND 20/20 Optical, San Rafael, Novato

3RD Mill Valley Optometry, Mill Valley

BEST JEWELER

Julianna, along with her daughter, Judy, first opened Julianna’s Fine Jewelry in The Village at Corte Madera when the mall was established nearly 27 years ago. Four years later, jewelry-maker and designer Jean-Louis Van Den Bosch joined the team. Today, their boutique houses more than 20 fine jewelry brand names, as well as an array of Swiss-made watches, including Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Raymond Weil and Luminox. For brides- and grooms-to-be, Julianna’s showcases nine distinct bridal jewelry designers.

Julianna’s Fine Jewelry

1632 Redwood Hwy., Corte Madera, 415/924-9711, juliannasfinejewelry.com

2ND Johann Paul Jewelers, Greenbrae

3RD Gold Rush Jewelers, San Rafael

BEST LINGERIE STORE

Feeling a little naughty? Want to feed your inner sex god or goddess? Then Pleasures of the Heart should be your next shopping destination. This very liberating shop sells lingerie, costumes, erotica, accessories and sex toys for men and women. Owner Erika Bowker, who was once a safe-sex advisor, believes that sex is one of the basic parts of humanity, but that it is subjugated in this culture, which is wrong. “It is a good shop for men and women of any age who want to experiment, but have never been in this kind of store,” Bowker says. She adds that her customers even include women and men in their 60s who have been referred by doctors to deal with sexual dysfunction. “When many people first come in, they are often shy and nervous, but once they relax and let go of shame, they blossom sexually and develop a new sense of health and confidence, and their lives improve in every way,” she says.

Pleasures of the Heart

1310 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/482-9899, pleasuresoftheheart.com

2ND Chadwick’s of London, Mill Valley

3RD The Lingerie Shoppe, Larkspur

BEST SHOES

If you’re looking for the right shoe to fit, Sole Desire Shoes is the place to go. Selling fashionable European products, the store won’t let you down when it comes to scoring the coziest flats or heels. In addition to shoes, the 25-year-old business sells sunglasses, handbags, wallets and more to help complete any outfit. Comfort and style is always a winning combination.

Sole Desire Shoes

5800 Northgate Mall, San Rafael, 415/472-1202, and 184 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415/419-8130. Various other locations throughout California, soledesire.com

2ND Lark Shoes & Repair, Larkspur

3RD Red Hill Shoe Repair, San Anselmo

BEST MEN’S CLOTHIER

Time to freshen up your wardrobe, gentlemen? For more than 60 years, Louis Thomas Fine Men’s Apparel has been specializing in providing stylish and well-made apparel for men. They have everything you need to look like the gentleman you are, including sportswear, formalwear, suits, accessories and any kind of custom and made-to-measure clothing (including ties). They also rent formalwear and tuxedos for special occasions. Check them out at either of their two locations—Corte Madera and Petaluma.

Louis Thomas Fine Men’s Apparel

211 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, 415/924-1715 and 115 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707/765-1715, louisthomas.com

2ND Gene Hiller Menswear, Sausalito

3RD Unionmade, Larkspur

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

“Effortless fashion.” That’s how Viva Diva Boutique manager Bri Lindemulder sums up why Viva Diva was voted Marin’s Best Women’s Boutique. Owner Amy Anderson opened the contemporary, wearable fashion boutique 17 years ago by accident. “I was a waitress and irreparably injured my wrist, so I got a job as a clothing rep—hated it—and quit,” Anderson says. And by some kismet-like coincidence, Lindemulder found her way into Viva Diva after having to quit her full-time job cutting hair, due to a back injury she had sustained in a car crash. Both credit their unexpected turn of events for why their customer service is “hardcore.” “We just have fun; we’re here to style you, not just sell clothes,” Lindemulder says. And the style is “L.A. bohemian with New York rocker edge,” thanks to sourcing directly from each coastline. Designer brands such as AG and Hudson jeans, Tart Collections and Ella Moss are fresh, feel-good and a great fit for all ages.

Viva Diva Boutique

1327 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/256-8380, vivadivaboutique.com

2ND Alice Becker Inc., Novato

3RD Bella, San Rafael

1ST YEAR HALL OF FAME: BEST BUSINESS THAT PROMOTES GOING GREEN

Since 1969, Good Earth Natural Foods has been promoting ways for people to become eco-friendly. It’s no surprise that this company keeps winning the Best of Marin title. It’s now entering the Hall of Fame after living up to its good name for more than seven years. Good Earth Natural Foods offers customers the best organically grown products and encourages farmers and manufacturers to “produce food of higher quality.” The company believes that eating organic food gives people the best chance to “heal the earth and their bodies.” Good Earth is certainly doing its job, and is committed to serving Marin’s communities by promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Good Earth Natural Foods

720 Center Blvd., Fairfax, 415/454-0123, genatural.com

1ST YEAR HALL OF FAME: BEST SOLAR SUPPLIER

Novato’s SolarCraft is being inducted into the Hall of Fame after being in service for more than 30 years. Since its opening in 1984, owners Dennis Nuttman and Bill Stewart have been providing solar energy services in Marin, Sonoma, Napa and other counties around the Bay Area. The company provides its customers with clean energy sources that will not only be affordable, but help the environment as well. According to its website, “SolarCraft has installed more systems than any other company in the Bay Area.” The company fits well into the region where its headquarters are based, as Marin County is known to be environmentally friendly. Whether the climate is too hot or too cold, the solar systems installed by SolarCraft are sure to please.

SolarCraft

285-D Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, 415/382-7717, solarcraft.com

BEST PLACE FOR HIKING

Does hiking in Marin get any better than at Mt. Tam? It’s hard to beat a wonderland of hills, redwood groves and more than 50 miles of trails that boasts breathtaking views of our gorgeous county, shimmering San Francisco and beyond. This 2,571-foot peak attracts everyone from those looking for a leisurely stroll or a picnic spot, to hardcore trekkers and campers. Visible from countless places in Marin, Mt. Tam is a constant reminder that it doesn’t take long to get to a place where you can completely lose yourself in nature and feel like you’re on top of the world.

Mt. Tam

Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley, parks.ca.gov

2ND Tennessee Valley, nps.gov

3RD Muir Beach, Highway 101, muirbeach.com

BEST BEACH

Located just 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Stinson Beach is an easy escape for city folk, as well as Marin locals. The beach is favorable for walking and surfing, and swimmers can be seen splashing on the warmest of days. Facilities include rest rooms, showers, picnic areas and BBQ grills, and a snack bar in the summer months keeps beach babes refreshed. If you look out for rip currents, “sneaker” waves and sharks, Stinson Beach can be relaxing and enjoyable for all ages.

Stinson Beach

Highway One, approximately 20 miles north of San Francisco, stinsonbeachonline.com

2ND Bolinas Beach, Bolinas

3RD Fort Cronkhite, Marin Headlands, Sausalito

BEST BIKE SHOP

Mike’s Bikes, founded in 1964 as one of Marin’s very first Schwinn shops, caters to every customer’s needs—whether it’s someone looking to get into cycling, or a seasoned pro. Mike’s strives to get as many people on bikes as possible, and when you walk into one of their 11 stores, you sense immediately that they know bikes backwards and forwards, love biking themselves and find joy in getting the community excited about cycling. “They buy bikes from us, their kids have bought bikes from us and their grandkids are gonna buy bikes from us,” says Richard Morrow, general manager, of loyal customers. “Our staff is biking in the community that we’re serving,” says Tom Casson, sales manager. “It’s nice for [our customers] to see that we ride, too. The products that they’re buying, we’re using, too.”  Not only do they wave to customers on the roads and on the trails, but Mike’s Bike’s staff invites their neighbors along for the ride. You can find a beginner cruise to a coffee shop or a farmers’ market, or choose to log some serious miles. Mike’s also offers free weekly tech clinics that have become wildly popular, so you can count on the experts to help you keep your bike in tip-top shape.

Mike’s Bikes

834 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/454-3747 and #1 Gate Rd., Sausalito, 415/332-3200, mikesbikes.com

2ND Fairfax Cyclery, Fairfax

3RD Tam Bikes, Mill Valley

BEST BUSINESS THAT PROMOTES GOING GREEN

With the goal of helping Marin reach zero waste, Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) has “going green” covered, from composting to recycling. “We invest in reaching out and educating students, businesses and apartment buildings in the community on what they can do to help improve their carbon footprint,” says Zoe Pearl, recycle program coordinator at Marin Sanitary Service (MSS). It’s a family-owned business that has been a county staple since 1948, thanks to founder Joe Garbarino. They have a partnership with the local sewage treatment plant to produce renewable energy that powers the plant itself. “The community is free to take tours of the facility,” the MSS team encourages, “to see how recycling actually works and where the garbage goes.” They even have pigs on the property to eat food scraps and reduce landfill.

Marin Sanitary Service

1050 Andersen Dr., San Rafael, 415/456-2601, marinsanitary.com

2ND Bellam Self Storage & Boxes, San Rafael

3RD Fairfax Lumber & Hardware, Fairfax

BEST ORGANIC PRODUCE

What is one of the main things that the Marin County Farmers’ Market is proud to announce? A permanent residence at the San Rafael Civic Center! The farmers’ market—managed by the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM)—had a ballot measure pass with 81 percent of the vote this past November. Right now, there are seven farmers’ markets around the Bay Area that AIM manages—most with temporary leases, a day or two here or there. With more than 300 vendors to manage at any given market, it’s no surprise that Marin’s farmers’ markets are considered the premiere spots to grab your locally grown goods. “We are especially excited about the permanent farmers’ market project,” says Peter Healy, farmer’s market manager at AIM. “We’re about to launch a little more of the public phase of our capital campaign and get the community involved.”

Marin County Farmers’ Market (Agricultural Institute of Marin)

 400 Smith Ranch Rd., San Rafael, 415/472-6100, agriculturalinstitue.com

2ND Good Earth Natural Foods, Fairfax

3RD Paradise Market, Corte Madera, Novato and Tiburon

BEST PERSONNEL AGENCY

Founded in San Rafael in 1970, Nelson Family of Companies is the largest independently owned staffing company in Northern California. Serving all types of businesses across the state out of more than 20 offices, Nelson offers four divisions that help place everyone from low-skill job-seekers to executives. “With the unemployment rate being at historical lows, we’re busier than ever helping out companies find quality candidates to help their business thrive,” says Debi Geller, business development manager. Nelson has a long history of working with companies in Marin, so Geller says that they have helped generations of local families find desirable jobs. “Our reputation is passed on,” she says. Doing their best to match job candidates with the right employer, Nelson thinks about things like work environments and the personalities of people. “When candidates come back and say, ‘I love my job; This is the best job I’ve ever had; I’m so happy,’” says Mary Ann Stich, business development manager, “That’s really rewarding.”

Nelson Family of Companies

18 Professional Center Pky., 2nd Floor, San Rafael, 415/479-5101, nelsonassociates.com

2ND Perfect Timing Personnel Services, Inc., Larkspur

3RD Marin Employment Connection, San Rafael

BEST PLACE TO BIKE

Saddle up your mountain (or road) bike and take it for a scenic ride through China Camp State Park, a gem nestled along the shore of the San Pablo Bay. Whether you ride on the paved road or climb up and down on the mountain paths, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the water. This is a place you can get a good workout and commune with nature at the same time, with lots of wildlife to keep you company, including deer, wild turkeys and squirrels. Glide through the forest full of trees and lush vegetation, either on the lower (flatter) path, or power your way up to higher ground and cruise the upper trail. You can really get away from it all at this magnificent park—right in the heart of San Rafael.

China Camp State Park

101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, 415/456-0766, www.parks.ca.gov

2ND West Marin

3RD Marin Headlands, Sausalito

BEST SOLAR SUPPLIER

Perhaps it’s no surprise that America’s largest solar power provider—Solar City— was voted Marin’s best. Revolutionizing the way energy is delivered by giving customers a cleaner, more affordable alternative to their monthly utility bill is certainly an award well-deserved. Founded in 2006, Solar City’s customers include tens of thousands of homeowners, more than 400 schools (including Stanford University), government agencies such as the U.S. Armed Forces and Department of Homeland Security, and corporate clients, including eBay, HP and Intel. Solar City is helping to keep Marin’s climate cleaner by offering $250 for every referral that joins.

Solar City

161 Mitchell Blvd., Suite 104, San Rafael, 415/978-7652, solarcity.com

2ND Real Goods Solar (RGS), San Rafael

3RDSun First!, San Rafael

BEST RESALE/CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING SHOP

What sets apart the San Rafael location of Knimble Clothing & Knick Knack  from its sister stores in Oakland and Cotati? “It’s the space,” says Rachel Shepherd, manager of the San Rafael location. “The owner, Amanda, was inspired—she had a vision and was inspired by the space.” The shop carries an eclectic variety of timeless pieces that everyone can relate to, with a mix of specialized items that are either all made in the U.S., fair-trade or eco-friendly. Take the clothes you’ve grown tired of and trade them in for a percentage of cash or for store credit. “You’re guaranteed to find something versatile and timeless that will inspire you,” Shepherd says.

Knimble Clothing & Knick Knack

851 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/454-4009, knimble.com

2ND Stella’s Fine Consignments, San Anselmo

3RD Encore, San Rafael

BEST NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

Sloat Garden Center, established in 1958, is an independently owned premier garden center, where you’ll find everything from fresh plants, to soils, to garden tools and pottery. Paradise for green-thumbs, the center has multiple locations throughout the Bay Area, and offers workshops and seminars featuring gardening experts and designers. Want to learn about growing fruit or pest control, or just need some advice? Check out Sloat’s Gardener’s Blog.

Sloat Garden Center

Multiple Marin locations, sloatgardens.com

2ND West End Nursery, San Rafael

3RD O’Donnell’s Fairfax Nursery, Fairfax

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Where is more fitting for an antique store than the former No. 1 antiquing capital of the world? San Anselmo’s very own Dove Place Antiques, Consignment & Estate Liquidation is a mom-and-pop shop that isn’t afraid to take antiquing to the next level. It’s the silver, jewelry and Chinese antiques that are the hottest items today, says owner Wayne Wechsler. “We sell a lot of stuff on eBay,” says son and employee Matt Wechsler. “We have over 5,000 on our feedback score, so we’re a really trusted seller. We are insured and we pack and send the item ourselves.” Peruse the latest inventory or bring in an item and have the team help you sell it on eBay with the potential of reaching a worldwide audience. The store’s largest sale amounted to $40,000 from an eBay auction. Stop by and find out why Dove Place and the Wechslers are the best.

Dove Place Antiques, Consignment & Estate Liquidation

306 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, 415/453-1490 doveplaceantiques.com

2ND Laurel House Antiques, Ross

3RD Sentimental Journey Antiques, Novato

BEST FRAME STORE

When it’s time to frame that pile of photos sitting on your desk, there’s a great place to go—Cheap Pete’s Frame Factory Outlet. And their prices will make you very happy. They carry a wide variety of ready-made frames in lots of styles and sizes, as well as a large selection of custom mouldings and mats, so you can have it both ways, by choosing standard sizes and colors, or combining them with custom choices. With more than 40 years of experience, they really do have it all—so get thee to the frame shop!

Cheap Pete’s Frame Factory Outlet

221 Third St., San Rafael, 415/455-8055 cheappetes.com

2ND Ragged Sailor Gallery & Frames, Corte Madera

3RD Perry’s Art Supplies & Framing, San Anselmo

BEST GIFT SHOP

When you’re looking for an especially nice gift for someone—or for yourself—you’ll be delighted at the selection that the David M. Brian gift shop offers. The store itself is lovely, and everywhere you look, you’ll see something beautiful—from cut crystal vases and plates to specialty soaps and lotions. Plenty of practical items are on hand, too, including small kitchen appliances, cookware, games, books and a huge variety of decorative items. Services also include a gift and bridal registry, custom invitations, cards and announcements.

David M. Brian

110 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415/464-0344, davidmbrian.com

2ND The Folk Art Gallery, San Rafael

3RD Culture Shock, Fairfax

BEST LIGHTING SHOP

Ever wonder what made Clive Owen look so good in The Knick? Or how Johnny Depp’s cheekbones managed to look so sharp and sexy on the big screen in The Lone Ranger? Nowell’s Lighting can fill you in on a little secret—it was their lighting! Juan Pineda, co-owner of Nowell’s since 1998, recounts a laundry list of epic projects that the lighting store has assisted with—from illuminating blockbuster movies, to the Ford Theater, to the U.S. Treasury Department. “Our reputation is out there and it means a lot to many people,” Pineda says. “We are thankful to our customers—thank you for keeping us in business. We will continue to do the best we can.”

Nowell’s Lighting

615 Irwin St., San Rafael 415/332-4933, nowellslighting.com

2ND Tie: North Bay Lighting and Electrical Supply, San Rafael, and Light Express, San Rafael

BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE

The coolest part about bookstores, says Zack Ruskin, marketing manager at Book Passage, is that you can walk into them without knowing what you want to read. “We can help you find it, or you can discover it on your own,” he says. With two locations, hundreds of titles, more than 800 events a year, in-store classes (for credit), an emphasis on school book fairs, and partnerships with nonprofits, it’s no wonder that this place has won the hearts of lovers of the written word. “We’ve become such a community center,” says Luisa Smith, the store’s buying director. Kathryn Petrocelli, event and conference coordinator, agrees, noting that people view the store as a hub where there’s always something exciting happening or about to happen. “Book groups have formed here; friendships have formed here,” she says. “It’s a place that people feel embraced and welcomed.”

Book Passage

51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 415/927-0960, and in the San Francisco Ferry Building location, book passage.com

2ND Copperfield’s Books, San Rafael and other California locations

3RD Point Reyes Books, Point Reyes Station

BEST MARIN TOWN, OTHER THAN YOUR OWN

Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Kopelman has come a long way. Originally from New York City, Kopelman moved directly to Fairfax 20 years ago, and hasn’t looked back since. Fairfax is nothing short of a mythical place among Marin’s towns. It’s credited as the birthplace of the Bay Area’s mountain biking pioneers, is an undisputed New Age enclave of peace, love and patchouli oil—and proud of it—and the only city to have its own currency, Fairbucks. “The character of the town is historically rooted in fun,” Kopelman says. Its eclectic mix of shops is a reflection of the city’s distinct population, a blend of young-spirited older residents and today’s youth. “It’s a town for the whole family that attracts creative, progressive and alternative lifestyles,” Kopelman says. With such an open and inviting character, it’s no wonder that Fairfax was voted this year’s best town in the county.

Fairfax

2ND Mill Valley

3RD Larkspur

BEST NEW RETAIL BUSINESS OPENED IN 2014

For those with a thirst for knowledge and a cup of coffee, look no further than Copperfield’s Books. Founder Paul Jaffee wanted an independent bookseller as a community space for writers when he originally opened for business in 1982. Today, downtown San Rafael is one of seven locations, each of which are unique to their surrounding town. “We form ourselves around the city to be the community’s bookstore,” Manager Kira Ehrmann explains. Catering to what Ehrmann describes as the “very literary-conscious readership,” of Marin means that those in customer service know no bounds when it comes to getting you the book you want, and providing an array of events like book signings, author talks and panel discussions. The in-store cafe, Sebastopol-based Taylor Maid Farms, fosters an open community vibe that pairs well with books.

Copperfield’s Books

850 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/524-2800, and other California locations, copperfieldsbooks.com

2ND HomeGoods, San Rafael and other locations

3RD Athleta, Corte Madera and other locations

BEST PATIO FURNITURE

Walking into The Wooden Duck can feel like being transported to a handful of foreign countries. Co-owner Amy Ferber shares that the store was literally dreamed up by her business partner and friend Eric Gellerman 20 years ago. “We were on a buying trip in the Spice Islands of Indonesia, and Eric bought 800 little ducks to sell; he had a dream about the business’ name that night,” she says. Ferber, a UC Berkeley graduate in anthropology, has a worldly taste and keen eye for wooden craftsmanship, and she and Gellerman develop original designs inspired by their travels to Vietnam, China, France and India—just to name a few. The Wooden Duck specializes in furniture made from locally and sustainably reclaimed wood, including wood from Cal Stadium’s landmark remodeling project three years ago. The store’s weekly “Duck Deal” is considered to be the lowest price in the country on select items.

The Wooden Duck

1848 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/453-0345, thewoodenduck.com

2ND Patioworld, San Rafael

3RD Beach House Style, Fairfax