|
|
Directions
The ceremony will start at 5pm at the Marin Art and Garden Center in the town of Ross, CA, in beautiful Marin County. From the 101 freeway about 10 miles north of San Francisco, exit at Sir Francis Drake Drive and proceed WEST (toward Kentfield, away from the San Rafael Bridge and San Quentin). Travel about 2.5 miles on Sir Francis Drake (past the Bon Air Shopping Center, the hospital on your left, and the College of Marin), and the site will be on your right.
For those traveling by air, the closest airport is SFO, San Francisco International. Please be aware that this airport is a 30-60 minute drive from the wedding location. There is minimal public transportation in Marin County, so renting a car is highly advised. We highly recommend, and often use, Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
The Day
We chose the date May 19, 2001, since it is two years to the day after our engagement date. Brooke has been VERY set on keeping this date, despite the location mishaps -- it means a lot to her! May 19, 1999, was also the one-year anniversary of Bruce's first stock option grant from Yahoo... and all of us here know what that means!
The Location
Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, CA, in gorgeous Marin County. Ceremony here in the Fountain Pond area at 5pm with reception to follow in the restaurant patio area.
Guest Lodgings
Book early! The Bay Area is a popular place for vacationers.
Area hotels include the following (all within 5 miles of wedding location):
- Courtyard by Marriott, Larkspur. 415/925-1800
Rates: $179/night weeknight, $189/night weekend
The best in terms of convenience -- across the street from a strip mall, short walk from the Larkspur ferry terminal.
- Gerstle Park Inn, San Rafael. 415/721-7611
Cozy, unique bed and breakfast.
Rates: $170-240/night.
- Marin Suites Hotel, Corte Madera. 415-924-3608
Rates with AAA discount: $127/night 1 bdm suite, $149/night 2 bdm suite
All-suites hotel, some containing kitchen facilities.
- Travelodge, Mill Valley. 415/383-0340
Rates: $108/night, including tax.
What To Do in the Area...
First thing we'd suggest doing -- head on down to the local AAA office and pick up any necessary maps. They also might be able to suggest things to do in your area of interest. The closest AAA to the wedding site is 100 Drake's Landing Road in Greenbrae. To get there from the Marin Art and Garden Center, head EAST on Sir Francis Drake (left out of parking lot) and head back towards the freeway. Right before you get to the freeway (just past the Bon Air Shopping Center) turn RIGHT onto Drake's Landing. The AAA office should be within the first block.
In the immediate area, there are many places to go on hikes. One of Brooke's fvorites is the Tennessee Valley trail out of Mill Valley -- a 3-4 mile round trip easy hike out to the ocean. Ask Brooke for directions if you're interested! There are other nature places to traipse around, too, such as the Muir Woods area...
The closest mall is the Village at Corte Madera, a few exits south of the wedding site. Probably the best places to shop are Sausalito and Tiburon, communities with quaint, artsy shops to browse. These places are right on the bay, and they're a mere 10-15 minute drive from the wedding site.
Just south across the Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco, a city Brooke called home for a few years. There are numerous things to do, depending on your interest. Brooke can suggest multiple restaurants all within walking distance of Golden Gate Park (as well as a pub with a REALLLLLY good stout!).
We're not too familiar with restaurants in the Marin area, unfortunately. The best breakfast experience is the Dipsea Cafe in Mill Valley, about 1/2 mile off of the freeway. Great pancakes, French toast, and other breakfast dishes. A *great* stop after a morning run at Tennessee Valley.
Not too far north of Marin County is the famed Wine Country of California. Napa County is directly north, while Sonoma is a bit more east and north. Most wineries in the region are within a 45 minute drive of the wedding site.
Additional excursions...
The famous Silicon Valley, 1 hour south: some of the larger companies, including Intel, give tours.
Berkeley, 45 minutes east: Transport yourself into the '60's and buy some tie-dyed togs, visit the University of California, Berkeley.
Santa Cruz, 2 hours south: Walk along the beach, ride the rides at the Boardwalk.
Point Reyes National Seashore, 45 minutes northwest: Hiking along craggy rocks and cliffs and fog-swept beaches.
Avenue of the Giants and California Redwoods, 4-5 hours north: hike among the world's tallest trees.
Yosemite National Park, 4 hours east: Highlighted by a breathtaking valley carved out by glaciers. Both short and long hikes available, depending on your adventure level. Stand at the top of the valley and look over the edge at Glacier POint, if you dare.
Cambria/San Simeon/San Luis Obispo, 4 hours south: Visit the Hearst Castle estate in San Simeon; stay in a cozy bed&breakfast and browse the art galleries of Cambria and SLO.
Honeymoon
Plans are to spend about a month traipsing all over Europe. We may do it on a day-by-day planning basis! The first ten days will probably be in England and Scotland, and the balance of the time is planned for northern Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. (Gotta pick up those German language tapes!!) So if anyone has any suggestions of places to go, things to EAT, and places to stay... would love to hear 'em all!!
|