San Geronimo
San Geronimo is quite the small, humble abode to those who call it home, with Woodacre to its west and Lagunitas-Forest Knolls to its east. While it’s a small town you still have a local diner in Two Bird Cafe. Oh yea, and do you remember those little bears in “Star Wars”? The Ewoks, the ones everyone loves and adores. Well if you’re lucky, you might stumble across one when you explore Roy’s Redwoods, where George Lucas filmed those iconically adorable scenes.
While the town itself doesn’t offer as much as most, the location is central for activities of all kinds. Being located right in between Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Nicasio Valley Road, it gives one the option to drive around 20 minutes to Point Reyes, San Rafael, Stinson, and Novato.
Woodacre
As you enter the Valley, coming over White’s Hill, the first town you’ll encounter is Woodacre. As you turn off of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and head down San Geronimo Valley Drive, you feel as if you’re really out in the middle of the forest. With trees surrounding the road on both sides, it catches all of its visitors in awe, and brings a smile to those familiar with it.
Once you get into town, you’ll pass the Woodacre Country Market & Deli, offering its residents a quick answer for groceries and a bite of food. Farther into the town, you’ll pass the San Geronimo Creek. You can even end up at the Woodacre Improvement Club, where you’ll find a children’s park, an outdoor basketball court, and even a baseball field.
Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
The Lagunitas-Forest Knolls area offers those who live there the true “valley” experience. With a population of 1,819 in the 2010 census, and lying just west of San Germino and Woodacre, and just down the street from Point Reyes, this beautiful area acts as a halfway point between the bigger towns.
But don’t let the small town fool you. Nestled in both redwood forests and dreamy sunshine, you’ll find an amazing community. You could start your day with a walk down to the new Pump Espresso Bar and enjoy the friendly faces. If you want to get fresh produce, The Farm Stand is just right down the road. There’s even the Lagunitas Grocery Store, with a deli so good that locals heading out to Stinson for a day trip make sure to stop by there. And hey, if you’re looking for an amazing spot to swim, the well-renowned Inkwells is a walk away.
Nicasio
Located between Fairfax and the coast, Nicasio offers its residents a little more privacy than neighboring areas. While the houses are more spacious, usually come with more land, and are often accompanied by farm animals, Nicasio still fosters a great sense of community.
If you’re driving through Nicasio, you’ll pass a little plaza filled with businesses and community spaces, including a Little League field and an old church. Residents have also dubbed Rancho Nicasio, a local restaurant and bar, the heart of the community. Additionally, there’s Skywalker Vineyards, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, and even a seasonal pumpkin patch.
