Novato

The top Novato picks for Editors' Choice 2014.

1. CATCH SOME AIR: Gnoss Field

PLAY. Earlier this spring, in a report titled “Yeah, But It’s Our Airport,” the Marin County Civil Grand Jury voted to keep Gnoss Field open for business. As they reported, “The runway is too low and too short and points in the wrong direction. The facilities are dated… the airport is beloved by many users; it angers some of its neighbors; and, ultimately, Marin County could not get rid of Gnoss Field if it wanted to.” The report also suggested that we all visit our airport: “Some Saturday or Sunday, load up the family and drive out to Gnoss Field to watch a few takeoffs and landings.” We agree. gnossfield.org

Field of Dreams

In Marin, we like to stay active. Just check the national stats: Marin is one of the healthiest places to live in the country. That’s partly because we have great facilities that cater to our sportsmen and sportswomen needs. We raise our water bottles to these three Novato favorites.

2. COLLEGE OF MARIN INDIAN VALLEY CAMPUS

Sure, the athletic fields and pool were built for the students, but kids and adults throughout the community use them all year long. The fields are particularly popular in the evenings, as they are some of the few with lights. marin.edu

3. STAFFORD PARK

Situated on the shores of Stafford Lake, the 139-acre park serves as a backdrop to many recreational activities, including a state-of-the-art bike park coming soon. staffordlakebikepark.com, marincounty.org

4. STONETREE GOLF CLUB

After a session on the 18-hole championship golf course, you might feel like you’ve taken a vacation, as the setting and weather are superb and the martinis at the Black Point Bar & Grill are more than resort-worthy. stonetreegolf.com

All in the Family

It’s not so easy to be chosen as the designated spot that families return to again and again. Creating a menu and ambience that please not only the little ones’ but also the parents’ palates takes a special touch. If you have kids, you’ll appreciate the following local eateries that we feel best cater to the juniors and seniors in the crowd without compromise.

5. CALIFORNIA GRILL AND ROTISSERIE

1531 S. Novato Blvd, 415.893.1540, califgrill.com

6. GHIRINGHELLI’S PIZZERIA & WINE BAR

1535 S. Novato Blvd, 415.878.4977, ghiringhellisnovato.com

7. HOPMONK TAVERN

224 Vintage Way, 415.892.6200, hopmonk.com

8. MARVIN’S RESTAURANT

1112 Grant Ave, 415.892.4482

9. RICKEY’S RESTAURANT

250 Entrada Dr, 415.883.9477, rickeysrestaurant.com

10. TOAST (pictured)

5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com