They offer pourovers, brewed coffee, and espresso drinks, as well as bags of single origin and blend beans. Mill Valley History - History of Mill Valley California - Mill Valley The population was spread out, with 3,291 people (23.7%) under the age of 18, 459 people (3.3%) aged 18 to 24, 2,816 people (20.3%) aged 25 to 44, 4,714 people (33.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,623 people (18.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. Goerke, Betty. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 622 persons (4.5%). But it is also renowned for its arts scene - from local comedy to theater, the town prides itself on a history filled with icons like Robin Williams and the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir. Though Reed, Richardson, and the Cushings were crucial to bringing people to the Mill Valley area, it was Eastland who really propelled the area and set the foundation for the city today. The 1980s and 1990s saw the decline of small businesses in Mill Valley. During the summer months, however, while the morning fog often keeps morning humidity normal, in a typical 70-80% range, by afternoon after the fog burns off, the humidity regularly plummets to around 30% as one would expect in this dry seasonal climate.[48]. What companies run services between Mill Valley, CA, USA and Vallejo, CA, USA? She named it Druid Heights. We are now surrounded by large regional shopping centers (five between here and San Rafael). Males had a median income of $94,800 versus $52,088 for females. Top 10 Things To Do In Mill Valley, California | Trip101 . Richardson and Reed had never formalized the boundary lines separating their ranchos. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There were no cars and no paved roads (Can you imagine the dust!). Mill Valley to Sacramento - 2 ways to travel via train, and car - Rome2rio Her writing and podcast have been featured in Forbes, CBC Canada, National Geographic, the Huffington Post, and CNN Arabic, amongst others. He raised cattle and horses and had a brickyard and stone quarry. It ravaged much of Mt. World War II, with "Marinship" in Sausalito, brought workers from all over the country. Mill Valley to Vallejo - 3 ways to travel via line 17 bus - Rome2rio The Manzanita was located near the intersection of U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1. MARINet now has an online catalogue of all the materials, both physical and electronic, in the Marin public libraries, which patrons can order, pick up, and drop off materials at any of the participating libraries. Carefully protecting the environment, O'Shaughnessy laid out roads, pedestrian paths and step-systems, built Cascade Dam and Reservoir for water supply, and set aside reservations for churches, schools, and parks. Eleven years in the planning, Mill Valley opened its popular community center in April 2001. In the meantime, the North Pacific Coast Railroad had laid tracks from Sausalito to the north, with the nearest stop in our area across what is now Highway 101 at Strawberry. Mill Valley, California (CA 94941) profile: population, maps, real In 1838, Richardson received Rancho Sausalito, 19,000 acres stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the south, Mt. Seeing the financial advantages of a railroad his descendants then turned the hospital into the Blithedale Hotel after the land title was finally granted in 1884. [45] The spills caused distress in Mill Valley's administrative government, which remains outspoken about "dedicating itself to the protection of air quality, waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and the protection of wildlife and habitat" in Mill Valley.[46]. Climbing Mt Whitney in A Day (Or Two): Hiking the Mt Whitney Trail, 13 Delightful Things to Do in Napa (More Than Just Wine! San Francisco to Muir Woods (With or Without Reservations): How to Get There & What to Do! When the Cushings arrived in Blithedale Canyon, there was a small farm nearby in the valley run by a family named King (King Street was named for them). Scott Valley is quiet and highly desirable neighborhood in the north east corner of Mill Valley. In August of that year, elections were held for incorporation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); California Crossroads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. It is also well known for the Dipsea. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Mill Valley - Tripadvisor 37.90539 -122.54917. Combining elements of progressive bluegrass, folk, and formal vocal music, The Arcadian Wild offer up songs of . Meander through some of the most gorgeous art galleries dotted throughout the . As payment of a debt, Throckmorton acquired a large portion of Rancho Saucelito in 185354 and built his own rancho, "The Homestead," on what is now Linden Lane and Montford Avenue. Sometimes we show external review scores from other well-known travel websites, but make it clear when we do this. A picture book, although not entirely accurately, shows the paths, "Steps, Lanes and Paths of Mill Valley". A total of 168 votes were cast with incorporation approved by the all-male voters (women's voting rights were many years down the road). He was the man who made it possible to really "plan" Mill Valley, since he had the money and the clout. Mill Valley is a town with a rich and eclectic cultural history and a lively and engaged citizenry. Headed by Joseph Eastland, a man already a power in the state, and joined by Lovell White, Roger Magee, Louis Janes, and C.O.G. The median household income was $90,794, and the median family income was $119,669. The Outdoor Art Club was founded in 1902 by a group of civic-minded women led by Mrs. Lovell White (wife of the second president of the T.L.&W. The Miwoks who had not died or fled were often employed under a state of indentured servitude to the California land grant owners. [55], In July 2005, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Mill Valley tenth on its list of the 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. Mill Valley manages to harmonize an amazing variety of homes, from modest bungalows to luxurious custom builds or the most elegant Victorians. There are a few downsides, traffic is always bad and there are people moving here frequently. Town trustees were chosen from among prominent citizens and organized city government began. This upper trail head provides access to the Edgewood trail, and also provides gateway access to the upper region of Muir Woods, Tamalpais State Park near the Alice Eastwood Campsite access road, and the main southern access point Mt. The cost of living is also very high as is the cost of housing. One of its buildings was a small adobe house which is believed to have predated the King farm. Richardson's heirs successfully sued Reed's heirs in 1860 claiming the mill was built on their property. In Sausalito, Marinship brought over 75,000 people to Marin, many of whom moved to Mill Valley permanently. Berkeley, CA: Heyday Books. 87.2%. Beyond the flat coastal area and marshlands, it occupies narrow wooded canyons, mostly of second-growth redwoods, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais. [54], The combination of Mill Valley's idyllic location nestled beneath Mount Tamalpais coupled with its relative ease of access to nearby San Francisco has made it a popular home for many high-income commuters. The Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, a state historical landmark, was designed in 1904 by internationally known architect, Bernard Maybeck. The Big Day was May 31, 1890, when 3,000 people attended the land auction held near Reed's now-crumbling sawmill in Old Mill Park. Three Wells is located downstream from Cascade Falls. Chief Marin, Leader, Rebel, and Legend: A History of Marin County's Namesake and his People. Of those, 6,270 (61.5%) are registered Democrats, 965 (9.5%) are registered Republicans, and 2,605 (25.6%) have declined to state a political party. Where to Eat: Mill Valley - Marin Magazine In 2019, Mill Valley averaged a PM2.5 concentration of 5.4 g/m 3, equivalent to a "good" US air quality index (AQI) level and indicating that air quality typically poses little to no health risks to residents. Walk along the creek bed and youll see it! The ranch superintendent was Jacob Gardner, a man whose family continues to be important to Marin County. Mill Valley is a city in Marin County, California, United States, located about 14 miles north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge and 52 miles from Napa Valley. Check out the Mill Valley Depot Cafe & Bookstore at 87 Throckmorton Ave Mill Valley, CA 94941. Zigzag Trail (0.5 mile, steep climb): This is a very steep trail which has an upper trail head near the Throckmorton Ridge Fire Station and the Mountain Home Inn with gateway access to the upper region of Muir Woods, Tamalpais State Park near the Alice Eastwood Campsite access road, and the main southern access point Mt. Mill Valley, located just north of San Francisco on the flank of the towering Mount Tamalpais, has long been home to some of Mother Earth's most popular treasures. 5,622. Tamalpais that overlooks Mill Valley. 954 Bus Tours from $96.00 per adult Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour 250 Historical Tours from $159.00 per adult The population was 14,231 at the 2020 census. Now known nationwide, the Dipsea Race originated in 1905 by members of the San Francisco Olympic Club. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. While much of San Francisco and Marin County was devastated, many fled to Mill Valley and most never left. Housing was required for them in Sausalito and nearby communities. Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go It's a known attraction in the city, showcasing a diverse art style that attracts aspiring artists from different cities. Theres free WiFi at the library and theres an outdoor reading room where you can enjoy some reading or browsing the internet at one of the outdoor tables. By 1894, Eastland was dead. There were 6,147 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. In the evenings there were often lantern-lit parties, perhaps just on weekends, when husbands could commute from San Francisco and join their families. [16], In 1836, John Reed married Hilaria Sanchez, the daughter of a commandante in the San Francisco Presidio. Mill Valley - Places | Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau The trail continues on and connects to any of three other trail heads. In addition, Mill Valley's Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the annual Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting in Lytton Square for many years. George C. Goheen built the so-called "defense homes" for defense workers throughout the 1940s and 1950s in the Alto neighborhood.[37]. Rate It! [62] In 2009 resident Matt Connelly threatened litigation alleging that some of the proposed paths represent a seizure of private property (even though some antique maps suggest that certain potential easements could be thought of as the justification for future steps, lanes, or paths).[63]. The first people known to inhabit Marin County, the Coast Miwok, arrived approximately 6,500 years ago. 1) EXPLORE DOWNTOWN MILL VALLEY. Throckmorton died in 1883, badly in debt to the San Francisco Savings Union, which had foreclosed a $100,000 mortgage and subsequently had taken possession of 13,000 acres of his land. Our local merchants are hoping that the pleasure of shopping in a "real" downtown with friendly, personal service can survive. Pro tip: Order the Habibi Latte, made with orange blossom, cardamom, cloves, and vanilla syrup. Best known as the home base of Muir Woods National Monument, one of the most beautiful redwood forests near San Francisco, Mill Valley is a charming village oasis full of cute galleries and shops, tasty restaurants, gorgeous walks, and its fair share of hidden gems. These are undeveloped natural areas and contain many species of wild animals, including some large predators like the coyote, the bobcat, and the cougar. His was, of course, the first home to have electricity. Muir Woods is absolutely gorgeous, but one word of warning: it is crowded. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population. This hotel is located 6 minutes from downtown Mill Valley, California and Mill Valley Golf Course. [17] A majority of the immigrants came from the Azores. Washington, D.C: Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin No. At his death in 1856 at 61 years old, Richardson was almost destitute. Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+, 2017-2021. And of course, Ive saved the best thing to do in Mill Valley for last: taking a walk through scenic redwoods in Muir Woods! Mr. Raker died on July 5 from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's . Tam (including the Tavern and 117 homes) and the city itself was spared only by a change in wind direction. Cascade Dam, built in 1893, was closed in 1972 and drained four years later in an attempt to curb the "hordes" of young people using the reservoir for nude sunbathing and swimming. They both applied for land grants. The Plankwalk Trail tops out at the summit of East Peak where theres a historic fire lookout building and incredible views over the Bay Area and three bridges connecting different parts of the Bay. [76], The Mill Valley Public Library is also home to the Lucretia Hanson Little History Room, which has thousands of books, photographs, newspapers, pamphlets, artifacts, and oral histories on the history of California, Marin County, and Mill Valley.[77]. [37] The Public Library expanded with a new Children's Room, a downstairs Fiction Room, and Internet computers. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In 1873, San Francisco physician Dr. John Cushing discovered 320 "lost" acres between the Reed and Richardson boundaries between present-day Corte Madera Avenue, across the creek, and into West Blithedale Canyon. [57], While Mill Valley has retained elements of its earlier artistic culture through galleries, festivals, and performances, its stock of affordable housing has diminished,[58] forcing some residents to leave the area. The adobe structure is still standing and connected to a house on West Blithedale Avenue; it is the oldest structure in Mill Valley. It soon became a "beatnik" enclave years before the term was born, and later a party spot for famous freaks. In Mill Valley there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. One of my favorite places to visit in the Bay Area is the charming redwood-covered town of Mill Valley. It was used as a milk house by the Blithedale Hotel and is still standing as part of a house on West Blithedale Avenue, the oldest structure in Mill Valley. Cascade Drive is a fun little walk in Mill Valley where youll see a huge contrast between the tiny little cottages which speak to Mill Valleys roots as a summer cottage destination for San Franciscans and the giant palatial houses which speak to its current status as a popular suburban oasis. Churches were built. She has traveled to 60 countries before the age of 30 while running several digital travel publications. The military built the Mill Valley Air Force Station to protect the area during the Korean War. The Tamalpais Land and Water Company came into existence and the extension of the railroad brought new . For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males. With few exceptions, it has been held every year since. Best Places to Live in Mill Valley, California - Sperling's BestPlaces There were 3,627 families (59.6% of all households); the average family size was 2.94. Mill Valley, California Neighborhood Guide | Compass [13] The Blithedale Hotel used it as a milk house. 2023 Best 10 Walking Trails in Mill Valley | AllTrails On May 31, 1890, nearly 3,000 people attended The Tamalpais Land & Water Co. land auction near the now-crumbling sawmill. Mill Valley remained a quiet, natural place, despite signs of man's destructive nature. [39] On Google Maps, its not marked, but its located at the creek crossing after Cascade Drive and Wainwright Place but before it joins back up with Throckmorton Ave. Several small hotels appeared and Bay Area people began to come to the valley for weekend hiking. Mill Valley jobs have increased by 1.4%. The former encompassed what is now southern Corte Madera, the Tiburon Peninsula, and Strawberry Point. The first City Hall was built in 1908 and a Carnegie Library in 1910. More Economy. By the 1920s, most roads were paved over, mail delivery was in full swing, and the population was at its highest at more than 2,500 citizens. History of Mill Valley | Mill Valley, CA The house and its land is now owned by the Marin County Open Space District. These acres were located from the eastern side of what is now Corte Madera Avenue and across the creek into West Blithedale Canyon. For every 100 females, there were 85.3 males. [23] After the land auctions the area was known as both "Eastland" and "Mill Valley". We walked 3 miles (round trip) in Yosemite to see a couple of clusters of redwood trees in Merced Grove. The street runs down hill to Stolte Grove. Its also accessible for those using a wheelchair, walker, or stroller. In 1776, with the foundation of Mission San Francisco de Ass (commonly known as Mission Dolores), the Coast Miwok of southern Marin began to slowly enter the mission; first, those from Sausalito came, followed by those from areas now known as Mill Valley, Belvedere, Tiburn and Bolinas. Out of this, the Tamalpais Land and Water Company (T.L.&W.) The first head is at the five-way intersection of Molino Ave, Edgewood Ave, Cape Ct, and Mirabel Ave. 12.5%. By 1879, he was dead. The 1990s also saw another influx of affluence. The Post Office opened under the name "Eastland", however after many objections it was changed to "Mill Valley" in 1904. Mill Valley, CA | The COMPLETE (2023) Living & Moving to Guide Tamalpais, just steps away from the bustling town plaza. 707 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States of America - Good location - show map . An intimate, small hotel tucked away in a redwood grove at the foot of Mt. Mill Valley maintains many recreational parks which often contain playgrounds, wooded trails and other designated areas specifically designed for playing various sports. So crowded, in fact, you need parking reservations but more on that in my guide to visiting Muir Woods. There were 6,084 households, out of which 1,887 (31.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,984 (49.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 465 (7.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 178 (2.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. [19], Throckmorton came to San Francisco in 1850 as an agent for an eastern mining business before working for Richardson. A new Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons-designed Mill Valley Public Library was completed in 1966. The racial makeup of the city in 2010 was 85.8% non-Hispanic White, 0.8% non-Hispanic African American, 0.1% Native American, 5.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Tickets cost $3 - $75 and the journey takes 1h 38m. Some new property owners built permanent homes. Tam and the West Marin watersheds to fill the then-six reservoirs. Organizations and clubs cropped up including the Outdoor Art Club (1902) (organized by Laura Lyon White),[30][31] Masonic Lodge (1903)[32] which celebrated its centennial in 2003[33] and the Dipsea Race (1905), the latter marking its 100th anniversary in 2010. One hundred and sixty people, identified as Huimen, were baptized at Mission Dolores in San Francisco, and by 1817, fewer than 20 had survived, mainly due to exposure to European diseases. Youth subculture would come under attack again in 1974 when the City Council banned live music, first at the Sweetwater and later at the Old Mill Tavern, both now defunct. Mill Valley Neighborhoods | Living in Mill Valley CA The Coast Miwok were known for their intricately woven watertight baskets decorated with designs of shell beads and feathers, as well as feathered ceremonial regalia of hats, belts, aprons, and jewelry. The earliest archaeological evidence we have of Indians living in Mill Valley comes from a site in Strawberry, where findings indicate that Indians were hunting and fishing on Richardson Bay over 5,000 years ago. Tamalpais to the north, east to the Corte Madera del Presidio Creek and out to Richardson Bay, including the Headlands and what is now Stinson and Muir Beaches, Sausalito, Tamalpais and Homestead Valleys, and part of Mill Valley. Using the Homestead Act he petitioned the government and managed to acquire the land. There was fishing, probably hunting in the nearby hills, hiking and horseback riding. Recent job growth is Positive. Current weather in Mill Valley, CA. July 12, 2023 at 5:49 p.m. Former Mill Valley mayor and prominent local architect Christopher Raker has died at the age of 78. In downtown Mill Valley, Equator on 2 Miller Ave. (across the street from the Mill Valley Depot Cafe & Bookstore) is the place to go for coffee! The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.85. The Mt. What companies run services between Mill Valley, CA, USA and Sacramento, CA, USA? In 1907, the railroad added a branch line into "Redwood Canyon", and in 1908, the canyon became Muir Woods, a national monument. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A Brief History of Mill Valley By Doris Bassett, Updated by Joan Murray "One of Mill Valley's loveliest attributes is its infinite capacity to provide shelter for all - for those whose path has been straight and narrow, and for those who have marched to different drummers." - Nancy Swadesh in "Mill Valley Historical Review," Spring, 1982. There are a number of trails you can take in Muir Woods for something less crowded, I suggest the Bootjack Trail, a moderate hike of about 6 miles which thins out completely after the first mile or so in the main redwood grove. Living in Mill Valley | Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty Downtown's Depot Plaza location serves up avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and those famous gluten-free waffles. Then Summit School was opened with one room and 35 students in 1892. Edgewood Trail (0.5 mile; aka Pipeline Trail, Cowboy Rock Trail (0.25 mile): part of the Homestead Valley Land Trust, the upper trail head is at Edgewood and Sequoia Valley Road intersection, across the street from where the Dipsea trail stairs from downtown end. Highlights of 2010-2020 decade included a major renovation of Miller Avenue known as the Miller Avenue Streetscape project which finished in 2018. March 2022 cost of living index in Mill Valley: 141.7 (very high, U.S. average is 100) Mill Valley, CA residents, houses, and apartments details. There was not enough time in our schedule to go to the more notable places to see them, so we were seeking alternatives. 2007. Throckmorton had acquired a major part of Sausalito Rancho as payment of debt in 1853-4, and built a ranch "The Homestead" (Linden Lane and Montford Avenue). [75] As part of the City of Mill Valley's decision to "go Green", the library has a Sustainability Collection with books and DVDs with information about how to become more environmentally friendly. Particularly notable for its unusual roof truss system, the Arts and Crafts style building exemplifies Maybeck's creative use of natural materials. Kids will love playing on the playground in the middle of the redwood forest, and adults will enjoy the old railroad stop on the side of the creek and the public art benches. Mill Valley, California - Wikipedia The population in the city alone swelled over 13,000 and many of the old, narrow, winding streets grew clogged with traffic congestion. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Bridges were built over creeks, dirt roads were oiled, and cement sidewalks began to appear. Mill Valley, California is known for its outdoor wonders and its many charming delights, such as shopping, golf and more all with a hip, earthy vibe. Our town has been extolled through local schoolteacher, Rita Abram's song, Mill Valley, California, about the glories of life here, which attracted youths from all over the country each summer. It is run from the center of town over the hills and valleys to Stinson Beach. The population density was 2,868.2 inhabitants per square mile (1,107.4/km2). The Pixie Trail also has a mid-access point, where the Pixie Trail becomes paved and developed. California coastal fog often affects Mill Valley, making relative humidity highly variable. [22] Fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and other activities increased in popularity as people came to the area as vacationers or moved in and commuted to San Francisco for work. Mill Valley is a city in Marin County, California, United States, located about 14 miles (23 km) north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge and 52 miles (84 km) from Napa Valley. Mill Valley is located on the western and northern shores of Richardson Bay, and the eastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais.