I am neither a chef nor a travel agent, but today I want to tell you about a great spice shop that also provides access to some of the most beautiful hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is called The Local Spicery, and it is located on Historic Ark Row in the quaint town of Tiburon, California, a few miles north of the Golden Gate bridge. Think of it as a “destination store,” because you can take the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and spectacular views of the entire Bay area.

What I Love About The Local Spicery

I discovered The Local Spicery when my husband and I missed the ferry to Angel Island, and were left with 60 minutes of time to kill. The shop is owned by a husband and wife team who personally mill, blend, package, and sell their salad dressings, rubs, and herb blends. Spices are a great alternative to table salt and other forms of sodium, which should be reduced as we age to keep blood pressure in check. While you can purchase these spices on-line, the shop and town of Tiburon are charming, and worth the in-person visit.

What I Love About Angel Island

I pretty much love everything, from the 20 minute ferry ride to the unspoiled natural beauty of the island to the multiple ways to enjoy it — walking, biking, or riding the tram. The island is filled with historic buildings from World War II, including the Immigration Station which you can tour and learn about an important part of American history. There are also two casual restaurants, live music on weekends, and ample places for picnics.

The Best of the Bay Area

Now that we are finally starting to travel again, consider a visit to one of my favorite shops and towns. I’d love to hear about your favorites, too!