One of my favorite places ever, Tomales Bay

Where the weather seems always perfect, the water is sparkling blue, the sandy beaches seem to go forever, the landscape unspoiled, and the food… well the food is just amazing. I tried to capture every amazing moment with my iPhone; sometimes bulky cameras don’t fit the bill for a casual weekend away.

Twice a year, we head out to Tomales Bay Oyster Company for a fun filled day of sun, food, oysters and more food. The first time we did this, we had a crew of 8 friends. Our head count last Sunday was 34 friends in all. TOBC is the place to head to for fresh oysters  mussels and clams. Grill them on the BBQ or eat them raw, I think we consumed more than 100 oysters in all! Situated right on the bay, you can reserve picnic tables with your own BBQ grill right by the water. Dogs are welcome too, so Milou and I went on many walks by the beach. Well, let’s say I walked and Milou ran in and out of the water. You would not believe the spread we have; it’s always good to have talented cooks as friends! Mussels, clam pasta, ceviche, cheesecake… And the best cheese from Cowgirl creamery in Point Reyes.

Although you need reservations for more than 10 people, Tomales Bay Oyster Company has more than enough room for our large clan.

 Can you believe this spread? This was only a fraction of the goodies we indulged in while the sea air gave us a healthy appetite!

A little history lesson on the Tomales Bay Oyster Company from the West Marin Citizen:

“According to a National Park Service draft of “Tomales Bay Environmental History,” the first Tomales Bay oyster beds were sown near Millerton Point in 1875 by Terry Weinard. The search for clean water brought Eli Gordon, operating as the Pacific Coast Oyster Company (PCOC), to underwater acreage at Bivalve in 1907 followed by the Morgan Oyster Company in 1909, planting near Millerton Point. In 1910 Gilbert Oyster Company established beds, also near Millerton Point. In 1913 a group of SF businessmen purchased Morgan’s Tomales Bay holdings, officially renaming the fishery Tomales Bay Oyster Company. Both companies changed hands a number of times before Pacific Coast Oyster Company purchased Tomales Bay Oyster Company. The combined operations were regrouped. TBOC continued to farm both East Shore properties and PCOC focused on marketing, wholesale and retail, in San Francisco. Conveniently, the North Pacific Coast Railroad, incorporated in 1871 to freight lumber from the Russian River and dairy products from West Sonoma to San Francisco, provided worthy transport.

Oscar Johannson, hired by Tomales Bay Oyster Company’s parent company in 1926, managed growing operations at the Tomales beds, eventually, he gained ownership of the farming side of the company. He continued to cultivate the tidelands with his son until 1988. He sold the company and retired a few weeks before marrying on his eightieth Birthday. To date, Tomales Bay Oyster Company is the longest continually operating oyster farm in the State of California.”

Post-Oyster Festivities

After a long oyster-filled day we headed up to Nick’s Cove and Cottages for the night. What an amazing place. I would love to photograph an intimate wedding or elopement right here! The long dock and boat shack are perfect photography spots. The food at the restaurant is to die for; you must try the s’mores! You get to make them right there at the big fireplace in the middle of the restaurant or you can head out to the bonfire spots right by the beach outside of the cottages. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic reception dinner after your intimate ceremony or for a rehearsal dinner location. The cottages are super cute and cozy. Milou and I had a cottage right over the water overlooking the bay. The sunset was incredible. Waking up in the morning, the tide was coming in and breakfast was delivered right to our door. I don’t think Milou wanted to leave!

Milou loves posing for photos! She’s in heaven in this dog-friendly beach town. 

I can just start dreaming about the perfect intimate wedding right here at Nick’s Cove! This is my second time back and I just fall in love with this spot more and more each time!

 xoxo – Caroline