Contributor: Brittany Hopkins
Tourist Club, all decked out for Sommerfest (Photo: Tourist Club / Facebook)
The Bay Area's festival season is in full swing, but that doesn't mean you have to stick around the city every weekend to celebrate. Tourist Club opens its members-only lodge to the uninitiated just a few times a year, and one of those times — Sommerfest — is just around the corner.
For those not familiar, Tourist Club is not a retreat for the city's many tourists. This private alpine lodge was built 101 years ago for Bay Area members of the worldwide Friends of Nature organization based in Vienna, Austria. It sits just above Muir Woods National Monument, overlooking a sea of redwoods surrounding Mt. Tamalpais.
The club's annual Sommerfest is Saturday, July 19, and tickets are on sale now. You'll find live folk music, traditional dancing, and plenty of authentic German and Austrian food and beverages.
Once you're dressed in your best Dirndl or Lederhosen, you can enjoy one of two beautiful hikes from Marin through the redwoods to the clubhouse. Tourist Club offers detailed information on both routes, including elevation profiles, directions and time estimates. For a real adventure, consider taking the ferry from the city to Sausalito, hopping on the West Marin Stagecoach, then hiking to the club. Trust me, it's works!
Dancers at last year's celebration (Photo: Tourist Club / Facebook)
Either way, before you head out, keep in mind:
- Tickets will not be sold at the door. Get 'em before you go!
- Guests are not allowed to bring dogs to Tourist Club
- It's cash-only, and there are no ATMs on site
- Bring a blanket for lounging in the meadow
Now you're all set. Will we see you there?