end up in || mendocino
- gemini
- Jul 30, 2023
- 8 min read
the california coastal area of mendocino county is my happy place... seriously you can kill and bury my ass here and i'd be content
if you want to be able to see the gorgeous california coastline and then drive 10 minutes to a redwood forest, mendocino county is your wet dream. here is a list of things to do, see, and eat, and places to stay, on your coastal getaway.
get sh*tfaced wine tasting || anderson valley
highlights
as an old farming community, anderson valley has roots in intentional agricultural practices, which has translated into a california farm-to-table and wine haven; so it'll be the best stop to get drunk and have some expensive-ass drunchies
anderson valley is the queen of pinot noir; the coastal breeze allows for the temperamental lil grape to thrive
due to all of the local access to fresh produce, local cattle, and seafood, anderson valley is home to some of the best restaurants and food experiences
penny royal farm is known for their award-winning goat's cheeses [and they are absolutely f***ing delicious]. their warm environment and crafted transparency make you feel like you're stepping into the heart of the farm, allowing you to appreciate your experience and tastings.
penny royal's farm tour takes you through their goat and sheep family, giving you an open view of how milk is produced and processed [they're cute and full of character and fun to interact with, but also they're biters]. after your tour, they provide a generous offering of their housemade cheeses and estate wines.
address | 14930 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415 |
duration | 60-90 minutes |
cost | $30 per person |
tips: would highly recommend the farm tour, but i would suggest closed-toed shoes and allergy medication [for the sensitive ones like me]. reservations are recommended for the tour and any extensive tastings, but there were a few walk-ins during our visit. if you are running low on time, you could also just drop in for a quick glass of wine or take some cheese to go.
if you want boozy pit stop on the road between mendocino and boonville, take a picnic rest among an apple orchard at gowan's heirloom cider. this orchard has a rich family history of serving northern california a variety of apples since 1880, including the elusive lady sierra beauty.
the stewardship that has gone into harvesting this orchard for over 140 years is apparent in all of their ciders. this is a no-frills environment. gowan's doesn't seek to impress you with an extensive tasting experience, so just sit back in the orchard and drink.
address | 6320 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466 |
duration | 30-60 min |
cost | $20 per person |
tips: if you prefer food with alcohol, feel free to bring your own snacks. gowan's has food available during events and peak season, but you'll need to call or check their social media. reservations are recommended for peak season and weekends, but if it's a quick stop along the road for you, feel free at the tasting bar.
many people are familiar with the duckhorn portfolio, which includes household wineries such as canvasback, decoy, and paraduxx. goldeneye winery in philo is dedicated to pinot noir. this provides an opportunity to try a larger retail wine brand at a reasonable tasting price and survey some tasty estate pinots. if you wanna get real bougie, goldeneye also offers a caviar and bubbly tasting for $225 per two people.
address | |
duration | 60 min |
cost | $25 per person for tasting or $55 per person for tasting + charcuterie board |
tips: reservations are highly recommended. if you get an opportunity, i would also suggest walking around the vineyard.
i had the privilege of attending the handley wine cellars tasting at boonville hotel during pinot fest, which was a foodie wet dream. the quirky, quaint property can be best described as an aesthetically pleasing new-age upscale farm; so imagine if your rich, white grandma had a s*** ton of money and only shopped at anthropology.
boonville hotel would be the stereotype of a farm-to-table restaurant. all of the main ingredients' sources are listed and the chef crew is open about their cooking process. for this particular event all of the starters were offered inside the kitchen and we got to watch the bustle of the kitchen. we were then offered an intimate menu crafted around the tasty wines that handley had to debut for the new year. if you want to epitomize anderson valley in one night, i suggest making a stop here and getting a wine pairing if available.
address | 14050 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415 |
duration | as long as you god damn please |
cost | prix fixe dinners range from $75 per person to special events at $150 per person. rooms range from $255-$525 a night depending on your room |
tips: boonville hotel requires guests to spend one dinner during their stay. if you don't want to have to pay for a meal, you can stay tuesdays and wednesdays or stay in rooms 5-8. if you would like to eat here without staying, i would suggest looking at their events list or seeing their seasonal menus because reservations are required.
get some shut eye || little river
highlights
mendocino county has a plethora of bed & breakfasts and cliffside hotels
due to the proximity of the redwoods and coast, there are also a lot of options for camping as well
little river tiny cabin
this tiny cabin is my happy place, i've already been here twice with my third trip planned ahead. which goes to show when you're staying in mendocino you can splurge on a fancy stay or you can try out something a little more magical. so if you want to opt out of a hotel stay or an airbnb, i absolutely love the offerings from hipcamp.
this particular listing among the redwoods in little river. the property is owned by the sweetest couple and is fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom with tub, and an outdoor shower. more details are here. but of course, you are free to browse hipcamp for other listings in the area. for $10 off your first stay, you can use this link or code GEMINIE751CA3 [please note this will also help me get $10 off a future stay for me too].
cost | $200 a night |
tips: if you are staying for the weekend, i would suggest opting in for the firepit. they will set everything up, you just need to enjoy the stargazing.
bask in the coastal vibes || mendocino
highlights
mendocino was formed in the mid-1800s as a lumber community to support the families working in the central mill. stroll downtown for boutique shopping and admire the victorian townscape; this s*** is fantastically adorable
walk along mendocino headlands state park after or before your meal
eat. eat. eat. eat
good life cafe & bakery is the mendocino go-to for a quick breakfast and coffee. stepping inside the eclectic cafe, you'll be faced with all of the local flyers featuring hosted events, art showcases, and maybe even a lost dog; goodlife feels like a community hub for mendocino, which is why breakfast or even a snack to-go gives you a homey feel, like a sense of deja-vu from your own local cafe spot.
address | 10483 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA 95460 |
duration | 10-60 min |
cost | $10-$20 per meal, the menu is here |
tips: the lines can get pretty busy in the morning, but things move quickly. there are always a few people who walk past because of how crowded goodlife looks, but hang tight and it will be worth it. also, i would recommend trying their buckwheat gluten-free bread.
cafe beaujolais
cafe beaujolais is a brunch and fine dining restaurant housed in an old 18th-century victorian farmhouse. the restaurant focuses on highlighting local ingredients, chefs, farmers, and artists producing all homemade meals. with a beautiful garden outside and a charming interior, this s*** is straight out of a children's book.
within the property is also the brickery, originally the bakery of the restaurant, but now its own wood-fired pizza joint situated in the farmhouse garden. the baby of the three is the waiting room, which is a cozy, music filled cafe for craft beers, coffee, and fresh-baked pastries.
tips: reservations required for the cafe. if you want to visit the old farmhouse, but didn't make reservations, check out the brickery or the waiting room.
luna trattoria
luna trattoria is a romantic northern italian restaurant that is perfect for soaking up any booze of the day. the outdoor patio amongst the fairy-laden vines and stone pathways make this restaurant f***ing cute and the best place for a friends-get-together or a romantic date. if hand made pasta and live acoustic music is your happy place, then this will be your dinner spot in mendocino.
address | 955 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460 |
duration | 60-90 min |
cost | $30-$40 per meal, menu here |
tips: reservations required so you'll need to call or email in advance. if you call it'll need to be during their opening hours and for emails please have all of your information ready: number of people, first or second seating, and your preference of indoor or outdoor dining.
explore the redwoods + coast || fort bragg
highlights
fort bragg was originally set up as a military base for training named after a confederate general [f***ing yikes]; once the fort was abandoned the land went up for cheap and was quickly bought up by entrepreneurs who wanted to use the town as a base for shipping goods and expanding the lumber industry in the area
catch up on some work and grab a coffee while watching the sea lions
catch a train or a rail bike through the north coast redwoods on the historic train line that was central to fort bragg's livelihood
slack tide coffee is a part of the noyo center for marine science in carine's landing in noyo harbor. four reasons why i love this place: (1) all of the proceeds go to helping marine research and conservation, (2) great f***ing coffee and food, (3) one of the only cafes in mendocino county with solid, steady wifi for working, and (4) i got to watch sea lions in between emails on my last trip, which made me feel like less of a s***.
address | 32430 N Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg, CA |
duration | 10-60 min |
cost | $10-15 for coffee and a bite to eat, menu here |
tips: if the timing works out, try to check out their concert series.
first of all: cue the theme for jurassic park.
the skunk train was built in the 1800s as a way to transport redwood lumber quicker through the north. now it's one of the best ways to experience the coastal redwoods with a variety of options from train rides, hiking, and rail biking. they also offer seasonal events like concerts or movies in the redwoods after a short train ride.
the rail bike experience [if you are able-bodied], which is $495 [+tax] for two people is a must-do if you are willing to spend about half of your day along the tracks. as a truly magical way of experiencing the redwoods, getting you saying "goddamn" every other second, the rail bikes on the noyo is one of my favorite mendocino memories. this experience comes with a lunch [and alcohol if requested] to enjoy at camp noyo.
you also get to take home this cute-as-s*** lunch box and glass from your travels.
address | 100 West Laurel Street Fort Bragg, California 95437 |
duration | 2-5 hours |
cost | $50-$500 depending on your choice of experience |
tips: if you opt for the hiking or rail bike experiences i would suggest bug spray. due to the proximity to the river, there are lot of mosquitoes and other flying devils around. also, i'm not f***ing kidding around, if you're making your way through the redwoods by train, foot, or railbike cue the jurassic theme song at least once.
enjoy the ride || hwy 1 [point reyes + elk cove]
highlights
take the long way home up or down highway 1
make a stop to hike or take a look at point arena
explore the smaller towns along highway 1 like elk cove, point arena, or gualala
not all of the best places are in the main towns associated with mendocino. the best restaurant views go to sibo restaurant @ elk cove inn. the views from this restaurant are absolutely f***ing stunning. since there is limited dining availability each night, the food experience feels intimate.
run by a husband and wife [chef and sommellier], sibo restaurant provides amazing options for french dining. with the views, you'll be giving your **chef's kiss**.
address | 6300 S. Highway One Elk, CA 95432 |
duration | 2-3 hours |
cost | $30-$50 per meal, menu here |
tips: reservations are required for dinner. also, due to the small size of diners allowed per night, you will need to pre-order your meals before arriving. if you would like to experience the views, you can visit for breakfast, but just note that priority is offered to the elk cove inn guests.
land acknowledgment
mendocino county is home of the indigenous pomo and yuki people. for more information on the forced uprooting and extermination of the stewards and peoples of this land, please read "When Native Americans Were Forcibly Removed From a Mendocino Indian Reservation" from KCET.
lessons learned
the drives are some of the best parts of visiting mendocino county. make sure to plan out ample travel time in between your stops to make your reservations and opportunities to take in the views or take a few photos.
budget out for at least one splurge meal if you can. mendocino county's farm-to-table offerings are worth it and all of them provide top-notch aesthetics and ambiance.
you don't need to stay at one of the upscale accommodations in the area. there are plenty of local camping/glamping opportunities, as well as boutique small businesses with reasonable pricing for an overnight stay.
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