Local’s Guide to Marin County

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson heads across the Golden Gate Bridge to talk with three local experts about where to eat, shop, and play in Marin County.

First, Johnson talks with Alex Fox, owner of Food & Farm Tours in West Marin. Fox delves into Marin’s history of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, tracing its roots back to the Gold Rush era. “A lot of people don't know Marin County was actually the very first agricultural hub of California,” she explains. Fox then elaborates on the experiences guests can expect on her tours, like shucking oysters, tasting local cheeses, and getting up close and personal with baby cows. Fox also shares her top picks for what to eat and do in the area, including where to find the best water buffalo gelato.

Next up, Johnson is joined by Lauren Harwell Godfrey, an award-winning luxury jewelry designer based in Marin County. Her handcrafted, ethically sourced designs draw inspiration from ancient textiles and patterns of the African diaspora, and are highly sought after by collectors. Reflecting on her journey in building her brand, the designer mentions some notable individuals who wear her jewelry. “Kamala Harris actually has worn a lot of my pieces,” she reveals. Lauren also discusses Marin’s vibrant food scene, great local shopping, and her favorite places to spend time outdoors. “It's just a very special place,” she remarks.

Lastly, Johnson talks to John Finger, the CEO of Hog Island Oyster Company. Finger dives into his background as a marine biologist and what motivated him to establish his very own oyster farm in Marin County. He then shares the factors that make Tomales Bay ideal for oyster farming. “It's really about that exchange with the ocean, that nutrient-rich water, good tidal cycle in and out through the bay that really creates a great oyster,” he explains. Finger also recounts eating his crowd-favorite barbecue oysters with celebrity chef Roy Choi and director Jon Favreau on an episode of Netflix’s The Chef Show. Finger also shares a handful of his go-to outdoor activities and neighborhood spots around Marin County.

GUESTS

Alex Fox, owner of Food & Farm Tours

Lauren Harwell Godfrey, founder and designer of Harwell Godfrey

John Finger, CEO of Hog Island Oyster Company

RESOURCES

Alex Fox is the owner of Food & Farm Tours in Marin and Sonoma counties, offering visitors an artisanal tasting experience that connects them to the sustainable and regenerative agriculture of Northern California.

Marin County

Food & Farm Tours

San Francisco

West Marin

Taste of Point Reyes Tour

Cheese Lover’s Tour

Cowgirl Creamery

Bovine Bakery

Tomales Bay Oyster Company

The Marshall Store 

Little Wing Farm

Toluma Farms & Tomales Farmstead Creamery

McEvoy Ranch

Sonoma County 

Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery

Petaluma

Point Reyes National Seashore

Dillon Beach

Coastal Kitchen

Palace Market

Lauren Harwell Godfrey is an award-winning jewelry designer behind Harwell Godfrey, a high-end jewelry brand based out of Marin County.

Harwell Godfrey

For Future Reference

Stillwater

Sushi Ran

Sausalito

Corte Madera

Kito’s Taco Shop

Marin Country Mart

Larkspur

Souvla

Loveski Deli

Pizzeria Picco

Thursday Marin Farmers Market

Marin County Civic Center

San Rafael

Phoenix Lake

Heath Ceramics

Fish.

Hero Shop

The RealReal

Anthony Meier Gallery

Mill Valley 

Eli

John Finger is a marine biologist and CEO of Hog Island Oyster Company, with locations across the Bay Area, including Marin County, San Francisco, and Napa.

Hog Island Oyster Company

Tomales Bay

Hog Island Oyster at Ferry Building Marketplace

Hog Island Oyster at Oxbow Public Market 

The Boat Oyster Bar 

Tony’s Seafood

Saltwater Oyster Depot

Mt. Tamalpais

Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Arti Cafe

Fairfax

Village Sake

Muir Woods National Monument

Tiburon

Marin Headlands 

Golden Gate Bridge

Drakes Beach

Bishop Pine Forest

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson

Editorial Director, John Godfrey

Producer, Kate Eplboim

Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall

Theme music, Aaron Taos