Nicasio Plaza

West Marin. Nicasio is scenically attractive with forested and open ridgelines surrounding a wide rolling valley. Saint Mary’s Church, red-painted one room schoolhouse, Rancho Nicasio Restaurant. Free parking at the side of a dirt road.

Stay awhile: Rancho Nicasio offers outdoor dining and music performances on summer weekends. Nicasio Valley Cheese Company uses  traditional recipes from the alpine village of  Maggia, Switzerland (next door to the annual pumpkin patch). Try the Locarno or the cheese for raclette.