FSD Aug 2022 The Great Marin Cheese Tour V
We will meet at Peets Coffee, between 0900-0945hrs for coffee at 276 Bon Air Center Greenbrae, CA 94904. This is just off of Sir Francis Drake Blvd minutes from 101, the Barry Way Ave (first stop light to the left) and is the best entrance to the shopping center. Park on the south of the Woodlands Pet Foods store, Peets is across the street. We will start the sign ins upon arrival and a prompt departure from the parking lot at 1000hrs then we are off to our FSD adventure (approx. 46 miles) … please be aware of bicyclist and cows along the way! Please see driving details on pg. 2 for the turn by turn.
Marin has been famous for cheese since 1865. Today we're going to visit a few of the most famous cheese producers and drive some of the most beautiful roads in coastal California at the same time. Enjoy the summer scenery, drive through the magnificent redwood tree groves on Lucas Valley Road, then rolling hills as we turn (left) onto Nicasio Valley Road heading north toward our first stop, after our second stop, are more rolling hills and a spectacular view of Tomales Bay heading south on to Highway 1 to Pt. Reyes.
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio, CA
(Just past the town of Nicasio on the right side of the road.)
The La Franchi family enjoyed the traditional cheeses of the Swiss homeland and dreamed of making their own. Their organic dairy was the perfect opportunity to enable them to pay homage to their heritage.
Continue north on Nicasio Valley Road to Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd., a right turn heading east, we will shortly arrive at our second stop.
Marin French Cheese Company
http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/
7510 Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952
(Left side of road, about 10-15 min travel time from last stop)
The oldest continuously operating cheese factory in America! Marin French has specialized in hand made Brie and Camembert since 1865. In 2005 it was the first American producer to best France in international competitions.
Continuing (left turn) east on Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd (for 10 minutes) where we make a left onto Hicks Valley Road. The first turn left will put you on the Marshall – Petaluma Rd. this heads MBZr’s west towards Marshall and Highway #1. A left turn onto Highway #1 heads us along Tomales Bay with wonderful water views and to our final destination, The Cowgirl Creamery at Point Reyes Station.
Cowgirl Creamery
http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/
80 4th Street
Point Reyes Station, CA
In 1997, Sue Conley and Peggy Smith built a small creamery in downtown Point Reyes Station and began making handcrafted cheese with local organic milk. They now produce three fresh and six aged cheeses, they have recently retired, the creamery goes on!
While this is the end of our tour, it will be time for a later lunch with several great restaurants and a deli to choose from or sit outside of the creamery and enjoy your selection of many cheeses that you have purchased! Thank you for your participation.
Brief: (Distances, and times are approximate)
Start: Meet at Peet’s Coffee 276 Bon Air Center Greenbrae, CA 94904, enter Barry Way.
Depart: 1000hrs, exit parking lot to the south and turn Left on to Barry Way.
Turn Right on to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. staying in the left-hand lanes.
Turn Left on Freeway 101 on ramp, sign indicates “North to Eureka.”
5.6 mi, Take the Lucas Valley Rd. / Smith Ranch Rd. off ramp, turn Left onto Lucas Valley Rd.
9.4 mi, Turn Left onto Nicasio Valley Road.
1.5 mi., On the Right will be the Nicasio Cheese Company just past the town, 10:30ish arrival.
Depart: 1045hrs ish, Turn Right onto Nicasio Valley Road.
2.5 mi. Right onto Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Road
4 mi. Down the road is the Marin French Cheese Company on the LEFT, turn Left into parking lot.
Depart: 1130hrs ish, after snacks, picnic tables by a pond, Turn Left onto Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Road.
5.2 mi. Turn Left on to Hicks Valley Road toward Walker Creek Ranch.
3 mi. Turn Left onto Marshall – Petaluma Road
5.8 mi. Turn Left onto Hwy #1, 9 mi to Pt. Reyes Station, with great water views of Tomales Bay.
Arrive: 1215hrs ish – Pt. Reyes Station, 80 4th street, home of the “Cowgirl Creamery.”
Finish: Cowgirl Creamery, Lunch Time! Several great places to eat throughout the village. Check out the Palace Market Deli (main street) for great sandwiches, highly recommended.
Thank you for your participation and looking forward to seeing you on the next FSD and our annual Holiday Party!
SAVE the Date – December 3rd, 2022