Date Night Marin: September 2014
We all love our kids, but sometimes you just have to get away and do something as grownups. Enter the date night! In this new monthly series of articles, we'll be highlighting some of the best in fun activities and date destinations for Mom and Dad to do in Marin sans little ones. Do you have a favorite date night spot that you'd like us to highlight in a future post? Let us know.
This month, September, 2014, we're focusing on places where you can get food, drink, and great live entertainment.
Northern Marin
Sleepy Novato has never been considered a nightlife hub by any stretch of the imagination, but over the past couple of years, that's begun to change. Trek Winery, a family-run tasting room and wine bar in downtown Novato, offers award-winning wines and live entertainment on weekends. This month, Trek presents live music by Chime Travelers in the tasting room on Saturday, September 20 from 7 to 10 pm (no cover). On Saturday, September 27, the Marin Comedy Show presents standup comedy by Steve Mittelman in the barrel room ($25 reserved, $20 general admission). Trek is located at 1026 Machin Avenue. Visit them online at trekwine.com or call (415) 899-9883 for more information.
In the Vintage Oaks shopping center, the Novato outpost of Hopmonk Tavern has become northern Marin's destination for live music. With a lineup of diverse musical acts and a menu featuring a huge variety of beer and tasty pub grub, it's no wonder that Hopmonk is a local favorite. Make sure you book your tickets for in advance—many of their shows (like the fun and fabulous Wonderbread 5 this Saturday) do sell out early! Hopmonk Tavern is located at 224 Vintage Way. (415) 892-6200 or hopmonk.com.
Central Marin
Fourth Street is the place to be in San Rafael for a night out. We've heard good things about Marin's new Fenix supper club, at 919 Fourth Street, which offers live music featuring favorite local acts and featured shows by renowned performers in an acousticlly amazing space. Their autumn menu features delectable Southern-inspired cuisine, and their bar mixes up a assortment of signature cocktails for every taste. (415) 813-5600 or fenixlive.com.
Further west, in the laid-back town of Fairfax, you'll find the Sleeping Lady, a local hangout that offers great beer and wine, locally sourced food—much of it using organic ingredients, and live entertainment featuring anything from Flamenco dancing to a weekly traditional Irish pub jam. The Sleeping Lady is located right in downtown Fairfax at 23 Broadway. (415) 485-1182 or sleepingladyfairfax.com.
Southern Marin
Mill Valley's recently reopened Sweetwater Music Hall has been a southern Marin nightlife fixture since the early '70s. Over the decades, this storefront music venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including local luminaries like Bob Weir, Sammy Hagar, and Bonnie Raitt, and it continues to see fantastic acts on its stage. Grab a bite to eat before the show at the Sweetwater's rustic cafe, which puts an emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Downtown Sausalito is touristy but always fun to visit, so work your way through the throngs to check out the new incarnation of the Trident on Bridgeway. The Trident was famous throughout the '60s and '70s for its stellar music scene. Come to experience the original 1960s decor, live music, gourmet food, and amazing views of San Francisco Bayfrom the Trident's waterfront location. The Trident is located at 558 Bridgeway. They even have a dock if you'd like to sail up (call ahead to reserve a spot). (415) 331-3232 www.thetridentsausalito.com
Need a place for the kiddos to go while you enjoy your evening out? Marinwood Community Center in San Rafael offers a Parents Night Out event next Friday, September 26, from 5 to 10 pm. The cost is $22, with a $4 sibling discount for kids ages 2 to 10. Your child will have fun in safe environment with games, a movie, arts and crafts, and dinner, too. Register early, as this program fills up quickly. More information and reservations at www.marinwood.org.
