Jerrell's Gay Guide to Corte Madera, CA

Originally published on Gay.com/travel

Name: Jarrell Pegeron
Age: 19
Profession: Student & horse trainer/competitor
City/town: Corte Madera, CA
Relationship status: Single
Sexuality: Gay

What was the last vacation you took? Where did you go? Where do you most want to go?
New York. I have always wanted to go to Paris.

Are any famous people from your town?
I don't think they're from here, but Sean Penn and Robin Williams live around here.

What are some of the things you love most about your town?
The Village and Town Center Mall. Everything is right at your fingertips. I also like the open space and trail areas close by.

If someone came to your town for just four hours, what is the one thing he should do?
If you're a shopper, then definitely hit the Village: Juicy Couture, A&F, Nordstrom. If you're an outdoor guy, hike and climb Turtle Rock.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends?
I'm partial to the Cheesecake Factory. I love cheesecake.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date? What about these restaurants appeals to you?
The Cheesecake Factory -- at night it's romantic, 'cause there's dim lighting that sets a really calm ambiance.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out there (or isn't there one)?
Hmm, I think it would be accepted in the Village. Otherwise it would be the city (San Francisco). The crowd in Corte Madera is pretty accepting of gay and lesbian relationships.

What is the gay community like there? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene?"
The community is pretty low-key. It's a quiet town and an upscale town. I don't think I'm part of any scene.

Where do you shop for clothes?
I shop at Nordstrom's, A&F, Lacoste in the Village. They're convenient and comfortable.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?
Theater -- San Francisco. Concerts -- usually the South Bay. Movies -- San Rafael. Art exhibits -- San Francisco.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "must-dos" you'd recommend?
I'd probably take them to the Village first to have lunch and shop, and I'd show them The Bay Club Marin, the best gym for hot guys.

Is there a local cocktail that's popular in your town?
Martinis are popular here.

Where do the hot boys in your town tend to hang out?
They usually frequent the beaches in Mill Valley. Surfing is a big hobby here.

If you had to describe the "average gay boy" style of your town in two words, what would they be?
Preppy and beachy (if that's a word).

Do you have any local celebs?
Sean Penn, Robin Williams, Neal Schon, Carlos Santana ... I think there might be a couple more.

Has your town ever had a "gay scandal?" If so, describe it -- but don't use names!
At a high school, it was rumored that a male teacher and a male student slept together.

Do you have a hometown crush? If so, describe (but don't name names).
There are a couple guys that I think are hot. A wakeboarder and a couple guys from the Bay Club Marin.