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LoseYourself in the Experience... Gualala is the land of clean air and natural beauty, offering endless possibilities right at your doorstep... Hike the trails of the pristine ocean beaches, explore the Redwood forests, or kayak the Gualala River. Dive for abalone or golf the local Scottish links-style PGA quality golf course. From here, you can view a wide variety of wildlife including whales breaching, does and fawns grazing, river otters playing, and watch the hummingbirds, hawks, osprey and a myriad of sea birds. Dine at a nearby fine or casual restaurant, explore our unique coastal shops and art galleries, including the renowned Gualala Arts Center. Let us help make your stay in Mendocino County a special one. We love sharing our experience and knowledge of this special world where you can relax and unwind in the quiet, country elegance of the English, cottage-style rooms at the Gualala Country Inn.
Gualala Country Inn
47975 Center Street, Gualala California 95445 800-564-4466 | 707-884-4343 email: CountryInn@Gualala.com www.GualalaCountryInn.com
7 07 964 2402 | 800 400 7873 | t hebeac hcomber mo t el.c o m highway one just north of fort bragg on california ' s north coast
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Lodging | dining | Bar | Golf | Tennis | day Spa
Create a traditio^
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www.LittleRiverInn.com | 888.inn.love for reservations Two miles south of Mendocino | 7901 Highway One . Little River . CA 95456
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
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elcome to the Mendocino County Visitors Guide. You’ve taken the first, and most important step to discovering the beauty and diversity of this unspoiled area.
Whether you are planning your first—or your 100th—visit, there’s just so much to explore and experience. Spectacular scenery, a sense of isolation and discovery, an aesthetic sensibility, and a strong sense of community are the standout highlights of a trip to Mendocino County. From culinary adventures and wine and craft beer tasting to nature hikes and bikes; from paddling the rivers and ocean to shopping and just plain relaxing, Mendocino County has it all. Bring your family, your friends or just a good book— no matter how much (or how little you do), your experience will be unforgettable. Mendocino County… what you’ve been missing!
Scott Schneider President & CEO, Visit Mendocino County
06 Mendocino County
PRESIDENT & CEO Scott Schneider COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Alison de Grassi DIRECTOR OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Richard Strom OPERATIONS MANAGER Erin Placido ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Susan Peakall EVENT & PARTNER RELATIONS MANAGER Gracia Brown SALES ASSISTANT Evan Qualtrough PUBLIC RELATIONS Koli/Cinch PR ART DIRECTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN inkfish design | inkfishdesign.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Landau & Trish Moratto CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Anil Bhula, John Birchard, Rita Crane, Joel Henner, Rick Hemmings, Greg Israel, Kerrick James, Robert Landau, Tom Liden, Eric Lindberg, Elliot Little, Daniel MacDonald, Brendan McGuigan, Mike Neenan, David Peterson, Bob Wick (BLM) 6th Edition ©2015
Bounty of the County
There’s a time in every visit to Mendocino County when you’re reminded just why you’ve come here.
To truly experience Mendocino, you don’t just come here and go sightseeing. You’ve got to taste the county too.
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Wine Country Map Whether you prefer to drive down the county’s famous winding roads or want a clear plan in place to visit a few wineries, this map will lead you.
44 VISIT MENDOCINO COUNTY, INC. 345 North Franklin Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437 v. 707.964.9010 | f. 707.703.4275 1.866.GoMendo | VisitMendocino.com
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The Creative County
Mendocino Regions The county’s regions offer their own distinctive selection of shopping, dining, and lodging choices.
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Out & About
Spend time in Mendocino and you soon realize that the arts and culture are as much a part of the county’s identity as its inspiring landscapes.
Mendocino County’s natural beauty will tempt you to get outdoors and get active. Just try to resist our waves and wilderness.
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The county is filled with attractions and activities that will keep families busy and happy for days.
Mendocino County is a destination where visitors come to get away from it all, but it’s also a place where many gather to celebrate special events.
Fun for the Family
Weddings & Events
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Getting Here Explore the different ways to navigate Mendocino County.
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Taste wine at Mendocino County’s most legendary winery. Picnic on our elegant patio. Experience unique wine tours and sunset concerts.
OPEN DAILY 10-5 PM • Parducci Wine Cellars • 501 Parducci Rd. Ukiah, CA 707-463-5357 • Visit us on Facebook & Twitter
STAY CLOSE TO ADVENTURE SM
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
• Free High Speed Wireless • Internet • Pets Allowed • Express Check-In / Out • Wheelchair Accessible • Exercise Facility • Outdoor Pool • Game Room • Hot Tub • Room Service • Car Rental Desk • RV Parking
travelodgeukiah.com • (707) 462-5745 • 1720 North State Street, Ukiah, Ca
Jump-start your day...
with hot and healthy choices like eggs, sausage, oatmeal, fresh fruit and yogurt. Complimentary every day! Relax in our newly-renovated rooms featuring 39-inch flat screen televisions. Or enjoy our workout room, indoor pool and whirlpool!
call 1-800-228-2800 for reservations and info | 1140 airport park Boulevard · ukiah
Do You... ...enjoy superb handcrafted wines? ...like to find exciting new discoveries? ...enjoy being off the well-traveled road & desire something unique?
...then you will love our Award Winning Simaine Wines.
www.visitukiah.com (707) 467-5766
OPEN DAILY Simaine Cellars • 3001 S. State St, #42 Ukiah, CA 95482 • (707) 462-6300 simaine@sbcglobal.net • www.simaine.com
Local Wines / Local Owners Certified Organic • Dry Farmed 5 VisitMendocino.com Single Vineyard • Single Varietal
Surfing at Point Arena-Stornetta National Monument 6
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Mendocino County Be transported to another world, where you’ll find exactly what you’ve been missing.
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undreds of miles of hiking trails, endless unspoiled beaches, verdant hills, and secluded lakes await you in Mendocino County. Here you can easily find solitude and beauty around every bend, and escape from the everyday grind of the outside world.
Mendocino County is also home to many one-of-a-kind experiences, beloved by visitors old and new. Whether it’s the natural beauty and scenery of the newly designated Point Arena-Stornetta section of the California Coastal National Monument , giraffes galloping along the Pacific Ocean’s edge, or a tree so large you can drive your car through it, every day brings a new discovery and new memories to last a lifetime.
Point Arena-Stornetta National Monument
PHOTO BY BOB WICK, BLM
The Point Arena-Stornetta California Coastal National Monument is an ideal place to view the sea rocks and islands that comprise one of California’s most magical treasures. Hike more than 1,600 acres of craggy coastline, the estuary of the Garcia River and adjacent beach, and a small island only accessible at low tide. Historic Point Arena Lighthouse is just to the north of the Monument, with Manchester State Park and its magnificent beach a few miles away. At low tide, Bowling Ball Beach reveals rows of rounded boulders sculpted by the tides and wind, lined up like rows of
bowling balls. This beautiful piece of the California coastline is the perfect place for a leisurely hike and picnic with unrivalled seal and whale watching from the bluffs.
The Skunk Train All aboard! Journey on this historic 130-year-old rail line amongst towering old-growth redwood trees, over wooden trestle bridges, and through majestic stone tunnels. Lucky travelers might spot osprey, blue herons, and egrets as the train passes alongside the Pudding Creek Estuary, before diving into the redwood forest and seeing some of the tallest trees on the
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MENDOCINO COUNTY
planet. Trains depart from both Fort Bragg and Willits, so be sure to check the Skunk Train calendar while planning your trip. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, be sure not to miss a ride on the Christmas Train. Riders are treated to hot beverages served by elves, carolers making their way through the train, and a surprise visit from Santa!
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Stroll through one of California’s most beautiful seaside botanical gardens, and enjoy colorful splendor any time of year. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg is best known for its collection of tender species rhododendrons—fragrant, fragile rhododendrons that thrive only in the cloud forests of the Himalayas and a narrow band of the California coast. Bird watchers also flock to the botanical gardens, which have become a haven to more than 150 species of birds—including rarities like the red-breasted nuthatch and ash-throated flycatcher.
B. Bryan Preserve How many places in the world can you find a Greater Kudu backlit by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean? Or a Rothschild Giraffe with towering redwood trees in the background? As far as we know, only one! B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena is a preserve for endangered African hoofstock, open by appointment for tours. While there, you’ll have a chance to see all three species of zebra on the planet, kudu, antelope, and playful giraffes. If you’re lucky, you might be able to feed a giraffe yourself—but watch their long blue tongues, they’ll try to steal a kiss!
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve On the winding Comptche Ukiah Road, which runs between Ukiah and the coast, is Montgomery Woods. The Reserve contains five magnificent groves of old-growth coastal redwoods. Hike on the park’s many trails or picnic among these giants of the tree world. Follow Montgomery Creek on a three-mile loop tucked into a
little glen with banks that rise steeply and abruptly, cutting it off from the outside world and giving it a uniquely sheltered feel. The quiet isolation of the grove, combined with the strikingly lush vegetation, turns the area into a little paradise. One distinction of the park is that between December 1996 and August 2000, the tallest tree in the world was located there. It was appropriately named the Mendocino Tree.
Ridgewood Ranch—Home of Seabiscuit Just south of Willits sits the 5,000 acre Ridgewood Ranch, home and resting place of champion thoroughbred racehorse Seabiscuit. Dubbed the “small racehorse with a great heart,” Seabiscuit was the international horse racing superstar known for his underdog win over War Admiral in 1938. Seabiscuit was later retired to Ridgewood Ranch where he sired over 100 foals. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation leads tours of Seabiscuit’s stud and mare barns, the historic Craftsman-style 1905 ranch house and introduces visitors to the champion’s descendants, the “Lil’ Biscuits.” Tours are offered by reservation.
PHOTO COURTESTY OF MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS
Confusion Hill
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Since 1949, Confusion Hill has been astounding families with its mysterious attractions. Stand in the world-famous Gravity House, where everything begins to feel topsy-turvy and water flows uphill, marvel at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not World’s Tallest Chainsaw Carving, and take a ride on a narrow-gauge miniature railroad through the redwoods to learn about the area’s logging history. Confusion Hill is a throwback to the golden age of American travel, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. An on-site gift shop provides unique souvenirs, including handcrafted redwood curios like small carvings, burls, and more.
Medocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Chandelier Tree
Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree Mendocino County is home to some of the tallest trees in the world—massive, ancient giants that reach more than threehundred feet into the sky. There are many amazing ways to experience these immortals—hiking through protected groves, kayaking up tranquil estuaries lined on either side, and even riding an historic train. But one of the most unusual ways to get a feel for the immensity of the redwoods is found in the north of the county, just outside the town of Leggett and minutes from Confusion Hill. The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree was first carved in the 1930s, and has flourished ever since. The opening is large enough for most cars, and hundreds of visitors flock here every day to pass through the mouth of a living piece of history—a tree more than 2,400 years old.
City of 10,000 Buddhas Just outside the City of Ukiah, the Gate of Three Arches welcomes visitors to the City of 10,000 Buddhas. Founded by Venerable Master Hua in 1974, the City has a
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Montgomery Woods State Reserve
monastic complex, schools, a university, and an extensive library of Buddhist texts. After checking in at the front office, wander the grounds amidst brightly-plumed peacocks. Make sure to visit the Hall of 10,000 Buddhas, where thousands of tiny golden statues of the Buddha gaze down on meditating monks and nuns. For lunch, be sure to visit the vegetarian café on the premises. For those who want to delve more deeply into the experience, retreats are offered throughout the year.
Solar Living Institute Where can you find a massive solar array, the largest freestanding cob structure, and a garden where trees grow through cars? The Solar Living Institute in Hopland, of course! Since 1998 the Institute has been providing world-class education and hands-on experiences with all things sustainable. From photovoltaic, to people-powered energy, to alternative building structures and permaculture, the Solar Living Institute has it all. A self-guided tour is available, and is a great way to introduce kids to the science behind these worldchanging technologies. Workshops are
also offered throughout the year, for kids and adults of all ages.
Glass Beach Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach is a treasure hunter’s dream come true, a place where adults become children again, and children are overtaken by the joy of discovery. It is also a testament to the amazing transformative power of time and tide. Once a public dump, decades of waves have transformed the shards of broken glass into soft, luminescent sea glass. The ‘sand’ here sparkles with all the colors of the rainbow, and with no metal trash remaining, you can walk barefoot on what have become soft stones of glass. The hunt is where the fun is, but visitors are encouraged not to take away the beauty—leaving the sea glass where it belongs ensures this manmade treasure will last for generations to come. To learn more about Glass Beach, view unique glass and purchase locally made jewelry and crafts made from the glass, make sure to visit the Sea Glass Museum, which has the world’s largest permanent sea glass exhibit, one mile south of Fort Bragg. VisitMendocino.com
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Handley Cellars in Anderson Valley 10
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
BOUNTY OF THE COUNTY
Bounty of the County To truly experience Mendocino County, immerse yourself in the sights and culture. But don’t forget —you’ve got to taste the county too.
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ith its fertile valleys, fishing harbors, and a longtime commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, Mendocino County has emerged as a leading destination for culinary travelers, having long promoted the farm-totable lifestyle. The county is home to an amazing 3,000 varieties of mushrooms, and Oprah Winfrey’s O, The Oprah Magazine named November’s Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival one of its top six food festivals. Coastal Living magazine crowned January’s Crab, Wine & Beer Festival one of the country’s top ten seafood and wine festivals. Speaking of wines, the county’s 10 appellations—including Cole Ranch, the smallest appellation in North America—and 90+ wineries allow visitors to experience a multitude of wines and winemaking styles. World-class wineries and tasting rooms can be found along the Redwood Corridor, from Hopland to Dos Rios, and the Highway 128 Wine Road, from Yorkville to Philo. When it comes to culinary pursuits, Mendocino County has found itself leading the way. Long before craft beers came into vogue, the county was home to leading artisan breweries—including the first brewpub in California to open after Prohibition! County residents lived the locavore life even before the term existed, and you’ll find the freshest fruits and vegetables at stands around the county and at the many farmers’ markets.
PHOTO BY TOM LIDEN
Authenticity in a Glass Mendocino’s reputation as a wine region grows by leaps and bounds each year. Once noted for selling the majority of its grapes to other wine areas, the county now produces some of the top wines in the country.
In 2014, wines and winemakers from the county claimed six spots in the San Francisco Chronicle’s acclaimed Top 100 Wines list. And Decanter magazine’s Stephen Brook called Anderson Valley, “[a]n oasis from Napa’s glitz and glamour, this is the wine region with... excellent Pinot Noir.” VisitMendocino.com
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MENDOCINO BOUNTY OF THE COUNTY COUNTY
While the number of wineries and Mendocino County’s prominence in the world of wine continue to grow, one thing hasn’t changed. You’ll often get to meet the actual winemakers doing the pouring in tasting rooms, which means you’ll get to hear their stories (there are always stories!) while learning about local wines from the people who know them best.
Tastes of the Wine Country Redwood Corridor The hub of an active wine region, Hopland is the first stop in Mendocino County when arriving from the south on Highway 101. Even though its population is only about 800 people, Hopland boasts over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms.
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
Downtown Hopland is home to familyowned gems like Cesar Toxqui Cellars, Milano Winery, Campovida, and McNab Ridge Winery. Or visit the Frey Vineyards wine tasting bar at the Solar Living Institute’s Real Goods Store. Frey was the first maker of certified biodynamic and organic wines in the U.S. For a one-stop tasting of regional wines look no
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Pacific Star Winery
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Toulouse Vineyards
further than Sip! Mendocino. Sip! carries about 100 Mendocino County wines, with over a dozen to sample daily, including hard-to-find labels like Black Kite Cellars. John Fetzer’s 600-acre Saracina Vineyards includes an on-site organic farm, 300 acres of hand-tended vines, and a state-of-the-art wine cave system. Carved out of solid rock, these are the first wine caves in Mendocino County, and a tour is a highlight of any trip. Nearby Jaxon Keys Winery and Nelson Family Vineyards are both winning awards and recognition for their offerings. Just north of Hopland sits Ukiah, a place that hasn’t lost its small-town soul yet is now a source for big town flavor found in its locally crafted wine and beer. Ukiah is home to Parducci Wine Cellars, the world’s first carbon-neutral winery, thanks to the use of biodiesel in its machinery, organic growing practices, and tree-free papers and soy inks. Winemaker Victor Simon, who learned the craft from his grandfather, creates the organic, single vineyard varietals at Simaine Cellars. North of Ukiah, Redwood Valley is a distinctive Mendocino County wine region. It’s home to several wineries, including Barra of Mendocino, which has an architecturally distinctive tasting room as well as gardens and a picnic area, and Testa Ranch with its tasting room overlooking 25 acres of vineyards which have been in the family for five generations.
Highway 128 Wine Road Drive fifteen serpentine miles west from Cloverdale on Highway 128, and you’re in the picturesque Yorkville Highlands, an appellation consisting of approximately 40,000 acres straddling Highway 128. The area is home to three tasting rooms open to the public, as well as some by prior appointment. Yorkville, a tiny dot on the map, is home to Yorkville Cellars, a small family-run winery growing organic grapes. It is the only known winery that grows all eight of the main Bordeaux grapes and then bottles each individually as a varietal each vintage. One of the first designated organic vineyards in California, Yorkville Cellars helped establish the county’s reputation as a center for sustainable winemaking practices. A couple of miles farther west is Artevino/Maple Creek Winery where Tom Rodrigues grows Chardonnay, Merlot and Symphony grapes on his 180-acre ranch. Stop in at the tasting room, which lies at the top of a winding road, where Tom’s art adorns the walls as well as the labels on the bottles. The third stop in the Highlands is Meyer Family Cellars, another family-run operation that, in addition to a wide variety of award-winning wines, offers a picnic area, bocce and children’s playground. Known for its folk language, Boontling, Boonville is a great place to get out of the car, relax, and explore.
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
The county is home to the first certified organic winery in the country, and has an overall commitment to sustainability. Almost 30% of Mendocino County’s wine grapes are certified organic or biodynamic—substantially higher than any other region in the United States. In fact, one-third of the total organic wine grape acreage in California is in Mendocino County.
BOUNTY MENDOCINO OF THE COUNTY
Nine Hop Stops
Toulouse Vineyards
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endocino County loves beer; do you? If so, there are plenty of choices—from the first organic brewpub in the nation, to some of the early pioneers of the microbrew movement, to fantastic pubs and pizzerias with world-class beer lists. Drink up!
F o r t h e b a h l e s t ( t h a t ’s “ b e s t ” t o y o u Brightlighters!) brews in town, head to the Tap Room at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville. Founded in 1987, the Tap Room has beers you won’t find outside of the brewery and, if you listen closely, you just might hear some locals harpin’ Boontling. Take a tour of the brewery with its massive copper brew kettles or if you’re feeling energetic, take your beer outside for a round or two of disc golf.
North Coast Brewing Company A pioneer in the craft beer movement, North Coast Brewing Company opened in 1988 as a local brewpub in the historic town of Fort Bragg, on the Mendocino coast. In addition to Red Seal Ale, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and Scrimshaw Pilsner, the brewery has resurrected the old Acme label with a heritage dating back to San Francisco in the 1860s. Visit the Tap Room for fine, balanced food and beer pairings, and catch some dinner jazz in the Sequoia Room.
Mendocino Brewing Company The Hopland Brewery was the first brewpub opened in California (2nd in the U.S.) after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. It didn’t take long for the Hopland Brewery to become a landmark and a point of pilgrimage on famed California Highway 101 (“take the Golden Gate Bridge, go north for 2 hours and the brewery is on the right”). By the 1990s, the brewery desperately needed to expand and so built a new brewery, the Mendocino Brewing Company, about 12 miles north in Ukiah, where you can taste your way through Mendocino Brewing Company’s world famous beers.
Ukiah Brewing Company Mendocino County is full of “firsts” and we count among them the Ukiah Brewing Company, which holds the distinction of having been the very first certified organic brewpub and the second certified organic
Mendocino County Brews restaurant in the United States when it opened in 2000. Located in the heart of historic downtown Ukiah, the UBC Brew Crew focuses on creating hearty and robust organic ales and lagers. The beers are unfiltered and handcrafted in small batches, similar to the way beer was made before mass production was introduced to the industry.
Piazza de Campovida By the time you’ve cruised up Highway 101 for a couple of hours and reached Hopland, food and drink are an idea whose time has come. Your first stop is Piazza de Campovida, which offers fresh small-batch brews handcrafted by Oakland’s famed Linden Street Brewery in a convivial setting. Light pub fare along with handmade woodfired pizzas from the co-located pizzeria complete the setting for an excellent time.
Hopland Tap House Frequent travelers on California Highway 101 will recognize the Hopland Tap House as the former Mendocino Brewing Company. The brick exterior hasn’t changed much since the brewery’s heyday, but a new owner has now revitalized the interior and added an outdoor seating area with barbecue. Enjoy one of the menu offerings while enjoying a taste or two of what’s on tap.
Saucy Ukiah Head for downtown Ukiah to experience brews with an attitude at Saucy. This lively restaurant serves pizza, salads, pasta and daily specials as well as an outstanding
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
selection of beers and cider on tap. Thursday nights are Pint Nights when a particular brewery is featured and the brewmaster is on hand to answer questions. Your first pint gets you a free glass! The knowledgeable bartenders are always willing to give you a taste to help your selection decision!
Shanachie Pub Tiptoe down the narrow winding path next to Adam’s Restaurant on Main Street in Willits and you’ll land in Shanachie Pub. With its wide selection of beers and ciders on tap and an extensive wine list, Shanachie is the place to hang out, relax and enjoy the vibe where everyone counts as “local.” The pub features regular live music events and there’s an outdoor seating area for warm summer nights.
Westside Renaissance Market You’ve got your picnic supplies all ready but you’re missing one vital ingredient... beer! Yes, you could go to one of the major supermarket chains and pick up a six-pack, but a far more satisfying experience is to drive over to Ukiah’s west side and talk to Scott at the Westside Renaissance Market. This neighborhood market, located on a tree-lined street, specializes in locally and family produced foods as well as a range of delightful specialty products from near and far... including Ukiah’s best beer selection. Come to think of it, you can get all your picnic ingredients at the same place!
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MENDOCINO BOUNTY OF THE COUNTY COUNTY
Located in the John Hanes Fine Art Gallery, Harmonique makes three different styles of gracefully aged Anderson Valley Pinot Noir wines and an unoaked Chardonnay. The name “Harmonique” recognizes a desire to create wines that harmonize with many foods and evoke a sense of their Burgundian heritage. Just a few miles northwest of Boonville is Elke Vineyards, a small, family-owned vineyard and winery. The friendly staff will guide you through the varietals and the Elke story. Halfway between Boonville and Philo is Lichen Estate, which produces exquisite still and sparkling wines, and a unique blend that will stump your wine aficionado friends! Five miles west of Boonville, Philo and the surrounding area are chock-a-block with tasting rooms that carry wines with appeal to every palate. The first winery stop should be Goldeneye Winery, which offers a number of experiences, including estate tastings and alfresco picnic lunches with pairings of Goldeneye’s wines. A hop, skip and a jump across the road is Balo Vineyards with two competitiongrade bocce courts, a dog recreation area, outdoor tables and, of course, their “killer” Pinot Noirs! The Mullins Family and Boo the dog love to welcome visitors. Directly opposite Balo Vineyards is The Madrones, a Mediterranean-style compound comprised of four wine tasting rooms, a meeting place, nine beautifully appointed guest quarters, and the petite Stone & Embers restaurant. Drew Wines is a very small production family winery that consistently wins accolades. Across the courtyard, Knez Winery creates “single vineyard wines crafted 14
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
In the heart of Philo you’ll find Baxter Winery, which produces handcrafted single vineyard wines focusing on the Anderson Valley and surrounding Mendocino appellations. Witching Stick Wines specializes in finding unique vineyards and producing refreshing, food-friendly wines with minerality and crispness. Stop in at Scharffenberger Cellars to sample their lovely bubbly and view the displays of art by local artists. The gardens or porch are just the place to have a picnic, which you can arrange in advance. Too tense? Then turn at the sign of the loose goose and visit the friendly folks at Toulouse Vineyards. Fresh apple cider is the big draw at Gowan’s Oak Tree, a farm stand where you’ll find 60 varieties of apples and all sorts of seasonal produce. Philo Apple Farm is a certified organic/ biodynamic orchard that has evolved into
Goldeneye Winery
Grape stomping
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
by the alchemy of ocean, fog, soil and patience.” At 2,642 feet, Signal Ridge Vineyard is the highest altitude vineyard in Mendocino and neighboring wine producing counties. Sample their singular wines along with a companion beverage, Bite Hard Cider, every day at the tasting room. Bink Wines makes handcrafted, small-lot wines with intense flavor and character. The friendly tasting room is open Wednesday-Monday and you’ll often find Rupert (the tasting room manager’s dog) watching over the operations.
something more. Its honor system farm stand sells a diverse array of items, including fresh apples, pears, handmade chutneys, jams, ciders and jellies. There are also guest accommodations and its weekend cooking school offers meals on a walk-in basis. A combination of Italian heritage and Northern California agriculture produce Brutocao Cellars’ award-winning wines that pair well with food and friends! The folks at Navarro Vineyards have been growing grapes and making wine in the Anderson Valley since 1974. You won’t find their wines at your local grocery store, so pick up some vino to go! Spectacular valley views almost steal the scene at Edmeades/Champ de Rêves, but you’ll be taken by the superb Champ de Reves Pinot Noirs as well as Edmeades’ iconic Zins. With its unique
PHOTO BY TOM LIDEN
Founded in 2006, Foursight Wines’s goal is to produce 100% estate wines in the French monopole model, with grapes sourced only from their own Charles Vineyard. The only 100% wind and solar powered winery in the county, Philo Ridge Vineyards maintains a tasting room in downtown Boonville, just a stroll away from restaurants and shops. A newcomer to the valley, Seebass Vineyards opened their doors in the summer of 2014. Their wines are created from their hand-harvested, hand-pruned, sustainably farmed and estate-grown fruit, which is grown “over the hill” in Talmage.
BOUNTY MENDOCINO OF THE COUNTY
Experience Anderson Valley Wine Tasting
30 minutes from the coast Handley Cellars is a small family-owned winery nestled in the rolling hills of Anderson Valley. Owner Milla Handley has been producing wines for over 30 years including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah. While tasting these awardwinning wines, visitors can enjoy an extensive folk art collection, picnic in the courtyard, and browse the gift shop. During the first weekend of every month special food pairings are offered in the tasting room.
Open 7 day a week, 10-5 in winter & 10-6 in summer. www.handleycellars.com 3151 Hwy. 128 • Philo, CA • 707-895-3876 • 800-733-3151 ORGANIC FARMING • POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY • ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATION
100% Estate Grown Wines Family-owned, small-lot limited production
Join us at our tasting room located in the heart of Anderson Valley: 14077 Highway 128, Boonville, CA
- CELLARS -
OPEN DAILY 11 - 5
www.seebassvineyards.com
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The Heart of Mendocino Wine Country (only 90 minutes from downtown San Francisco, on highway 101)
Decades of tradition are here to be experienced in Hopland. Appreciated as a place where deep knowledge of the land is expressed in artisanal wines, olive oils and honey, Hopland is the heart of the upper Russian River wine country and gateway to beautiful Mendocino County. Whether visiting us for our Hopland Passport wine weekend on May 2nd & 3rd, 2015, or coming up mid-week, making Hopland your next wine tasting visit will lead to a new favorite weekend getaway destination!
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
www.destinationhopland.com
HOPLAND REGION
Ukiah Talmage Boonville/ Anderson Valley
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Bluebird Cafe
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Old Train Station
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Terra Savia Milano Family Winery
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MENDOCINO BOUNTY OF THE COUNTY COUNTY
MENDOCINO COUNTY WINE MAP
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Mendocino is a rural county of striking natural beauty, friendly small towns and people who love and protect the land. Since the 1850s, Mendocino County has developed a personality influenced by the values of independent farmers, their respect for the land, and their dedication to quality. Many farms are owned and cultivated by multiple generations of the county’s historic farming families. Today, Mendocino’s grapegrowers stand out as ® leaders in sustainable, organic, Biodynamic farming. And with the fruits of their labor, vintners create balanced, pure wines from grapes that express the individuality of Mendocino’s ten diverse appellations.
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Meyer Family Cellars
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Tasting by Appointment Closed to Public Resource/Association
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Located in Hopland
Tasting Room MWI Tasting Room
Yorkville
Anchor Bay Gualala To Jenner
Albertina Wine Cellars To Santa Rosa Brutocao Cellars CORO Mendocino McFadden Farm & Vineyards Milano Winery Cesar Toxqui Cellars
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
BOUNTY MENDOCINO OF THE COUNTY
tasting room built from a single redwood tree, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards has been producing world class wines in small lots since 1980. Farther into the deep end of the valley, Phillips Hill Winery brings together unexpected elements of natural beauty, fascinating local history, a sensory gallery and a revived authentic antique fruit stand. Newly remodeled, Lazy Creek Vineyards lies in a bucolic setting complete with a new winery building and tasting room, rustic barn, cottages, fruit trees and vineyards. The oldest winery in Anderson Valley, Husch Vineyards invites you to sample your favorites in a converted pony barn dating back to the late 1800s. With their long farming heritage, Husch wines showcase the fruit in each bottle and reflect a true commitment to quality and value. Roederer Estate Brut is the first California sparkling wine to be produced by Champagne Louis Roederer. Barely visible from Highway 128, the rustic exterior emphasizes the natural beauty and relaxed charm of the Anderson Valley. Handley Cellars is where visitors can taste a wide selection of wines and shop in the folk art-inspired tasting room or enjoy a picnic in the shaded sculpture garden. The last tasting opportunity in the valley, Lula Cellars is a great place to enjoy a picnic and where you’ll be greeted by Honey, the winery dog.
Family owned and farmed since 1955, the BARRA of Mendocino Winery is located right off Hwy 101, just two hours north of San Francisco. We invite you to stop by and enjoy our complimentary wine tasting, outdoor picnic tables, and parking for RVs. We pour our estate grown, organically farmed wines daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 7051 N. State Street / Redwood Valley, CA / 707.485.0322
North County High on a ridge overlooking Round Valley, the Dos Rios AVA is where the Eel River splits into two forks. The area is home to Vin de Tevis winery, which offers tastings by appointment. Set in the river canyon, the winery specializes in reds including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
North Coast With its stone and redwood barn in an incomparable setting along the ocean bluffs, Pacific Star has one of the most extraordinary settings of any California winery. In addition to its coastal location south of Westport, Pacific Star operates a tasting room at the Skunk Train Depot Mall in downtown Fort Bragg.
OPEN DAILY MARCH - DECEMBER (CALL FOR WINTER HOURS)
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM (707) 895-3202 G OLDENEYEW INERY. COM
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Enjoying the sunrise at Masút Vineyard
Food, Wine & Beer Festivals
February
June
Mendocino County hosts some fabulous culinary festivals throughout the year! The abundance of local and organic food, wine and beer make Mendocino County a natural for food festivals. From seas teeming with fish and shellfish, to grass-fed cattle and bison to homegrown hops and acres and acres of vineyards, Mendocino County is the place for visitors to mingle with the locals and experience what it really means to live in Mendocino County. Our festivals provide an opportunity to plan a trip around an event that celebrates the bounty of our county. For information on festivals and events, please go to www.visitmendocino.com.
February not only signals romance but also the International Alsace Varietals Festival in bucolic Anderson Valley, where you can taste wines from around the world paired with local cheeses, oysters, Alsatian style treats and more.
On Father’s Day weekend in June, meander the back roads during a Taste of Redwood Valley to sample library wines, unusual varietals, small production lots and tasting right out of the barrel. Take a sip or two at the Taste of Downtown Ukiah where wineries and breweries from throughout the region have tastings along with live music, vendors, and food.
January In January, when the days are short and people get crabby, Mendocino County has just the solution! The ten-day Crab, Wine & Beer Festival, held at venues throughout the county, is guaranteed to chase away the winter blues with a crab cake cookoff, winemaker and brewmaster dinners, crabby cruises, and a whole lot more. 22
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Crab, Wine & Beer Festival Tasting
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MENDOCINO BOUNTY OF THE COUNTY COUNTY
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
April Mendocino County is home to the annual Party for the Planet, which highlights the County’s dedication to the sustainable and earth-friendly lifestyle.
May The merry month of May brings artisan beer and pub grub out on the first Saturday of the month at the annual Legendary Boonville Beer Fest. Join the breweries at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds for a howling good time! Hop over the hill to Hopland to celebrate spring with Hopland Passport and then back to Anderson Valley for a panoply of world-class wines at the Pinot Noir Festival. Just in case you haven’t had enough, head to Mendocino Village for a Taste of Chocolate, Wine & Ale!
July Did someone say “Salmon”? You can eat our favorite fish to your heart’s content at the World’s Largest Salmon Barbecue held on the first Saturday of July at Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg.
August Why not stick around in August and enjoy the fun at the Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival? Get wet in a grape stomp, play games, and eat good food (think paella... lots of it!) at this annual festival showcasing wines from the Yorkville Highlands appellation.
Mendocino Farmers’ Market
September September is time for Winesong, the county’s premier wine auction and tasting event held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Pirates in Point Arena? Yes, every year at the Harbor & Seafood Festival, which features fresh, local seafood and local brews. Just when you think you’ve tried everything, along comes the Beer, Bison and Bluegrass Festival showing off three of the county’s star attractions.
October We love abalone! There, we said it... and you too can get to love it at the Abalone Cook-Off & Festival in Noyo Harbor every October. This special event features abalone in every way, shape and form along with wacky booths, wine, beer and music. Then join the gang in Hopland for the second Hopland Passport event of the year.
November Every fall, in November as the mushrooms begin to pop, Visit Mendocino County puts together a multitude of events for the ten-day Mushroom, Wine & Beer
Festival. The signature event is the Mushroom, Wine & Beer Train with a mushroom cook-off, wine and beer tastings, mushroom forays and live music.
From the Farm to Your Fork With its numerous microclimates, Mendocino County is a diverse and productive agricultural region. Farmers here grow a veritable cornucopia of crops: olives, apples, pears, peaches, and all kinds of greens. There are cattle ranches that raise beef, pork and buffalo naturally, and even makers of goat and other cheese. Many county agricultural operations welcome visitors by appointment. The Anderson Valley Foodshed Group has published Mendocino County’s Local Food Guide, which you can find online at www.mcfarm.org. The easiest way to find local foods (including freshly caught seafood) from Mendocino producers is at farmers’ markets around the county. For a list of markets, visit the Mendocino County Farmers’ Market Association website at www.mcfarm.org.
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Lovers Lane Farm Honey
Weekly Market Schedule Boonville: May through October; Saturdays, 9:30am-Noon at the Boonville Hotel. Fort Bragg: Year Round; Wednesdays 3-5pm at Franklin & Laurel Streets and Old Recreation Center Gym (indoors). Laytonville: Year Round; Mondays, 2:30-5:30pm. Downtown on Highway 101 and Laytonville Grange Hall (indoors). Mendocino: May through November; Fridays, Noon-2pm at Howard and Main Streets. Redwood Valley: June through October; Sundays, 9:30am-12:30pm at Lions Park. Ukiah: Year Round; 9-Noon at School and Clay Streets. Willits: Year Round; Thursdays 3-6pm at Willits City Park and Little Lake Grange (indoors).
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Sea arch in Little River 24
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY
Regions of Mendocino County Mendocino County is a state of mind. Spectacular scenery, sense of isolation, aesthetic sensibility, and strong community are the highlights of a trip to Mendocino County.
T
he reward at the start of a vacation or weekend is to pack a bag, fuel up, and head to a destination where you leave the stress behind. No matter where you come from, your first impression of Mendocino County is one of outstanding natural beauty: redwood forests and rivers from the north, rolling hills and the promise of the ocean from the east, the blue and gold of distant mountains from the south. This is what we offer… awe at the foot of a redwood tree, a gasp at the sight of a breaching whale, a sigh of pleasure from a sip of wine, handcrafted from century-old vines… and our welcome. The county’s large geographical area is broadly divided into two separate, yet contiguous, parts: coastal and inland. And those areas are themselves subject to their own geo-partitions: north and south coast, Anderson Valley, and the Redwood Corridor. Each of the areas has its distinct attractions, yet there are commonalities to be found in fine wining and dining, outdoor recreation, and experiences.
PHOTO BY KERRICK JAMES
The Redwood Corridor The majesty of the redwoods and vistas of lush vineyards are just two of the defining characteristics of inland Mendocino County. With two routes into the heart of the county, travelers can opt to wind along Highway 128 through the Yorkville Highlands to Anderson Valley, or stay on Highway 101 side-by-side with the Russian River, passing through Hopland to Ukiah, the county’s cultural center, and the forests and wilderness that await at the northern part of the county. Warm summer days with
cool nights provide the ideal atmosphere for family camping and rural getaways, while couples seeking a romantic weekend can snuggle up in cozy rooms in chic hotels and guest quarters. Fine wine connoisseurs and foodies find their particular slice of heaven throughout inland Mendocino County where handcrafted wines abound and locavore is the only way to eat. Outdoor activities, a train ride through the redwoods, and a multitude of hop stops, are just some of the many reasons visitors choose inland Mendocino County as their preferred destination.
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Patrona Restaurant & Lounge
The following destinations are listed from south to north on Highway 101— The Redwood Highway.
Hopland Explore The Solar Living Institute’s 12 acres of grounds that contain kids’ play areas, ponds, educational information, native plantings and Real Goods—the largest straw bale store in the U.S. Need a break? Then stop in at the Hopland Tap House. With a great selection of beers on tap and relaxed surroundings, this is the roadside place to rest and take a breather. Across the road, check out the bocce ball courts at Brutocao Cellars, located in what used to be Hopland’s high school. Vintage Marketplace offers the opportunity to taste wines at McFadden Tasting Room and Graziano Family of Wines. Mendocino County produces great olive oil and sparkling wine and you can get a taste of both at Olivino/Terra Sávia while you browse the displays of eclectic art and furniture. Then head north and fantasize about estate living on the 180-acre Jeriko Estate winery or visit the only wine caves in the county at Saracina Ranch. If it’s a view you’re craving, there’s no better place to stop than the terrace at RIVINO with its breathtaking vista of the Ukiah valley. 26
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Ukiah Thanks to tree-shaded streets, an inviting downtown, and a vibrant cultural life, Ukiah was once named California’s best small town—and the sixth best in the entire country. The largest city in Mendocino County, Ukiah is home to a bumper crop of Bartlett pears, Victorian architecture and a distinctive laid-back vibe. For a taste of the past, saunter over to the Grace Hudson Museum for a personal tour of the Sun House, a stunning 1911 Craftsman bungalow offering an inside look into the lifestyle of artist Grace Carpenter Hudson. Hike and bike up a storm on a host of hiking trails in the western hills and Ukiah’s cycle-friendly streets. Golfers can try for a birdie at the only 18-hole golf course in the county. Follow the signs to Lake Mendocino for outdoor recreation or take a trek to the City of 10,000 Buddhas for some spiritual renewal.
Willits Nestled in Little Lake Valley, Willits is the “Heart of Mendocino County” and “The Gateway to the Redwoods,” declarations spelled out on the sign that straddles Main Street. Trivia alert: Willits
Tasting in Hopland
is home to the first stoplight on U.S. 101 north of San Francisco! Entering Willits from the south, you will find traveler’s necessities—motels, gas stations, auto shops, and supermarkets. But just north of Highway 20, the route to the coast, lies downtown and many of Willits’ small-town charms.
. . . And Beyond The towns of Laytonville, Leggett, and Piercy each reflect the logging history of the region. Leggett boasts the outdoor delights of Standish-Hickey Recreation Area, and it’s where you can leave 101 to intersect Highway 1 and follow the winding highway to the coast. Top spots include the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree and Confusion Hill. Standing 315 tall and 21 feet wide, the 2,400-year-old drive-thru tree is a definite show stopper. Confusion Hill in Piercy features a gravity-defying house, Redwood Shoe house, mountain train ride, and the world’s largest standing chainsaw sculpture.
Redwood Corridor Dining Choose from numerous dining opportunities on your journey from south to north along the Redwood Corridor. Long a fixture on Highway 101, the
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PHOTO BY ANIL BHULA
MENDOCINO REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY COUNTY
Vichy Springs Resort & Inn
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY
Spas & Hot Springs Nothing Added, Nothing Missing...
Famous as Jack London’s favorite hot springs, Vichy Springs Resort & Inn, east of Ukiah, dates back to the 1850s. The 700-acre property offers hiking trails, a lodge and cottages. Bask in such spa features as a naturally warm, carbonated mineral bath, a soaking pool and an Olympic-size swimming pool (open seasonally). Northwest of Ukiah, Shambhala Ranch offers a secluded, naturally serene environment in a custom-built ranch house with panoramic views, fireplaces, hot tub, music throughout, and a solar energy system. And, deep in the redwoods to the west of Ukiah is Orr Hot Springs where you can steam, bathe, and soak your cares away in the natural mineral waters that fill the “stargazing” tubs and other pools.
GOLD
Try delicious organic wines from America’s first organic winery! Tasting bar located at the Solar Living Institute in Hopland. No Sulfites Added, Vegan Friendly, Gluten Free!
Frey Vineyards
Sold throughout Mendocino County Since 1980 FreyWine.com – 707-485-5177 Tasting room phone # 707-744-1026 VisitMendocino.com
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PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
MENDOCINO REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY COUNTY
Woodfired pizza oven at Saucy in Ukiah
Bluebird Café in Hopland serves homemade pies and an innovative and diverse burger line-up—including buffalo and wild boar! Across the highway, stop in for wood-fired pizza, beer, and wine at Piazza de Campovida. The fire pit on the patio makes for a warm gathering place as evening turns to night. In Ukiah, the historic brick façade at OCO Time belies the blonde hardwood flooring and contemporary design of the dining room, where you can savor sushi, sake, and its signature egg and noodle dish—the Hiroshima-style oco-nomiyaki. High quality Mexican fare is found at Taqueria Jalos and El Molcajete, and for a truly authentic atmosphere, stop in for roadside tacos made-to-order at Chavez Market Taqueria. With its brick walls and beautiful wood tables washed by soft ambient lighting, Patrona Restaurant & Lounge lets you enjoy its seasonal cuisine in a distinctive setting. Relax on the outdoor patio with a featured seasonal cocktail made with fresh juices and organic ingredients. Fun, hip and, well, the name says it all, Saucy is the hottest spot in Ukiah. The heart of the restaurant is the wood-fired pizza oven with many tempting choices, and a gluten-free crust option if you ask. 28
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Behind the bar is a revolving selection of on-tap craft beers, ciders, and wines.
favorites served alongside local grass-fed beef from John Ford Ranch.
For casual lunches, Schat’s Bakery & Café makes its breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups from scratch daily. Vegetarians and vegans, as well as omnivores, will delight in the temptations at Taste Buds, while those who favor a touch of the exotic will be keen to dine at Dora’s Gourmet Café, which features long-time favorites as well as fejoida, the national dish of Brazil.
Dine on fresh-caught fish from the coast, locally raised meat and veggies, and choose from a fine wine list featuring Mendocino County wines at Adam’s Restaurant. It’s located on Main Street in front of Shanachie Pub, where locals go for music, wine, beer, and a good time.
On the south end of town, enjoy the atmosphere at Crush Italian Steakhouse. The sports bar specializes in local brews, wines, and a bar menu, while the dining room with its comfortable booths offers a fine dining experience. For local foods, wines, beers, and snacks, you can’t go wrong at Westside Renaissance Market or Ukiah Natural Foods. Head north over Ridgewood Grade on Highway 101, and you descend into Little Lake Valley and the town of Willits. Despite its western bar exterior, Al’s Redwood Room serves outstanding Thai food. The bar first opened in 1901 and is the oldest continually operating business in Willits. Any guesses about what Busters Burgers & Brew serves? Draught selections include several Mendocino County
The railroad-themed Loose Caboose Café is popular for lunch thanks to a selection of soups, salads, oven-toasted sandwiches, and old-fashioned milk shakes. If you’re searching for sushi, pop into It’s Time for fresh fish and vegetarian selections. Breakfast and lunch goodies are aplenty at the newly opened Brickhouse Coffee on the corner of Main and Commercial. Load up on picnic supplies, healthy food, and snacks at the independent eco-friendly Mariposa Market grocery. If the tang of Texas BBQ is your thing, fit in a stop at the Chief ’s Smokehouse in Laytonville, which is newly renovated with indoor and outdoor dining. Just stop at the sign that says “BBQ and Laundromat!” The walls are adorned with posters from 1970s rock concerts and the menu features barbecue, sandwiches, and shakes. Quirky and delicious, The Peg
REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY
Take a scenic side trip off Highway 101 on Highway 162, skirt the Eel River and explore the unique Round Valley town of Covelo. For dining, the North Fork Café is a favorite for its mostly Italian menu of salads, pastas, pizzas, steaks, and seafood with a good selection of wine and beer.
Redwood Corridor Shopping Ukiah may be small, but it’s openminded and big enough in spirit for a wide variety of businesses. Liv Fashion Boutique will appeal to those looking for up-to-the-minute designs. Beneath its distinctive art nouveau-style sign, La Tré carries a selection of irresistible dresses, boots, handbags, and other accessories. Shoefly and Sox is the go-to Ukiah spot for fashionable, comfortable shoes, as well as handbags and accessories. Next door, you’ll find Boutique 120 with fashionable clothing for men and women. Explore trend-forward natural fiber clothing, lingerie, scarves and other accessories at Graces on Main, which is also home to earthenware art pieces from the Jan Hoyman studio. There are a number of Ukiah stores with distinctive ideas for your home. Habitat specializes in gifts and fine house wares, while the Mendocino Bounty marketplace carries unique kitchen and garden accessories along with local foods and wines. Elegant and intimate Three Sisters has gifts, candles, and other items and Bona Marketplace specializes in hats, leather goods, jewelry, and other inviting items.
with a twist, offers everything for ranch and farm living plus a fun collection of gifts for kids of all ages as well as an oldfashioned soda fountain. For classy and sassy gifts, sophisticated kitchenware, unique items for the home and an impressive selection of gift cards, Cat’s Meow is the place to go. Moon Lady specializes in up-to-the minute fashions, hard-to-find upscale brands, and a large selection of footwear. They also offer a growing selection of stylish fashions for men. Mazahar defines gypsy-chic with its sumptuous selections of natural fiber clothing, jewelry, footwear and steam punk gear for the annual Willits Kinetic Carnivale. Monkey Wrench appeals to both men and women with its line of casual wear and children’s clothing. Tiger Lily’s Boutique and Off the Cuff both offer stylish selections for the truly hip. Parents looking for children’s apparel and accessories will find variety at Buttercups Children’s Boutique. Kids of all ages will relish the collection of rubber stamps, card making, paper crafting and scrapbooking tools, and art supplies at The Goods’ Stamp Shoppe. While in town browse at the Book Juggler with its over 80,000 volumes organized in a meandering maze.
Redwood Corridor Lodging After a day of fun, rest your head at one of Ukiah’s many hotels. For a rejuvenating experience, stay at one of the private
accommodations at local estate wineries. In Hopland, the inn at Piazza de Campovida, with its deluxe suites, is an ideal home base for exploring the surrounding wine country. The Super 8 Ukiah is Mendocino County’s only Certified Green Hotel and is committed to environmental practices. There’s an EV charging station and its breakfasts feature 100% organic coffees and biodegradable tableware. Other lodging options include the Travelodge, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, and the Comfort Inn. Lodging in Willits ranges from national favorites (Best Western & Super 8) to unique local inns and a handful of rental properties. Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa pampers guests by arranging tour itineraries, spa appointments, dinner reservations, Skunk Train tickets, and more. Relax in the day spa with a range of organic skin and body treatments. Redwood cabins, farm-fresh meals, and an incomparable location on the Eel River all add to the appeal of the family camp at Emandal—A Farm on a River, where you can attend multiday sessions or stay overnight depending on availability. Book your trip during the Cowboy Poetry event, with its live music and Apple Pie Throwdown. Just five minutes from Willits, Brooktrails Lodge is set among the beautiful towering redwoods with easy access to hiking trails and the nine-hole Brooktrails Golf Course.
Browse around the Mendocino Book Company with its wide selection of books, periodicals, newspapers, and assorted ephemera. Here’s where you’ll find books written about Mendocino County and comfortable chairs to preview your choices. Kids get in on the fun at Little Brown Bear, which carries a wide selection of upscale infant and children’s clothing and accessories. Shops in Willits carry items from the practical to the outrageous. JD Redhouse & Mercantile, a general store
City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
PHOTO BY ERIC LINDBERG
House provides easy travel sustenance to hungry hikers in Leggett. Ask about their famous mookies.
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Mendocino County Wineries Do we have a story for you...
Family Operated Wineries Albertina Wine Cellars, Balo Vineyards, Baxter Winery, Bink Wines, Brutocao Cellars, Campovida, DNA Vineyards, Dreyer Wines, Elizabeth Spencer Wines, Frey Vineyards, Judson Hale Winery, Manoir Girard Cellars, Maple Creek Winery, Mercier Winery, Meyer Family Cellars, Oster Wine Cellars, RIVINO, Route 128 Winery, Silversmith Winery, Tahto Wines, and Trinafour Cellars.
World Class Pinot Noirs Black Kite Cellars, Drew Family Cellars, Edmeades, Frati Horn Wines, Husch Vineyards, Navarro Vineyards, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards,, Handley Cellars, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Lula Cellars, Masut Vineyard and Winery, Phillips Hill Winery, and Waits-Mast Family Cellars,
Farming Comes First Alder Springs Vineyard, BARRA of Mendocino, Dunnewood Vineyards, Jeriko Estate, Kimmel Vineyards, McFadden Farm & Vineyards, Nelson Family Vineyards, Mendocino Wine Company, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Saracina Vineyards, Seebass Family Wines, Testa Vineyards, and Vintage Wine Estates. www.mendowine.com
REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY
Yorkville Highlands & Anderson Valley
The Philo Apple Farm
A popular route into coastal Mendocino County involves taking picturesque and winding Highway 128 from Cloverdale westward. Begin by snaking through the Yorkville Highlands, known by the cognoscenti as “Les Petits Tetons,” and on to Boonville, the “bahlest” town in the county, and out to the coast. While you’re here though, stop and appreciate the good life found in this verdant and abundant land.
Philo Just a dot on the map, Philo is home to a number of wine tasting rooms, plenty of apples and pears, and recycled redwood artifacts at Architectural Elements of Anderson Valley.
Valley Dining A passion for local and sustainable foods is evident in the fresh and evolving menu at Boonville’s Aquarelle Wine Bar & Café, located at the former Horn of Zeese (cup of coffee in Boontling!). A prix fixe menu is just the ticket at the Boonville Hotel’s restaurant, Table 128, where the wine bar is a favorite gathering spot. Sample homestyle fare such as chicken pot pie at Lauren’s Café, which is a valley dinner favorite, especially on Thursday, quiz night. Create your own picnic at Boonville General Store, with its well-stocked graband-go foods including a selection of local Pennyroyal Farms goat and sheep cheeses. Mosswood Market has panini, soups, salads, coffees, teas, pastries, and desserts while Boont Berry Farm is a good bet for healthy foods, including vegan baked goods.
The Buckhorn Boonville is the place to go for good pub grub and beer, and if you’re looking for some sweet treats, pick up ingeniously flavored ice creams and confections at Paysanne. Petite in size, Philo’s Stone & Embers, located at The Madrones, packs a powerful food punch with a menu specializing in local foods and a county-specific wine list. Hungry for authentic Mexican cuisine? Stop at Libby’s for some of the best carnitas around. Or take a ride a few miles father west for a meal to remember at Coq Au Vin where Madame et Monsieur produce authentic French country cuisine.
Valley Shopping Boonville offers plenty of shopping opportunities for delightful eclectic gifts and goodies. All That Good Stuff features local arts and crafts, jewelry, cards, toys, and a fine assortment of browsable objects. Gifts galore, contemporary art, and fine crafts are at the Rookie-To Gallery, located in a pristine 1930s California bungalow. Rookie-To refers to the call of the California quail. Farmhouse Mercantile houses sophisticated linens, tableware, fabrics, and whimsical knick-knacks you’ll want to take home as a souvenir. Next door, head down memory lane with a browse around the Fish Rock Farm Girls’ antique store.
Your sweet tooth will be sated at the Boonville Chocolate Shop with its wide assortment of tasty treats, located in the rail cars parked downtown. Just beyond Philo, look for the Pot Shop sign to stop and browse Alexis Moyer’s imaginative ceramic creatures and totems.
Valley Lodging Just over the county line, enjoy the rural sophistication of Highlands Estate B&B, set in 20+ acres of pristine countryside. The Boonville Hotel is a magnificently updated and beautifully appointed historic roadhouse. It combines an elegant contemporary country style with a lighthearted spirit for casual, comfortable luxury. Boonville General Store
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
In the heart of Anderson Valley, Boonville is the hot spot on the road to the coast. If you’re thirsty for some local brew, pull in to Anderson Valley Brewing Company where you can drink a pint, play disc golf, or take a tour. Pennyroyal Farms is across from the brewery; their award-winning goat and sheep cheese is widely available locally. Boonville is also home to winery tasting rooms, shops, and galleries.
PHOTO BY TOM LIDEN
Boonville
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One-Stop Coastal Fun 32260 North Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Restaurant: 707.964.4283 • Lodging: 800.643.2700 Fax: 707.964.0254 • TheWharf@mcn.com www.SilversAtTheWharf.com
Silver’s at The
Wharf
Restaurant • Lounge • Lodging
Set your sails for a jaunt down to Noyo Harbor to Silver’s at The Wharf where Chef Silver Canul brings his extensive background in French, Mayan, and Southeast Asian cuisine to local seafood, steaks and seasonal creations. Enjoy panoramic views of the harbor, replete with fishing boats, diving birds, and talkative seals. Full bar, dog friendly outdoor dining, and waterfront lodging.
Dine
Relax
Play
Silver’s serves fresh seafood, steaks and seasonal creations by chef co-owners Silver and Pablo Canul. A relaxing atmosphere, magnificent views and we are also available for banquets and parties! Dog friendly outdoor dining. Open Daily: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. Reservations: 707.964.4283 TheWharf@mcn.org www.SilversAtTheWharf.com
Harbor Lite and Anchor Lodge offer convenient and unique accommodations. Choose Anchor Lodge Waterfront Rooms on Noyo River or Harbor Lite Cliffside Rooms with balconies overlooking Noyo Harbor. The continental breakfast at Harbor Lite features homemade waffles. Anchor Lodge’s pet-friendly Economy Rooms are popular with fishermen and motorcyclers. Free Wi-Fi. Reservations@HarborLiteLodge.com
Sportfishing, whale watching, beachcombing and kayaking are all walking distance from Silver’s Anchor Lodge and Harbor Lite Lodge. Liquid Fushion Kayaking provides all the kayaking gear, small groups and expert guides so that you have a personalized, interactive and educational adventure. www.LiquidFusionKayak.com The Trek II offers sportfishing and whale watching trips. www.AnchorCharterBoats.com
Hillside Trail to Beach, Fishing Village, and Restaurants
Harbor Lite LODGE
Private Balconies Overlooking Noyo Harbor - Free WiFi - Expanded Continental Breakfast Kitchenettes and Deluxe rooms with Fireplaces Seasonal Dinner and Lodging Packages Meeting Center with Catering Kitchen for Group Retreats and Conferences Reservations@HarborLiteLodge.com · www.HarborLiteLodge.com · 800-643-2700 · 707-964-0221
Regional Park. You’ll find just about everything you need at the well-stocked Surf Market. With its eclectic collections of clothing, shoes, gifts and home accessories, Red Stella specializes in “coastal living with an urban edge.” Run by two brothers, Four-Eyed Frog Books is filled with wonderful books, cards, games, and stuffed animals. The Market at Placewares offers specialty foods and beautiful objects for the home to the south coast. Studio 391 has original artwork and photography that captures the natural beauty of the area.
Anchor Bay If you’re really looking to get away, Anchor Bay is the place to go. Surrounded by thick forest, the village sits in the “banana belt” ensuring some of the best weather on the coast.
B. Bryan Preserve
Nicely situated for wine-country explorations, the Anderson Valley Inn was built entirely from redwood and its six rooms combine affordability and a rustic grace. If Fido’s along for the ride, The Other Place has four contemporary dog-friendly private cottages in secluded settings ranging from ridgetop to creekside, or consider a stay at the Boonville Downtown cottage, a secluded getaway with views of the vines and hills. On Highway 128 in Philo, The Madrones is a reminder of the similarities between Anderson Valley and the landscape of Tuscany. The estate contains nine stylishly appointed Guest Quarters, with room for fourteen guests, along with four tasting rooms and a restaurant. At Indian Creek Inn, enjoy the hillside lodging views or the Log Cabin, just a step away from the Navarro River. The Philo Apple Farm, known for its certified organic/biodynamic apples and pears, offers overnight stays in their cozy orchard cabins. You can take cooking classes and browse the “honor system” fruit market. Experience the ultimate redwood retreat for family reunions, weddings and other events at bucolic Camp Navarro, nestled deep in the valley.
The Coast Wild and scenic is an understated description of Mendocino County’s coastline. From the placid mouth of the Garcia River to the towering mountains of the Lost Coast to the quaint Village of Mendocino, the coastal region invites you to revel in its landscape and history. Sometimes shrouded by a fine layer of ocean fog and other times crystal clear, the coast offers a panoply of B&Bs and hotels appealing to couples in search of a quiet getaway. Families feel at home at a vacation rental or kid-friendly hotel/ motel. With beaches galore all the way up the coast, there’s plenty of relaxing, paddling, whale and seal watching, and hiking for all ages.
Point Arena The area is home to the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, the only on-shore portion of the 1,100-long California Coastal National Monument. Contact Unbeaten Path Tours to arrange a personalized hiking tour that highlights the geology and photographic gems of this unique area. A must-stop is B. Bryan Preserve, where you can take a jeep tour of the ranch to see and help feed their herds of endangered African hoof stock. You may even get a kiss from a giraffe!
South Coast With its wild and natural feel, the South Coast offers crashing waves, magical ocean vistas, and miles of hiking on cliff tops and beaches.
Gualala Gualala (pronounced wa-LA-la), on Highway 1, is the southern gateway to Mendocino County and, in addition to being one of the county’s artistic centers, it hosts outstanding restaurants and lodging. It’s also home to Gualala Point
Point Arena Lighthouse
PHOTO BY JOEL HENNER
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
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Uneda Eat will be open. This “occasional café” serves bold and rustic California cuisine. The Pier Chowder House & Tap Room specializes in seafood dishes and provides a unique gathering spot for fishermen, surfers, locals, and tourists.
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
In Elk, old-fashioned, at-your-request service characterizes Queenie’s Roadhouse Café, which is housed in a 1902 former service station. Its breakfasts and lunches combine the natural, the local, and the organic. Don’t miss the house-made herbed biscuits.
Bowling Ball Beach
Situated on the closest point of land to the Hawaiian Islands, the Point Arena Lighthouse is well worth the 115 foot-climb to the top for the stunning views. Also be sure to visit the museum and gift shop.
Manchester Droves of driftwood scatter the beach expanse at Manchester State Park, where there’s opportunity for plenty of outdoor activities. A very popular KOA Campground operates next to the ocean.
Elk Famous for its inspiring clifftop location and Greenwood State Beach, Elk is a perfect getaway and wedding spot. Step outside and experience the Pacific Ocean beneath a star-lit sky.
South Coast Dining Trinks Café is a popular Gualala gathering spot for breakfast and lunch, thanks to its ocean views, espresso drinks, and an emphasis on local, 34
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seasonal, and organic ingredients in its salads and sandwiches. Trinks also serves gelato from Gualala’s own Creamery Pazzo Marco. The chais and espressos at Blue Canoe Coffee and Tea have won raves from Yelp reviewers. With its mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, Bones Roadhouse is a must-stop for barbecue lovers. Just north of Gualala, the onion-domed turrets of St. Orres pay homage to the region’s Russian history, but you’ll also be drawn to the fine dining of one of Northern California’s favorite restaurants. A surprise find is in Anchor Bay, where the Thai Kitchen serves authentic Thai food made with fresh, brightly flavored local ingredients. Point Arena is known for the distinctive blue façade of Franny’s Cup & Saucer where Franny and mom, Barbara, cook up enticing arrays of baked goods for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Just next door, Everything Under the Sun offers fair-trade goods from around the world. If you’re in town late in the week,
Bridget Dolan’s Pub, located in the Griffin House Inn, may serve the most elegant pub food you’ll ever find. Pick up a hearty sandwich made to order with all the trimmings at the Elk Store and then head across the highway to Greenwood State Beach. The store features a wide range of “Made in Mendocino” products.
South Coast Lodging From your room at the cozy Gualala Country Inn, you’ll have views of either the Pacific Ocean or the scenic Gualala River. Anchor Bay has a unique lodging choice at the Mar Vista Cottages, which were built in 1936 as rental units for sports fishermen and have been lovingly updated in a clean Shaker/Swedish style. The grounds feature an organic orchard, pick-yourown garden and fresh eggs delivered to your door each morning. As its name suggests, the Whale Watch Inn delivers commanding ocean views from 18 individually designed rooms, which all have private decks and fireplaces. Guests also enjoy access to a private beach. At St. Orres, you can stay in architecturally distinctive cabins and cottages set beautifully among the redwoods and in meadows with ocean views. The quaint cottages at B. Bryan Preserve are full of reclaimed furnishings such as Frank Lloyd Wright windows and original Fillmore West posters from the ‘60s. At the Wharf Master’s Inn you can stay in the historic 1865 Wharf Master’s House,
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ALBION RIVER INN
where the Albion meets the Sea LODGING
R E S TA U R A N T
BAR
“You’ll wine and dine unforgettably.” wine spectator
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
“The misty cliffs of Albion, where superior food and unrushed service delight diners.” - zagat Our elegant but simply appointed oceanfront guest rooms and cottages have private garden entrances, fireplaces and spectacular cliff top views and include a chef-cooked breakfast in the morning. Dine in our restaurant which features an award winning wine list, acclaimed cuisine, full service bar, and our incomparable Mendocino Coast ocean views. 707.937.1919 | 3790 n hwy 1 . albion . california | albionriverinn.com Tidepools at MacKerricher State Park
which has a 50-foot deck and is the oldest home in Point Arena, or tuck in to one of the cozy cottages at the Coast Guard House. Luxury and privacy are both found at The Inn at Victorian Gardens, located in Manchester. This exquisite inn is situated on 92 acres, just across from the Pacific Ocean. Overlooking the ocean between Manchester and Elk, Irish Beach is a community of vacation homes and cabins perched on the ocean bluffs, many of which are available for rent. The Elk Cove Inn & Spa is a Craftsmanstyle mansion dating back to 1883. Well-appointed rooms and private cottages feature sparkling ocean views with private beach access. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts, the make-your-own cocktail bar, and a spa, which uses organic oils, minerals, and salts for body treatments and massages.
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MENDOCINO REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY COUNTY
Glass Beach, and the spectacular Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Noyo Harbor is a working port with a marina, where you can board a crabcatching or whale-watching cruise or take a leisurely kayak ride upstream on Noyo River—be sure to watch for wildlife! Enjoy dining with a view of the harbor where playful seals poke their snouts above the water.
North Coast Dining
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
Sunset magazine declared the Albion River Inn one of the West’s best small inns. The inn combines oceanside lodging (with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and ocean-view decks) and superb dining—check out the incomparable Scotch and wine lists.
The Village of Mendocino
North Coast
Mendocino
The North Coast entices guests to savor an irresistible combination of natural beauty, cultivated lodging, and history along miles of undeveloped shoreline.
There’s quaint and then there’s the Village of Mendocino. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the architecture, water towers, and stunning location evoke the landscape of 19th century Cape Cod.
Albion The hamlet of Albion is distinguished by its two bridges, spanning the Albion River and Little Salmon Creek. Built in 1944 when steel and concrete were in short supply, the Albion River Bridge is the last wooden bridge still in use on State Route 1!
Little River The cove at Little River is the ideal spot to watch waves and the divers who come to seek out that very special sea offering, abalone! Just up the hill on the north side of the cove is the Spring Ranch trail that runs along the clifftops, complete with blowhole and great seal and whale watching spots.
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Every building embodies the village’s unique history, with its houses weathered by salt, air, fog, and wind. Gardens filled with lush foliage and bright blooms spill over the weathered fences of superbly maintained houses. Many vintage buildings have found new life as B&Bs, shops, and restaurants; the historic red church (with its stained-glass windows still intact) is now an organic co-op grocery. And nature is just a step away at the nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park, where the only sounds are the crashing waves and the flapping wings and calls of seabirds.
Fort Bragg & Noyo Harbor The biggest city on the Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is home to the worldfamous Skunk Train, the extraordinary
Relax with sophisticated dining and an ocean view at the Ledford House, where the menu is Mediterranean style peppered with influences from Asia and the Americas. The bar and dining rooms are great for whale watching and sunset spotting. Farm-to-fork is the story at 5200 Restaurant and Lounge at the Heritage House Resort where you can relax over a drink or dinner and take in spectacular ocean views. There’s nowhere better to catch the sunset than at Ole’s Whale Watch Bar at the Little River Inn. Chef Marc Dym is responsible for the sinfully good cioppino served alongside his awardwinning crab cakes. As the name suggests, fish is first and foremost at the petite Wild Fish restaurant perched on the cliffs in Little River. The locally sourced lunches and dinners are served alongside a stunning view. For extra indulgence, try Liz’s Sticky Toffee Pudding! At the Glendeven Inn, the elegant Wine Bar[n] serves Mendocino County wines while you can dine at bistro | 150 for farm-to-table dinners and where everything is sourced within 150 miles. Rising from a wooded hillside south of Mendocino like the timber lodge of your dreams, the four-diamond Stanford Inn features Ravens Restaurant, one of the country’s finest vegan restaurants. Sourcing their food from the inn’s organic garden and local purveyors, the restaurant’s chefs produce artfully crafted dishes that belie the idea that meat is essential to a meal.
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PHOTO BY BROBERT LANDAU
Featuring the largest selection of local wines and gourmet foods on the Mendocino Coast.
Russian Gulch State Park
Celebrated in such publications as The New York Times, Wine Spectator, and Coastal Living, the historic MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant is one of the county’s top food destinations. Almost everything served is made in the house kitchen—including breads and pastas—and the produce, meat and fish are local and sustainable. The legendary Café Beaujolais almost single-handedly put Mendocino on the map as an international dining destination. The restaurant serves California-style French fare prepared with organic local produce and humanely raised meats. Breads and project: pastries are house-made.
AD PROOF Mendocino County
Proofreading is our clients’ (YOUR) responsibility. Please read the copy carefully. Mark changes & corrections CLEARLY. Ad Revisions are billed at a rate of $60/hr in 15 min increments. VISIT MENDOCINO COUNTY and INKFISH DESIGN cannot be
responsible for errors once this proof has been OK’d. Visitor Guide 2013 In the Village of Mendocino, the restaurant of the historic Mendocino Hotel & color disclaimer: ad size: Garden Suites received the Wine Spectator Due to color variations, this proof does not guarantee the colors shown 1/3 Pg - 4.625” Sq. here on this proof will be duplicated in the publication. Please allow Award of Excellence for 11 straight years. about 10% to 15% difference of hue and shade in the final publication. It’s the place to go for a romantic and Please sign this proof and FAX to 707.734.5004 intimate evening meal in the beautifully _______________________________________________________ appointed Victorian Dining Room. unique inOK’d a quiet creekside setting For questions regarding your lodging Proof (signature) ad proof, please contact Lisa Family-run 955 Ukiah Street Restaurant at the gateway to the redwoods in willits Garza-Hillman at 707.536.5259 has earned praise from publications including Client Name ___________________________ Date ____________ or lisa@inkfishdesign.com 800.459.9911 toll free | 707.459.9063 local (please print) Bon Appétit and Wine Spectator. Appellation www.baechtelcreekinn.com said the restaurant “exemplifies many of the reasons visitors and residents love this coast.” VisitMendocino.com
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MENDOCINO REGIONS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY COUNTY
The taste of the Yucatan awaits at Mayan Fusion in Noyo Harbor. Its sister eatery is Silver’s at the Wharf, popular since it began as a coffee shop serving fishing crews in the 1950s. Gaze through walls of windows to watch seals cruising the harbor and the comings and goings of boats, while enjoying a fresh fish menu.
Romantic dining at MacCallum House
Located in the heart of Mendocino is Trillium—named for the flowers that bloom deep inside redwood forests—a restaurant with an outside deck, a beautiful culinary flower garden and blue water views over Big River Bay. The Mendocino Café, with its garden setting, serves dishes inspired and influenced by its owner’s world travels, while its sister restaurant, Flow Restaurant & Lounge, has a full bar and great whale watching opportunities from the deck and windows. Enjoy the casual vibe at Frankie’s, where everything from pizza and ice cream is organic and lovingly prepared. The Goodlife Café and Bakery offers all sorts of delicious morning and lunchtime treats as well as a wide selection of coffee drinks and teas. Step around the back of the café and you’ll find Mendo Burgers, which serves up delicious organic beef, turkey, or veggie burgers with all sorts of fixings, as well as huge portions of delectable fries. It’s pet-friendly too. Patterson’s Pub brings a touch of Ireland to the edge of the Pacific in a onetime church rectory building dating to 1866.
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A short distance north in Fort Bragg, the restaurant choices run the gamut from raw food options to steaks and local seafood. Don’t miss the remarkable cocktails and an innovative bar menu at Barbelow, located in the historic Company Store building. Just up the stairs is Mendo Bistro, consistently named one of Zagat Survey’s top restaurants on the California coast. Chef Nicholas Petti has been the winner of the annual Crab Cake Cook-Off numerous times and has been featured in Sunset and many other publications. Benvenuto! For a taste of Italy on the north coast, you can’t go wrong with the authentic food at Cucina Verona in the heart of Fort Bragg’s downtown. What to choose? Should it be the pasta? Or perhaps the gnocchi or risotto, but there’s also the fresh seafood and pizza. An extensive local wine list rounds out the experience. Live music on occasional nights. Just around the corner, go for the cuisine of northern Italy at Luna Trattoria. Try Nit’s Café for its delectable and authentic Thai and Asian dishes. Or head to The Q, home of incredible house-cooked pulled pork, baby back ribs, blackened rock fish, and a wide range of sides.
For delicious, healthy, and organic breakfasts, Café One is the place to go; locals swear by its Hippie Scramble egg dish. The Wizard of Oz—themed Egghead’s serves local Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict with three scratch-made Hollandaise sauces and cinnamon raisin bread French toast. Headlands Coffeehouse is a casual café serving bagels, breakfast burritos, granola, and Belgian waffles. It’s open for light dinners, too, with live music (mostly jazz) every night. The Cliff House overlooks the ocean and the mouth of Noyo Harbor from a cliff top location. Casual options at Noyo Harbor include Cap’n Flint’s and its famous chowder, Heron’s by the Sea, and Sea Pal Cove, a local favorite on sunny days. When pizza calls, you know you have to respond. So head to Piaci Pub & Pizzeria, which offers delicious thincrust pizza, an ever-changing array of craft beers and ciders on tap, local wines, as well as calzones, salads, and sandwiches.
PHOTO BY RITA CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
For a sample of the raw food movement at its best, Living Light Café prepares organic raw vegan dishes. It’s part of a complex including an inn, a market, and a culinary arts institute—a premier school for raw vegan chefs.
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You know you’re tempted but not quite sure about the candy cap mushroom ice cream at Cowlick’s... well, fear no more! It’s absolutely delicious with its strong hint of maple syrup. Enjoy this and other seasonal favorites—including North Coast Brewery Beer Brittle ice cream—every day. Downtown Cleone’s Mexican restaurant, The Purple Rose is beloved for its famous margaritas that draw devotees from all along the coast.
North Coast Shopping Stroll around the dozens of shops in the Village of Mendocino for one-of-a-kind artwork, gifts, and clothing. For women’s wear, Fancy That carries high-end clothing, scarves, handbags and other accessories. Rainsong specializes in fashion for hip, stylish men and women, and just down the street you can visit their sister shoe store for the right pair of shoes. Bébé Lapin carries fashionable children’s clothes and accessories. Step into Sallie Mac and you’re transported to the European countryside. French bistro furniture, whimsical garden art, linens, and ceramics fill the bright, airy store. Vintage quilts, aloha shirts, and retro-inspired products are just some of the unusual collection of artifacts and antiques displayed in The Attic of Mendocino on Main Street.
likely to be found online or at any urban mega-store. Out of This World combines science with fun, and stocks quality binoculars as well as toys and novelties. Don’t forget to peek through the telescopes lining the store’s window—you may get lucky and spot a whale or two! Reflections offers a world-class selection of kaleidoscopes made by leading craftspeople who specialize in these beloved optical devices. For gifts and souvenirs, both Big River Trading Company and Mendocino Gift Company are good stops. The Village Toy Store is a low-key, kid friendly place with an excellent selection of toys and games from Europe. Papa Bear’s Chocolate Haus crafts candy right before your eyes, ranging from taffy and caramel apples to a signature white chocolate with fresh raspberries. Among the truffles at the Mendocino Chocolate Company is the delectable orange-flavored Angela, created and named for red-haired Angela Lansbury when she worked on location here shooting Murder, She Wrote.
Located in a historic church, the collectively operated Corners of the Mouth natural food store is a must for anyone seeking healthy and organic foods. For picnic supplies, check out the cheese counter and olive bar at Harvest Market at Mendosa’s, a specialty grocery store, wine purveyor, and old-fashioned general store. In Fort Bragg, you’ll find boutiques with diverse collections, such as Splendiferous with its many clothing lines for “women, children, yoga, life” to specialty stores, such as Pippi’s Longstockings, which zeroes in on socks, tights, and stockings. Or pick up a special something for your romantic stay on the coast at Understuff, the specialty lingerie shop. In addition to clothing, the selection at Tangents includes an eclectic grab bag of novelties, candles, and jewelry. Declaring, “We believe all women no matter what their size (or age) deserve great fashion,” Toto Zaida is committed to style, comfort, and affordability. The weather on the coast is changeable, but you’re covered if you need an extra layer. Stop at the Outdoor Store for serious sports footwear, jackets, maps, and more.
In the village, you’ll find original shops that reflect the community’s independent and creative spirit. Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books serves local residents and visitors from around the world with an extensive inventory of current titles, plus a large selection of eclectic volumes not
Pudding Creek trestle bridge VisitMendocino.com
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The Visit Mendocino Marketplace offers a great selection of locally made and sourced products, sweatshirts, calendars, and a wealth of information about Mendocino County.
Glass Beach
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PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
Fiddles & Cameras lives up to its name. It’s an old-fashioned stop for camera, photography, and darkroom supplies (including digital needs). And yes, it stocks stringed musical instruments too. Racine’s Art & Office Supplies is definitely a haven for the creative and an inviting place to browse, thanks to its intricate hand-drawn window displays and wall art. Jammed with high-quality toys, games, models, and puzzles from around the world, The Spunky Skunk is a great stop on Franklin Street. ER Energy carries a myriad of goods for the kitchen and home, from barbecues and wood stoves to cookware and gift items.
North Coast Lodging Long an iconic location on the north coast, the newly renovated Heritage House Resort welcomes guests to its stunning location nestled on 37 acres of oceanfront land. Beautiful rooms with luxe appointments provide a welcome respite from everyday life. Romantic Glendeven Inn is a farmstead with a three-story farmhouse, a carriage house, and an annex. The house llamas enjoy their own pasture, chickens on the property provide eggs for the breakfasts, and free-ranging guinea fowl control insects in the manicured gardens. Across the road is the Inn at Cobbler’s Walk, with newly renovated luxurious rooms and suites, and Rachel’s Cottage, which provides the ultimate in privacy. In business for over 75 years, the Little River Inn has been hosting families and friends for generations. Run by the fifth generation of innkeepers, this is your home away from home on the north coast. It also has the Mendocino coast’s only golf course.
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rolling onto the rocky Mendocino coast. The inn offers cottages with such amenities as private decks, four-poster feathertop beds, and fireplaces. There are also rooms in the 1860 farmhouse, including Sunstone, with its ocean-view spa tub.
PHOTO BY KERRICK JAMES
With cottages overlooking Big River beach and four rooms in a Craftsmanstyle home, Alegria Inn offers a range of experiences and moods. Cove Cottage is an intimate escape with Asian accents and an incredible setting above the beach. Sister properties include the Raku House with four rooms and suites, vacation rentals at Alegria’s Victorian-style Village Farm Retreat, and the Dolphin House, which sits on a bluff top overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Two village inns boast on-site spas. The Sea Rock Inn and Spa, with its stunning setting, offers massage and sauna. And Sweetwater Gardens, at the Sweetwater Spa and Inn, is famous for its redwood hot tubs and sauna (including a private tub and sauna suite). Sunset at Albion River Inn
It may be rainy outside, but you’ll be cozy and warm at Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse. This family-run B&B features wood-burning fireplaces, antique furnishings, spectacular views, and superb house-made breakfasts served en suite. With its commanding ocean view, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek has a variety of accommodations, including a water tower set among nine acres of gardens, meadows, and forests. The inn’s Creekside Spa occupies a luxury yurt near an ocean-view hot tub and sauna, and offers massages, facials, aromatherapy, body polishes, and foot treatments. The contemporary style of the nine Cottages at Little River Cove creates a distinct alternative to the historic and rustic feel of much of Mendocino County’s lodging. The cottages (six are pet-friendly) overlook the ocean from atop a bluff and come equipped with full modern kitchens and baths. Check into the Andiron Inn for a retro-chic experience in any of their eleven cabins. This is where the Fifties are celebrated every day!
Commanding an idyllic spot above Big River, the Stanford Inn is the coast’s only eco-resort. Enjoy the top-notch accommodations, wonderful views, and organic gardens. The Mendocino Center for Living Well offers a full menu of massages, wraps, aromatherapy, scrubs, yoga and nutrition classes. Or, if you feel like some exercise, rent a bike, kayak or canoe at Catch-A-Canoe & Bicycles Too! The New York Times says, “There is no better place to spend the evening than at the MacCallum House.” You can spend more than an evening at this inn in the heart of Mendocino. Surrounded by lush gardens, accommodations include suites in the main house, cottages, and rooms in the Barn. The New England-style Victorian that’s home to Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast dates back to 1868. Originally a barbershop and later a fine restaurant, the inn combines a unique history with luxury and meticulous service. Many of the rooms have ocean views and wood-burning fireplaces, and the breakfasts are positively lavish. From a commanding bluff-top setting, Agate Cove Inn takes in views of waves
A host of opportunities await couples, families, and friends looking for their own private getaway home. Options include inland rentals and coastal homes in settings ranging from tame to dramatic. Travelers can literally move right in and enjoy all the benefits of having their own private house. There are hundreds of these vacation homes throughout the County, each with its own unique character. Some sit right on the edge of the ocean, providing panoramic views, and many can accommodate large groups. Coast Getaways and Mendocino Coast Reservations are just two of the companies that offer a wide range of accommodations and will guide travelers in their selection. Celebrated in both The New York Times and Sunset magazine, the Weller House Inn in Fort Bragg was built in 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ten guest rooms include two in the house’s historic water tower (Fort Bragg’s tallest point) and its redwood ballroom has become a hot spot to tango. The Grey Whale Inn can proclaim two very different firsts: It was the city’s original hospital and 65 years later, the first Fort Bragg B&B. The three-story redwood structure offers individually decorated rooms (some with ocean views) named for county landmarks. VisitMendocino.com
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The Jewel of the Coast
stunning natural setting pacific contemporary styling epic views four diamond amenities gracious hospitality
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5 2 0 0 n o rt h h i g h way o n e . l i t t l e r i v e r . c a local 707.202.9000 | toll free 877.295.9973 | www.heritagehouseresort.com
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
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Set in an appealing park-like setting, the cottages and suites at Shoreline Cottages offer convenient access to the ocean and a six-person hot tub! A long-time favorite with visitors, the Beachcomber Motel & Spa sits alongside the Ten-Mile Coastal Trail running from the north side of Pudding Creek Trestle all the way to Ten Mile Beach. Guests can rent a bicycle to ride the paved trail paralleling the ocean. The pet-friendly Surf & Sand Lodge affords guests almost instant beach access and a picturesque 10-minute walk into town. Enjoy the view of Pudding Creek from your balcony at the Beach House Inn.
an easy walk to the beach, is known for the adjacent mini-golf course. Nicely renovated rooms plus picnic tables, barbecue grills, and gardens make the Surf Motel & Gardens a dependable and affordable choice on the North Coast.
Standing tall, the North Cliff Hotel delivers spectacular views of the Noyo River and the ocean while the Harbor Lite Lodge perches high above Noyo Harbor. The Emerald Dolphin Inn, with
Just north of Fort Bragg, the Cleone Gardens Inn is an 11-room lodge nestled in lush gardens, with decks, gardens, and a private path through woods to beaches, Lake Cleone, and MacKerricher State Park.
Mendocino Bay Beach
PHOTO BY ERIC LINDBERG
The Atrium B&B features themed rooms in a lovely historic home facing the ocean. The cozy Glass Beach Inn has six rooms in the main house and three in the cottage on the property. Within an easy walk to Glass Beach, the Country Inn has eight lovely rooms in an 1890s residence.
The beautiful 1871 farmhouse at the oceanfront Howard Creek Ranch in Westport has a second-story wraparound porch. Rooms feature handcrafted redwood details, antiques, and plenty of atmosphere. On hikes along the ranch’s trails, you may end up spotting all sorts of wildlife. There’s even a swinging bridge across the namesake creek. Westport Inn & Abalone Pub is a jewel on the Mendocino Coast, with beautifully appointed rooms.
located in Fort Bragg on northern california’s spectacular and rugged mendocino coast
enjoy the magnificent ocean, whale watching,
and beautiful sunsets, all from your own private balcony.
707.964.9383 | www.surfsandlodge.com VisitMendocino.com
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Plein air painter west of Ukiah 44
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
THE CREATIVE COUNTY
The Creative County Whether you seek an inspiring experience in nature, a restorative retreat or a locale in which to reflect and create, Mendocino County offers bountiful opportunities for artistic expression and connection.
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he call to explore, discover, and document the natural beauty of Mendocino County has drawn artists from all over the world, helping to create the unique communities of Mendocino County. Just look around at the works of nationally renowned local artists in many of the county’s restaurants, wineries, and inns. Mendocino County also hosts cultural events throughout the year: art fairs, music and film festivals, and writers’ conferences. Collectors of unique arts and crafts will delight in the many cooperative galleries, some of which have been in business for decades. Purchase a photograph, painting, sculpture, or a print on locally harvested pampas grass to remind you of your visit or, better yet, take a class with a master potter, wood worker or jeweler at one of our many art centers. Indulge and deepen your own creativity. Keep your camera handy! If you aren’t already an artist when you arrive, you may become one by the time you depart!
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
Redwood Corridor In Hopland, stop at Terra Sávia to not only taste wine and olive oil, but also appreciate the art that fills their warehouse/tasting room—from handcrafted furniture made from reclaimed wood and graceful willow to large oil tapestries. The Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House in Ukiah is an art, history and anthropology museum housing the lifeworks of artist Grace Carpenter
Hudson as well as an impressive display of Native American Pomo basketry. Just around the corner, the artist cooperative in the Corner Gallery Ukiah showcases the works of local artists and is the hub of the First Friday Ukiah Artwalk. From 5 to 8pm art walk sites offer opening receptions, music, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to mingle with local artists. Every summer, the City of Ukiah presents Sundays in the Park, a series of six free concerts in tree-shaded Todd Grove VisitMendocino.com
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ANDERSON VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MENDOCINO THE CREATIVE COUNTY
What the Heck is Boontling?
For a time, it even became the Anderson Valley’s principal spoken language. Today, the folk language consists of about 1,000 words and survives mainly through the efforts of the Boontling Club. The club sells a pocket-sized word list at the Historical Museum and local businesses. Here’s a brief glossary. Apple-head: girlfriend
Lews and Larmers: gossip
Bahl: good, as in “bahl hornin’” (good drinkin’)
Ling: language
Baldies: the grassy hills east of Boonville Bluetail: rattlesnake Briney: the ocean Bucky: a nickel Can-Kicky: angry Cock a Fister: fight
Moshe: a machine, particularly a car Nee: no, not (often attached as a prefix, as in “neemer,” not anymore) Pike: hike or walk Seep: sip, or wine
Deek: look or see
Shark: to fool or puzzle
Fratty: wine
Shoveltooth: doctor
Gorm: food, or to eat
Shy: to quit or depart
Harp: talk (particularly to speak Boontling)
Slug: to sleep
Heelch: a large quantity or amount Hoot: laugh Kimmie: man
Steinber: beer Stook On: stuck on, in love with Tidrik: a party Zeese: coffee
Larrup: to beat up
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Corner Gallery, Ukiah
Park. Performers range from worldfamous names to talented locals. Founded in 1977, the Ukiah Players Theatre presents seasons of high quality classic drama, contemporary plays, comedies, musicals, and even original local works. S.P.A.C.E. Theater is where you can find a panoply of performances, ranging from dance to music to improv. Just north of Ukiah, Mendocino College stages productions with Ukiah Players Theatre, Ukiah Civic Light Opera, and the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra, which draws from community talent for four annual concerts.
With more than 100,000 artifacts, the Mendocino County Museum in Willits examines the region’s diverse history: Pomo Indian culture, railroading, shipping, and logging. It brings history alive too, thanks to rooms set up as an old mercantile, a vintage ice cream shop, and an actual dentist’s office. Staffed by volunteers, Roots of Motive Power, next door to the Museum, preserves and restores steam and diesel-powered machinery used in the area’s logging industry. The collection includes railroad engines and cars, donkey engines, and cranes.
At the workshop and gallery, Graces on Main/Jan Hoyman Studio, you’ll find exquisite earthenware platters, bowls, and serving pieces. The selection at Nomad’s World encourages you to expand your horizons with its imported handmade objects made by artisans from a variety of Asian cultures. Knitters will want to stop in at Heidi’s Yarn Haven for its superb high-end yarns and notions. Just a few miles south of Willits on Highway 101 is Ridgewood Ranch, known to the world as “The Home of Seabiscuit,” the famous thoroughbred racehorse of the 1930s. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation holds tours of Seabiscuit’s home.
Ridgewood Ranch
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
eportedly first created by women, children, and young men working in the hop fields as a way to entertain themselves (and to keep from being understood by the uninitiated), Boontling or Boont eventually spread.
PHOTO BY ELLIOT LITTLE
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MENDOCINO THE CREATIVE COUNTY
The Willits Center for the Arts, housed in the restored 1926 Women’s Improvement Club building, is dedicated to providing the community and visitors arts and cultural activities. It combines exhibit areas showcasing local artisans’ works as well as a venue for performances and music. The Willits Community Theatre, in its 35th year, provides live theatre year-round with quality plays and special productions. With its own venue, the Willits Shakespeare Company stages an annual production and conducts spring workshops.
Exhibits range from indigenous Pomo baskets to vintage farm equipment. You can also learn about Boontling, the language invented by locals in the 19th century and still in limited use today. Hours vary, so call ahead. In Philo, The Pot Shop is a working studio and gallery where visitors can see the pottery creation process from throwing clay on a potter’s wheel to unloading pots from the kiln.
The Coast
items. The award-winning Studio 391 Fine Art Gallery has a diverse selection that includes photography, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Curated by modern design pioneers Lu Wendel and Maynard Hale Lyndon, Placewares focuses on design and art for the home. Spindrift Gallery concentrates on paintings by owner Craig Gilliland, as well as leading Northern California artists. Elsewhere in town, Alinder Gallery is a must for Ansel Adams devotees. The gallery’s husband-and-wife owners, James and Mary Street Alinder, are worldrenowned Adams authorities. Downtown’s Dolphin Gallery is the retail annex of the Gualala Arts Center and exhibits everything from photography and paintings to ceramics, forged metal, baskets, and birdhouses. Located in a distinctive setting above town, Stewart Kummer Gallery features fine arts and crafts by Northern California artists working in a variety of media.
Tucked away in Covelo, John Marshall creates exquisite Japanese textiles using age-old techniques. Check his website www.johnmarshall.to for open studio tours and classes.
Gualala
Anderson Valley
The community is home to the Gualala Arts Center, a superb cultural facility that hosts art exhibitions, performances, and community events. Set among towering redwoods, the center is an impressive arts venue. On its grounds, you’ll find sculptures, gardens, and a walking trail.
Point Arena
The Cypress Village Gallery District is an ideal stop thanks to the creative talent housed there. Henley’s Art & Interiors carries unique fine art and handcrafted
Thirty buildings in Point Arena along Highway 1 comprise an historical district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown includes
A true Boonville treasure, Tom McFadden Furniture’s exquisite handcrafted pieces reflect influences ranging from Art Nouveau to Shaker design and the Arts and Crafts movement. A mile north of Boonville, the Anderson Valley Historical Museum is housed in an iconic one-room schoolhouse.
With galleries showcasing photography, jewelry, ceramics, and painting, Gualala is a true arts haven with a long creative tradition.
mendocino music festival
Mendocino Coast Writers Conference
photo©bill fletcher 2013
MENDOCINO MUSIC FESTIVAL www.mendocinomusic.org ph. 707.937.4041 The Mendocino Music Festival offers an inspiring, eclectic blend of fine music by outstanding performers including orchestral concerts, chamber music ensembles, opera, Big Band, blues, jazz, world, folk, bluegrass and popular contemporary shows. Our 29th season takes place July 11 – 25, 2015.
Where Writing Adventures Begin August 6 – 8, 2015
www.mcwc.org
Join our community of writers, editors, and agents VisitMendocino.com
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MENDOCINO THE CREATIVE COUNTY
shops, galleries, cafés, and Main Street’s historic Arena Theater. The theater first opened in 1929 as a vaudeville venue and was lovingly restored in 1997. It now shows first-run films and presents live concerts and other performances.
Highlight Gallery in Mendocino
Lighthouse buffs need no introduction to Point Arena. Standing on a beautiful peninsula that juts into the Pacific, 115-foot-tall Point Arena Lighthouse underwent a major restoration and offers an evocative look at area history. At Point Arena Tileworks, artist and craftsman Matt Matijczyk fires all of his pieces on site. He takes pride in the high quality, durability, and affordability of his creations, as well as his rare fused glass tiles.
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
Elk The Artist’s Collective showcases the work of 28 artists from Fort Bragg to Sea Ranch. Works include photography, paintings, ceramics, pottery, and redwood furniture. The building that houses Elk’s Greenwood State Beach Visitor Center & Museum served as the mill office for two lumber companies and later as town post office. Historic photographs and artifacts (including a vintage organ) bring town history alive, and a wall-sized mural depicts the unusual wharf that once operated here.
Mendocino Art is central to life in the Village of Mendocino. Year round, you’ll likely see a dozen or more plein-air painters working at easels around town, as well as photographers attempting to capture the village’s subtle beauty and changing moods.
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
The village is full of galleries with innovative works that venture far beyond traditional seascapes. A monthly celebration of art takes place in Mendocino on the second Saturday of the month. From 5 to 8pm, galleries hold openings, and shops stay open later than usual.
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With gardens and grounds ideal for contemplation, the Mendocino Art Center showcases a different local talent each month and offers a varied slate of classes—from ceramics to digital arts. Upstairs in the Sussex Building on Main Street, Artists’ Co-Op of Mendocino is a destination for art collectors and connoisseurs, known for quality traditional and contemporary art that is diverse in content, style, and medium. The deck offers an unparalleled bay view. Temple of Kwan Tai
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Ocean Quilts carries an impressive selection of locally crafted quilts, folk art, and table linens. There is nothing like a cool ocean breeze to inspire a knitter to start a new project and the Mendocino Yarn Shop is a must-stop for aficionados, thanks to its fine yarns and helpful staff. The Highlight Gallery on Main Street showcases over 200 regional and nationally known American artists and craftspeople. Artist Linda Brown shows her original designs in glass at the Color & Light Glass Studio. If you love jewelry, you’re bound to be tempted by the offerings in Mendocino. Pearls of Wisdom Design channels the energy of gardens, plants and nature in exquisitely detailed and delicate jewelry. Rubaiyat Beads has a sister shop in Fort Bragg, and also sells imported rugs. The high-quality and affordable jewelry at Mendocino Sandpiper makes it a popular stop while Panache’s two village locations beautifully display jewelry, sculpture, art glass, and museum quality paintings. The wares at Compass Rose Leather include not just handcrafted leather goods but also glassware and fine woodworking.
MENDOCINO THE CREATIVE COUNTY
Offering a vivid timeline of Mendocino and the surrounding region, the Ford House Museum displays photographs, logging equipment, Pomo artifacts, and a model of the village circa 1890. Built in 1854, the house was home to Jerome Ford, one of the men originally dispatched to salvage cargo from the shipwreck Frolic.
For three decades, the Mendocino Theatre Company has presented everything from classic drama to children’s theater. Plays are staged in the intimate 76-seat Helen Schoeni Theatre on the Mendocino Art Center’s grounds.
The 1861 Kelley House Museum showcases exhibits on Mendocino coastal history. Mendocino was unique among 19th-century California’s coastal settlements because of its large Chinese community. The village’s historic Chinatown burned down in 1910 but the surviving Temple of Kwan Tai is believed to be the oldest Chinese joss house in rural California. Restored in 2001, the temple is a registered State Historic Landmark and preserves the history of the county’s Chinese immigrants.
With gallery openings, street theater, and concerts in coffee houses, Fort Bragg’s First Fridays are an exciting and accessible introduction to local arts and culture. Stop by the Visit Mendocino County Marketplace to say hello, take in the new artwork, and shop for local products.
Symphony of the Redwoods features 50 amateur and professional musicians from Mendocino and surrounding counties. From September to May, it stages concerts in Mendocino and Fort Bragg.
Fort Bragg
There’s plenty of art to go around in Fort Bragg! A member of the fair-trade federation, Ananse Village works directly with village artisans in Africa and displays baskets, beads, masks, and textiles in its showroom. A cooperative of several Mendocino coast artists, Partners Gallery exhibits contemporary painting, photography, jewelry, and sculpture, and also presents events including poetry readings, concerts, lectures, and films. Edgewater Gallery features locally
created fine art including watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography, ceramics, fine woodwork, jewelry, mixed media, hand painted scarves, and sculpture. Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery is devoted to inspiring photographic excellence on the Northern California coast. Built by artist Buster Dyer and his wife Trish, Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery displays distinctive chandeliers, including works shaped like jellyfish. Overlooking the surf from a knoll in downtown Fort Bragg, the Guest House Museum is located in a spectacular threestory 1892 Victorian. Photographs, maps, and artifacts illustrate Fort Bragg history. An assortment of machinery, including log-hauling donkey engines and train locomotives, surround the house. Gloriana Musical Theater produces a wide variety of theatrical offerings throughout the year while Opera Fresca presents topquality opera, concerts, and cabaret in both Mendocino and Fort Bragg.
Mendocino • Coast • Botanical • Gardens
Where nature is elemental
Lose your sense of time in this captivating 47 acre garden to the sea. Wander for an hour or all day along manicured paths or step into the wild. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers an enchanting visual experience year-round, for nature lovers of all ages.
store & nursery open year-round • rhody’s café open apr-sep we d d i n gs • tou rs • c la sses
Annual Events:
art in the gardens
•
festival of lights
summer hours: 9am to 5pm ( mar-oct ) • winter hours: 9am to 4pm ( nov-feb ) 18220 n. hwy one . fort bragg . ca 95437 • 707.964.4352 • www.gardenbythesea.org
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Sonoma Mendocino Whale & Jazz Festival, Elena Quartet
Art, Music & More Festivals! April
August
Sonoma Mendocino Whale and Jazz Festival: Enjoy a month-long festival of concerts, theater, poetry, and dining at venues throughout the South Coast.
Art in the Gardens: The best garden party on the coast is held annually at the gorgeous Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
Anderson Valley Open Studios: Your chance to tour the studios of local artists.
May Gualala Fine Arts Fair: Browse the art, watch craft demonstrations, and enjoy the entertainment at this intimate two-day arts festival in the small coastal town of Gualala.
June Mendocino Film Festival: Held in locations throughout the county, the Film Festival brings filmmakers and independent movies for special screenings, talks, and other events. Kate Wolf Music Festival: A musical institution in the county, this three-day music festival features a line-up of top musical talent at Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville. Sierra Nevada World Music Festival: In Boonville, experience world music and the summer solstice in this three-day celebration of peace, unity and brotherhood.
July Mendocino Music Festival: Held in one of the most enchanting sites in Northern California, this respected music festival features classical, opera, blues, and world music performances.
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference: Writers discover encouragement, expertise and inspiration from leading authors and publishing professionals. Willits Kinetic Carnivale: An amazing array of activities for aficionados of kinetic energy & steam power with a fair, a grand ball, handcar races, and a symphony of steam engines.
September Studio Discovery Tour: This free, selfguided tour spans a 60-mile stretch of Mendocino Coast, allowing visitors a peek into the personal studios of more than 40 of the county’s talented, unique artists.
October Day of the Dead Festival: Learn to make altars, flowers, jewelry, sugar skulls and other Day of the Dead traditions. Enjoy pan de muerto and Mexican hot cocoa, then follow the Altar Trail.
November Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Fair: A holiday marketplace with unique, high quality artwork and gift items, glass works, fiber wearables, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, and much more. Festival of Trees: Gualala Arts Center is transformed into a 19th century mill town, serving guests hearty vittles and libations, including local scrumpy, a Gingerbread House Contest, and a magical “Fairytale Forest.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF GUALALA ARTS CENTER
MENDOCINO THE CREATIVE COUNTY
dream create inspire MendocinoFilmFestival.org 707-937-0171
MENDOCINO COUNTY festivals
JANUARY
CRAB, WINE & BEER FEST
APRIL
NOVEMBER
PARTY FOR THE PLANET v I s I T M E N D O C I N O
.C
MUSHROOM, WINE & BEER FEST O M
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Horseback Riding at MacKerricher State Beach 52
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
OUT & ABOUT
Out & About The plan may have been to come to Mendocino County for a relaxing getaway. But there are many other options, so get ready for Plan B!
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land of many terrains, Mendocino County is the ideal destination for the adventurous traveler looking to explore by land and sea in a single trip. From hiking and cycling to surfing, diving, boating, and everything in between, there’s no shortage of adventure opportunities in the great outdoors. The Pacific coastline and the pristine headwaters of the county’s rivers lure canoeists and kayakers for lazy floats and more adrenaline-fueled outings in stretches of whitewater and ocean. Mountain bike riders and hikers heed the call of the redwood forests with their myriad trails and leafy landscapes.
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
So however you like to enjoy the great outdoors, Mendocino County has the resources. We dare you: just try to resist our waves and wilderness!
Redwood Corridor
campsites, playgrounds, hiking and horseback trails, disc golf, and a marina.
West of Ukiah, Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is home to five groves of old growth redwoods. Meander along the miles of trails that take you into 2,700 acres of unspoiled forest.
With over 31 miles of streams and 12 wildlife reservoirs, the rugged terrain of Cow Mountain offers a variety of recreational activities, from off-roading to camping, hiking and cycling. For a great view of the Ukiah Valley, drive out to Low Gap Park and hike up the City View Trail. The two-mile loop trail climbs the hill for some great views. Combine with the Canyon Trail for a four-plus mile walk.
Boat, hike, camp, picnic or fish for largemouth bass and catfish on beautiful Lake Mendocino, located just a few miles from Ukiah near the headwaters of the Russian River. The lake has 300
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MENDOCINO OUT & ABOUT COUNTY
Gualala River with Adventure Rents. Anchor Bay is a popular gateway to Schooner Gulch State Beach and its forested gulch and bluff-top views, as well as Bowling Ball Beach—named for wave-rounded boulders that look like, well, bowling balls!
Mendocino County Waterway
Just north of Leggett, Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve showcases redwoods in its Frank and Bess Smithe Grove. Fish and swim in the south fork of the Eel River and splash in the 60foot waterfall. The 200-mile stretch of the Eel is perfect for rafting or hunting out swimming holes. Rent equipment or take a guided trip through Rubicon Whitewater Adventures. With trails threading the area, Round Valley is ideal for riders of dirt bikes, ATVs, and other motorized off-road vehicles. Black Butte River Ranch provides horse boarding, paddocks, and pasture (in addition to a store and campsites). Horses are also welcome in the Mendocino National Forest, a few miles farther east.
Anderson Valley Anderson Valley is home to three beautiful old-growth redwood reserves. Turn off Highway 128 between Yorkville and Boonville on to Fish Rock Road and you’ll arrive at Mailliard Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Don’t expect a lot of action—just majestic trees and 54
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
solitude. Just beyond Philo, turn west on Philo-Greenwood Road to Hendy Woods. Camping, swimming in the Navarro River, hiking, kayaking and canoeing are just some of the outdoor activities you can indulge in. Try for fish in the Navarro River watershed down river from the bridge at the park entrance. Enjoy similar activities ten miles beyond Philo at Navarro River Redwoods State Park. The drive through the park along Highway 128 is has been described as “an 11-mile long redwood tunnel to the sea.” Deep in the woods at Camp Navarro, enjoy night games such as glowing badminton, ping-pong and glow light toss. Family and group games include volleyball, soccer, bocce and for the more adventurous, archery and rock climbing.
The Coast Gualala is a haven for outdoor adventure. Fishing is permitted in the ocean and in many area streams and rivers but restrictions apply, so check with local authorities. While many visitors come here for ocean kayaking, you can also paddle along the
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
Arena Cove in the town of Point Arena is home to one of the state’s best fishing piers, which stands about 25 feet above the water. The harbor is also a popular spot for surfers. The Arena Rock Underwater Preserve offers abundant marine life and even a sunken wreck. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are allowed unless otherwise noted. The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands has 1,665 acres of coastline, estuary, and beach, and contains significant natural resources and wildlife. The area is ideal for daytime activities such as hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and soaking up the views of Mendocino’s breathtaking South Coast. Climb the Point Arena Lighthouse, the only lighthouse on the Pacific offering access to the top! Manchester State Beach is one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in California and is great for fishing and witnessing impressive collections of giant driftwood logs. Horseback riding is a great way to explore this area and Ross Ranch leads guided rides along beaches or into mountain redwood forests. Enjoy kayaking down Noyo River, or through the caves and crevices of the Pacific coast. Big River, Northern California’s largest undeveloped estuary, sitting along 7,334 acres of wetlands and forest, is also ideal for watersports. For a different kind of beauty, head inland on Little River Airport Road to the world-famous Pygmy Forest. The forest’s fully mature pine and cypress trees (some a century old) range in height from just six inches to eight feet. Hike or bike the10 miles of trails lush with ferns in the river canyon. A classic coastal stretch, Mendocino Headlands State Park contains two miles of sea cliffs, tide pools, and offers outstanding views of the Village of Mendocino.
Fern Canyon
Mendocino National Forest
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
MENDOCINO OUT & COUNTY ABOUT
22215 Windy Hollow Rd. Point Arena, CA (707) 467-5300
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ying along the county’s northeastern edge, spectacular Mendocino National Forest stretches 65 miles long and 35 miles across. It comprises almost a million acres of California’s Coast Range and spreads into five counties. This vast expanse of wooded mountains, canyons, rivers, mountain lakes, and wilderness offers camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, and hunting. Miles of trails wind through terrain that ranges in elevation from about 3,000 to more than 8,000 feet. The forest is perhaps most easily accessible from Covelo on Mendocino Pass Road. At the national forest’s northern end, the sprawling and extremely remote Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness is fascinating and challenging to explore, thanks to its creeks, waterfalls, and indigenous plants and wildlife. An excursion into this area along the Eel River demands planning and outdoor skills. Be sure you have the ability to deal with its rugged country.
Fish & Seafood Restaurant 100% local & organic 7750 n hwy 1 . little river . ca | 707.937.3055 | 707.754.7555 www.wild-fish.com | eat @ wild-fish.com VisitMendocino.com
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MENDOCINO OUT & ABOUT COUNTY
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a coastal treasure. Trails wind through 47 breathtaking acres of gardens, native forests, and wildflowers. Some of its rhododendrons are more than 20 feet tall. One surprise here is the Cliff House. Out on the last curve of the Coastal Bluff Trail, the wooden shelter overlooks the tidal action in a tiny cove. Liquid Fusion Kayaking’s tours explore coastal areas, focus on bird watching and wildlife, and reveal local history in Noyo Harbor and along the Noyo River.
PHOTO BY MIKE NEENAN
A former city landfill, Glass Beach is one of California’s most unusual beaches. Years of pounding wave action broke down bottles and deposited tons of polished glass onto the beach.
The Lost Coast
Redwood groves are a popular Fort Bragg attraction. Right in town, Otis R . Johnson Wilderness Park features trails through the towering trees. A onetime lumber-company throughway, the Old Haul Road starts at Pudding Creek right behind the Beachcomber Motel, then runs 10 miles north to
Ten Mile River in MacKerricher State Park. Much of the road is paved and it’s a great route for hikes or bike rides from Fort Bragg to the park. Along the way, it passes Lake Cleone, the snowy plover habitat at Virgin Creek, the Laguna Point sea lion rookery, and the Ten Mile Dunes. Just east of Fort Bragg, 50,000-acre Jackson State Forest boasts groves of old-growth redwoods, as well as interpretive walks and miles of trails. With both single- and double-track routes for cyclists of all levels, it’s a haven for mountain bikers. The tiny town of Cleone serves as a gateway to MacKerricher State Park, which occupies land that was once part of the Mendocino Indian Reservation. Wildlife spotters come here to look for whales, harbor seals, and dozens of bird species. You can also enjoy two freshwater fishing lakes, campsites, hiking trails, and a long walkable beach. Bicycling and horseback riding are also popular activities.
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Straddling the Mendocino and Humboldt county lines, this 80-mile stretch of coastline includes the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park and the King Range National Conservation Area. It’s a ruggedly beautiful and unspoiled landscape with trails, campsites and scenic spots. Pristine Usal Beach—a surfer’s and kayaker’s paradise—is accessible by an unpaved road a few miles inland from the coast. Although spectacular, the area is challenging and can be treacherous, so proper planning is essential. Mendocino Insider Tours offers day-trips, sparing you the headache of renting a four-wheel drive vehicle. An amazing way to see the area is with Air Galore, based at the Little River Airport, which has short flights to both the Lost Coast and south to Point Arena.
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Paddle Boarding at Big River State Park
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
his spectacular wilderness, which hugs the northern Mendocino coast, begins just north of Rockport where Highway 1 swings inland and leaves the Pacific.
MENDOCINO OUT & COUNTY ABOUT
Outdoor Activity Resources Hiking From quick leg-stretchers to challenging multiday excursions into designated wilderness, Mendocino County’s hiking rivals any in California. You’ll discover old-growth redwoods and fern canyons, ocean cliffs, and secluded beaches. Scenery ranges from ocean-view mountain slopes along the Lost Coast to high-mountain forests in the inland valley.
Visit beautiful Anderson Valley
Hiking Resources: Pick up Bob Lorentzen’s comprehensive Hiker’s Hip Pocket Guides to the Mendocino coast and highlands.
On The Water Along the coast, Adventure Rents in Gualala rents canoes and kayaks for trips on the Gualala River and leads summer moonlight “flotillas” with catered beach dinners. Force 10 Ocean Kayak Tours in Elk offers two-hour trips along the coastline in two-person kayaks. For more ocean adventure, Kayak Mendocino leads sea cave tours from the beach in Van Damme State Park.
Home to world class Pinot Noir, aromatic whites & sparkling wines
For information about our festivals & events: www.avwines.com
Operating on Big River, Catch-a-Canoe rents canoes and kayaks and leads guided tours in custom-built outrigger canoes. In Fort Bragg, Liquid Fusion Kayaking heads out on coastline tours, as well as Noyo Harbor and Noyo River outings. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, Rubicon Whitewater Adventures offers river-rafting experiences throughout the county. Noyo Harbor is the go-to spot for whale watching, crabbing and deep sea fishing. Depending on the season—and the seas—take a cruise with All Aboard Adventures or Noyo Fishing Center. Paddle boarding is another way to navigate the waters of the coast. Stand Up Paddle Mendocino offers tours of coastal coves, caves and rivers.
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MENDOCINO OUT & ABOUT COUNTY
PHOTO BY GREG ISRAEL
Whitewater rafting
Horseback Riding For equestrians, few pleasures can compare to splashing through the surf along a Mendocino beach. You can also ride into the mountains, through forests, and across coastal plains. On
the South Coast, Ross Ranch offers rides on Manchester Beach and in the redwoods east of Elk. A hidden treasure north of Fort Bragg, Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers horseback riding, including trips along the beach—the only place to run a horse on a beach on the West Coast. Outings range from one-hour and half-day guided trail rides to customized excursions. Outside magazine declared the ranch’s weeklong vacation ride one of the “Top 25 Trips of a Lifetime.”
Golf Mendocino County offers golf courses that range from unique and challenging to breathtaking.
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
At the north end of Willits, the beautiful nine-hole Brooktrails Golf Course winds among towering redwoods and rustling creeks.
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The only golf course on the Mendocino Coast at the Little River Inn offers a surprisingly challenging layout along hills and redwoods. The nine-hole facility has ocean views and is an Audubon Society-certified sanctuary.
Little River Inn golf course
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Blending natural beauty and a challenging layout, the classic Ukiah Valley Golf Course has ranked among Northern California’s best public golf venues since its opening in 1931.
Camping Mendocino County offers dozens of public and private campgrounds. Highlights include Paul M. Dimmick Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park along Highway 128, which has a waterfall trail; Van Damme State Park, which snakes back from the coast through Fern Canyon; north of Fort Bragg at MacKerricher State Park, and at Lake Mendocino just north of Ukiah. Camping Resources: • For camping in any county park, mendocino.org/html/parks.html has links to dozens of sites. • For camping reservations at state parks, visit parks.ca.gov. • Reserve America handles reservations for the state and also processes reservations for many public and private campgrounds throughout Mendocino; reserveamerica.com.
Biking near Mendocino Village
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
MENDOCINO OUT & COUNTY ABOUT
PHOTO BY ROBERT LANDAU
Make Tracks in Mendocino
B
oth mountain bikers and road cyclists will find that Mendocino County delivers a range of experiences that will inspire them to saddle up every day they’re here. The skinny-tire crowd can take to paved roads and revel in everything from the drama of California Highway 1 (part of California’s Pacific Coast Bike Route) to the pastoral scenery of Mendocino’s wine country. With logging roads and trails in almost every state, county, and regional park, as well as Mendocino National Forest, mountain bikers will find endless choices too. Bicycling Resources: Even if you don’t bring your own bike, remember that & Bicycles Too (part of Catch-a-Canoe) rents and services mountain bikes, as does Fort Bragg Cyclery. Book a full day or half day mountain biking excursion with Mendocino Bike Sprite.
Riding near Van Dame State Beach
TRAIL RIDES BEACH REDWOODS “Top 25 trips of a lifetime” – Outside Magazine Ride through Mendocino Forests, on Wild Coastal Beaches and across Vast Cattle Ranches overlooking the Ocean Exceptional Horses, English & Western
1½ Hours to All Day
RICOCHET RIDGE RANCH 707.964.7669 www.horse-vacation.com
Toll Free 888-873-5777 VisitMendocino.com
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Running on the boardwalk at MacKerricher State Park 60
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Fun for the Whole Family Not just a couples’ destination, Mendocino County has a multitude of activities and accommodations for the entire family, including your four-footed friends!
T
his is just the place to nix the screen time and get the family outside for hikes, bike rides, train rides, kayaking, and beach adventures. No need to leave the grandparents behind: bring everyone! And that means your pets too. The family dog is welcome to accompany you on all sorts of adventures (and into many businesses) in the county. Here’s a quick look at top family destinations and activities in Mendocino County.
Outdoor Adventures
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
Take a trip on the world famous Skunk Train, which departs from both Fort Bragg and Willits, and meanders through majestic redwood forests. During the holidays, parents and little ones will love the Christmas Skunk Train ride, featuring music, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa. Explore the rivers and oceans with a kayak trip through the sea caves at Van Damme State Park, bring Fido along on an outrigger canoe up Big River, or drift up the gentle Noyo River for wildlife viewing. Hit the trails at the Point ArenaStornetta National Monument with its
dramatic geology and coastline. While you’re on the south coast, Gualala Point County Park has a variety of terrains ranging from beaches to coastal prairies and forests. Travel to the Pygmy Forest across five marine terraces and 500,000 years at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve or hike the Fern Canyon trail at Van Damme State Park. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve has a criss-cross of trails set among the giant redwoods. Or go tide-pooling and bird watching at Spring Ranch Preserve. Have a whale of time watching the harbor seals and sea lions frolic in Noyo Harbor or spy passing whales from any clifftop location—spring and fall bring the gray whale migrations!
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Family-Friendly Festivals July Enjoy the wacky July 4 parade in Mendocino; fireworks and fun at Todd Point Park in Fort Bragg, and hit rodeo central at Willits Frontier Days.
August Experience all the fun of the fair with rides, carnival games, and sideshows at the Redwood Empire Fair in Ukiah. Lumberjacks, an ugly dog contest, firemen’s water fight and more are featured at the annual Paul Bunyan Days in Fort Bragg!
September The Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show in Boonville is a fun country fair with animals, rides, music and more.
October Smashing Pumpkins...? Yes, at Ukiah’s PumpkinFest with its scarecrow contest, pumpkin smashing, booths and a parade.
December The Festival of Lights in Fort Bragg brings a winter wonderland of lights throughout the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
PHOTO BY JOHN BIRCHARD
Mendocino County Fair
PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN
MENDOCINO FUN FOR THE WHOLE COUNTYFAMILY
Harbor seals lounge at Noyo Harbor
Go fish at Lake Mendocino or launch a whale or crabbing excursion from Noyo Harbor. Everyone, including Fido, will enjoy the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a floral wonderland in any season. Saddle up at Ricochet Ridge Ranch and take a guided horseback ride on the beach and through the forest trails. Mesmerizing Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is one of the most distinctive beaches on the West Coast, if not the world. This former city dumpsite was transformed by crashing waves into a sea glass-covered wonderland. For over a decade, B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena has been actively committed to the breeding and preservation of endangered African hoof stock. Today, children and parents alike can watch zebra, giraffes, and antelope freely roam in a natural environment. At Hopland’s Solar Living Center, generate some electricity, get hands on with the interactive exhibits and enjoy a picnic by the pond.
Family-Fun Classics Putter around the course at Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf or throw a round of disc golf at courses throughout the county. Bowl everyone over at Yokayo Bowling Center in Ukiah, a family favorite.
The home of “Mystery, Fun, and Family Entertainment,” Confusion Hill features the world-famous Gravity House, Redwood Shoe House, the world’s largest free standing redwood chainsaw carving, and a unique miniature Mountain Train Ride. On your way, take a detour through the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree.
Shopping Mendocino County is a family shopping paradise. Village Toy Store in Mendocino specializes in old-fashioned toys such as wooden blocks, Raggedy Ann dolls, Lincoln Logs, and the largest inventory of kites north of San Francisco. For the readers in the family, Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books in Mendocino and Mendocino Book Company in Ukiah offer the chance to unplug in comfortable silence while turning the pages of a favorite book. Out of this World in Mendocino features binoculars, telescopes, science kits, and gadgets for the curious and adventurous to take on their travels. Other family-friendly activities include trying unique, Mendocino-inspired flavors of ice cream at Cowlick’s in Fort Bragg or Frankie’s in Mendocino.
FUN FOR MENDOCINO THE WHOLE COUNTY FAMILY
Pet-Friendly Mendocino County
This is a place where virtually all of the top experiences—canoe trips, fine dining, wine tasting, and quiet retreats in luxury inns—are as available to your dog as they are to you. In fact, Fido Friendly and Bark Magazine are among the publications that have declared Mendocino County a standout for visitors traveling with their dogs. Check out www.visitmendocino.com/petfriendly for a complete pet guide. Canoe Big River with your canine
Stay Traveling with your pets in Mendocino County does not mean having to settle for less than ideal lodging. Your four-legged family members are welcome everywhere from 4-star full service resorts, to ocean front hotels, to value-priced accommodations. Pet fees are usually very modest and
many lodgings provide something special to make your pet feel comfortable. For the safety of pets, owners and other guests, please do not leave your pet alone in a hotel room or other place. Be considerate and pick up after your pets, and please follow all guidelines/restrictions of the lodging establishments.
PHOTO BY RICK HEMMINGS
In Mendocino County, the welcome for pets goes far beyond bowls of water outside local businesses.
Wine Tasting with Fido No trip to Mendocino County is complete without some wine tasting. You don’t have to leave your pets behind. There are two major wine producing areas: Anderson Valley, known for its world famous Pinot Noirs, and the Redwood Corridor, which
enjoy peaceful views from your private balcony overlooking Pudding Creek Estuary or walk to Glass Beach, jeweled with precious seaglass. tour California’s beautiful North Coast and stay at our seaside inn, the finest, affordable lodging accommodations.
707.961.1700 | www.beachinn.com VisitMendocino.com
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MENDOCINO FUN FOR THE WHOLE COUNTYFAMILY
produces numerous varietals. All wineries listed in the pet guide welcome pets, some in tasting rooms and some at outdoor decks or patios. A few even have resident canine greeters!
Dining
“I
n looking for a pet-friendly vacation spot for me and my dog, I wanted to find a destination that combined a beautiful setting, outdoor activities and a community that went a step above what most consider petfriendly. I wanted more than just a hotel that welcomed dogs for an additional fee and offered up a few Milk-Bones at the front desk. I found exactly what I was looking for in Mendocino County, CA. Alexandra Blantyre Salt Lake City Dogs Examiner Writer
owners. But Mendocino County also offers pets a train ride on the Skunk Train, a romp through the flowers at the Botanical Gardens, a canoe or kayak ride, or a whale watching cruise. There are even several offleash dog parks and beaches for those dogs that need a little extra exercise.
No one likes to leave a pet behind while dining. So why not choose one of the restaurants listed in our guide? Though the health department does not allow dogs (except service dogs) in the actual restaurant, many restaurants have outdoor decks perfect for meals for the whole family.
Treats!
Play Time!
A full guide to pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, wineries, parks, beaches and dog parks is online at www.visitmendocino.com/pet-friendly.
No dog objects to playing on the beach or hiking through the redwoods with its
A dog’s life is not all play. There are certain essentials needed such as food, a new hairdo, doggie day care and excellent vet services just in case. And who can resist a little shopping at some of the local pet boutiques to pick out that special toy or treat?
”
VISIT MENDOCINO COUNTY MARKETPLACE 345 North Franklin Street | Fort Bragg, CA 95437 v. 707.964.9010 | erin@visitmendocino.com
www . facebook . com / visitmendocinocountymarketplace
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Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
McKerricher State Beach
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
STOP BY for MONTHLY ARTISTS, LOCAL GOODS, & INFORMATION in the HEART of FORT BRAGG!
PHOTO BY DANIEL MACDONALD / DMACPHOTO.COM
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Wedding at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Weddings & Events Mendocino County is a destination where visitors come to get away from it all. It’s also a place where plenty of people come together to celebrate special events. Weddings There’s nowhere quite like Mendocino County for a romantic wedding, vow renewal or elopement! With venues ranging from ocean-view clifftops to inland lakes and verdant valleys, you’re sure to find a location to suit you. A host of wedding professionals—from planners and
photographers to chefs and caterers— await your every need and whim to make your special day unforgettable.
Inns And B&Bs Mendocino County inns and B&Bs are experts at staging weddings. Many also provide the convenience of housing
wedding guests on-site for memorable weekends, and offer newlyweds romantic honeymoon stays. Perched on 37 acres above its own cove, the Heritage House Resort’s oceanfront gazebo is one of the coast’s most scenic locations for a special event. Perfect for intimate weddings, Brewery Gulch
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WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Inn offers a gorgeous natural setting and the warmth and romance of its Arts and Crafts-style interiors. For larger gatherings, consider the Little River Inn with its fullservice spa on-site and ocean-view location. The Stanford Inn offers a full range of planning resources and ceremony locations including a gorgeous herb garden and in front of the lobby fireplace. Owner Jeff Stanford can even officiate! Elk Cove Inn with its oceanfront gazebo and picturesque views is also a treasured wedding venue. Prime coastal choices also include The Weller House, MacCallum House (famous for its wedding-perfect gardens, which can easily accommodate a wedding tent), St. Orres, Glendeven Inn, and Whale Watch Inn. Just inside the Mendocino county line on Highway 128, The Highlands Estate is a romantic country estate offering a relaxed atmosphere, idyllic vistas and two beautiful wedding locations nestled in the beautiful Yorkville Highlands. With its serene and secluded atmosphere, The Madrones in Anderson Valley makes an ideal spot for intimate weddings, elopements, and vow renewals.
Unique Locations Weddings and giraffes! B. Bryan Preserve and its giraffe barn, unique accommodations, zebras and other African hoof stock is a choice for the truly creative. The 1840s wooden Wedding Barn at Spring Ranch is a truly spectacular venue located on a Coast Reserve just south of Mendocino. The ranch also has a guesthouse and loft for the lucky couple.
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Mendocino Bay Overlook, with stunning views of the Village of Mendocino. Other public properties along the coast for weddings include the Gualala Arts Center and the Kelley House Museum, where the lawn and gardens boast a pond and beautiful views of Mendocino Bay. The gardens and vineyards of Campovida in Hopland provide a lush and memorable setting. And in Philo, the Philo Apple Farm is a Bohemian paradise, and can provide a fully loaded farm-to-table experience.
Wineries From warm inland valleys to the coast, Mendocino wineries specialize in weddings. North of Fort Bragg, Pacific Star combines winery amenities with a unique and spectacular cliff-top location, as well as ocean view accommodations. Near Hopland, Jeriko Estate boasts an ultra-luxurious villa available for the bridal party, the newlyweds’ honeymoon, the reception, or the rehearsal dinner. In Anderson Valley, Greenwood Ridge Winery features a pond with an arched bridge that’s a natural wedding photo opp. Groups can have the run of a winery at Lula Cellars, whose new facility features 22 lush acres including a dedicated event forum and tasting venue. Hosting weddings for more than 60 years, Parducci Wine Cellars is a beautiful and historic venue for your next celebration. Shaped like an inverted Champagne glass, Barra of Mendocino in Redwood Valley provides an indoor location as well as alfresco settings on its 50 acres of vineyard property.
You’ll find serenity and atmosphere at Leonard Lake Reserve located to the west of Highway 101 in Redwood Valley. Guests can stay on-site in the house and cabins, boat on the largest natural lake in Mendocino County, and explore 4,000 acres of redwood forest.
South of Ukiah, with its vineyards and redwood groves, 200-acre Nelson Family Vineyards is a scenic and appealing wedding location. The scent of lavender, thousands of antique roses and a natural amphitheater provide the romance at Brutocao Cellars in Hopland.
Outdoor & Public Sites
Meetings & Special Events
Thanks to its incomparable ocean backdrop, the Mendocino Headlands State Park has long been among Northern California’s most popular outdoor wedding locations. Across the bay is the
Mendocino County is a magnet for small and midsize groups seeking more than a boardroom and PowerPoint to kick start the creative juices. The Hill House Inn has flexible spaces, a mahogany-paneled
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
lounge with fireplace, and the second-story Pacific-view Ocean Room (which seats 150). Its sister facility, the Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites’ garden conference center is in the heart of Village of Mendocino and is media-ready to boot. The eco-friendly Stanford Inn in Mendocino is ideal for meetings and group retreats whose attendees want a break from their daily routine. Little River Inn’s Abalone Room opens to a large ocean-view deck and accommodates receptions for up to 100 people, as well as smaller sit-down meetings, presentations, and workshops. In Little River, the Heritage House Resort can accommodate guests in their Rose Garden, with stunning ocean views. On the south coast, the 15,000-squarefoot Gualala Arts Center is situated on 11 acres of redwoods and can host large groups for business meetings and events. The Center is presentation ready with a host of projection equipment available. For a return-to-roots program with a strong farm-to-table ethos, Emandal sits on 1,000 prime acres along the Eel River east of Willits. Ideally suited for corporate retreats and think tanks, the Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa in the northern Redwood Corridor in Willits, steps up with guestrooms and a conference facility in a serene, creekside locale. The Ukiah Valley Conference Center offers multiple conference rooms, which accommodate 10 to 300 people, is conveniently located in downtown Ukiah and has abundant parking. Their rooms are ideal for board meetings, seminars, small receptions, banquets, trade shows and large seminars. The Saturday Afternoon Club is one of Ukiah’s oldest historical landmarks and provides a unique venue where you can host anything from a wedding or birthday party to a meeting or political rally. Tucked away in the Anderson Valley redwoods, the 120-acre Camp Navarro features rustic cabins, open-air Adirondack shelters and a grand lodge. On site are a ropes course, rock-climbing wall and miles of hiking trails, making it an ideal locale for team building. Off-grid and completely solar driven, Shambhala Ranch hosts off-site itineraries with 40 acres of private redwood forest, a lake, beach and indoor meeting facilities.
Mendocino County Accommodations family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
restaurant/bar
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
handicap accessible
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
price range
REDWOOD CORRIDOR For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
HOTEL/MOTEL/INN America’s Best Value Inn
uuu $
Best Western Orchard Inn 555 South Orchard Avenue • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.1514 • bestwestern.com
uuu $–$$ • • • • • • •
Comfort Inn & Suites
uuu $–$$ • • • • • • •
Days Inn
uuu $–$$$ • • • • • • • •
601 Talmage Road • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.8868 • 800.522.1555 • americasbestvalueinn.com
1220 Airport Park Boulevard • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.3442 • 877.424.6423 • choicehotels.com 950 North State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.7584 • 800.329.7466 • daysinn.com
Discovery Inn
1340 North State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.8873 • ukiahdiscoveryinn.com
• • • • • •
uu $–$$$ • • • • • • •
Deluxe amenities are standard in every guestroom such as complimentary WiFi and premium cable television. Guestrooms and suites are furnished with welcoming décor and provide spacious comfort. Microwaves and refrigerators are standard, and our suites come with full kitchens. If you are traveling with your pet, special hotel lodging in our “pet wing” is available.
Economy Inn $ • • • • •
406 South State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.8611 • economyinnukiah.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites
1140 Airport Park Boulevard • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.3600 • 800.228.2800 • marriott.com/stsuk
uuu $–$$$ • • • • • •
Hampton Inn Ukiah
uuu $$ 1160 Airport Park Boulevard • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.6555 • 800.HAMPTON • hamptoninn.hilton.com/ukiah
• • • • • • •
Motel 6 $ 1208 South State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.468.5404 • motel6.com
• • • • • •
Quality Inn
1050 South State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.2906 • 800.228.2000 • qualityinnukiah.com
uu $
Enjoy balconies with mountain views and whirlpool suites with fireplaces in our wellappointed guest rooms. Our outdoor heated pool and hot tub are in a garden setting including koi ponds and perennials. Microwave and refrigerator are in each room. Spa and wine-tasting packages available.
• • • • • • •
Piazza de Campovida $$$ • • • • • 13441 South Highway 101 • Hopland, CA 95449 707.744.1977 • piazzadecampovida.com
Royal Motel $ • • •
750 South State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.7536
Shambhala Ranch Eco-Lodge Inn & Retreat Center $$–$$$ • • • • • • • •
21200 Orr Springs Road • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.937.3341 • shambhalaranch.com
Sunrise Inn
uu $
• • • •
Super 8 Ukiah 693 S. Orchard Ave. • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.468.8181 • 888.742.4697• super8ukiah.com
uu $
• • • • • • • •
650 South State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.6601 • sunriseinn.net
Travelodge Ukiah 1720 North State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.5745 • travelodgeukiah.com
The only certified green hotel in Ukiah offers delightful rooms abundantly furnished with every comfort you desire. Conveniently located off Highway 101, the Super 8 is your passageway to the redwood forest, luscious wine country, and boundless amusements of Mendocino County.
uuu $–$$ • • • • • • • •
Voll Motel $ • • •
628 North State Street • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.1610 • vollmotelukiahca.com
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MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
REDWOOD CORRIDOR • Cont’d RESORTS Orr Hot Springs $–$$$ • •
13201 Orr Springs Rd. • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462-6277 • orrhotsprings.org
Vichy Springs Resort & Inn
2605 Vichy Springs Road • Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.9515 • vichysprings.com
uuu $$–$$$$ • • • • • •
VACATION RENTALS
CONTACT
Private Park VR – Willits
Sleeps 10–16
707.354.4057
vrbo.com/172962
Squirrel Hill
Sleeps 4
707.894.4216
vrbo.com/330684
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
restaurant/bar
price range
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
handicap accessible
ANDERSON VALLEY For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
BED & BREAKFAST The Highlands Estate $$$ • • • 33430 Highway 128 • Cloverdale, CA 95425 707.894.9500 • thehighlandsestate.com
INNS Anderson Valley Inn 8480 Highway 128 • Philo, CA 95466 707.895.3325 • andersonvalleyinn.com
$–$$$
• • •
Boonville Hotel $$–$$$$ • • • • •
14050 Highway 128 • Boonville, CA 95415 707.895.2210 • boonvillehotel.com
The Cottages at Ravenridge $$$ • • • • • •
32530 Highway 128 • Yorkville, CA 95494 707.894.7320 • ravenridgecottages.com
Indian Creek Inn $$ •
9050 Highway 128 • Philo, CA 95466 707.895.3861 • indiancreekinn.biz
The Madrones $$$ •
9000 Highway 128 • Philo, CA 95466 707.895.2955 • themadrones.com
• •
• • • •
Philo Apple Farm $$$ • •
18501 Philo-Greenwood Rd.• Philo, CA 95466 707.895.2333 • philoapplefarm.com
RESORTS Boonville Downtown $$$ • • • • •
14275 Highway 128 • Boonville, CA 95415 707.895.3979 • sheepdung.com
The Other Place $$–$$$$ • • • • •
The Other Ranch Road • Boonville, CA 95415 707.895.3979 • sheepdung.com
VACATION RENTALS
CONTACT
Buckner Mountain Estate
415.517.7998
vrbo.com/258098
John Buckner
Cabin in the Meadow
707.895.3716
cabinmeadow.com
Kathy Bailey
Sleeps 4
Campovida 707.400.6300 campovida.com Navarro Mill Guesthouse 707.895.3027 navarromillguesthouse.com River’s Bend Retreat Center
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Sleeps 2-50
707.895.3990
riversbendretreat.org
Stoney Bottom Gardens
Sleeps 2
707.895.9424
Toll House
Sleeps 12
707.895.2572
tollhouseinn.com
Wild Iris Retreat
Sleeps 4
707.591.4093
wildirisretreat.com
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Lorie Ginger Valen
Jonathan Wentzel
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
restaurant/bar
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
handicap accessible
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
price range
SOUTH COAST For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
BED & BREAKFAST Coast Guard Historic Inn & Cottages $$$ • • • • •
695 Arena Cove • Point Arena, CA 95468 707.882.2442 • 800.524.9320 • coastguardhouse.com
Elk Cove Inn & Spa
uuu $$–$$$$ • • • • • •
North Coast Country Inn
uuu $$$ • • • • •
6300 South Highway 1 • Elk, CA 95432 707.877.3321 • 800.275.2967 • elkcoveinn.com 34591 South Highway 1 • Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.4537 • 800.959.4537 • northcoastcountryinn.com
HOTEL/MOTEL/INN B. Bryan Preserve $$$ • • • • • 130 Riverside Drive • Point Arena, CA 95468 707.882.2297 • bbryanpreserve.com Breakers Inn $$–$$$ • • • • • • 39300 South Highway 1 • Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.3200 • breakersinn.com Greenwood Pier Inn $$$ • • • • • • • • •
5928 Highway 1 • Elk, CA 95432 707.877.9997 • greenwoodpierinn.com
Griffin House Inn $$–$$$ • • • • • • • •
5910 South Highway 1 • Elk, CA 95432 707.877.3422 • griffinn.com
Gualala Country Inn
47975 Center Street • Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.4343 • 800.564.4466 • gualalacountryinn.com
uu $–$$$ • • • • • • •
Relax & unwind in quiet, country elegance. AAA rated with modern comforts, current technology, ocean views, fireplaces, breakfast, laundry & nearby PGA quality golf course. Walk to shops, restaurants, galleries & beach. Family owned & operated. Let us help make your stay special.
Harbor House Inn $$$$ • • • • • •
5600 South Highway 1 • Elk, CA 95432 707.877.3203 • 800.720.7474 • theharborhouseinn.com
The Inn at Victorian Gardens $$$$ • • • •
14409 South Highway 1 • Manchester, CA 95459 707.882.3606 • innatvictoriangardens.com
Point Arena Light Station 45500 Lighthouse Road • Point Arena, CA 95468 707.882.2777 • 877.725.4448 • pointarenalighthouse.com
$$–$$$
• • • • •
Saint Orres $–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
36601 South Highway 1 • Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.3303 • saintorres.com
Sandpiper House $$$–$$$$
5520 South Highway 1 • Elk, CA 94532 707.877.3587 • 800.894.9016 • sandpiperhouse.com
Surf Motel
39170 Highway 1 • Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.3571 • 888.451.7873 • surfinngualala.com
• • • • • •
uu $$–$$$ • • • • • •
Whale Watch Inn $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
35100 Highway 1 • Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.3667 • 800.942.5342 • whalewatchinn.com
Wharf Master’s Inn
785 Port Road • Point Arena, CA 95468 707.882.3171 • 800.932.4031 • wharfmasters.com
uuu $–$$$$ • • • • • • •
RESORTS Mar Vista Cottages at Anchor Bay $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
35101 South Highway 1 • Anchor Bay, CA 95445 707.884.3522 • 877.855.3522 • marvistamendocino.com
VACATION HOMES RENTAL AGENCIES Coasting Home
Number of Homes: 30
Brisas del Mar • Sleeps 6 Dew Point • Sleeps 6 Ebb Tide • Sleeps 4 Ocean’s Aerie • Sleeps 6
Ocean’s Window • Sleeps 4 Pacific Vista • Sleeps 6 Seagaze • Sleeps 5 Serendipity • Sleeps 6
Voyager’s Paradise • Sleeps 8
Irish Beach Vacation Rentals
Number of Homes: 15
Arena Vista • Sleeps 6 Barlow • Sleeps 6 Bellagio • Sleeps 6 Bellview • Sleeps 6 Bennett • Sleeps 8
Carter • Sleeps 4 Castaway • Sleeps 6 Nebenzahl • Sleeps 4 Ocean Sunset • Sleeps 6 Prevo • Sleeps 9
Sea B’s • Sleeps 7 Sea Haven • Sleeps 6 Sea Mist • Sleeps 6
39040 Highway One, 2nd Floor 707.884.9601 • 800.773.8648 coastinghome.com 44001 Noyo Way, Manchester, CA 92467 707.882.2467 • 800.882.8007 irishbeach.com
VisitMendocino.com
69
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
SOUTH COAST • Cont’d VACATION HOMES RENTAL AGENCIES Sea Ranch Vacation Rentals
•
Cont’d
Number of Homes: 1
Fleur de Mer • Sleeps 4
39175 South Highway 1 707.884.3211 • 800.643.8899 • searanchgetaway.com
Serenisea
36100 South Hwy 1, Gualala, CA 95445 707.884.3836 • 800.331.3836 serenisea.com
Number of Homes: 16
Beach House • Sleeps 7 Blue Haven House • Sleeps 4 Cabins 1,2,6 • Sleeps 2–6 Castlerock House • Sleeps 4 Colt • Sleeps 2
Cove House • Sleeps 4 Future Dreams • Sleeps 4 Harbor House • Sleeps 4 Hawkins • Sleeps 6 Moonstar Cottage • Sleeps 2
Moonstar House • Sleeps 4 Saunders Reef • Sleeps 10 Serenade • Sleeps 4 Vista Del Mar • Sleeps 6
VACATION RENTALS
CONTACT
Casa Bella Pacifica
Sleeps 8–10
707.964.4108 • 800.359.4649 vrbo.com/316852
Casa Cañon
Sleeps 6
707.529.4321
vrbo.com/140057
Corey House
Sleeps 4–6
707.338.6262
vrbo.com/132631
Alex & Cathy
Dolan Rental
Sleeps 8
707.217.4015
vrbo.com/41497
Kelley Dolan
Far Niente
Sleeps 8
510.235.4246
vrbo.com/353236
Heinzer’s Irish Beach Home
Sleeps 10+
916.446.4618
heinzersirishbeachhome.com
Jon, Diane Heinzer
Morgan Rental
Sleeps 6
928.710.8050
vrbo.com/22001
Sharon
Ocean Bluff
Sleeps 2–6
925.934.3199
oceanbluff.com
Lee Kempter
Phoenix Nest
Sleeps 2–4
510.527.5321
vrbo.com/12125
Pat Kirkpatrick
Sea Cliff Hideaway
Sleeps 2–4
530.295.1027
vrbo.com/162472
Judy Orchard
Sea Escape
Sleeps 6
707.293.4053
seaescape-elk.com
Seamus Hanrahan
Sea Watch Vacation Rental
Sleeps 4–5
510.525.0628
homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p182771
Gary Amado
Seacroft
Sleeps 8
415.265.7429 vrbo.com/324305
Seascape
Sleeps 6
707.937.5033
Seaspray
Sleeps 4
707.494-6400
Shalimere
Sleeps 2–4
vrbo.com/288014
Shiosai
Sleeps 4
415.734.8124
vrbo.com/264451
St. Clair House, Irish Beach
Sleeps 4–6
415.971.1914
vrbo.com/275652
vrbo.com/275398 vrbo.com/338658 Lorie
Donna M. Dell
Sun Room House
Sleeps 5
530.677.0643
vrbo.com/111409
Tree House Vacation Rentals
Sleeps 2
707.884-1541
vrbo.com/250692
Truter Home at Irish Beach
Sleeps 4–6
707.573.8296
vrbo.com/10719
Margaret Truter
White Water Cove
Sleeps 2–4
530.345.3005
vrbo.com/147351
Michael & Kim
Windswept
Sleeps 10
530.521.3005
vrbo.com/215334
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
restaurant/bar
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
handicap accessible
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
price range
NORTH COAST
BED & BREAKFAST Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages $$–$$$$ • • • • • • 44781 Main Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5150 • 800.780.7905 • oceanfrontmagic.com Atrium Bed & Breakfast $–$$$ • • • • •
700 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.9440 • 800.287.8392 • atriumbnb.com
Bettilou’s Inn 9600 Brewery Gulch Drive • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.2193 • bettilouinn.com
$$$
• • • •
Blair House $$–$$$ • • • • • •
45110 Little Lake Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.1800 • 800.699.9296 • blairhouse.com
70
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
BED & BREAKFAST
•
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
pool/spa
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
restaurant/bar
Cont’d
handicap accessible
•
price range
NORTH COAST
For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
Cont’d
The Blue Door Inn $$$–$$$$ • • • •
10481 Howard Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.4892 • 888.453.2677 • bluedoorinn.com
Country Inn B & B 632 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.3737 • 800.831.5327 • beourguests.com Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse
7001 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.0697 • 800.264.4723 • victorianfarmhouse.com
Fensalden Inn 33810 Navarro Ridge Road • Albion, CA 95410 707.937.4042 • 800.959.3850 • fensalden.com
uu $–$$ • • • • • • uuu $$–$$$$ • • • • • •
Affordably indulgent…the perfect B&B…make your Mendocino Coastal stay memorable…breakfast served to the privacy of your room each morning, beds that you won’t want to get out of…attentive personal care…you’ll never want to go home.
uu $$$ • • • • • •
Glass Beach B&B Inn $$–$$$ • • • • • •
726 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.6774 • glassbeachinn.com
Grey Whale Inn $$–$$$ • • • • •
615 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.0640 • 800.382.7244 • greywhaleinn.com
Headlands Inn 10453 Howard Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.4431 • 800.354.4431 • headlandsinn.com
uuu $$–$$$ • • • • •
Inn at Schoolhouse Creek
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
John Dougherty House
uuu $$–$$$ • • • •
7051 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.5525 • 800.731.5525 • schoolhousecreek.com 571 Ukiah Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5266 • 800.486.2104 • jdhouse.com
Mendocino Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast $$–$$$ • • •
43410 Comptche-Ukiah Road • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0241 • 800.475.1536 • mendocinofarmhouse.com
Nicholson House Inn 951 Ukiah Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0934 • 877.937.0934 • nicholsonhouse.com
uu $–$$$$ • • • • •
Raku House Inn $$$ • • • • • • 44800 Main Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5150 • 800.780.7905 • rakuhouse.com
Sea Gull Inn Bed & Breakfast $$–$$$ • • • • • 44960 Albion Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5204 • 888.937.5204 • seagullbb.com Sea Rock Bed & Breakfast Inn & Spa
11101 Lansing Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0926 • 800.906.0926 • searockinn.com
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • •
HOTEL/MOTEL/INN Agate Cove Inn 11201 Lansing Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0551 • 800.527.3111 • agatecove.com
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • • •
Albion River Inn 3790 North Highway 1 • Albion, CA 95410 707.937.1919 • 800.479.7944 • albionriverinn.com
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
America’s Best Value Inn Sea Bird Lodge
191 South Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.8000 • 800.345.0022 • seabirdlodge.com
uu $–$$ • • • • • • •
The Andiron $$–$$$ • • • • • •
6051 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.1543 • 800.955.6478 • theandiron.com
Beach House Inn
100 Pudding Creek Road • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.961.1700 • beachinn.com
Beachcomber Motel
1111 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.2402 • 800.400.7873 • thebeachcombermotel.com
Best Western Vista Manor Lodge
1100 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4776 • 800.821.9498 • bestwestern.com
uu $–$$$ • • • • • • • • uuu $$–$$$ • • • • • • • •
Barbeque with friends as the sun sets; walk across historic Pudding Creek Trestle to Glass Beach or to downtown Fort Bragg for a shopping spree; ride the Skunk Train into the heart of the redwoods…come enjoy life “On The Beach” at the Beachcomber Motel.
uu $$ • • • • •
VisitMendocino.com
71
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTEL/MOTEL/INN
•
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
restaurant/bar
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
handicap accessible
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
price range
NORTH COAST • Cont’d For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
Cont’d
Blackberry Inn
44951 Larkin Road • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5281 • 800.950.7806 • blackberryinn.biz
uu $$–$$$ • • • • • • •
Blanchard House $$$ • • • 8141 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.1627 • blanchardhouse.com Brewery Gulch Inn
9401 North Highway 1 • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.4752 • 800.578.4454 • brewerygulchinn.com
uuuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • •
Set high on a bluff overlooking the rugged North Coast, this romantic AAA Four Diamond Craftsman-style inn was built in 2001. All rooms feature luxurious amenities, ocean views, fireplaces, flat-panel TVs with DVD players and iPod docks. Includes gourmet breakfast and wine hour with light dinner buffet.
Cleone Gardens Inn $–$$$ • • • • • • •
24600 North Highway 1 • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.2788 • 800.400.2189 • cleonegardensinn.com
Coast Inn & Spa $–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
18661 North Highway 1 • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.2852 • coastinnspa.com
Cottages at Little River Cove $$$–$$$$ • • • • • •
7533 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.5339 • cottagesatlittlerivercove.com
Didjeridoo Dreamtime Inn $$–$$$ • • • • • • •
44860 Main Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.6200 • didjeridooinn.com
Dolphin Isle Marina & RV Park $ • • • • • 32399 Basin Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4113 • 866.964.4113 • dolphinisle.com E. Colombi Motel $ • • •
647 East Oak Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.8015 • colombimotel.com
Ebb Tide Lodge $–$$ • • • • • •
250 South Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.5321 • ebbtidelodge.com
Emerald Dolphin Inn
uuu $–$$$ • • • • • • • •
Glendeven Inn & Wine Bar(n) 8205 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.0083 • 800.822.4536 • glendeven.com
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • •
Harbor Lite Lodge 120 North Harbor Drive • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.0221 • 800.643.2700 • harborlitelodge.com
uuu $–$$$ • • • • • •
Hill House Inn
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • • •
1211 South Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.6699 • 866.964.6699 • emeralddolphin.com
10701 Palette Drive • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0554 • 800.422.0554 • hillhouseinn.com
One of the newest Inns on the Mendocino coast located near the ocean bluffs in Fort Bragg.Beautiful, comfortable, and immaculate guest rooms, some with jetted spa tubs and fireplaces. Families and Pets welcome. 18 hole public mini golf course, arcade, & billiards on site. Just minutes from beaches, attractions, and dining.
79 clean comfortable rooms with private balconies. 59 rooms overlook Noyo Harbor. Wi-Fi Internet and continental breakfast including fresh waffles, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs (on weekends), house made granola, and fruit along with the usual items add extra value to our competitive rates.
Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg $$–$$$ • • • • • • •Located near downtown Fort Bragg and only 8 miles from Mendocino Village, 2 miles
from Skunk Train, and just minutes from several beautiful State Parks, this is the place to stay and play for both leisure and business travelers.
250 Highway 20 • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.1100 • 800.HOLIDAY • hiexpress.com/fortbraggca
Howard Creek Ranch $–$$$ • • • • • 40501 North Highway 1 • Westport, CA 95488 707.964.6725 • howardcreekranch.com Living Light Inn $$–$$$ • • • • 533 East Fir Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.1384 • 877.964.1384 • livinglightinn.com MacCallum House Inn & Suites 45020 Albion Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0289 • 800.609.0492 • maccallumhouse.com The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites
45080 Main Street• Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0511 • 800.548.0513 • mendocinohotel.com
uuu $$–$$$ • • • • • • • • • uu $–$$$$ • • • • • • • • •
Mendocino Village Cottages $–$$ • • •
45320 Little Lake Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.0866 • mendocinovillagecottages.com
Motel 6 $–$$ • • • • • • • •
400 South Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4761 • 800.466.8356 • motel6.com
72
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTEL/MOTEL/INN
•
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
pool/spa
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
restaurant/bar
Cont’d
handicap accessible
•
price range
NORTH COAST
For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
Cont’d uuu $$$ • • • • • • • •
North Cliff Hotel
1005 South Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.962.2500 • 866.962.2550 • northcliffhotel.net
Ocean Breeze Lodge $ • • • 212 S. Main St. • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.961.1177 • oceanbreezelodge.com uu $$–$$$$ • • • • • •
Ocean View Lodge
1141 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.1951 • 800.643.5482 • oceanviewlodging.com
Oceanside Inn & Suites
820 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4061 • 800.964.9382 • oceansideinnsandsuites.com
Packard House
45150 Little Lake Road • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.2677 • 888.453.2677 • packardhouse.com
$–$$$
• • • • • •
uuu $$$–$$$$ • • • •
Pine Beach Inn $–$$ • • • • • • 16801 North Highway 1 • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.5603 • 888.987.8388 • pinebeachinn.com Shoreline Cottages $$–$$$
18725 North Highway 1 • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 800.930.2977• shoreline-cottage.com
• • • • • • •
Silver’s at the Wharf & Anchor Lodge $–$$ • • • • • • 32260 North Harbor Drive • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964 0221 • 800.643.2700 • silversatthewharf.com Super 8
uu $ • • • • • •
Surf Motel & Gardens 1220 South Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.5361 • 800.339.5361 • surfmotelfb.com
uu $–$$$ • • • • •
Surf & Sand Lodge
uu $–$$$ • • • • • • •
888 South Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4003 • 800.206.9833 • fortbraggsuper8.com
1131 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.9383 • 800.964.0184 • surfsandlodge.com
Sweetwater Spa & Inn
44840 Main Street • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.4076 • 800.300.4140 • sweetwaterspa.com
Anchor Lodge at Silver’s features 5 Noyo River waterfront rooms with decks and 12 economy rooms that are popular with fisherman, pet owners, motorcycle touring groups, divers and kayakers. Noyo Jaunt packages include experiencing the creative cuisine of Executive Chef and co-owner Silver Canul.
We are located on the beach in Fort Bragg—ideal for exploring the town, Glass Beach, MacKerricher State Park and the Mendocino Coast. We have 30 beautiful and luxurious rooms, 24 with ocean view and some featuring fireplaces and spa tubs. Enjoy the ocean, whale watching, and beautiful sunsets, from your private balcony.
$$–$$$$ • • • • • • •
Travelodge $–$$ • • • • • • 763 North Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4787 • 800.578.7878 • travelodge.com The Weller House Inn 524 Stewart Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.4415 • wellerhouse.com
uuu $$–$$$ • • • • •
Westport Hotel $$–$$$ • • • • •
38921 North Highway 1 • Westport, CA 95488 707.964.3688 • 877.964.3688 • westporthotel.us
Westport Inn $ • • •
37030 N. Highway 1 • Westport, CA 95488 707.964.5135 • westportinnca.com
RESORTS Heritage House Resort $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • •
Perched high above the Pacific, The Heritage House Resort has a stunning natural setting on the California coast. Accommodations combine contemporary styling, four diamond amenities, and epic views with cottage-like charm. Local farm-to-fork cuisine in our 5200 Bistro and Lounge will indulge your senses and revive your spirit.
Little River Inn Resort & Spa $–$$$$ • • • • • • • • •
Where the North Coast’s history and natural beauty meet. Perched on the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by lush gardens, each room has a view of the sea. Unwind, sip a martini, or swing a golf club with the friendliest staff on the coast.
5200 North Highway 1• Little River, CA 95456 707.202.9000 • 877.295.9973 • heritagehouseresort.com 7901 Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.5942 • 888.INN.LOVE • littleriverinn.com
Stanford Inn by the Sea
uuuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • • •
Stevenswood Spa Resort
uuuu $$$–$$$$ • • • • • • • • •
44850 Comptche Ukiah Road • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5615 • 800.331.8884 • stanfordinn.com 8211 North Highway 1 • Little River, CA 95456 707.937.2810 • 800.421.2810 • stevenswood.com
Mendocino’s premier eco-resort; small, romantic, set in certified organic gardens overlooking Mendocino Bay with wood-burning fireplaces, complimentary breakfast, fitness room, pool, massage, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, award-winning dining. Wi-Fi. River and Nature tours. Pets welcome.
VisitMendocino.com
73
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
restaurant/bar
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
handicap accessible
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
price range
NORTH COAST • Cont’d For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season.
CAMPGROUNDS Albion River Campground & Marina $ • • • •
33750 Albion St. • Albion CA 95410 707.937.0606 • albionrivercampground.com
Caspar Beach RV Park $ • • 14441 Point Cabrillo Drive • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.964.3306 • casparbeachrvpark.com
Harbor RV Park $ •
1021 S. Main Street • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.961.1511
Mendocino Campground $–$$ • •
9901 N. Highway 1 • Mendocino, CA 95460 707.202.4570 • mendocinoscampground.com
Pomo Campground & RV Park $–$$ • • • •
17999 Tregoning Lane • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.3373 • pomorv.com
Westport Beach RV Park $–$$$ • • • •
37700 North Highway 1 • Westport, CA 95488 707.964.2964 • westportbeachrvpark.com
VACATION HOMES RENTAL AGENCIES Coast Getaways
Number of Homes: 35 4506 Little Lake Street, Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.9200 • 800.525.0049 • coastgetaways.com
Eclectic vacation homes along 30 miles of Pacific coastline in a variety of styles and sizes to tickle your fancy. Let our friendly, professional, knowledgeable staff match you with the perfect vacation home to enjoy the treasures of Mendocino.
Arabesque • Sleeps 12 Away at Sea Cottage • Sleeps 8 Beach House • Sleeps 4 Bella Mare • Sleeps 12 Captain Phil’s • Sleeps 10 Chanticleer • Sleeps 8 Crane Dance • Sleeps 10 Driftwood Cottage • Sleeps 8 Fairy Ring Cottage • Sleeps 6
Frolic • Sleeps 4 Grey Whale • Sleeps 12 Headlands Cove • Sleeps 6 Marebello • Sleeps 2 Mendocino Dunes – Distant Shores • Sleeps 6 Mendocino Magic • Sleeps 8 Ocean Breeze • Sleeps 8 Pacific Mist • Sleeps 4
Palette House • Sleeps 6 Park View • Sleeps 8 Redwood Rest • Sleeps 6 Safe at Anchor • Sleeps 6 Sandrahla Estates • Sleeps 2–28 Sea Cove • Sleeps 12 Sea Mist • Sleeps 6 Seaside • Sleeps 7 Serendipity • Sleeps 14
Shell Seeker • Sleeps 14 Sky Song • Sleeps 6 Spring Ranch & Barn Loft • Sleeps 13–15 Sundance • Sleeps 10 Sunset Point • Sleeps 6 Tideaway • Sleeps 6 Whale Song • Sleeps 6
Alderwood House • Sleeps 6 Chapman Point Cottage • Sleeps 2 Chapman Point House • Sleeps 4 Cypress Cove • Sleeps 2–4
Edge of the Sea • Sleeps 8 Hayloft • Sleeps 2 La Dimora • Sleeps 8 Ocean Splendor • Sleeps 2
Pine Beach House • Sleeps 4 Sea Haven • Sleeps 6 Whale Rock • Sleeps 6 Whale Song • Sleeps 6
Windrift Cottage • Sleeps 2
Mendocino Coast Reservations Number of Homes: 23 45084 Little Lake Street, Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.5033 • 800.262.7801 • mendocinovacations.com Mendocino Preferred Vacation Rentals
Number of Homes: 16
Robison Properties
Number of Homes: 14
Beach Hideaway • Sleeps 8 Beacon Guest House • Sleeps 12 Beams End • Sleeps 6 Casa Bella Pacifica • Sleeps 12
Cypress Cove • Sleeps 6 Lake Cleone Vista • Sleeps 10 Mendocino Redwood Retreat • Sleeps 6
Pacific View • Sleeps 16 Seal Point • Sleeps 6 Seashine • Sleeps 6 Shaanti Bungalow • Sleeps 2
Surf Song • Sleeps 2–4 Taylor’s Grove • Sleeps 4–6 Wine Barrel • Sleeps 2
Shoreline Vacation Rentals
Number of Homes: 14
Aqua Drama • Sleeps 8 Arabesque • Sleeps 12 Away at Sea and River • Sleeps 8
Chanticleer • Sleeps 8 Grey Whale • Sleeps 10 Ocean Mystique • Sleeps 6
Quail Crossing • Sleeps 6 Sea Cove • Sleeps 8 Sea Mist • Sleeps 6
Shell Seeker • Sleeps 14
10483 Lansing Street, Mendocino, CA 95460 707.937.1456 • 800.942.6300 • mendocinopreferred.com 18901 Bald Hills Road, Comptche, CA 95427 800.359.4649 • mendocinovacationhomes.com
18300 Old Coast Highway, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.1463 • shorelinevacations.com
VACATION RENTALS
74
CONTACT
A New World
Sleeps 2–8
916.799.9199
vrbo.com/207990
Robert Calvert
Abalone Arch
Sleeps 2–9
707.937.5570
abalonearch.com
Wendy Pollock
Antioch Ranch
Sleeps 6–8
70.937.5570
antiochranch.com
Jerry, Pat Westfall
Artist Retreat
Sleeps 8–10
707.357.0207
vrbo.com/238403
Erin & Tomas Dertner
Beach House on the Mendocino Coast
Sleeps 7
707.528.2434
homeaway.com/314012
Ruth Freis
Beggs-Bishop Cottage
Sleeps 2
707.937.2353
beggs-bishopcottage.com
Kathleen & Mike
Blue Water Views
Sleeps 6
925.634.6541
vrbro.com/148355
Lawrence, Renee Moglia
Bluff House & Bluff Cottage
Sleeps 2–6
707.937.1456 • 800.942.6300
vrbro.com/290921
Laraine Galloway
Carole’s Cove in South Caspar
Sleeps 6
510.724.2420
vrbo.com/435266
Carole Dutra
Caspar Coast House
Sleeps 10+
707.357.4085
vrbo.com/74887
Birdie Holmes
Cedar Run
Sleeps 6
70.961.6133
vrbo.com/205120
Dolphin House
Sleeps 2–4
707.937.5150
oceanfrontmagic.com
Dragonmist Estate
Sleeps 6
707.937.3686 • 888.930.3686
vrbo.com/213704
Gary & Toni Taff
For the Joy of It
Sleeps 9
707.937.4546
forthejoyofit.org/vacation-rentals.html
Marilyn Hagar
Greenwood Beach
Sleeps 4
707.964.1444
virtualcities.com/vacation/ca/n/canb6v51.htm
Alegria Inn
Headlands House
Sleeps 1–6
707.444.8597
vrbo.com/118096
Ruth Schell
Holly’s Ocean Meadow
Sleeps 8
707.964.6661
fortbraggrentall.com/venue.html
Holly Kuchar
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
NORTH COAST • Cont’d VACATION RENTALS
•
Cont’d
Hummingbird Haven
Sleeps 2
707.291.6461
airbnb.com/rooms/136199
Jade’s Tower
Sleeps 4
530.219.7702
jadestower.com
La Petite Maison
Sleeps 2–4
707.937.3465
alapetitemaison.com
Mary Zama
Le Faux
Sleeps 2
707.964.4622
lefauxmendocino.com
Tanya
Margaret Fox
Lord’s Land Ministries 707.937.5700 ywammendocino.org Lupe Gorden House
Sleeps 4
707.937.0450
Leslie
McDowell Rental
Sleeps 8
530.284.7532
vrbo.com/268834
Dolores McDowell
Mendocino Seaside Cottage
Sleeps 2–10
800.944.3278
romancebythesea.com
Mel Leckey
Mendocino Village Rentals 707.937.4591 mendocinovillagerentals.com Northern Riviera
Sleeps 6
805.588.4224
thenorthernriviera.com
Cecilia Martner
Oceanbluff Vacation Rental
Sleeps 2–6
925.934.3199
oceanbluff.com
Lee Kempter
Pelican Point
Sleeps 8
530.321.1920
thepelicanpoint.com
Don Walker
Quiet Meadow Cottage
Sleeps 4
707.937.1113
quietmeadowcottage.com
Tom Wodetski
Reeves Garden Cottage
Sleeps 2
707.397.5665
mendocottage.com
Arlo Reeves
Sallie & Eileen’s Place
Sleeps 6
707.937.2028 • 888.757.5223
seplace.com
Sallie, Eileen
Sea Escape Vacation Home
Sleeps 6
707.293.4053
seascape-elk.com
Seamus Hanrahan
Sea Garden
Sleeps 8
510.547.2939
homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p169537
Jo & Norm Budman
Sea Haven Cottage
Sleeps 1–6
800.942.6300
mendocinopreferred.com
Sea Ridge Vacation Home
Sleeps 8
858.755.2699
searidgerental.com
Sea Sanctuary
Sleeps 10
707.357.3433
vrbo.com/217047
Seahorse Cottage at Albion
Sleeps 4
775.742.8933
seahorsecottageatalbion.com
Stringbender Cottage
Sleeps 2
707.357.1502
stringbender.com/cottage
Thompson Rental
Sleeps 6
831.454.8552
vrbo.com/88214
Tides Turn
Sleeps 10
415.824.6149
tidesturnvacationrental.com
Van Zandt’s Redwood View Resort
Sleeps 1–8
707.895.3174
vanzandts.org
Water Tower
Sleeps 5
707.937.4702
vrbo.com/14958
Don & Wendy Roberts
Westport House Vacation Rental
Sleeps 4–5
707.937.4007
thewestporthouse.com
Bill, Julie Brazill
Wilma’s Sea Cottages
Sleeps 4
707.937.1405
Facebook.com/wilmasseacottage
JoAnn, Russ Slaughter
Whale Watch House
Sleeps 6
530.865.4954
whalewatchhouse.com
Harvey, Jacqueline Moranda
Whitewater Cove
Sleeps 4
530.753.2504 • 530.345.3005
vrbo.com/147351
Mike Finnegan, Ann Silacci
VisitMendocino.com
75
MENDOCINO COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS
family-friendly
pet-friendly
breakfast
tv
fireplace
wi-fi
pool/spa
restaurant/bar
$ = $99 or less; $$ = $100–$149; $$$ = $150–$250; $$$$ = $250+
handicap accessible
Similarly priced properties may offer a difference in quality and services. Check references from friends/relatives, your travel agent, travel guides, study AAA “Diamond” (u) rating. Understand deposit and cancellation policies of the accommodation before you make a reservation. Ask for confirmation in writing. A room tax is added to your final bill.
price range
REDWOOD CORRIDOR For the most current accommodations information, go to www.visitmendocino.com. Visit Mendocino County has made every effort to present accurate information in this listing but assume no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. All daily room rates are subject to change without notice and may not be available in high season..
BED & BREAKFAST Emandal–A Farm on a River $$ • • • • 16500 Hearst Post Office Road • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.5439 • emandal.com
HOTEL/MOTEL/INN Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa
101 Gregory Lane • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.9063 • 800.459.9911 • baechtelcreekinn.com
uuu $$
• • • • • • •
Located in the “Gateway to the Redwoods” we are centrally located to the Majestic Redwoods, the Mendocino Coast and California’s Greenest Wine region. We are the premier location for discerning visitors seeking a more experiential individualized travel experience that gives you a sense of local flair.
Best Western $–$$ • • • • • • •
17775 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.5800 • bestwestern.com
Brooktrails Lodge $–$$ • • • • •
24675 Birch Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.1596 • brooktrailslodge.com
Budget Inn $ • • •
44700 Highway 101 • Laytonville, CA 95454 707.984.8492 • laytonvillebudgetinn.com
Edgewood Motel $ • • • • • 1521 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.5914 Holiday Lodge 1540 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.5361 • willitsholidaylodge.com
uu $ • • • • •
Lark Motel $ • • • • •
1411 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.2421 • larkmotelwillits.com
Old West Inn $ • • • • • 1221 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.4201 • theoldwestinn.com Pepperwood Motel $ 452 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.2231 • pepperwoodmotel.com
• • • •
Pine Cone Motel $ 1350 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.5044 • pineconemotel.com
• • • • •
Redwoods River Resort & Campground $–$$$ • • • • • •
75000 N. Highway 101 • Leggett, CA 95585 707.925.6249 • redwoodriverresort.com
Stonegate Villas $ •
65260 Drive Thru Tree Road • Leggett, CA 95585 707.925 6226 • 888.925 6226 • stonegate-villas.com
Super 8 Willits
1119 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.3388 • 800.817.7508 • super8.com
uuu $
• • • • • •
Western Village Inn $ • • • •
1440 South Main Street • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.4011 • westernvillageinnwillits.com
White Deer Lodge $ • • • • 16680 North Highway 1 • Willits, CA 95490 707.459.5373 • whitedeerlodge.net
RESORTS Big Bend Lodge $$ • • • • 63250 Big Bend Lodge Road • Leggett, CA 95585 707.925.2440 • 800.326.9469 • bigbendlodge.com
VACATION RENTALS
CONTACT
Tan Oak Park 707.984.6206 tanoakpark.org Testa Vineyards & Vacation Rental
76
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
Sleeps 6
707.485.7051
testawine.com
Maria
PHOTO BY DAVID PETERSON
NAVIGATING MENDOCINO COUNTY
Navarro Redwoods
Navigating Mendocino County Explore the different ways to navigate Mendocino County.
Getting to Mendocino County By Air The nearest international airports to Mendocino County are Oakland International (OAK), which is about 2-3 hours away by car depending on your final destination; San Francisco International
(SFO), 2.5-3.5 hours away; and Sacramento International (SMF), about 2-3 hours away.
Major car rental agencies are located at each airport.
The closest airport offering scheduled commercial air service is the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. It’s located in Santa Rosa, about 55 miles (89 km) and an hour’s drive south of Ukiah and 94 miles (151 km) and two hours’ drive southeast of the Village of Mendocino.
Visitors with their own planes or access to private small-plane charters will find the county rich in convenient landing options. Anchor Bay: Lofty Redwoods Airport (53CL) Boonville: Boonville Airport (D83) VisitMendocino.com
77
NAVIGATING MENDOCINO COUNTY
Covelo: Round Valley Airport (O09) Fort Bragg: Fort Bragg Airport (82CL) Gualala: Ocean Ridge Airport (E55) Little River: Little River Airport (O48) Ukiah: Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI) Willits: Willits Municipal Airport Ells Field (O28)
By Car Mendocino County is most easily reached by car. California 1 runs along all but a few miles of the county’s coastline and connects Mendocino with San Francisco and, eventually, Southern California on one of the world’s most spectacular driving routes. U.S. 101 neatly bisects the county. It travels north from Southern California and San Francisco, passes through Santa Rosa, and then links Hopland, Ukiah, and Willits along another beautiful (and easily drivable) route. It continues into Oregon and Washington and you can connect to Interstate 5 and reach Portland and Seattle.
By Bus Greyhound provides long-distance commercial bus service from points all across North America. In Mendocino County, it stops in Willits and Ukiah. Buses serve the county from Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa (see below).
Getting Around Mendocino County By Bus Providing public transit services to an area as vast and mostly rural as Mendocino County is a formidable challenge. But the Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) has operated public transportation in the county for more than 30 years. MTA serves an area of nearly 3,000 square miles. MTA’s services encompass a combination of 12 long-distance, commuter, and local routes. There are also three semi-custom Dial-a-Ride or flexible routes. The coast is especially well served and routes connect the coastal towns and virtually all of the primary visitor attractions there. And Fort 78
Mendocino County Official Visitors Guide
NAVIGATING MENDOCINO COUNTY
Bragg enjoys extensive local service. Buses also connect the coast with Ukiah and Willits, the principal cities of the inland valleys, and also have their own local routes. Most buses run hourly, and service is generally available from about 7am until about 6:30pm Two MTA routes (including an express bus) connect Mendocino County with the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport and the city of Santa Rosa. From the airport, connections are available on the Sonoma County Airport Express for service to and from San Francisco and Oakland international airports. From Santa Rosa, you can connect with Sonoma County Transit, Santa Rosa City Bus, AMTRAK, and Golden Gate Transit (for service south to Marin and San Francisco Counties).
By Car Driving is the most convenient and efficient way to explore the county (especially through the wine country valleys, in more remote areas, and if you’re planning on camping, backpacking, or hiking). For taxi service, Hey Taxi! operates in the county; heytaxiinc.com or 707.467.1200 or 707.459.2040.
Sample responsibly. Tasting rooms will not serve anyone who appears to be intoxicated (it’s against the law to do so).
Visit Mendocino County Inc. 345 N. Franklin St. 707.964.9010 | visitmendocino.com
Plan (and call) ahead. This is a great way to confirm hours and find out about special events. Or even arrange a private tour (these are not offered as a matter of course at most of our wineries but are great experiences).
Noyo Harbor 32094 N. Harbor Drive | 707.964.2612
Ask the winemaker. Experience wine country as it is meant to be experienced. Take advantage of the intimate tasting rooms hosted by owners, winemakers, and family members.
Info Centers & Kiosks Visitors Centers (Staffed): Gualala Redwood Coast Chamber of Commerce 39150 S. Highway One, Suite 4 800.778.5252; 707.884.1080 redwoodcoastchamber.com Fort Bragg Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce 217 S. Main St. 707.961.6300 | mendocinocoast.com
Car rentals are available at Enterprise Rent-A-Car or Hertz at Sport Chrysler in Fort Bragg, and in Ukiah at Enterprise Rent-A-Car or Hertz.
Mendocino Village Mendocino Area Parks Association & Mendocino District California State Parks Ford House Museum & Visitor Center 735 Main St. | 707.937.5397 | mendoparks.org Ukiah Ukiah Visitor Information 200 S. School St. 707.467.5766 | visitukiah.com Willits Willits Chamber of Commerce 239 S. Main St. | 707.459.7910 | willits.org
Kiosks (Not Staffed): Solar Living Institute 13771 S. Highway 101 Hopland, CA 95449 Street Kiosk 13981 Highway 128 Boonville, CA 95415
Sonoma County Airport - the smart choice for air travel -
Wine Tasting Tips Designate a driver. Driving can be challenging on narrow, winding roads, and California strictly enforces a legal blood alcohol limit of .08. Nonstop Flights to and from Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle In the heart of Wine County, the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) offers ground transportation, easy affordable parking, shorter lines, the Sky Lounge
©P N
TS
A number of companies offer tasting tours for a safe and enjoyable way to visit wineries and enjoy the scenery. Tour Mendocino Wines (tourmendocinowines. com) conducts private guided outings to county wineries, Anderson Valley Wine Tour (andersonvalleywinetour.com) and Mendocino Wine Tours (mendocinowine-tours.com) takes visitors on guided trips to a variety of locations with doorto-door van service from your inn. Mendo Wine Tours (mendocinowinetours.com) offers daily tours with chauffeured service and gourmet lunches.
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport 2290 Airport Blvd. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707.565-7240
Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, and a hassle-free experience. For flight schedules, reservations and tickets, visit www.alaskaair.com or call 800.252.7522 / TTY 800.682.2221, or www.sonomacountyairport.org
Travel with Wine for Free!
Follow STS on
VisitMendocino.com
79
Cleone
Jackson Demonstration State Forest
NORTH COAST
101
Noyo River
20
California Western Railroad (Skunk Train)
Middle Fork Ten Mile River
No. Fork Ten Mile River
Admiral William Standley State Recreation Area
Branscomb
162
VILLE L AY T O NI O S R D . DOS R
Willits
Ridgewood
Mendocino County Museum & Roots of Motive Power
NORTH COUNTY
Middle Fork Eel River
162
Covelo
RO U N D VA L L E Y
M E N DOC IN O C OUN T Y
Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness
iver
Caspar Headlands State Beach
Caspar
Jug Handle State Reserve
Glass Beach Noyo Harbor Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Fort Bragg
MacKerricher State Park
Pacific Ocean
ve r
Westport
i el R
BRANSCOMB RD.
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Laytonville
Cummings
er
Westport Union Landing State Park
Rockport
1
Drive Thru Tree
Leggett
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Smithe Redwoods State Reserve
Confusion Hill
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Riv
Usal Beach
Piercy
S.
kE For
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
King Range National Conservation Area “The Lost Coast”
To Eureka and Oregon
Eel
Eel R E. Fo
Russia
Forest
National
Mendocino
To Lake Pillsbury
Road closed in winter
Forest
National
Mendocino
6
8
R IFO
Scale in miles
4
CAL
2
Gualala
E R S V A LL E
RD
.
Y
Riv
er
SONOMA COUNTY
published by VISIT MENDOCINO COUNTY
To Sea Ranch and San Francisco
G
la u al a
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N MT
N
Boonville
O
W VIE
Philo
D
ork N. F
N
D.
Ukiah
SR
128
Hopland
101
NIA
The Solar Living Institute
175
LAKE COUNTY
To Sacramento
Sacramento San Francisco Santa Rosa Eureka 4 hrs 3.5 hrs 2.5 hrs 2.5 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 1 hrs 3 hrs 3.5 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 4 hrs
To Santa Rosa and San Francisco
Always check road conditions before driving on smaller roads.
Fort Bragg Ukiah Gualala
20 Cow Mountain Recreation Area
City of 10,000 Buddhas
Talmage
Vichy Springs
L. Mendocino
Driving Times (approximate)
Yorkville
253
The Grace Hudson Museum Ukiah Arts Center Ukiah Municipal Airport
ING
M OU H O U SNE TA I N RD.
Gualala Arts Center
Anchor Bay
r
SOUTH COAST
A
SPR
Russian River
0
Schooner Gulch State Beach
B. Bryan Preserve
Hendy Woods State Park
128
Na var WO ro R OD iver RD.
ive
Mendocino County
EEN
G R ia arc
S
N
- GR
Manchester
LO
Navarro
ORR
Lake Mendocino Recreation Area
UN N
Airport
Point Arena
Stornetta Public Lands
Point Arena Lighthouse & Museum
Manchester Beach State Park
1
PHI
Montgomery Woods State Reserve
Calpella
Redwood Valley
Potter Valley
O
Parks & Beaches
Redwoods
Brewery
Wine Region
Upper Russian River Valleys
Anderson Valley
Greenwood State Beach
Elk
Paul M. Dimmick Wayside Camp
R. RD.
South Coast
North Coast
bio r
Navarro Beach
ve
i nR
North County
F LY N N C
Navarro River Redwoods St. Park
Orr Hot Springs
UPPER RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEYS .
Albion
Comptche
r
Little River
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UK IA H RD . Little River Airport
PTC
Big River
Summit EL 1953
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Van Damme State Park
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Mendocino
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Ridgewood Ranch (Seabiscuit)
an Rive
Kelley House Museum Ford House Museum Mendocino Arts Center
Russian Gulch State Park Mendocino Headlands State Park
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
us ork R POTTER VLY. RD.
AS M / D. A C VER R Y I R A M OLD M
I TA