Light Up Watts Music on Record Store Day

If you haven't visited Novato's only record store for a while, Saturday is the day to do it.

That's because April 21 is National Record Store Day. For the four years of this event's existence, it's been a big boost for , the Grant Avenue institution that's been open for 33 years. Darin Chace runs the show there and specializes in new music, hard-to-find releases and collectibles. There's a sizeable selection of used CDs as well.

Swing by to gaze at the collection of album covers that adorn the walls, then induldge in a release that will get you humming.

Novato Businesses Make Best-Of Lists

It's spring and time for the annual lists with the best businesses of the North Bay. The North Bay Bohemian and the Pacific Sun have come out with their "best of" lists, and it's great to see which Novato businesses have been recognized by their customers in the region.

We've pulled out the Novato winners so you can see why you never have to leave town for services, shops and dining.

Bohemian Best of North Bay 2012 In the North Bay Bohemian’s list, each category has a Napa, Sonoma and Marin winner. The Novato businesses selected were competing with all of the Marin businesses in the same category.

Best Pizza: 

Best Candy/Chocolate Shop: 

Best Deli & Best Sandwich Shop: Michael’s Sourdough (San Rafael location but we have one in Novato too)

Best Microbrew: 

Best Toy Store: 

Best Birthday Party Place:

Best Band: Petty Theft

Best Dog Obedience School
& Best Animal Shelter:

Best Antique Shop: 

Best Shoe Store: 

Best Home Improvement: 

Best Auto Detailing: 

Best Auto Repair: 

Best Nursery:

Best Acupuncturist
& Best Herbal Clinic:

Best Holistic Practitioner: Ronit Gesundheit

Best Chiropractor:

Best Orthodontist:

Best Optical Store: Eye Wish Optometry

Best Bank:

Best Nonprofit: Novato Community Garden

Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin Readers’ Poll is one of the best known readers' poll. It's been around a long time so making this list has some street cred.

Bakery:

Caterer:

Independent Coffee House:

Novato Restaurant:

Florist:

Local Financial Institution:

Tile and Stone Store: Ceramic Tile Design

Solar Supplier:

Hobby Shop:

Toy Store:

Chinese Restaurant:

*

Novato Patch got list fever this year. We started our own Readers' Choice poll in 2012 and here are the winners so far. Remember, you can check out other neighboring Patch's if you're traveling and need a local recommendation.

Best Mexican Restaurant:

Best Hot Breakfast:

Best Child Care:

Best Place to Celebrate St. Paddy's Day:

Best Kid's Menu:

Best Sporting Goods:

Best Italian Restaurant:

Best Steakhouse: