Thanks to an avid C&C follower and dear friend, she pointed me to Marin Country Mart in Larkspur. The outdoor shopping and dining oasis is enclosed by string lights and potted lemons trees, just a skip away from the Larkspur ferry terminal making the jaunt from the city effortless. It might as well be an advertisement for a utopian Bay Area society – attractive families are adorned in Patagonia puffers taking candid photographs, while others are sipping local wine and rehashing tales from their 60 mile morning bike ride to Pt. Reyes and back. Oh, California. Below is a snapshot of my afternoon - all of which are highly recommended pleasures:

First stop off the ferry: Maui Fish Tacos from The Taco Guys at the food tuck extravaganza known as "Off The Grid". YUM.

Second stop - exploring the shops: Lots of winter white and texture at the Calypso St. Barth store...need that clutch...and a trip to the actual St. Barths...

Next: Posted up at The FarmShop with a glass of wine to listen to a little bluegrass. The lad on the fiddle is a former Attorney General assistant from Tennessee - immediately a winner in my book (denim on denim et all).

Onward to: Malia Mills to find these fun swim caps then a bop next door to the bookstore to check out the Publication Party for Perry Ellis.

Last stop: A cappuccino from The Rustic Bakery to take in the last sights and sounds before boarding the ferry home...

On the way home we were treated to the most wonderfully pink sunset over the Golden Gate bridge. It was as if it were beckoning me back to the city. My eyes danced with absolute delight still savoring moments from my solo adventure.