summer isn’t over

The days may be winding down but if you’re willing to chase after summer she’s still holding court here and there. Here is a rocky inlet off the California coast. On the south side of Tomales Bay the little peninsula of Point Reyes has slowly but steadily inched 350 miles north since sometime around the Cretaceous period ( /-) — bringing SoCal flora and fauna along with it just to confuse anyone paying attention (which you’d probably only do if pausing at a picnic table to dine on Cowgirl Creamery cheeses, or perhaps while hiking along one of Point Reyes’s many coastal trails). On the northern side, there’s the Marshall Store. Local oysters fresh from the sea, mouth-watering crab sandwiches, and infamous clam chowder draw crowds from miles around every weekend. Whether you’ve come for the sun, water or ceviche — expect lots of charm; hope for lots of sun; and prepare for the wind and fog to come sweeping in off the coast by sundown or before. On this September weekend we lucked out — it was only the first two qualities joining us for this little California getaway.

What to Do around Tamales Bay –

Eat At:

• The Marshall Store for fresh seafood in a casual setting. Grab a spot at one of their long family-style outdoor tables and keep the oyster orders coming.
• Cafe Reyes for wood-fired pizza, seasonal salads and more oysters. Has a fantastic outdoor patio for warm-to-breezy weather.
• Saltwater to treat yourself on fine dining centered around seafood and the seasons.

Visit:

• The Inverness Shipwreck to feel like Indiana Jones discovering an artifact of history (I sneak on board occasionally myself).
• The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a trek out there but is totally worth the hike for stunning — often otherworldly — views.

Browse: The Point Reyes Farmer’s Market for the ripest produce, tastiest jams and baked goods, and best grilled cheese in the bay area, usually set to live music.
And Stay: At the beautiful Kent House (referred to amongst the family as “the Shambles”) for a richly cosy and secluded stay.

I’m never really prepared, but it always goes down this way each year — thanks to my work schedule and the weather in the Bay Area my best and most laid-back summer moments are in the twilight of the season, while the rest of the world is ramping up for fall. Do you have any final summer plans yet? What is your best memory so far of this year’s season? Let me know in the comments, and until next time find me on pinterest, twitter, instagram, and facebook.

Thank you for reading, and Ciao!