Mendocino101thingstodo2015

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Your Guide to: Area Maps Dining, Events B&Bs, Inns RV & Camping

Covelo Hwy 162 to

B. Bryan Preserve, Point Arena

Skunk Train

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101Things.com Plus Mendocino’s Wines, Vines and Brews

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explore explore Big Big River River estuary, estuary, explore canyon canyon&&nearby nearbystate stateparks parks canyon & vegetarian dining ANDBICYCLESTOO ANDBICYCLESTOO by ANDBICYCLESTOO byRenting Rentingaakayak, kayak,canoe, canoe,

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coast coast highway highway && coast comptche comptche highway ukiah ukiah & road comptche road in in mendocino mendocino ukiah road || 800.331.8884 800.331.8884 in mendocino www.stanfordinn.com www.stanfordinn.com www.stanfordinn.com || www.ravensrestaurant.com www.ravensrestaurant.com | www.ravensrestaurant.com || www.catchacanoe.com www.catchacanoe.com | www.ca

2 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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L od g i ng | din ing | B a r | Go lf | T e n ni s | day Spa Two miles south of Mendocino village www.LittleRiverInn.com | 888.inn.love for reservations

Create a traditio^

F O L LOW

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MAGI C.

Begin an enchanted Northern California trip with the world’s tallest trees of Redwood National Park and the Avenue of the Giants.

Free guides. Lodging offers.

Insider tips: www.Redwoods.info.

800-346-3482

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101Things.com • Mendocino County 3

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Mendocino County California Volume 29, No. 5 • 2015 (second print)

2383 Myrtle Ave. Eureka, California 95501 707-443-1234 FAX 707-443-5309 Email: info@101things.com [

Gregg Gardiner

\

Publisher

Carlton Nielsen General Manager

Denise Comiskey

Contents

MENDOCINO COUNTY SPECIAL SECTIONS 101 Things To Know About Wine ..... 42-44 Bed & Breakfasts & Intimate Inns ....... 10 Campgrounds & RV Parks ................. 11 County Parks & Campgrounds ............ 11 Dining Guide, Coastal....................... 8 Dining Guide, Inland ........................ 9 Mendocino National Forest ............... 70 Wineries & Breweries in Mendocino Co. ...................... 38-44 Wine & Brew Listing ....................... 39 101 THINGS TO DO BY AREA Albion .................................... 18-24 All Around the Area ......................... 7 Anchor Bay .................................. 13 Anderson Valley ........................ 45-47 Boonville, Navarro, Philo, Yorkville

Covelo.................................... 68-70 Elk ............................................ 17 Fort Bragg, Noyo Harbor .............. 25-36 Gualala ...................................12-13 Hopland.................................. 48-50 Lake County ............................. 61-62 Laytonville .................................. 71 Leggett .................................. 72-73 Little River .............................. 18-24 Manchester Beach .......................... 17 Mendocino Village...................... 18-24 Point Arena ............................. 14-16 Ukiah ..................................... 51-60 Westport .................................... 37 Willits .................................... 63-67 BEYOND MENDOCINO Del Norte County / Southern Oregon 74-75 Humboldt County ...................... 76-78

See pages 40 & 41 for the map of Mendocino Wine Country

MAPS

Anderson Valley ............................47 Covelo........................................69 Fort Bragg ............................... 26-27 Gualala ......................................12 Hopland......................................49 Lake County .................................62 Leggett ......................................73 Mendocino Village, Little River, Albion ........................................21 Mendocino County .......................... 4 Point Arena .................................15 Ukiah, Central .......................... 52-53 Ukiah, Historic Downtown ................55 Willits ........................................65 Wine & Brew Tasting Rooms ..........40-41

Creative Director

David Kaftal Editor, Graphics

Sage Dixon Office / Billing

Vicky Titus Distribution

Steve Hammons

Photography and Distribution

The 101 Things To Do®

magazine in Mendocino County, California is distributed free in hundreds of locations throughout the region and the adjoining areas.

(See map on page 4)

For advertising information, call (707) 443-1234

101 Things To Do® magazines are available for other counties in California, Oregon, Arizona, South Carolina and Hawaii. Copies of each 101 Things To Do® magazine are available free of charge in certain locations; are online in their entirety at 101Things.com; and are available by mail for a $5 shipping and handling fee per magazine. Mail to: 101 Things To Do® 2383 Myrtle Ave. Eureka, California 95501

Please visit

101Things.com

to view all of our publications Proudly printed by

Western-Web

Eureka, California 101 Things To Do® magazines are licensed by Gregg Gardiner and published by Blarney Publishing.

GREGG GARDINER, President David Else, Vice President

All content of this 101 Things To Do® magazine is copyrighted. © 2015 All rights reserved, Blarney Publishing, Eureka, CA 95501. No part may be reprinted without the expressed written consent of Blarney Publishing. The name 101 Things To Do® is a registered trademark and cannot be used without written permission of Gregg Gardiner. This publication is being provided as a convenience and as a public service for our readers. Every effort has been made by the publisher, Blarney Publishing, to make the contents of this magazine as accurate as possible, but it cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of all the information and advertising contained herein, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence no responsibility for the same can be assumed.

6 Mendocino County • 101things.com

1 2 3 4

page # All Around Mendocino County Weddings ............7 Spa Resorts.................................7 Farmers’ Markets ..........................7 Casinos in Mendocino County ...........7

5 6 7 8

Gualala & Anchor Bay Gualala Point Regional Park ...........

Gualala Arts Center .....................

Anchor Bay & Fish Rock Beach ........

Bones Roadhouse ........................

12 13 13 13

9 10 11 12

Point Arena Point Arena Pier at Arena Cove .......

Point Arena Lighthouse .................

Schooner Gulch State Beach ...........

B. Bryan Preserve .......................

15 15 16 16

Elk & Manchester Beach

1 3 Greenwood State Beach ................ 17 1 4 Manchester State Park ................. 17 1 5 Ross Ranch Horseback Rides........... 17 Mendocino, Little River & Albion 1 6 Annual Whale Migration, Whale Festival ........................... 18 1 7 Historic Village of Mendocino ......... 19 1 8 Golfing at Little River Inn .............. 19 1 9 Afternoon Tea at Glendeven Inn ...... 19 2 0 Mendocino Music Festival .............. 20 2 1 Mendocino Art Center .................. 20 2 2 Ford House Museum .................... 20 2 3 Mendocino Theater Co. / Helen Schoeni Theatre ................. 21 24 Mendocino Film Festival ............... 22 2 5 Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Nature Tours ............................. 22 2 6 Mendocino Headlands Park ............ 22 2 7 Van Damme State Park ................. 23 2 8 Point Cabrillo Lighthouse & Preserve 23 2 9 Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too! ........ 23 3 0 Caspar Headlands State Reserve ...... 24 3 1 Caspar Headlands State Beach ........ 24 3 2 Big River and Big River Haul Road .... 24 3 3 Russian Gulch State Park ............... 24 3 4 Pygmy Forest at Van Damme St Park .................................... 24 3 5 Jug Handle Ecological Staircase....... 24 Fort Bragg Pacific Star Winery ...................... 25 Bird-Watching w/ Audubon Society ... 29 Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens . 30 Mendocino Chocolate Company ....... 30 Gloriana Musical Theater .............. 30 World Famous Triangle Tattoo & Museum ................................... 31 4 2 MacKerricher State Park ............... 31 4 3 Abalone Diving in Mendocino County 31 4 4 Horseback Riding at Ricochet Ridge Ranch ..................................... 32

36 37 38 39 40 41

On the Cover:

MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg see page 31 photo by Cyndy Phillips

Cover Inset photos: Left: Along Hwy 162, from Hwy 101 to Covelo, see page 68 photo by Gregg Gardiner Middle: B. Bryan Preserve, Point Arena BBryanPreserve.com, see page 16 Right: Skunk Train, SkunkTrain.com see pages 34, 64, back cover 4 5 Old Haul Road (Ten Mile Trail) ........ 33 4 6 Fort Bragg’s Family-Friendly 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

City Parks................................. 33 Historic Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Depot ..................................... 34 Pacific Glassworks, Demonstrations, Classes .................................... 34 Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf and Fun Center..................................... 35 C.V. Starr Community Center Pool and More ....................................... 35 Surfing the Mendocino Coast .......... 36 Jackson Demonstration State Forest ..................................... 36 Glass Beach Treasures .................. 36 Wineries & Breweries

5 4 Breweries of Mendocino County ...... 38 Anderson Valley: Boonville, Navarro, Philo, Yorkville 5 5 Anderson Valley Wineries .............. 45 5 6 Yorkville Highlands Appellation ....... 46 5 7 Hendy Woods State Park ............... 46 5 8 Navarro River Redwoods State Park .. 46 5 9 Anderson Valley Museum ............... 46 6 0 Anderson Valley Brewing Company ... 47 61 Disc Golf Courses ........................ 47 Hopland

6 2 Hopland’s Wineries ..................... 48 6 3 Schoolhouse Plaza, Brutocao

Cellars .................................... 49 6 4 Olives in Hopland ....................... 50 6 5 Real Goods Solar Living Center ....... 50 Ukiah

6 6 Sundays in the Park Free Concert 67 68 69 70

Series ..................................... 54 SPACE ..................................... 54 Grace Hudson Museum ................. 54 Ukiah Valley Conference and Visitor Center..................................... 54 Redwood Valley Wineries .............. 56

7 1 Parducci Wine Cellars &

Acoustic Café ............................ 56

7 2 Vichy Springs Mineral Hot Springs 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

Resort ..................................... 56 Lake Mendocino ......................... 58 Low Gap Regional Park ................ 58 Ukiah Municipal Golf Course........... 59 Ukiah Speedway ......................... 59 Cow Mountain Recreation Area ....... 60 Montgomery Woods State Reserve ... 60 Hunting in Mendocino County ......... 60 Lake County

8 0 Clear Lake State Park ................... 62 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90

Willits Home of Seabiscuit ..................... 63 Historic Skunk Train..................... 64 Willits Frontier Days .................... 64 Willits Skate Park........................ 66 Willits KOA Camping Resort............ 66 Willits’ Family-Friendly City Parks ... 66 Willits Community Theater ............ 66 Roots of Motive Power.................. 67 Mendocino County Museum ............ 67 Willits Center for the Arts ............. 67 Covelo

9 1 Scenic Drive to Covelo ................. 68 9 2 The Blackberry Festival ................ 69 9 3 Black Butte River Ranch................ 70 Laytonville

9 4 Laytonville Rodeo ....................... 71 9 5 Laytonville Farmers’ Market ........... 71 9 6 Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival ... 71 Leggett

9 7 The Peg House ........................... 72 9 8 Confusion Hill ........................... 72 9 9 Thunderbird Mountain Trading Co. ... 73 1 0 0 Standish-Hickey State

Recreation Area........................ 73

1 0 1 Smithe Redwoods State Reserve..... 73

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All Around the Area

photo by Mackenzie Kincaid

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, GardenByTheSea.org

1

Mendocino County Weddings

Beautiful vistas, spectacular sunsets and miles of gracefully chiseled coastline make Mendocino and Northern Sonoma Counties a wonderful place to hold a wedding reception or even say, “I do.” Mendocino’s relaxed atmosphere can make you and your loved one feel like you are the only two on the planet. Find a stunningly gorgeous location, drink some locally grown wine and make that special day unforgettable.

• Picture your wedding on top of the world with Annapolis Winery. This destination wedding site offers space for up to 200 guests with breathtaking panoramic views, redwood forests, vineyards and apple orchards.

707-886-5460, AnnapolisWinery.com

• At the Glendeven Inn casual elegance, comfort and warmth describe the experience you will have with a wedding in this sophisticated farmhouse setting.

800-822-4536, Glendeven.com • Gualala Arts Center, situated on 11 acres of beautiful redwood forestland is an ideal location for all types of weddings and parties. The Gualala Arts Center has the right size rooms, amenities and aesthetics to fit your needs.

707-884-1138, GualalaArts.org • Hill House Inn in Mendocino offers expansive Victorian gardens with bluffs overlooking the ocean, an intimate private Chapel, a reception and dinner area in the Bay View Lounge with spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

800-422-0554, HillHouseInn.com • The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek & Spa is the ideal Mendocino wedding venue.

The spectacular ocean views and beautiful gardens create a stunning, intimate atmosphere for your special day.

707-937-5525, SchoolhouseCreek.com • At the Little River Inn you can get not only get married and hold your reception there with a spectacular ocean view, but it’s also a great place to spend your honeymoon.

707-937-5942, LittleRiverInn.com • The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens could be one of the most beautiful places to get married. The array of color and incredible views will make it easy for even an amateur photographer to capture a picture-perfect wedding.

707-964-4352, GardenByTheSea.org • At Pacific Star Winery rent the beautiful bluffs overlooking the ocean, custom-make your own wedding and the winery will provide some of the best wine in California.

707-964-1155, PacificStarWinery.com • At the Stanford Inn by the Sea select a spot indoors near the fireplace or outside in a garden and the staff will design the perfect wedding, just the way you want it.

800-331-8884, StanfordInn.com • At Vichy Springs Mineral Springs Resort and Country Inn the waterfall is the perfect background for any occasion, especially a wedding.

707-462-9515, VichySprings.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do

®

MENDOCINO COUNTY

StanfordInn.com

TheGarciaRiverCasino.com

2

Spa Resorts

3

Farmers’ Markets

4

Casinos in Mendocino County

For many, a California vacation would not be complete without a relaxing visit to a spa. From facials and massages to a hot cup of tea, Mendocino County’s wide selection of spas offer havens from stress.

• Baechtel Creek Inn and Spa in Willits is proud to offer some of the finest in organic skin and body care. Services include massage, body treatments and facials.

800-459-9911, BaechtelCreekInn.com • Coast Inn and Spa in Fort Bragg — Experience the serenity of the coast while practitioners release the stress and tension from your body. Offering various types of massage, far-infrared sauna and natural healing services.

707-964-2852, CoastInnAndSpa.com • Inn at Schoolhouse Creek & Spa — All their spa treatments use only the finest natural oils, herbal extracts and natural ingredients. Massage and spa services include complimentary use of their 24-hour hot tub and sauna.

707-937-5525, SchoolhouseCreek.com • Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites Doll House Spa Services offers an array of services elevating relaxation to an art form. Spa services may be provided in your room or the spa, which is situated in two acres of lush Victorian gardens.

800-548-0513, MendocinoHotel.com • Have a “massage in the forest” at Stanford Inn just south of Mendocino Village.

Choose from Thai, hot stone, neuromuscular or Botanical Aromatherapy massages.

Also available: facials, Ayurvedic treatment and Yoga.

800-331-8884, StanfordInn.com • Third Court Salon and Day Spa in Little River Inn — This family-owned destination resort is located on the coast, two miles south of Mendocino Village. They offer professional hair care, facials, massage, body treatment and more.

707-937-5942, LittleRiverInn.com • Vichy Springs Resort and Country Inn in Ukiah — Relax in a naturally carbonated hot spring or be treated to a number of unique massages and full body treatments.

707-462-9515, VichySprings.com

Farmers’ markets are one of Mendocino’s best kept secrets. They are where the locals go to socialize and connect. The markets are mostly made up of mom and popscale farms, ranches, creameries and more, most of which you will not find in larger metropolitan markets. Visit any of them and you will get a feeling for the communities.

Meet the people who run the farm and do the work, and sample and stock up on great organic produce, humanely-raised meat, tasty honey, artisan cheeses, flowers and nursery stock, baked goods, prepared foods and more.

MORE INFO: MCFarm.org for a listing of vendors, special events and other information.

Check there also for current times and dates, which change periodically. The following Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFM) are part of the Mendocino County Farmers’ Market Association: • Boonville, Saturdays, May–Oct., 10am–12:30pm at Boonville Hotel • Fort Bragg, Wednesdays, Year-Round, 3–5pm at Franklin & Laurel Streets • Laytonville, Mondays, May–Oct., 2:30–5:30pm and Nov.–April, 2:30–4:30pm at Harwood Hall, 44400 Willis • Mendocino, Fridays, May–Oct., Noon–2pm at Howard and Main Streets • Redwood Valley, Sundays, mid-June–mid-Oct., 9:30am–12:30pm at Lion’s Park • Ukiah, Saturdays, Year-Round, 9am–Noon at School and Clay Streets • Willits, Thursdays, May–Oct., 3–6pm at Willits City Park; Nov.–Apr. at Little Lake Grange

Think you can handle non-stop fun? Then try your luck at one of the many casinos in Mendocino County. These gaming establishments are known for their huge assortments of slot machines, exciting high and low stakes table games, and that perennial favorite, Bingo. You can also enjoy live music performed by the many famous entertainers from around the world who frequent Mendocino County’s casinos. Additionally, there are restaurants in the casinos that serve some of the best food around, and in the most pleasant settings. When you can manage to pull yourself away from all the fun, be sure to stay a night to rest for a whole new day of excitement.

• Coyote Valley Casino, 5 miles north of Ukiah, 707-485-0700, CoyoteValleyCasino.com • Garcia River Casino in Point Arena, 707-467-5300, TheGarciaRiverCasino.com • Hidden Oaks Casino in Covelo, 707-983-6896, HiddenOaksCasino.com • Red Fox Casino in Laytonville, 888-473-3369, RedFoxCasino.net • Sherwood Valley Casino in Willits, 707-459-7978, SVRCasino.com 101Things.com • Mendocino County 7

COASTAL

Dining Guide

Albion, Anchor Bay, Elk, Fort Bragg, Gualala, Little River, Mendocino, Point Arena, Westport

Recommended Restaurants in Bold

All Area Codes are (707) unless otherwise noted.

Sandwiches, Burgers, Sweets

Wild Boar Burger Sandwiches / Ribs / Brisket Pulled Pork & Chicken Sausage / Blackened Fish BBQ Oysters Shrimp on the Barbie Vegetable Skewer Salads / Kid’s Menu and Awesome Sides Smokin’ Seven Days a Week 11am ‘till at least 9pm

Dine In or Take Out 1064 South Main Street FORT BRAGG 707-961-0100

THEQFortBragg.com

TAKA’S Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar

Open 7 Days a Week Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Dinner 4:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Take-Out Orders

250 N. Main Street

FORT BRAGG 707-964-5204

8 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Belgian Chocolate Shoppe, 45050 Main St., Mendocino, 397-1402 Blue Canoe Coffee, 35501 S. Hwy 1, Anchor Bay, 884-1800 Cirino’s, 131 East Laurel St., Ft. Bragg, 964-5493 Cowlick’s Ice Cream, 250-B N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 962-9271 David’s Deli, 163 Boatyard Dr., Ft. Bragg, 964-1946 Dolphin Isle Marina Deli, 32399 Basin St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4113 Jenny’s Giant Burger, 940 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-2235 Laurel Deli & Desserts, 401 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-7812 Mendo Burgers, 10483 Lansing St., Mendocino • 937-1111 Mendocino Chocolate Co. 232 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg and 10483 Lansing St., Mendocino • 800-722-1107 Mendocino Cookie Co., 301 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-0282 Mendocino Market, 45051 Ukiah St. Mendocino, 937-3474 Relish, 260 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 962-0633 Subway, 141-B Boatyard Dr., Ft. Bragg, 964-2882 The Q BBQ Joint, 1064 S. Main St., Fort Bragg • 961-0100 Trink’s Cafe, 39140 S Hwy 1, Gualala, 884-1713

Organic / Natural & More Cafe 1, 753 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-3309 Corners of the Mouth, 45015 Ukiah St., Mendocino, 937-5345 Down Home Foods, 115 S. Franklin St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4661 Flow Restaurant, 45040 Main St., Mendocino, 937-3569 Harvest Market Deli & Bakery, 171 Boatyard Dr., Fort Bragg, 964-7000 Living Light Cafe, 301-B N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-2420 Mendocino Café, 10451 Lansing St., Mendocino, 937-6141 Pacific Plate, gluten-free diner 194 Main St., Point Arena • 882-1619 Ravens’ Restaurant at Stanford Inn, Hwy 1 & Comptche, Mendocino • 937-5615

Mexican Angelina’s Bar & Grill, 400 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-1700 Antonio’s Tacos, 38820 S. Hwy 1, Gualala, 884-1789 LaPlaya Restaurant, 542 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4074 Los Gallitos, 130 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4519 New Best Buffet, 760 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 961-1688 Mariachi’s, 35501 S. Hwy 1, Gualala, 884-1735 Papa Murphy’s Pizza, 179 Boatyard Dr., Ft. Bragg, 961-0777 The Purple Rose, 24300 N. Hwy 1, Ft. Bragg, 964-6507 Taqueria Ricarda, 647 Oak St., Ft. Bragg, 964-8684

Asian Asian Buffet, 450 S. Franklin St., Ft. Bragg, 964-8938 Lee’s Chinese, 154 E. Redwood Ave., Ft. Bragg, 964-6843 Nit’s Cafe, 322 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-7187 Off the Hook Sushi, 118 Redwood Ave., Ft. Bragg, 964-3188 Taka’s Grill, 250-A N. Main St., Ft. Bragg • 964-5204

American

Seafood and More

Bones Roadhouse, 39080 S. Hwy 1, Gualala • 884-1188 Bridget Dolan’s Cafe, 5910 S Hwy 1, Elk, 877-1820 David’s Deli, 163 Boatyard Dr., Ft. Bragg, 964-1946 Denny’s, 901 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-8287 Flats Café, 34500 Hwy 1, Albion, 937-0606 Flow Restaurant, 45040 Main St., Mendocino, 937-3569 Greenwood Pier Cafe, 5928 Hwy 1, Elk, 877-3400 Home Style Cafe, 790 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-6106 JJ’s Restaurant, 898 South Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-6420 Little River Inn Restaurant, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River • 937-5942 Mendo Bistro & Barbelow, 301 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4974 Mendo Burgers, 10483 Lansing St., Mendocino • 937-1111 Mendocino Café, 10451 Lansing St., Mendocino, 937-6141 Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main St., Mendocino • 937-0511 North Coast Brewing, 444 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-3400 Old Abalone Pub, 38921 Hwy 1, Westport • 964-3688 Pacific Plate, gluten-free diner 194 Main St., Point Arena, 882-1619 Pier Chowder House, 790 Port Rd., Point Arena • 882-3400 Queenie’s Roadhouse Cafe, 6061 S Hwy 1, Elk, 877-3285 Relish, 260 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 962-0633 Rollerville Cafe, 22900 S. Hwy 1, Point Arena, 882-2077 The Q BBQ Joint, 1064 S. Main St., Fort Bragg • 961-0100 The Restaurant, 418 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-9800

955 Ukiah St. Restaurant, 955 Ukiah St., Mendocino, 937-1955 Albion River Inn, 3790 N. Hwy 1, Albion, 937-1919 Cap’n Flints, 32250 N. Harbor Dr., Noyo Harbor, Ft. Bragg, 964-9447 Cove Azul Bar & Grill, 39102 Ocean Dr., Gualala, 884-1835 Greenwood Pier Cafe, 5928 Hwy 1, Elk, 877-3400 Heron’s by the Sea, 32100 N. Harbor Dr., Noyo Harbor, Ft. Bragg, 962-0680 Pier Chowder House, 790 Port Rd., Point Arena • 882-3400 Silver’s at the Wharf, 32260 N. Harbor Dr., Ft. Bragg • 964-4283 Wild Fish Restaurant, 7750 N. Hwy 1, Little River, 937-3055

Fine Dining Albion River Inn, 3790 N. Hwy 1, Albion, 937-1919 Café Beaujolais, 961 Ukiah St., Mendocino • 937-5614 Flow Restaurant, 45040 Main St., Mendocino, 937-3569 Glendeven Inn Afternoon Tea Thursdays and Saturdays, occasional Winemaker Dinners, Private Chef Dinners, inquire at inn, 8205 N. Hwy 1, Little River • 937-0083 Greenwood Pier Cafe, 5928 Hwy 1, Elk, 877-3400 Ledford House, 3000 N. Hwy 1, Albion, 937-0282 Little River Inn Restaurant, 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River • 937-5942 McCallum House, 45020 Albion St., Mendocino, 937-0289 Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main St., Mendocino • 937-0511 Ravens’ Restaurant at Stanford Inn, Hwy 1 & Comptche, Mendocino • 937-5615 Silver’s at the Wharf, 32260 N. Harbor Dr., Ft. Bragg • 964-4283 St. Orres Restaurant, 36601 S. Hwy 1, Gualala, 884-3335 Trillium Cafe & Inn, 10390 Kasten St., Mendocino, 937-4323

Breakfast, Coffee & More Angelina’s Bar & Grill, 400 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-1700 Blue Canoe Coffee & Tea, 35501 S. Hwy 1, Anchor Bay, 884-1800 Bones Roadhouse, 39080 S. Hwy 1, Gualala • 884-1188 Cafe 1, 753 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-3309 Cucina Verona, 124 E. Laurel St., Ft. Bragg, 964-6844 David’s Deli, 163 Boatyard Dr., Ft. Bragg, 964-1946 Denny’s, 901 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-8287 Eggheads Restaurant, 326 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-5005 Flats Café, 34500 Hwy 1, Albion, 937-0606 Headlands Coffeehouse, 120 E. Laurel St., Ft. Bragg, 964-1987 Homestyle Café, 790 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-6106 Laurel Deli & Desserts, 401 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-7812 Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main St., Mendocino • 937-0511 Moody’s Coffee Bar, 10450 Lansing St., Mendocino, 937-4843 Queenie’s Roadhouse Cafe, 6061 S Hwy 1, Elk, 877-3285 Ravens’ Restaurant at Stanford Inn, Hwy 1 & Comptche, Mendocino • 937-5615 Starbucks, 576 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4256 Trillium, 10390 Kasten St., Mendocino, 937-4323 Rollerville Cafe, 22900 S. Hwy 1, Point Arena, 882-2077

Italian / Pizza Bernillo’s Pizzeria, 220 E. Redwood Ave., Ft. Bragg • 964-9314 Cucina Verona, 124 E. Laurel St., Ft. Bragg, 964-6844 Frankie’s Pizza & Ice Cream, 44951 Ukiah St., Mendocino, 937-2436 Gualala Pizza & Ice Cream, 39225 S. Hwy 1, Gualala, 884-4055 Piaci Pizzeria, 120 W. Redwood Ave., Ft. Bragg, 961-1133 Pizza Factory, 111 Boatyard St., Ft. Bragg, 961-0580 R D’Aurelio’s, 438 S. Franklin St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4227 Round Table Pizza, 740 S. Main St., Ft. Bragg, 964-4987 Simona’s Italian Restaurant, 131 E. Mill St., Ukiah, 462-2141 Slam Dunk Pizza, 720 N. State St., Ukiah, 463-1000 Upper Crust Pizza, 39331 S. Hwy 1, Gualala, 884-1324

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Boonville, Covelo, Hopland, Laytonville, Leggett, Navarro, Philo, Ukiah, Willits We strive to make this listing as accurate as possible.

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Dining Guide

INLAND

Recommended Restaurants in Bold

All Area Codes are (707) unless otherwise noted.

American

Sandwiches, Burgers, Sweets

Adam’s Restaurant, 50 S. Main St., Willits • 456-9226 Al’s Redwood Room, 207 S. Main St., Willits • 459-2444 Angelina’s Café at Coyote Valley Casino, 7751 N. State St., Redwood Valley • 485-0700 Applebee’s Bar & Grill, 1201 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 462-7010 Bluebird Cafe, 13340 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 744-1633 Boomer’s Saloon, 45020 N. Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-6534 Broiler Steak House, 8400 Uva Dr., Redwood Valley, 485-7301 Caminiti’s Restaurant & Lounge at Brooktrails Lodge, 24765 Birch St., Willits, 459-1596 Chief’s Smokehouse, 44400 N. Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-6770 Chop Chop, 110 West Standley St., Ukiah • 472-0925 Club Calpella, 6175 N. State St., Calpella, 485-8630 Crush Italian Steakhouse, 1180 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 463-0700 Denny’s, 105 Pomeroy St., Ukiah, 462-2332 Ellie’s Mutt Hut & Cafe, 732 S. State St., Ukiah, 468-5376 Fox Den Café at Red Fox Casino, 200 Cahto Dr., Laytonville • 984-6800 Gribaldo’s, 1551 S. Main St., Willits, 459-2256 Henny Penny, 697 S. Orchard St., Ukiah, 468-8323 Hopland Tap House, 13351 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 744-1255 Jensen’s Restaurant, 1550 Lovers Ln., Ukiah, 462-0757 Lauren’s, 14211 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3869 Lumberjacks Restaurant, 1740 S. Main St., Willits, 456-0300 My cafe, 75950 Commercial St., Covelo, 983-8006 North Fork Cafe, 76365 Covelo Rd.,Covelo • 983-8014 North State Cafe, 263 N. State St., Ukiah, 462-3726 Patrona, 130 W. Standley St., Ukiah • 462-9181 Pepperwood Steakhouse at Sho-Ka-Wa Casino, 13101 Nokomis Rd., Hopland, 744-1395 Rio’s Fish & Chips, 1661-D S. Main St., Willits, 459-3105 Ritual Restaurant & Lounge, 102 S. State St., Ukiah, 468-5898 Romi’s Brew & BBQ, 225 E. Perkins St., Ukiah, 468-9222 Soul Sisters, 816 N. State St., Ukiah, 354-4451 Stan’s Maple Café, 295 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-5221 Star’s Restaurant, 115 S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah, 462-1622 Stone and Embers, 9000 Hwy 128, Philo, 895-3471 Table 128, Boonville Hotel, 14050 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-2210 Ukiah Garden Cafe, 1090 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-1221 Walter Café, Steak & Sushi, 920 N. State St., Ukiah • 462-2080 Wheels Cafe and Pub, 44930 Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-8811

101 Drive-In, 100 N. Main St., Willits, 459-1010 The Alley Grill, 1245 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 462-2110 Ardella’s Downtown Diner, 77 S. Main St., Willits, 459-6577 Bebops Diner, 1200 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-1750 Boonville General Store, 14077-A Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-9477 Boont Berry Farm Store, 3981 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3576 Brooktrails Golf Shop Grill, 24860 Birch St., Willits, 459-6761 Burger King 1355 S. Main St., Willits, 456-9175 Burger My Way, 13600 Mountain House Rd, Hopland, 744-8762 Busters Burgers & Brews, 150 S. Main St., Willits, 459-3233 Chief’s Smokehouse, 44400 N. Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-6770 Country Skillet, 708 S. Main St., Willits, 456-9916 Creekside Café at Sherwood Valley Rancheria Casino, 100 Kawi Pl., Willits • 459-7330 Ellie’s Mutt Hut Cafe, 732 S. State St., Ukiah, 468-5376 Fox Den Café at Red Fox Casino, 200 Cahto Dr., Laytonville • 984-6800 Hopland Tap House, 13351 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 744-1255 J.D. Redhouse, 212 S. Main St., Willits, 459-1214 Jack In The Box, 1115 Airport Park Blvd, Ukiah, 462-5296 Jack In The Box, 788 S. Main St., Willits, 459-4129 Kilkenny Kitchen, 1093 S. Dora St., Ukiah, 462-2814 Lauren’s, (summer lunch) 14211 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3869 Loose Caboose Cafe, 10 Wood St., Willits, 459-1434 Mama’s Café and Bakery, 210 S. State St., Ukiah, 463-0312 McDonalds, 115 N. Orchard Ave., Ukiah, 462-0008 McDonalds, 1310 N. State St., Ukiah, 463-8205 McDonalds, 1488 S. Main St., Willits, 459-2120 Mina Burgers, 23990 Covelo Rd., Covelo, 489-6462 Mosswood Market, 14111 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3635 Navarro General Store, 231 Wendling Ln., Navarro, 895-9445 Paradise Cafe, 349 S. Main St., Willits, 456-0155 Paysanne Real Sweet Things, 1411 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-2210 Peg House, 69501 N. Hwy 101, Leggett • 925-6444 Pour Girls Coffee, 44950 Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-8500 Redwood Drive-In, 13980 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3441 Roland’s Bakery & Bistro, 1726-H S. Main St. Willits, 841-3058 Quizno’s, 113 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-1140 Ray’s Food Place Deli, 1718 S. Main St., Willits, 459-5139 Redwood Drive-In, 13980 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3441 Safeway Deli, 845 S. Main St., Willits, 459-5862 Schat’s Bakery Cafe, 113 W. Perkins St., Ukiah, 462-1670 Schat’s Bakery Cafe, inside Friedman’s, 1255 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 468-5850 Scoops Frozen Yogurt & Deli, 110 N. Main St., Willits, 272-9646 Subway, 13456 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 744-1084 Subway, 130 North Orchard Ave., Ukiah, 462-5748 Subway, 1307 N. State St., Ukiah, 462-0227 Subway, Walmart, 1155 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 462-6260 Subway, 1704 S. Main St., Willits, 456-0668 Taste Buds, 405 S. State St., Ukiah, 463-2253 Wheels Cafe and Pub, 44930 Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-8811 Windmills Cafe, 749-A S. State St., Ukiah, 462-4667

Organic / Natural & More Kilkenny Kitchen, 1093 S. Dora St., Ukiah, 462-2814 Mariposa Market, 500 S. Main St., Willits, 459-9630 Patrona, 130 W. Standley, Ukiah • 462-9181 Ritual Restaurant & Lounge, 102 S. State St., Ukiah, 468-5898 Soul Sisters, 816 N. State St., Ukiah, 354-4451 Taste Buds, 405 S. State St., Ukiah, 463-2253 Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op, 721 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-4778

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Patrona, Ukiah, PatronaRestaurant.com

Breakfast, Coffee & More

Mexican

Angelina’s Café at Coyote Valley Casino, 7751 N. State St., Redwood Valley, 485-0700 Ardella’s Downtown Diner, 77 S. Main St., Willits, 459-6577 Black Oak Coffee Roasters, 476 N. State St., Ukiah, 462-6333 Bluebird Cafe, 13340 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 744-1633 Boonville General Store, 14077-A Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-9477 Brewed Awakening, 1437 S. Main St., Willits, 459-7055 Country Skillet, 708 S. Main St., Willits, 456-9916 Creekside Café at Sherwood Valley Rancheria Casino, 100 Kawi Pl., Willits • 459-7330 Fox Den Café at Red Fox Casino, 200 Cahto Dr., Laytonville • 984-6800 Gribaldo’s, 1551 S. Main St., Willits, 459-2256 Henny Penny, 697 S. Orchard St., Ukiah, 468-8323 J.D. Redhouse, 212 S. Main St., Willits, 459-1214 Lumberjack’s Restaurant, 1740 S. Main St., Willits, 456-0300 Mama’s Café and Bakery, 210 S. State St., Ukiah, 463-0312 Mosswood Market, 14111 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3635 My cafe, 75950 Commercial St., Covelo, 983-8006 Paradise Cafe, 349 S. Main St., Willits, 456-0155 Pepperwood Steakhouse at Sho-Ka-Wa Casino, 13101 Nokomis Rd., Hopland, 744-1395 Pour Girls Coffee, 44950 Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-8500 Roland’s Bakery & Bistro, 1726-H S. Main St. Willits, 841-3058 Schat’s Bakery Cafe, 113 W. Perkins St., Ukiah, 462-1670 Schat’s Bakery Cafe, inside Friedman’s, 1255 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 468-5850 Stan’s Maple Café, 295 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-5221 Star’s Restaurant, 115 S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah, 462-1622 Windmills Cafe, 749-A S. State St., Ukiah, 462-4667

Aztec Grill, Chevron Station, 781 S. Main St., Willits, 459-3231 Eddie’s Cocina, 109 S. School St., Ukiah, 462-2516 El Azteca, 1631 S. State St., Ukiah, 463-1330 El Mexicano Restaurant, 166 S. Main St., Willits, 459-5702 Jara’s Mexican Market, 1661-C S. Main St., Willits, 459-3900 La Casona Del Cielo, 44901 Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-8226 Libby’s Restaurant, 8651 Hwy 128, Philo, 895-2646 Mi Pueblito, 1252 Airport Blvd., Ukiah • 462-5102 Redwood Drive-In, 13980 Hwy 128, Boonville, 895-3441 Super Taco, 1726 S Main St., Willits, 459-1282 Taco Bell, 1201 N. State St., Ukiah, 462-1722 Taco Bell, 1500 S. Main St., Willits, 459-3292 Taco Loco, 187 Orchard Plaza, Ukiah, 462-3101 Taqueria Bravo, 235 S. Main St., Willits, 459-0905 Taqueria Jalos, 1130 S. State St., 462-1152 Taqueria Ramirez, 310 Franklin St., Willits, 367-0324

Italian / Pizza Crush Italian Steakhouse, 1180 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, 463-0700 La Siciliana, 1611 S. Main St., Willits, 459-5626 Marino’s Pizza, 142 Talmage Rd., Ukiah, 468-9386 North Fork Café, 76365 Covelo Rd., Covelo • 983-8014 Old Mission Pizza, 1708 S. Main St., Willits, 459-6811 Piazza de Campovida, 13441 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 744-1977 Pizza To Go, 31 W. Commercial St., Willits, 459-1813 Round Table Pizza, 292 S. State St., Ukiah, 462-8866 Saucy, 108 W. Standley St., Ukiah, 462-7007 Simona’s Italian Restaurant, 131 E. Mill St., Ukiah, 462-2141

Asian Al’s Redwood Room, 207 S. Main St., Willits • 459-2444 Asia Grand Buffet, 251 S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah, 468-9888 Asian Palace, 45020 N. Hwy 101, Laytonville, 984-6198 China Chef, 255 N. State St., Ukiah, 468-0860 China Diner, 510 E. Perkins St., Ukiah, 462-0611 Himalayan Cafe, 1639 S. State St., Ukiah, 467-9900 It’s Time, 35 E. Commercial St., Willits, 459-2621 Lotus, 403 S. State St., Ukiah, 463-2288 O Haru, 570 N. State St., Ukiah, 462-4762 OCO Time, 111 W. Church St., Ukiah • 4622422 Peter’s Chinese Restaurant, 383 Main St., Willits, 459-6086 Ruen Tong Thai Cuisine, 801 N. State St., Ukiah • 462-0238 Walter Café, Steak & Sushi, 920 N. State St., Ukiah • 462-2080

101Things.com • Mendocino County 9

MENDOCINO COUNTY

B&Bs and Intimate Inns

FORT BRAGG

MENDOCINO

Coast Inn & Spa

Glendeven Inn

964-2852 18661 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg CoastInnAndSpa.com

937-0083 or 800-822-4536 8205 N. Hwy 1, Mendocino Glendeven.com

Amenities include Jacuzzi suites with fireplace, eco-friendly rooms, pet-friendly rooms, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, local calls, outdoor hot tub, in-room massage, copy/fax service, organic cafe, Natural Healing Spa, in-room coffee, cable, fridge, microwave, Cleaning Station for Fishing and Diving, BBQ area. *Massage, Cafe, Natural Healing, Spa Packages & Vacation Packages. *Special Discounts for 3rd Night Stay for 50% OFF Sunday through Thursday, holidays excluded.

LITTLE RIVER Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

Glendeven Inn, with its blend of fine antiques and contemporary art, offers wood burning fireplaces, ocean views, full in-room gourmet breakfasts and private baths. Enjoy secluded patios and decks, featherbeds, plush robes, a wine and hors d’eouvres hour and free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea offered Thursdays and Saturdays

Hill House Inn 937-0554 or 800-422-0554 10701 Palette Dr., Mendocino HillHouseInn.com

Little River Inn 937-5942 or 888-INN-LOVE (466-5683) 7751 N. Hwy 1, Little River LittleRiverInn.com

Stanford Inn by the Sea 937-5615 or 800-331-8884 44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd., Mendocino StanfordInn.com

Hill House Inn is a premier Mendocino inn with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. It is situated amid lush Victorian gardens, open fields with native vegetation, rustic redwood water towers and magnificent cypress trees. Spacious, recently renovated ocean and garden suites maintain warmth of a cozy bed and breakfast, plus restaurant, bar, lounge, terrace and large spaces for events.

Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites 937-0511 or 800-548-0513 45080 Main St., Mendocino MendocinoHotel.com

and two private cottages with fireplaces and whirlpool spas for two. All rooms are designed with simple elegance and surrounded by quiet solitude.

Wharf Master’s Inn 800-932-4031 or 707-882-3171 785 Iversen Ave., Point Arena WharfMasters.com

The Stanford Inn sits atop a meadow overlooking Mendocino Bay. Embodying the best of the rugged Mendocino Coast, the Inn is a peaceful haven for guests.

Every detail is attended to, from woodburning fireplaces set and ready to light, to sumptuous organic breakfasts inspired by the inn’s certified organic gardens.

The Ravens’ Restaurant is outstanding and nationally acclaimed for its vegetarian cuisine. Indulge at the Inn’s Massage in the Forest and private yoga sessions.

PHILO The Madrones 895-2955, 9000 Hwy 128, Philo TheMadrones.com

937-5525 or 800-731-5525 7051 N. Hwy 1, Little River SchoolhouseCreek.com

The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek offers uniquely appointed rooms and cottages to take advantage of their oceanside scenic location. All rooms and cottages have private decks, romantic propane fireplaces, free high speed wireless internet, with most having Pacific Ocean or relaxing garden views with private entrances to escape the everyday.

Area code 707 unless otherwise noted

The Madrones provides intimate lodgings with a Mediterranean flavor. There are only a few guest quarters, but they are very relaxed, tastefully appointed and comfortable, with some luxurious touches.

Four winery tasting rooms and a casual, yet refined, restaurant are located on the grounds. Nestled in a stunning rural environment, The Madrones is perfect for travelers looking for a romantic getaway, private retreat or home base to explore the area.

The sheltered location of the Wharf Master’s Inn makes it an ideal destination any time of the year. The luxurious rooms feature fireplaces, Jacuzzis, four post feather beds, private balconies with ocean or garden views, satellite television and more, making this luxurious destination a very romantic and peaceful getaway!

WESTPORT

Howard Creek Ranch Inn 964-6725, 40501 N. Hwy 1, Westport HowardCreekRanch.com

Howard Creek Ranch Inn is a historic 60 acre oceanfront farm. Accommodations include cabins, suites and rooms furnished with antiques, large comfortable beds, and handmade quilts with views of the ocean, mountains, creek or gardens.

Westport Hotel 964-3688, Hwy 1 at Seaview, Westport WestportHotel.us

POINT ARENA Coast Guard House Historic Inn 882-2442 or 800-524-9320 695 Arena Cove, Point Arena CoastGuardHouse.com

The Little River Inn is a hillside property featuring dramatic ocean views from every room. This destination hotel and spa offers incomparable hospitality and promises a stay you will never forget. Play golf and tennis on the grounds with breathtaking views of a constantly changing sea. Treat yourself to a massage at the Third Court Salon and Day Spa.

Mendocino Hotel is a full service hotel with deluxe rooms and suites offering dramatic ocean and garden views, some with fireplaces and balconies. Also enjoy their elegant Victorian Dining Room with award winning wine list, bistro-style menu and cocktails in the Lobby Lounge. Breakfast and lunch are offered in the Garden Room.

The Coast Guard House Historic Inn was once home to brave sea rescuers.

Today it’s a peaceful Bed and Breakfast Inn featuring rooms with fireplaces

Six rooms with private baths and ocean views. Have dinner at The Old Abalone Pub, which also serves beer and wine, and is open for Sunday Brunch and Saturday afternoon tea.

Check out other great places to stay in Mendocino County advertised throughout the magazine.

10 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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County and State Parks and Campgrounds

INFORMATIONAL NUMBERS - Area Code is 707 unless otherwise noted Road Conditions – 800-427-7623

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Ukiah Field Office 2550 N. State St., Ukiah CA 95485 468-4000 • CA.BLM.gov/ukiah Access roads into the following areas are narrow and winding. Travel trailers and large RVs not recommended. Before you go, obtain a free map at the BLM office in Ukiah. Campsites first come, first served; no potable water at most campsites.

North Cow Mountain Recreation Area – 17 mi. of foot trails, off-highway vehicles (OHVs) prohibited.

Mayacamas Campground – 9 units, tables, BBQs, pit toilets.

Goat Rock – 2 units, tables, fire grates/BBQ, water for animals.

South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area 125 mi. of OHV trails and roads. Area subject to closure during periods of wet weather. For current conditions call 24-hours a day, 468-4000.

Red Mountain Campground – 10 units, toilets, BBQs, tables.

Buckhorn – 4 units, tables, fire grates/BBQs, toilets.

Sheldon Creek – 6 units, toilets, tables, fire grates/ BBQs. Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument — next to Point Arena Lighthouse. Day use only, hiking, picnicking.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST

Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo CA 95428, 983-6118 Campsites are first come, first served. Get directions and map from Ranger Station. Call for current camping fees and dates campgrounds are open.

Developed Camps

Eel River – 15 campsites, tables, stoves, toilets, fire rings, river access, no hookups.

Hammerhorn Lake – 9 campsites, tables, fire rings, stoves, water, toilets, boat ramp, no hookups, no trash.

Little Doe – 13 campsites, tables, fire rings, stoves, toilets. No water, no hookups, no trash.

Dispersed Camps

“Dispersed” campsites are not as developed as regular campgrounds; unimproved roads, no parking areas or water.

Atchison – 6 campsites, a pit toilet, fire rings.

Howard Lake – 4 campsites, fire rings, fishing, vault toilet, no other facilities. Road unimproved, 4WD recommended.

Surveyor – 3 campsites, restrooms, tables, no fee.

Green Springs – 4 campsites, tables, restrooms, spring water, no fee.

Rock Cabin – 3 campsites, no fee.

Georges Valley and Soldier Ridge – No facilities.

LAKE MENDOCINO

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1160 Lake Mendocino Dr., Ukiah CA 95482 462-7581, Facilities on Lake Mendocino include visitor center with weekend campfire programs, group and individual campsites, day use areas, boat ramps, fishing, wid life viewing and equestrian access. Fees vary. Golden Age and Golden Access discounts accepted. Annual passes.

Ky-en & Bu-shay Campgrounds – take Hwy 20 E from Hwy 101, 5 mi. N. of Ukiah. Marina Dr. exit will take you to boat ramp, marina and Ky-en Campground.

For Bu-shay Campground, continue past Marina Dr. and turn left after bridge. Continue along inlet river, campground is at top of hill. Open April-Sept.

Che-ka-ka Campground – 2 mi. N. of Ukiah off Hwy 101, take Lake Mendocino exit and follow signs.

Boat ramp, camping, dam overlook and day use area.

Open year-round.

STATE PARKS

Mendocino Sector/Russian Gulch State Park Hwy 1, Mendocino CA 95460 www.parks.ca.gov, Reservations, call (800) 444-7275 or ReserveAmerica.com Admiral William Standley – 14 mi. W. of Laytonville on Branscomb Rd., 247-3318. 45 acres of redwoods, salmon & steelhead fishing, hiking, picnicking.

Big River State Beach – just S. of Mendocino, Big River estuary, watershed and hiking trails, 937-5804.

Caspar Headlands State Beach – 2 mi. N. of Russian Gulch on Point Cabrillo Dr., 937-5804. Beach access, whale-watching, fishing.

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•

Weather Recording – 443-7062

Greenwood State Beach – 15 mi. N. of Point Arena on Hwy 1, 937-5804. Beach access. Visitor Center open March-Oct., Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Hendy Woods – 1/2 mi. S. of Hwy 128 on PhiloGreenwood Rd., 895-3141. Virgin redwood groves, Navarro River, hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming canoeing and kayaking.

Jug Handle State Reserve –1 mi. N. of Caspar on Hwy 1, 937-5804. 2.5-mi. nature trail, pygmy forest.

MacKerricher – 3 mi. N. of Fort Bragg on Hwy 1, 964-9112. Beach access, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, wildlife and whale watching, wheelchairaccessible nature trail, Ten Mile Coastal Trail.

Mailliard Redwoods State Reserve – East of Yorkville/Hwy. 128 on Fish Rock Rd. Picnic area, along Garcia River in redwood forest.

Manchester – At Manchester on Hwy 1, 882-2463. Day use only, beach access, wildlife watching , salmon and steelhead fishing; San Andreas Fault runs into the sea at the park.

Mendocino Headlands – Surrounds town of Mendocino off Hwy 1, 937-5804. Day use area, whale watching, trails, beach access. Ford House Museum has interpretive displays, seasonal exhibits, guided walks, visitor information; call for hours.

Montgomery Woods State Reserve – 15 mi. E. of Comptche off Orr Springs Rd., 937-5804. Redwood groves, trails, picnic area and day use.

Navarro River Redwoods – Hwy 128, 6 mi. E. of Hwy. 1 Junction, 937-5804. Redwoods, picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Inland portion of park is day use only. Beach camping is first come, first served.

Point Cabrillo Light Station – Pt. Cabrillo Dr. N. of Mendocino, 937-6122, www.pointcabrillo.org.

Lighthouse, gift shop and museum, guided walks Sundays, 11 a.m. from May-Sept.

Reynolds Wayside Campground – 4 mi. N. of Leggett on Hwy 101, 445-6547. Day use only, river access in old-growth redwood and Douglas fir forest.

Russian Gulch – 2 mi. N. of Mendocino on Hwy 1, 937-5804. Camping, beach access, swimming, tidepooling, skin diving, rock fishing, hiking trails, paved bike trail, “Devil’s Punch Bowl” sea cave.

Schooner Gulch State Beach – 3 mi. S. of Point Area on Hwy 1, 937-5804. Beach and headlands, fishing, picnicking, surfing, Bowling Ball Beach.

Sinkyone Wilderness State Park – 36 mi. SW. of Garberville (Humboldt Co.) on Briceland Rd. (last 9 mi. unpaved, may be impassable in wet weather). Rugged, remote wilderness known as “Lost Coast,” first-come first-served camping & backpacking. 986-7711 Smithe Redwoods State Reserve – 4 mi. N. of Leggett on Hwy 101, 247-3318. Picnic area, fishing and swimming in South Fork of the Eel River.

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area – 1.5 mi. N. of Leggett on Hwy 101, 925-6482. Redwood groves, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming on S. Fork of the Eel River, year-round camping.

Van Damme – 3 mi. S. of Mendocino on Hwy. 1, 937-5804. Fern Canyon scenic trail, Pygmy Forest, “Cabbage Patch” bog, camping, beach access, paved bike path, kayak tours.

Westport-Union Landing – 19 mi. N. of Fort Bragg on Hwy 1, 937-5804. First-come, first-served camping, beach access and smelt fishing.

COUNTY/REGIONAL PARKS 463-4291 Gualala Bower Regional Park (Sonoma Co.) 463-4267, 38040 Old Stage Rd., Picnic area, BBQ, horseshoe pits, baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, outdoor stage, community room.

Gualala Point County Park (Sonoma Co.) 785-2377, 1 mi. S. of Gualala on Hwy 1, Visitors Center, picnic tables, BBQs, campground, showers, dump station, but no RV hookups.

PHILO / BOONVILLE Indian Creek County Park – Hwy 128, 1 mi. E. of Philo, 5 mi. W. of Boonville, on Indian Creek.

UKIAH VICINITY Low Gap Park – Near Ukiah High School, on Low Gap Rd. Mill Creek County Park – E. of Ukiah in Mayacamas Mountains, take Talmage Rd. E. to Eastside Rd., turn R. and go to Mill Creek Rd. McKee County Parkway – Located along the road connecting Potter Valley with Hwy 20, hiking, swimming and fishing.

Campgrounds

Area code 707 unless otherwise noted Recommended in red

Albion River Campground 34500 Hwy 1, Albion 937-0606, AlbionRiverCampground.com Anchor Bay Campground 35400 Hwy 1, Gualala 884-4222, ABCamp.com

MENDOCINO COUNTY Jug Handle Creek Farm & Nature Center 15501 N. Hwy 1, Caspar 964-4630, JugHandleCreekFarm.com Leisure Time Campground 30801 Hwy 20, Fort Bragg 964-5994, FortBraggLTRVPark.com

Manchester KOA Kampground

44300 Kinney Rd., Manchester 882-2375, ManchesterBeachKOA.com

Caspar RV Park and Campground 14441 Pt. Cabrillo Dr., Mendocino 964-3306, CasparBeachRVPark.com

Ocean View RV 32955 Old Hwy 20, Fort Bragg 964-2202

Cleone Campground 24400 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 964-4589, CleoneCampground.com

Pomo RV Park and Campground

Coast Vacation Trailers 23811 Quail Ln., Fort Bragg 962-9294, CoastVacationTrailers.com Creekside Cabins and RV Resort 29801 N. Hwy 101, Willits 459-2521

17999 Tregoning Ln., Fort Bragg 964-3373, PomoRV.com

Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, RV Park 1055 N. State St., Ukiah 462-3884, RedwoodEmpireFair.com Redwoods River Resort & Campground 75000 Hwy 101, Leggett 925-6249, RedwoodRiverResort.com

Dolphin Isle Marina & RV Park 32399 Basin St., Fort Bragg 964-4113, DolphinIsle.com

Schooner’s Landing RV Park & Marina 33621 N. River Rd., Albion 937-5707

Golden Rule RV Park 16100 N. Hwy 101, Willits 459-2958, GoldenRuleRVPark.com

Sportsman’s RV Park

32094 N. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg 964-2612, SportsmansRVPark.com

Green Acres Campground 23600 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 964-1435

Westport Beach RV Park & Campground 37700 N. Hwy 1, Westport 964-2964, WestportBeachRVPark.com

Gualala River Redwood Park 46001 Gualala Rd., Gualala 884-3533, GualalaPark.com

Willits KOA

Harbor RV Park 1021 S. Main St., Fort Bragg 961-1511

1600 Hwy 20, Willits 459-6179, 800-562-8542 WillitsKOA.com

Hidden Pines Campground 18701 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 961-5451, HiddenPinesRVCampground.com

Woodside RV Park & Campground 17900 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 964-3684, Wildwoodside.com

Manchester Beach KOA manchesterbeachkoa.com • RV Sites • Lodges • Tent Sites • Limited • Free Wi-Fi

• Kabins & Kottages • Recreation Hall w/ Kitchen • Gift & Convenience Store • Swimming Pool & Hot Tub • Bocce, Disc Golf, Volleyball, Hay Rides

707-882-2375 for availability & reservations

44300 Kinney Road (P.O. Box 266), Manchester, CA 95459

POMO RV PARK & CAMPGROUND www.pomorv.com

“Where the squirrels play and the quail have the right of way” Large secluded sites. Each site offers a special setting with rhododendron, pines and other native plants. Full or partial hook-ups, cable TV and wireless internet. Tenting areas, 17 acres of parkland, reservations recommended.

One mile south of Hwy 20, on east side of Hwy 1, south of Botanical Gardens.

17999 Tregoning • Fort Bragg, CA 95437 • 707-964-3373 101Things.com • Mendocino County 11

Gualala

MENDOCINO COAST

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ualala sits at the dramatic convergence of rolling coastal hills, the Pacific Ocean and the Gualala River. The southern coastal gateway to Mendocino County, Gualala is a delightful resort area and a favorite whalewatching spot. Its name comes from the Pomo Indian name for the river, “ah kha wa la lee,” which means “where the water flows down.” People from out of town usually call it gwa-LA-la, but locals pronounce it wa-LA-la.

Once a logging town, Gualala’s primary economic activity is now tourism. It also serves as a commercial center for the surrounding area. Gualala is an ideal spot for viewing the elusive “green flash” that can sometimes be seen for a second or two as the sun sinks into the ocean.

Gualala Point State Park, photo by Cyndy Phillips

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Mendocino’s “banana belt” stretches south from Anchor Bay through Gualala and down to Sea Ranch, just across the county line in Sonoma County. Visitors to this area often enjoy warm and sunny weather while the rest of the coast is shrouded in chilly fog.

The warmer weather and more frequent sunshine can be attributed to Point Arena: the protrusion of land into the ocean there, less than 20 miles north of Gualala, provides both fog-break and protective shelter for the coastline to the south.

To Anchor Bay

5 Redwood Coast Chamber and Visitor Center

6 Surf Market 7 Gualala Arts Center

Gualala Point Regional Park

Open daily from dawn till dusk, Gualala Point Regional Park is popular with day hikers and picnickers, and even offers a beautiful setting for small weddings. This lovely park encompasses almost 200 acres of peaceful meadows, dramatic coastal forests and delightful sandy beaches. The Gualala River runs lazily through it, and offers limited seasonal fishing (check the local regulations). The park also has an intimate, wellmaintained campground situated among the majestic redwood trees and adjacent to the river.

Gualala Point Regional Park offers 2.9 miles of coastal trail along bluffs, through meadows, and above the Gualala River. Gualala Point Beach is easily reached via a dirt trail or ADA accessible paved path, and in general the trails throughout the park are relatively flat. Dogs are permitted on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, and must be licensed. There are picnic areas scattered throughout the park, some with barbecues, and restrooms with flush toilets. The park has an informative Visitors Center featuring exhibits that showcase the history of Northern California, turn of the century logging, and Native American displays.

WHERE: 1 mile south of Gualala on Hwy 1 MORE INFO: 707-785-2377, camping reservations 565-2267, Sonoma-County.org/parks/pk_glala.htm

THE SEA TRADER Awakening & Celebrating Mind, Body & Spirit

Incense Jewelry Candles

Tapes Cards Books

Tibetan Eastern Imports Magical Gifts • Meditation Tools New Age Music Nurturing Spirits For Over 30 Years Open Daily 10-5 pm • Sun 11-5 pm

38640 S. Hwy. 1 Gualala, CA 95445

(707) 884-3248 12 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

On the Ocean Side • Gualala • 707.884.4184 • www.surfsuper.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Gualala

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Gualala Arts Center

The Gualala Arts Center is the “heart of the arts” for the Sonoma-Mendocino coast. With several galleries showcasing both local and visiting artists, the exhibits feature a wide and ever-changing range of artistic styles from oils and watercolors to sculptures and textiles.

There is always a full schedule of events going on at the Center, including monthly art exhibit openings, live theater, GualalaArts.org lectures, concerts, an annual auto show and youth programs.

It also offers excellent workshops and classes, with instructors brought in from around the world. The Center hosts a number of festivals each year, including the SonomaMendocino Coast Whale & Jazz Festival in April and May, the Fine Arts Fair in May, the Summer Chamber Music Weekend in July, the Art in the Redwoods Festival in August and the Festival of Trees in November. For a current list of events check their website. The Center is also available for weddings, memorials or business conferences. When visiting call ahead to see what exhibits and classes are available, and be sure to tour the grounds when you visit. Admission is free.

WHERE: 46501 Old State Hwy, Gualala MORE INFO: 707-884-1138, GualalaArts.org

MENDOCINO COAST

Anchor Bay

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Bones Roadhouse

Whether you’re traveling up Coastal Hwy 1 to Mendocino Village, returning from a restful weekend, or making Gualala your destination, set some time aside to visit Bones Roadhouse. This unique watering hole offers authentic, wood-fired Texas-style barbecue, incredible views, ice cold brews on tap, and down home blues. There’s even a big screen TV in their sports bar. All of their specialty meats are slow smoked for up to 12 hours with native oak & alder in a huge J&R closed-pit smoker that was custom built for them in the great state of Texas. Don’t get no better than that.

Their eclectic décor, mixing a Barbary Coast pirate theme with ’50s icons and even the front end of a Chevy Impala coming through the wall, will leave you with plenty to goggle at, should you ever tire of the view. Bones Roadhouse offers an exciting experience you won’t soon forget!

WHERE: 39080 S. Hwy 1, Gualala MORE INFO: 707-884-1188, BonesRoadhouse.com

Authentic Wood-fired Texas BBQ DINE IN • TAKE OUT • BACKDOOR CATERING Lunch • Dinner • Sat & Sun Brunch Ocean View Dining • Full Bar • Live Music 39080 S. Highway One in Gualala (707) 884-1188 • www.BonesRoadhouse.com

BBQ, Brews & Blues!!!

Gualala Arts Anchor Bay, photo by Scott Simpson, WestOfOne.com

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s you travel north from Gualala, you’ll find the beautiful and secluded village of Anchor Bay. It has a rich and colorful history. Prior to the mid-19th century, the Pomo Indians were the only inhabitants of the area. Settlers began trickling in after 1844, when the Mexican government made a large land grant to a man by the name of Rafael Garcia. Garcia brought in cattle and the area became used for ranching. Loggers came to the area in 1870, and a wharf was constructed and used for lumber products, fishing and occasionally rum-running during the Prohibition days.

Today, visitors enjoy Anchor Bay for its privacy and pristine beaches. Services available in Anchor Bay include a small shopping village, restaurants, lodging and a campground nestled amid redwoods and ferns. Anchor Bay offers relaxation, natural beauty and a peaceful, tranquil environment for spending vacation time along Mendocino’s South Coast.

Also Visit

The Dolphin Gallery — Next to the Post Office —

39225 Highway One Gualala, CA 95445 (707) 884-3896

Exhibits Festivals Workshops Theater Classes Lectures & Much More!

46501 Old State Hwy • Gualala, CA 95445 • (707) 884-1138 for up to date schedules & info, visit GualalaArts.org

Eat, Drink & Play in

REDWOOD COAST Chamber of Commerce

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Anchor Bay & Fish Rock Beach

When Sunset magazine ran a feature called “Top 10 Beaches of the West” a few years ago, Anchor Bay came in at number 3, just behind ‘Aliomanu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, and well ahead of beaches in Carmel, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Located in the heart of the Mendocino “banana belt,” the coastal village of Anchor Bay is warmer, with less fog and wind, than the surrounding areas. The seclusion of the bay, which is edged by the white sands of Fish Rock Beach and framed by majestic weathered bluffs, makes it popular with visitors and locals. Protected from the wind, the bay is a delightful place to fish, scuba dive, ocean kayak, surf, and boogie and skim board. It is also a great place for sea lion- and whale-watching, as well as beachcombing and tide-pooling.

In the town of Anchor Bay, visitors will find an old-fashioned village market that specializes in natural foods, a complete wine and beer emporium, restaurants and other businesses. Accommodations in Anchor Bay include individual vacation rental cottages and homes, pristine housekeeping cabins, bed and breakfast inns and a campground.

WHERE: Between Gualala and Point Arena MORE INFO: 800-778-5252, RedwoodCoastChamber.com/anchorbay

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Rated in the Top 10 California Beaches by Condé Nast Magazine

Anchor Bay Massage Anchor Bay Store & Deli Blue Canoe Coffee & Tea Thai Kitchen Taqueria Mexican Restaurant

39150 S. Hwy 1, Gualala Stop at our visitors center for information on:

Lodging • Dining • Shopping Recreation • Wedding Planning Attraction Maps and more!

Serving the “Mendonoma Coast” from Fort Ross in Sonoma County to Elk in Mendocino County

800-778-5252 RedwoodCoastChamber.com

60 of the most BEAUTIFUL MILES OF COASTLINE 2.5 hours from San Francisco 101Things.com • Mendocino County 13

MENDOCINO COAST

Point Arena Events & Festivals • March — Point Arena Flower Power Festival & Daffodil Explosion • April — Whale and Jazz Festival • July — 4th of July Festival & Point Arena Kite Festival • September — Harbor and Seafood Festival • October — Hops and Harvest Festival MORE INFO: PointArena.net

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photo by Scott Simpson, WestOfOne.com, courtesy of Point Arena Lighthouse

ocated on the coast of southern Mendocino County about 130 miles north of San Francisco, Point Arena is one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state of California, with a population under 500, and also one of the most beautiful.

Surrounded by the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands (a recently designated unit of the California National Coastal Monument), the Point Arena Lighthouse (the tallest on the West Coast of the United States) and the Point Arena Public Fishing Pier in Point Arena Cove, the city and its surrounding area offer incredible natural beauty and a wide range of recreational activities. These latter include fishing, surfing, tide-pooling, whalewatching, sightseeing, fine dining and lodging, enjoying music and film, and taking jaunts to well-preserved historical structures. The Point itself is a land mass jutting out into the ocean, and the spot closest to Hawaii in the contiguous 48 states. photo by Frank Schulenburg

Wharf Master’s Inn Ocean Views Private Balconies Deluxe Continental Breakfast Fireplaces In-Room Spas Satellite TV

Built in 1865, the historic Wharf Master’s Inn sits atop a secluded cliff overlooking a natural harbor of the Pacific Ocean. Its sheltered location makes it an ideal destination any time of the year.

Featuring Victorian charm and modern amenities in every room, and set amid acres of unspoiled nature and world-class views, Wharf Master’s Inn is an unparalleled peaceful, romantic getaway.

785 Iversen Avenue, Point Arena, California 95436 Local 707-882-3171 • Toll-Free 800-932-4031 www.wharfmasters.com 14 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Arena Cove, photo by Scott Simpson, WestOfOne.com

Point Arena Pier at Arena Cove

Point Arena Lighthouse

POINT ARENA

Arena Rock Marine Natural Reserve

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Historic Inn • Pier Chowder House Experience private oceanview cottages with fireplaces and spa tubs, accompanied by a homemade breakfast at the

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Point Arena Cove is a popular destination for fishermen, surfers, whale-watchers, beachcombers and sightseers. Including its 330-foot Point Arena Pier, it offers something for just about everyone. The cove has a rocky bottom, and is about 20 to 100 feet deep. Point Arena Creek runs into it a little south of the pier.

Offshore lies the Mendocino Trench, with some of the deepest waters in the world. The cove is somewhat protected from wind and storms by Point Arena to the northwest. The pier has extraordinary fishing, considered by some the best pier fishing in California. Striped sea perch, kelp greenling, rock greenling, cabezon, lingcod and salmon are just some of the species frequently caught there. The pier includes cleaning tables, restrooms and a boat launch.

Whales pass close by Point Arena, and sometimes are seen playing right in the cove. Bring your binoculars for a closer look, and also to see many different species of birds, including the famed Laysan albatross, better known as the goonie bird, which has been clocked flying at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.

The beaches of the cove offer excellent areas for beachcombing, shell collecting and tide-pooling. Surfing and diving are also very popular. The area is home to some of the best waves on the north coast, but inexperienced surfers beware: conditions there can be treacherous.

Lodging and dining can be found in Arena Cove and Point Arena. No license is necessary when fishing off the pier; however, dogs are not permitted.

WHERE: in the heart of Point Arena. From the south, turn left from Hwy 1 onto Iverson Ave. This will turn into Port Rd. Follow the road to the pier. From the north, turn right onto Port Rd. and follow it to the pier, mile marker MEN 14.85.

MORE INFO: Mendocino.com/?id=3423, PierFishing.com

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(800) 524-9320 coastguardhouse.com

10 Point Arena Lighthouse

Set in some of the most spectacular yet peaceful surroundings on the northern California coast, and right next to the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, stands the Point Arena Lighthouse. It is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast (115 ft.), and you can climb to the lantern room at its very top.

The panoramic view from there is unforgettable.

The Point Arena Lighthouse was initially constructed in 1870, but suffered major damage in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and had to be rebuilt. The current lighthouse began operation in 1908, nearly 18 months after the quake. The new tower featured a first-order Fresnel lens, the largest standard size made. It was 6 feet in diameter and weighed more than 6 tons. After the lighthouse was automated in 1977 and a new beacon installed, the Fresnel lens was moved to the fog signal building, where it is now on display.

Guided tours of the light station as well as self-guided tours of the grounds are available daily. There is a Lighthouse Gift Shop featuring unique souvenirs and charming gifts. For those who want to spend more time by the sea, there are comfortable accommodations in the former lighthouse keepers’ houses, vacation rentals that are available year-round.

WHERE: 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena MORE INFO: 877-725-4448 or 707-882-2809, PointArenaLighthouse.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Seafood Steak Fish Tacos Burgers Fish n Chips Pasta

Coast Guard House Inn

Lunch

The Coast Guard House Dinner Historic Inn was once www.thepierchowderhouse.com 31 Beers home to brave sea rescuers. Today it’s a on Tap peaceful bed and breakfast Extensive inn featuring rooms with Wine List fireplaces, and two private cottages with fireplaces and whirlpool spas for two. All of the rooms are designed with simple elegance and surrounded by quiet solitude. 800-524-9320. www.coastguardhouse.com

Point Arena

790 Port Road • 707-882-3400 101Things.com • Mendocino County 15

Point Arena

Since when did your vacation help endangered species?

Since you visited

B. BRYAN PRESERVE POINT ARENA, CALIFORNIA 110 acres dedicated to the conservation of African hoof stock.

Stay with us in comfort and style at one of our eclectic cottages.

For morning or afternoon tours call 707-882-2297 or book online BBryanPreserve.com

photo by Elizabeth Petersen

11 Schooner Gulch State Beach

Local lore has it that Schooner Gulch got its name from a mysterious schooner that ran aground on the beach there at dusk one evening, presumably at some point in the late 1800s, yet by the following morning had vanished without a trace. Today, Schooner Gulch State Beach offers its visitors not only great fun and exciting activities, but also some of the most magnificent views anywhere.

Spend the day hiking, picnicking, fishing, sunbathing, surfing or windsurfing here, or check out nearby Bowling Ball Beach, with its prehistoric spherical boulders, visible at low tide only.

WHERE: about 3 miles south of Point Arena, mile marker 11.41 (Schooner Gulch) offers the closest parking area. Look for a sign that says, “Park Facing South Only.” Each of two trailheads, 100 feet apart, will take you to a beach. The southern trailhead takes you through a dense forest for a short quarter-mile hike to Schooner Gulch Beach. The northern trail, which has had erosion problems and may not be passable, leads you over the headlands and down to Bowling Ball Beach. Be sure to check the tides schedule before trekking to the beach.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=446

12 B. Bryan Preserve

Go on safari in Mendocino County at the B. Bryan Preserve! Established by Dr. Frank and Judy Mello in Point Arena in 2004, the preserve was designed to aid in the conservation of rare and endangered African antelopes, zebras and giraffes. The preserve has three species of antelope, two of zebra and one species of giraffe living on over 110 acres of land. All are endangered to critically endangered.

BBryanPreserve.com

Casino Fun & Great Food on the Mendocino Coast!

TheGarciaRiverCasino.com

707.467.5300

22215 Windy Hollow Rd, Pt. Arena, CA (Take Riverside Dr. in Pt. Arena) 16 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Visits are available by reservation only at 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (3:30 p.m. November to February). On these one-and-a-half hour tours you will have the chance to see the preserve’s animals in a natural habitat, somewhat similar to the land in their native Africa. This is a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the different species’ personalities and watch them interact. The B. Bryan Preserve is a great vacation destination with fully furnished eco-friendly cottages that are available for lodging. Learn more about the preserve online, where you can read about the animals and the mission of the preserve. An educated public is one of the many steps needed to ensure the survival of these wonderful animals.

WHERE: 130 Riverside Dr., Point Arena MORE INFO: 707-882-2297, BBryanPreserve.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Elk & Manchester Beach

Things to Do • Take a horseback ride through the forest, or along the beach • Camp at Manchester Beach, see page 11, ManchesterBeachKOA.com • Watch for migrating whales, dolphins and sea lions.

• Enjoy an organic picnic, fill a basket at the deli and head to Greenwood-Philo Rd. to the wineries.

RossRanch.biz

• Explore Elk’s history at the Museum.

• Enjoy Five Star dining.

• Spot wild elk and deer in and around town.

• Go kayaking, abalone diving and surf fishing.

• Visits the shops and cooperative art galleries for some one-of-a-kind local gifts.

MORE INFO: ElkCove.com

MENDOCINO COAST

Cuffy’s Cove north of Elk, photo by Scott Simpson, WestOfOne.com

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he Village of Elk, previously known as Greenwood, is a charming stop along the Northern California Coast. In this little town you’ll encounter stunning views of the shoreline and Pacific Ocean in a mesmerizing meeting of land, sea and sky, punctuated by waves breaking against picturesque rock formations known as “sea stacks.” On a coast celebrated for its scenic beauty, Elk is truly exceptional.

In the 1800s trappers and hunters found their way to the region in search of game.

Britton Greenwood, the son of the famed tracker-explorer Caleb Greenwood, was the 2009 MENDOCINO COUNTY first to establish a ranch there, which he named the Elk Ranch. A community grew up Please by established email, faxtoor postal around the ranches and dairy farms, and soon small reply mills were process the mail. spectacular old-growth redwood. In 1883Indicate local businessman Lorenzo White purchased changes, or sign if APPROVED. ads@101things.com most of (707) the land around Elk, establishing a large mill and building a railroad to support Fax: 443-5309 (we will send a revised proof if changes are indicated) it. At one point Elk supported a population of almost 1,000. At the turn of the century Elk was If alive withishotels, dance halls, stores.

Probably because of its proof not returned, thissaloons ad willand rungeneral as shown.

The publisher will not be responsib vibrancy, Jack London Elk a perfect place to write.

In February ofof 1902 he wrote and for pa assumes fullfound responsibility for accuracy and completeness information his masterpiece, The Call of the Wild, while staying in the old White boarding house, today known as the Hospital House, across from Li Foo Gulch.

Proof APPROVED Date Manchester is a beautiful, __________________________________________________________ tiny village with a population of about 200. Situated in an Signature or email approval also authorizes size and annual fee of ad. area of rich grazing land about 13 miles south of Elk, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle can be seen, adding a pastoral note to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in ANNUAL $__________ the world. Nearby Manchester SIZE BeachAD:___________page State Park offers a beach, sand dunes, flFEE: at grasslands and more than three miles of shoreline.

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13 Greenwood State Beach

Just south of the small town of Elk you’ll find picturesque Greenwood Creek State Beach. Here you can soak up the sun, go swimming or have a picnic lunch on the coast.

It’s also a wonderful place to go for a stroll and watch the sunset any time of year.

Greenwood, the old name for Elk, was a lumber town in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today the Greenwood State Beach Visitor Center, which used to be the Elk post office, houses a museum that includes artifacts from the lumber camps and period furniture that includes turn-of-the-century household appliances. There are also a magnificent mural of the old Greenwood wharf, and books and postcards for sale that cover a wide range of coastal subjects including Pomo Indian culture and local history. The Visitors Center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. WHERE: just south of Elk, about 15 miles north of Point Arena.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=447

14 Manchester State Park

Manchester State Park, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean shoreline, offers a beach with an abundance of driftwood, sand dunes and rich grasslands. A beautiful sandy beach runs southward for about 5 miles towards Point Arena. Among its many attractions is the excellent steelhead fishing in its two streams, Brush Creek and Alder Creek. Please check with the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 530-225-2300 for seasonal closures and restrictions.

Manchester State Park is home to a wide variety of gorgeous coastal wildflowers and provides habitat for tundra swans and other wildlife. The San Andreas Fault runs into the ocean here. Much of the area is used for grazing sheep and cattle, lending a pastoral note to the local scenery. Temperatures tend to range between the low 50s and low 70s most of the time. It is usually windy and often rainy or foggy; wearing layered clothing is recommended. The park takes its name from the village of Manchester, located on Coast Hwy 1 about 7 miles north of Point Arena.

WHERE: The main park entrance is located at 44500 Kinney Ln. (off Hwy 1), 1/2 mile north of the town of Manchester.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=437 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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Ross Ranch Horseback Rides

At Ross Ranch on the Mendocino coast, couples can ride horseback along a deserted sandy beach or through a majestic redwood forest, just like in the movies!

The ranch offers two-hour rides in both locations. On the Manchester Beach ride, you will pass sea stacks and other rock formations, driftwood, and rolling surf on an unspoiled sandy beach. The forest tour will take you through beautiful redwood forests in the mountains just east of Elk, and sunny meadows that provide sweeping views of the valleys below you.

Ross Ranch is a family-owned business Private Horseback Riding with a personal touch, offering horses to on Manchester Beach or in the Redwoods suit everyone’s riding skills. Reservations are required — please call ahead to make Private, guided horseback rides through a sure that horses will be available for you beautiful mountain redwood forest just east of Elk and your group. or go for a ride on spectacular Manchester Beach WHERE: BEACH RIDES: 16401 Hwy 1, Manchester, 23 miles north of Gualala (10.5 miles south of Elk) at mile marker 23.5. Look for the Ross Ranch sign and horse trailer on the ocean side, and park along Hwy 1 — not in front of the gate.

2 hours: REDWOOD RIDES: 28300 Philo-Greenwood $60 Manchester Beach ride Rd., just east of Elk on Philo-Greenwood $50 Redwood Forest ride Rd. at mile marker 7.88.

MORE INFO: 707-877-1834, cell #s For Reservations: 707-877-1834 707-489-8579 or 489-7303, RossRanch.biz www.rossranch.biz

Ross Ranch

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MENDOCINO COAST

Mendocino, Little River & Albion

LittleRiverInn.com

Events and Festivals

Albion

January — Crab, Wine & Beer Festival, Mendocino.com March — Mendocino Whale Festivals, MendoParks.org/whale-festival April — Artists Open Studio Tour, MendocinoArtCenter.org/studiotour May-October — Mendocino Farmers’ Markets, McFarm.org May — Mendocino Film Festival, MendocinoFilmFestival.org May — A Taste of Chocolate, Wine & Ale, MendocinoArtCenter.org July — Mendocino Music Festival, MendocinoMusic.com — 4th of July Parade & Events, Mendocino.com/july4th.html — Summer Arts & Crafts Fair, MendocinoArtCenter.org • August — Mendocino Guitar Festival, Mendocino.com • October — Big River Walk & Paddle, VisitMendocino.com/15th-annual-big-river-walk-and-paddle • November — Mendocino Beer, Wine & Mushroom Festival, Mendocino.com — Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Fair, MendocinoArtCenter.org

In 1853 Captain W.A. Richardson built the first lumber mill in the town of Albion, on the river flats below the high wooden trestle bridge that spans the Albion River. The ancient name for England was chosen for the town in memory of Sir Francis Drake landing in Northern California in 1579 and naming it “New Albion.”

Today Albion features restaurants, lodging, a fully equipped grocery store and deli, and other necessities for the traveler. The area around Albion is rich with sheltered coves that are excellent for tide-pooling, hiking and exploring. Albion Ridge Rd., which travels east of Hwy 1, will afford the traveler panoramic views of the area’s rolling hills as they slope down to the ocean. It is an excellent place to watch red-tailed hawks and, in winter, the migratory tundra swans on their way to the Garcia River, south of Albion.

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Mendocino Village A trip to Northern California would not be complete without a stop in the quaint and rustic Village of Mendocino. This historic town, which sits on rugged bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, features dozens of shops, art galleries, bed-and-breakfast inns and is host to several special events every year, including the Mendocino Whale Festival in March and the Mendocino Music Festival in July.

The beauty of the town is what first impresses visitors. The New England-style architecture is the influence of homesick pioneers who “came ’round the horn” in the mid-19th century to be a part of the town’s lumber boom resulting from the Gold Rush.

San Francisco was a booming city in need of building materials, and harvesting coastal redwoods abundant around Mendocino provided a source of prosperity for people in the small town. The area’s history is evident in its buildings, and the town of Mendocino has been designated a National Historic Preservation District.

Visitors will be delighted in and around this picturesque town. The area offers deepsea fishing, whale-watching, canoeing, kayaking, abalone diving, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trails lead from the headlands down to beaches where visitors can search for seashells or explore the numerous tide pools. However, beachcombers and hikers should always keep an eye on the ocean. Large “sneaker waves” are common, and can sweep unsuspecting hikers off the rocks and out to sea.

The Mendocino Hotel on Main Street is an attractive inn that was built in 1878. It still serves the same function today that it did more than 100 years ago, and its rooms are furnished with antiques, fireplaces and historic memorabilia. The Kelley House Museum on Albion Street is another historic building popular with visitors. Built in 1861, the Kelley House has period artifacts and photographs, as well as a lovely pond and gardens.

16 Annual Whale Migration, Whale Festival

The annual migration of California gray whales takes them from their feeding grounds in the cold waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska to the warm waters off Baja California, Mexico, and back. Their young, called calves, are born in the protected lagoons of western Baja, and do not begin their trek northwards until they are about a month old.

Unlike other whale species, California grays stay fairly close to the coast, often within a few hundred yards of shore. This means that twice a year (from November to February going south and from February to June going north), visitors can observe whales from atop the Mendocino headlands.

Little River Little River began life as a mill town. Its first lumber mill was built in 1864, and next to it arose the shipyard of Thomas Peterson, whose vessels won prizes for their design and craftsmanship, including first prize in San Francisco at the Fourth of July Regatta in 1876. On average, three prime trees were used to build each ship. The mill closed in 1893, then burned down in 1910.

Little River Cove offers one of the most popular beaches on the Mendocino Coast.

The protected cove is a great place for water recreation, and many divers splash into its smooth waters in search of abalone and other underwater treasures.

The cove is also near the entrance to Van Damme State Park, one of the coast’s favorite parks. It offers beautiful hiking trails in the lush Fern Canyon trail system along the fern-carpeted floors of the Little River Canyon. You will feel like a giant in the Pygmy Forest with its mature cypress and pine trees that grow between 6 inches and 8 feet tall, or you might decide to follow your nose to skunk cabbage at the Cabbage Patch bog. Van Damme offers several camping options and year-round guided coastal kayak tours.

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MendocinoCoast.com

To celebrate this happy occurrence, three festivals celebrating the confluence of whales and all things Mendocino have sprung up on successive weekends in March: the Mendocino Whale Festival, the Little River Whale Festival and the Fort Bragg Whale Festival. Activities include food, beer and wine-tasting, art exhibits, whale-related educational programs, nature walks, and whale-watching from the headlands, from chartered boats and from kayaks, plus lots more. Don’t miss the fun!

WHERE: Mendocino Coast MORE INFO: Mendocino Whale Festivals, 707-961-6300, MendoWhale.com, MendoParks.org/whale-festival/ Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Mendocino Hotel, Restaurant & Bar

17 Historic Village of Mendocino

In July of 1850 the Frolic, a two-masted clipper ship bound for San Francisco from China, shipwrecked a little north of present-day Mendocino. A salvage crew was unable to recover the cargo, but did discover vast stands of old-growth redwood trees. A mill was built, and the village of Mendocino grew up around it. Perched on bluffs painted with wildflowers and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, some of the homes and shops from the 1850s still stand today, although most of the structures are Victorians from the second half of the 19th century. There are also examples of New England Salt Box, Gothic Revival, Italianate and vernacular (defined by local style) architecture. Many of these historic buildings are now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Be sure to stop in at the Ford House Museum and Visitor Center, open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where you can take a look at a model of what the town looked like almost a century ago. Also visit the Kelley House Museum to learn more about the history of this charming village. Kelley House Museum is open Friday through Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a Historic House and Building Tour that begins there every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., and lasts 1 1/2 hrs.

MORE INFO: Ford House Museum, 735 Main St., Mendocino, 707-937-5397, MendoParks.org; Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion St., Mendocino, 707-937-5791, MendocinoHistory.org

18 Golfing at Little River Inn

For a memorable coastal golfing experience, try the award-winning regulation nine-hole golf course at Little River Inn. With three placements and dual greens on holes 7 and 9, you can play it like an 18-hole course.

Full service hotel with deluxe The Elegant Victorian Dining rooms and suites ~ Dramatic Room with award winning ocean and garden views ~ Some wine list ~ Bistro-style menu and with fireplaces and balconies ~ TV and WiFi cocktails in the Lobby Lounge ~ Breakfast & ~ meeting facilities may serve up to 350.

Lunch in the Garden Room ~ Room service Lodging onthe the Mendocino All on 2 acres in the historical village ofElegant Mendocino overlooking Pacifi c Ocean

45080 Main Street

800-548-0513

Coast www.mendocinohotel.com

Hill House Inn A Country Inn Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Historic Mendocino ~ spacious ocean and garden suites ~ restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace ~ spectacular views, lush Victorian gardens ~ towering rustic redwood water towers ~ large private and public spaces available for weddings, meetings and retreats

more than just a bed & breakfast LittleRiverInn.com

Tucked among the hills and redwoods, it comes complete with such unexpected challenges as stunning ocean views that vie for your attention, and deer, frogs, blue herons, raccoons or other wildlife gamboling, hopping, leaping, flying or otherwise traversing the putting green. It is, in fact, an Audubon-certified sanctuary in addition to being the only golf course on the Mendocino Coast. To complete the picture there is a driving range, putting green and a fully stocked Pro Shop. Little River Inn has stunning rooms and a fabulous restaurant to retreat to after a round or two. Inn guests receive a 10 percent discount on greens fees. Inn guests also have free access to Little River Inn’s two lighted championship tennis courts. The only uniforms required are shoes with non-marking soles; diamond tennis bracelets are optional. Fees for non-guests are very reasonable, and lessons are available from a certified tennis pro.

WHERE: 7901 N. Hwy 1, Little River MORE INFO: 707-937-5667, 937-5942, LittleRiverInn.com

19

Afternoon Tea at Glendeven Inn

Venture a few minutes south of Mendocino Village to the historic Glendeven Inn, home of intimate winemaker dinners, and experience the venerable English tradition of afternoon tea. With so many things to do outdoors and in the lovely villages and small towns along the coast, it’s a welcome relief to drop photo by John Dixon, Glendeven.com by and relax in the inn’s ocean view Tea Room lounge. An afternoon at tea adds a special and memorable touch to your stay.

Although the custom of drinking tea was first popularized in England during the 1660s

by King Charles II and his wife, Queen Catherine, it wasn’t until around 1840 that the custom of afternoon tea became established. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with being its inventor; it seems she would become hungry around four in the afternoon, and dinner wasn’t until eight. The idea caught on at the court of Queen Victoria, and spread throughout English society soon after.

Glendeven’s Afternoon Tea Includes delicious and beautiful homemade finger sandwiches, hot homemade scones with homemade clotted cream and lemon curd, French macarons, and a selection of fine teas. Prepaid reservations are required, and seating is at 3 p.m. sharp, Thursdays and Saturdays.

WHERE: 8205 N. Hwy 1 in Little River MORE INFO: 800-822-4536 or 707-937-0083, innkeeper@glendeven.com, Glendeven.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

10701 Palette Dr, Mendocino | 800-422-0554 | HillHouseInn.com

the inn at

cobbler’s walk &

glendeven inn mendocino historic inns on a coastal trail

Part of the Glendeven Inn set of properties with Winemaker Dinners, English-style Afternoon Tea, Wine Bar[n], and on-site state park trails A combined 20 inn rooms & suites, ocean views, state park surrounds, wood fireplaces, fully remodeled rooms, jetted & soaking tubs, and an 8-acre farmstead of grazing llamas, 100+ chickens, organic gardens, fresh eggs, bee hives, and a commitment to the best lodging experience in the area Glendeven Inn | Cobbler’s Walk Mendocino | The Wine Bar[n] CobblersWalkMendocino.com | Glendeven.com 8200 N Hwy 1, Little River | 707.937.0088

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Mendocino County

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Mendocino, Little River, Albion

M E N D O C I N O - C H O CO L AT E . CO M

20 Mendocino Music Festival Take home more than memories.

Take home Mendocino Chocolate!

Locally Hand Crafted Chocolates Fudge ❤ Truffles ❤ Toffee Turtles ❤ Bundt Cakes Gifts & More

(800) 722-1107 10am-5:30pm 10466 Lansing St. in Mendocino Village and 232 Main St. in Fort Bragg

COME IN FOR FREE TASTINGS

CAFE BEAUJOLAIS Dinner seven nights a week from 5:30 p.m.

Serving lunch Wednesday - Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For reservations, call 937-5614 961 Ukiah Street • Mendocino, CA Contact cafebeau@mcn.org and www.cafebeaujolais.com

Charming Western Town Motif Ocean Views near Mendocino Village Immaculate Rooms Fireplaces & Whirlpool Tubs available Home-baked Goodies Cable TV & Wireless Internet

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photo by David Kaftal

From July 11 through 25, 2015, music lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy a smörgåsbord of some of the world’s greatest music, with genres as varied as blues to bluegrass, symphonies to opera, and jazz to Celtic and African. Did you know that punch was Mozart’s favorite beverage? Mozart in Mendocino is a four-part series comprised of lectures, concerts, and even a punch tasting. It is one of more than two dozen events making up the 2015 Mendocino Music Festival. Highlights of the festival will include the return of the Festival Big Band featuring Kim Nalley, a truly amazing vocalist who brings a 3-1/2 octave range and an explosion of soul to the stage. Another highlight will be Rossini’s opera The Barber of Seville, a story of love and deception, and one of the funniest operas of all time. It will be fully staged with costumes and supertitles. Other highlights… well, there are just too many to list. Check the Mendocino Music Festival website for schedules, ticket information and much more. Concerts will be held in the charming Tent Concert Hall at Mendocino Headlands State Park or at one of several smaller venues around town.

WHERE: Main Street in the town of Mendocino MORE INFO: 707-937-2044, MendocinoMusic.org

21 Mendocino Art Center

With the decline of the lumber industry, Mendocino fell on hard times. Then, in 1957, a local mansion that appears in the James Dean movie East of Eden burned down, and Bill Zacha acquired the grounds with a small deposit. With the help of friends, other artists and townspeople, by 1959 he and his wife Jennie had established the Art Center there, utilizing the still-standing carriage house and outbuildings.

During the ensuing years, the history of the Art Center and Mendocino village became closely entwined. The Art Center grew and became the focal point of a thriving art colony that revitalized the nearly abandoned town. Mendocino, along with the Art Center, has since become a world-renowned haven for artists.

Today the Art Center’s facilities include studios and classrooms that offer over 200 retreat-style classes each year in a wide range of media, and its galleries present monthly exhibits spotlighting the work of local and national artists. The Center hosts popular annual events on its beautiful campus as well as artists’ receptions the second Saturday of each month, and concerts periodically. Its Members’ Gallery offers exquisite locally produced artwork for purchase.

WHERE: 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino MORE INFO: 707-937-5818, MendocinoArtCenter.org

House 22 Ford Museum In 1851 Jerome Ford made his way overland to the Mendocino headlands, looking for salvage from the shipwrecked Frolic, which had met its fate off nearby Pt. Cabrillo the previous spring.

He found no booty — local Pomo indians had beaten him to it — but he did discover vast stands of coast redwoods instead, and soon partnered with an eastern entrepreneur to establish both the town of Mendocino and photo by Cyndy Phillips a booming mill yard. Jerome Ford and his wife Martha built a house on Main Street of the new town in 1854; today it stands as the Ford House Museum. It serves as the visitor center for the Mendocino Headlands State Park, offering both historic and current information about the Mendocino area. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Ford House Museum exhibits models of 19th century oceanic vessels, logging tools, photographs, Native American relics and an elaborate model of the town of Mendocino in 1890. It also offers a wide selection of brochures, books and cards, as well as free seasonal lectures on area wildlife and changing seasonal exhibits in its gallery. History lovers will want to catch Heritage Days in May. Call for reservations for the Ford House Progressive Dinner held the first Friday in May, an annual benefit for the continued restoration of the Mendocino Headlands State Park’s historic visitor center and museum. Each successive course is served at a different historic Victorian treasure in Mendocino — the Kelley House, the Mendocino Hotel and the Ford House.

WHERE: 735 Main St., Mendocino MORE INFO: 707-937-5397, Mendocino.com/?id=247 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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23 Mendocino Theater Co. / Helen Schoeni Theatre

Sea Rock Inn Hill House Inn

Since 1976 the Mendocino Theatre Company has produced over 200 plays at its intimate, 82-seat Helen Schoeni Theatre on the Mendocino Art Center Campus. Composed of a uniquely talented group of actors, directors, designers and theatre technicians, they have performed exciting, meaningful plays ranging from the classics to the cutting edge. In the process, they have strived to nurture local talent. The comfortable lobby of the theatre hosts a full bar offering cocktails, beer, wine and a variety of locally made treats.

In addition, the Art Center has a number of galleries that make for interesting exploration while on the campus.

WHERE: Helen Schoeni Theatre is located at 45200 Little Lake St. on the northeast corner of the Mendocino Art Center campus, just past the intersection of Little Lake and Kasten Sts., Mendocino. MORE INFO: 707-937-4477, MendocinoTheatre.org

Café Beaujolais • Mendo Burgers • Mendocino Chocolate Co.

6 Ford House Museum & Visitor’s Center

7 Rubaiyat Beads & More 8 Mendocino Hotel &

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9 Gallery Bookshop 10 Mendocino Sandpiper 11 Catch-A-Canoe & Bicycles Too 12 Stanford Inn by the Sea & Ravens Restaurant

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Glendeven Inn The Inn at Cobbler’s Walk Kayak Mendocino Little River Inn / Golf Course Inn at Schoolhouse Creek & Spa

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do

CHEESEBURGERS • CHILIBURGERS Beef, Turkey, Fish or Veggie Fresh Rock Cod FISH & CHIPS CHICKEN FILET Sandwich BIG DOG HOT DOGS Blue Cheese or Chili Cheese FRIES MALTS & SHAKES Open Daily 11-6, Except Mon • 707-937-1111

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Private Party Room Available

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Mendocino, Little River, Albion

24 Mendocino Film Festival

Since 1916 the Mendocino coast has starred in 17 silent movies and over 40 “talkies.” Notable among these are East of Eden; The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming; The Dunwich Horror; Summer of ’42; and The Majestic; as well as the long-running TV series, Murder She Wrote. So what better place to host a film festival?

The Tenth Annual Mendocino Film Festival (May 28-31, 2015) features film screenings and special events all within easy (and lovely) walks from each other in Mendocino Village, plus special screenings in Point Arena, Fort Bragg, Willits and Anderson Valley. The event’s relaxed and intimate feel offers visitors a great chance to interact with filmmakers while enjoying their work; almost every film presented is represented by its director.

In fact, festival-goers have ample opportunity to interact with directors, screenwriters, producers and actors from throughout the world. Set in the natural splendor of the Mendocino coast, this intimate film festival has become a favorite of the cognoscenti.

The Mendocino Film Festival offers a wealth of cinema in the following categories: Films on the Arts, Films for Our Future, Documentary Features, Short Films (in all genres), and Narrative Features.

MORE INFO: 707-937-0171, MendocinoFilmFestival.org and on Facebook

25 Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Nature Tours

How would you like to be a marine mammal for an hour and a half, and explore the Mendocino coast’s incredibly rich and diverse sea caves? It’s easier than you might think. You’re already a mammal. For the marine part, just hop aboard a sit-on-top ocean kayak, and take one of Kayak Mendocino’s professionally guided sea cave tours in Van Damme State Park. Here you will join harbor seals, sea otters, giant anemones, kelp and other marine flora and fauna as you glide through the water safely and happily. Van Damme is a special place offering protection and easily navigated channels. You will stay within these areas to insure a easy ride, while still being able to observe wave action on outer reefs.

KAYAK MENDOCINO

Sea Cave Nature Tours plus Kayak & Board Surfing

Stand Up Paddleboarding No Experience Necessary All Equipment Provided All Ages - Open Daily Van Damme State Park Reservations & Information:

707-813-7117

KayakMendocino.com | StandupPaddleMendocino.com

Sea Rock Inn

707-937-0926 • www.searock.com 11101 Lansing St, Mendocino

Uniquely Dazzling... at the Right Price

KayakMendocino.com

No kayaking experience is necessary, and tours are safe and enjoyable for all ages.

All instruction and equipment are provided, including wetsuits, booties, life jackets and helmets. Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations are preferred because space is limited.

WHERE: west parking lot of Van Damme State Park, 3 miles south of the town of Mendocino.

MORE INFO: 707-813-7117, KayakMendocino.com

26 Mendocino Headlands Park

When visiting the town of Mendocino, take some time to see Mendocino Headlands State Park. The park surrounds the town on three sides with delightful expanses of land perched atop stunning bluffs. From there you can enjoy whale-watching in the winter, wildflowers in the spring, nesting seabirds in the summer and vivid color throughout autumn. Miles of trails wind along the cliffs, surprising the casual explorer with spectacular views of sea arches and hidden grottos. Three miles of trails meander atop the rugged and majestic cliffs that line the coast. The park has a beach that is accessible from Hwy 1 or by trails down the bluffs, and offers excellent fishing and scuba diving opportunities.

The park has been in operation since 1974. The town’s south headlands, facing Main Street, remained in timber company ownership until 1972. The threat of development there spurred resident artist Emmy Lou Packard to start a movement in 1969 that led to the inclusion of the south headlands in the State Park. An outgrowth of this effort was the listing of Mendocino on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, an essential step toward protecting Mendocino’s 19th-century flavor. Now the parkland provides Mendocino with a buffer area that helps preserve the town’s historical presence, while providing a scenic backdrop of breathtaking beauty. Admission is free. Day use only.

WHERE: surrounds the town of Mendocino on three sides MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=442

Affordable Luxury on the Mendocino Coast

Newly Remodeled Historic Inn Ocean Views, Hot Tubs, Fireplaces

Open Daily at 45280 Main Street Mendocino

707.937.3102 “Where the Locals Shop”

7051 No Hwy 1~ Little River SchoolHouseCreek.com ~ 707-937-5525 22 Mendocino County

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Mendocino, Little River, Albion

27 Van Damme State Park

Fantastic outdoor fun and delightful scenery await you at Van Damme State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and abalone diving among other recreational activities. The park straddles Hwy 1 where Little River empties into a protected rocky bay that is very popular with divers and kayakers. The surf here is usually calm enough to allow launching boats and sea kayaks from the beach.

Daytime parking and picnicking at the beach are free. Most of the park’s 2069 acres lie east of the highway, up verdant Fern Canyon. The park offers beautiful and shady campsites, available on a first come, first served basis. A paved trail follows the Little River 2.5 miles up the lovely canyon, connecting with a dirt path that climbs to the Pygmy Forest. For the more adventuresome hiker, there is an extensive system of trails that meanders throughout the park over 10 breathtaking miles. Whether your stay is short or extended, you can always count on finding an unforgettable adventure at Van Damme State Park.

WHERE: 3 miles south of the town of Mendocino on Hwy 1.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=433

29 Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too!

Established in 1972, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too! is the Mendocino coast’s only full-service outdoor shop, providing rentals, sales and service of a wide selection of kayaks, canoes, outriggers, and bicycles year-round. They also offer professionally guided tours of Big River State Park, including the 8-mile Big River estuary. These river tours use unique redwood outriggers that offer a secure, ultra stable ride. The Solar Wind outrigger holds nine persons including the guide, and the Redwood Cruiser can accommodate four people. There are daytime and nighttime cruises, powered by a variety of options including solar, people-power, sail and electric motor. Or bring your dog along on the Canine Cruiser!

28 Point Cabrillo Lighthouse & Preserve

The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake meant that maritime commerce on the Mendocino coast was at an all time high, and a lighthouse was critical to the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. Construction of the Point Cabrillo Light Station began in 1908, and its lens, a British-build Fresnel lens, was illuminated for the first time in 1909. The station operated under the U.S. Lighthouse Service and then the Coast Guard before being acquired by the California State Coastal Conservancy in 1991.

photo by Rick Hemmings, CatchACanoe.com

For those who prefer bicycles, the Mendocino coast offers many opportunities for two-wheeled adventure, from the easy and popular Big River Trail to the radical and challenging Manley Gulch. You can ride straight from their shop to one of several nearby destinations, including Russian Gulch waterfall, the Van Damme fern canyon, and Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. You may transport the bicycles to your preferred starting point, though racks or carriers are not provided. Helmets are provided with each rental, and are required for all riders.

Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too! is open year-round, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: #1 South Big River Dr., Mendocino MORE INFO: 707-937-0273, CatchACanoe.com, TourBigRiver.com

photo by Mackenzie Kincaid

Today the lighthouse and its grounds, along with 270 acres of undeveloped coastal bluffs and prairie, are part of the California State Parks system. The lighthouse has been completely restored, and the Fresnel lens, which had been decommissioned in 1973, has been refurbished and remounted. The beautiful light keeper’s house and cottages are furnished with early 1900s period antiques, and are available for stays of two nights or longer. They are cozy and intimate, with ocean and headlands vistas.

The Point Cabrillo Nature Preserve has some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coast. Deer roam the headlands and harbor seals and black oystercatchers grace the rocky shorelines. There are 17 catalogued archeological sites in the preserve. During the Mendocino Whale Festival the lighthouse has events for the whole family, including games for the kids and whale-watching tours; you may see some of the estimated 18,000 gray whales that migrate from Mexico to Alaska every spring. The lighthouse also has a gift shop offering wonderful souvenirs.

WHERE: midway between Mendocino and Caspar, off Hwy 1 on Point Cabrillo Dr. at Russian Gulch. Follow signs.

MORE INFO: 707-937-6123, PointCabrillo.org, LightHouseFriends.com/light.asp?ID=64

Mendocino Headlands, photo by Gregg Gardiner

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Mendocino, Little River, Albion

30 Caspar Headlands State Reserve

The title of “State Reserve” in California is only given to areas of land that have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic value. Caspar Headlands State Reserve certainly lives up to this title. Located about 4 miles north of Mendocino off Hwy 1, this 3-acre reserve is located just south of the town of Caspar and sits atop one of California’s most strikingly beautiful coastal bluffs. The reserve is characterized by sculpted rock formations and spectacular cliffs that provide dazzling views. It is also home to a magnificent array of wildflowers.

In order to gain access to the reserve, you will have to obtain a free entry permit from the Mendocino Sector Office, located across from Russian Gulch State Park.

WHERE: south on Point Cabrillo Rd., past the RV campground, turn right on Caspar Dr. to Headlands Dr. Parking is outside the reserve on Caspar Dr. MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=444

31 Caspar Headlands State Beach

Nestled adjacent to Caspar Headlands State Reserve just north of Mendocino, this dramatic stretch of coast offers a beautiful beach with swimming, boating, fishing and other popular beach activities. From it you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the headlands’ rugged cliffs and coastal bluffs. If you happen to arrive between November and June, you might get to see some California gray whales as they migrate. The headlands are among the most beautiful and awe-inspiring locations on the West Coast, and are well worth the trip. The weather can be changeable, so it’s a good idea to wear layered clothing.

WHERE: 2 miles north of Russian Gulch on the coast access road (Point Cabrillo Dr.) From the north, it is 1 mile south of the turnoff at milepost 54.71 on Hwy 1.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=445

32 Big River and Big River Haul Road

The Big River Unit of Mendocino Headlands State Park offers 7,400 wild acres for exploration. Acquired in 2002, it includes 1,500 acres of coastal estuary wetlands.

You can swim, bike, canoe, jog, walk your dog (leashed) or hike along the beautiful Big River. The beaches along the river are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Big River’s lower 6 to 8 miles provide a wonderful boating experience. Private canoes, sailboats, kayaks and rowboats can put in at the primitive boat ramp at the eastern edge of the

photo by Cyndy Phillips

sandy beach just below the trailhead. Along Big River’s northern bank, Big River Haul Road provides a flat, wide, scenic promenade leading to nearby Jackson Demonstration State Forest and Mendocino Woodlands State Park.

The trailhead is at the end of a dirt road that can be reached by turning east (inland) off Hwy 1 just north of the Big River Bridge. For a more serious walk, start in the village, cross the beach under the bridge and continue along the shore until you come to the gate at the trailhead. People are cautioned to stay on the main road; there are numerous dead-end logging roads and skid trails throughout the Big River Unit that make it easy to get disoriented and lost. You can also hike along the shore to find marsh and tidewater wildlife. The Big River protects, preserves and is home to great blue herons, osprey, wild ducks, river otters and over 27 endangered, threatened or special concern species of wildlife.

WHERE: just south of the town of Mendocino MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, mendoparks.mcn.org/bigriver.htm

33 Russian Gulch State Park

This is a gem of a park, offering almost a mile and a half of ocean frontage with great beaches and tide pools, plus more than 10 miles of lush, forested hiking trails and plenty of horseback riding trails. You’ll find a beautiful picnic area perched on a cliff overlooking a dramatic cove; spacious, well-laid out campgrounds with bathrooms and hot showers; a 3-mile long paved bicycle trail; and a 36-foot high waterfall that’s one of the park’s star attractions. Another highlight is the Devil’s Punchbowl, sometimes referred to as “the blowhole,” a partially collapsed sea cave 200 feet from the water’s edge that offers a stunning view of churning, surging waves 60 feet below you. The beach offers swimming, tide pool exploring, kayaking, abalone diving and rock fishing. Russian Gulch Creek Canyon is heavily forested. Each of Russian Gulch State Park’s 1,305 acres offers more natural beauty than you can shake a walking stick at.

WHERE: 2 miles north of Mendocino on Hwy 1 MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id= 432

34 Pygmy Forest at Van Damme State Park

Northern California is famous throughout the world for towering redwood trees that grow to be hundreds of feet tall. There are other trees in the area, however, that cannot grow to a height of even 8 feet, or much thicker than an inch wide. Indeed, there are mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees there that stand only 6 inches high! To experience this Lilliputian and Brobdingnagian contrast for yourself, take a trip to Van Damme State Park’s Pygmy Forest, located off Hwy 1, 3 miles south of Mendocino.

The natural conditions of the soil are believed to be the cause of the stunted growth in these cypress and pine trees, found less than a mile away from the mighty redwoods.

It’s amazing that these trees can grow under such adverse conditions and yet manage to remain alive. When some of these tiny trees have been cut down, more than 80 to 100 growth rings have been carefully counted. If you are in the area and have already been wowed by the remarkable redwood towers that soar into the heavens, you should also check out the Pygmy Forest and be astonished by the very existence of these tiny trees.

WHERE: in Van Damme State Park off Hwy 1, 3 miles south of Mendocino.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, Mendocino.com/?id=510, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=433

35 Jug Handle Ecological Staircase

Big River Beach, photo by Rick Hemmings, CatchACanoe.com

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It is likely that you will never experience anything quite like the Jug Handle State Natural Reserve’s Ecological Staircase. The “staircase” is a land formation that stretches for 2.5 miles over five wave-cut terraces formed by glacier, sea and tectonic activity. Starting in the inter-tidal zone, it ascends through a series of areas that include prairie, pine forest and even a unique pygmy forest with knee-high trees. The nonprofit Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center acts as a private gateway to the area, and offers environmental education programs that are packed with fun and entertaining activities. The Farm also offers hostel-style accommodations in an 1870s-era Victorian farmhouse as well as cabins and camping. An educational brochure is available to explain the changing environments as you travel the 5-mile trail up the slope.

WHERE: located halfway between Fort Bragg and Mendocino on Hwy 1.

MORE INFO: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=441 Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center, 707-964-4630, JugHandleCreekFarm.org Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

MENDOCINO COAST

Fort Bragg

photo by Gregg Gardiner

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riginally established as a military garrison overseeing the Mendocino Indian Reservation in 1857, by 1869 small lumber mills and ranches had become the area’s dominant features. The earthquake of 1906, which leveled much of Fort Bragg, also brought prosperity to the town in its wake, as its mills provided much of the lumber used to rebuild San Francisco. Today, Fort Bragg is the largest city on the Mendocino Coast.

Much of Fort Bragg’s history can be viewed at the Guest House Museum, located on the corner of Main (Hwy 1) and Laurel Sts. Built for the Fort Bragg Redwood Company in the 19th Century, the building later became the Union Lumber Company guest house and now houses artifacts, photos and exhibits from the town’s early days.

Noyo Harbor, on the south end of town, is a working port with a commercial fishing fleet, charter boats, fish markets and processing plants, as well as several seafood restaurants. The harbor is also a haven for local seals and sea lions.

Fort Bragg

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Excellent restaurants, lodging, retail stores, antique shops Beaches are nearby for beachcombing, picnicking and surf fishing Explore Noyo Harbor Kayak, paddleboard, charter a boat for whale-watching or fishing, or both, November through April Horseback Riding — Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Horse-Vacation.com MacKerricher State Park — numerous campsites and day use areas including a raised wooden walkway that leads to a seal observation point overlooking a secluded cove.

The walkway is wheelchair accessible. The park also features a small lake and miles of unspoiled coastline. Great tide pools.

The Skunk Train — takes passengers on a scenic tour of the redwood forests east of Fort Bragg along the Noyo River.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens — 2 miles south of the center of Fort Bragg, contains 47 acres of flowers, trees and shrubs with winding trails throughout.

C.V. Starr Community Center — swimming pool, Fort Bragg Skate Park and more, 300 South Lincoln St.

Events & Festivals • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Events: gardenbythesea.org • January — Crab, Wine & Beer Festival, Mendocino.com/mendocino-crab-wine-days-festival.html • March — Fort Bragg Whale Festival, MendoParks.org/whale-festival • April — Noyo Food Forest Earth Day Festival, NoyoFoodForest.org • May — Annual Rhododendron Show & Plant Sale — Fort Bragg Quilt Show • June — Kite Festival, a benefit for Habitat for Humanity • July — July 4th Fireworks — World’s Largest Salmon BBQ, SalmonRestoration.com • July/August — Fort Bragg Shoreline Riders Rodeo • August — Art in the Gardens • September — Paul Bunyan Days, PaulBunyanDays.wordpress.com • October — Abalone Cook-Off & Festival — Day of the Dead Festival • November — Wine & Mushroom Festival — Noyo Food Forest Harvest Festival • December — Hometown Holiday Lights Parade & Fort Bragg Christmas Tree Lighting — Lighted Boat Parade MORE INFO: MendocinoCoast.com, FortBragg.com/events Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

36 Pacific Star Winery

PacificStarWinery.com

At Pacific Star Winery you can experience stunning views of the ocean while enjoying traditional or unusual Mendocino County wines. The building actually sits atop an active fault line called the “Pacific Star Fault,” named in honor of the winery upon its discovery in 2006. Running directly under the winery, it connects to the San Andreas fault system 12 miles out to sea toward the northwest.

The winery’s cellar and tasting room sit over sea caves where the crashing waves below help to naturally filter the aging wine from its sediment. Because of its proximity to the ocean, salt from sea air gathers on the French, Hungarian and American oak barrels, and accelerates osmosis, creating uniquely viscous and dense wines. Bring a lunch and picnic atop the cliff, as the waves crash and break on the rocks below; the winery’s spectacular picnic area offers breathtaking coastal views. In the spring and fall, this is a great place to see California gray whales pass by on their migration route. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the winery welcomes you to share in the experience. The owners and staff of this truly impressive stretch of the Mendocino Coast believe that this precious land should be shared with all.

The winery has tasting daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding major holidays, in two tasting rooms; one at the winery and one in the town of Fort Bragg. Pacific Star has a comprehensive website where visitors can view photos of the winery and its beautiful location, learn more about its unique wine making process and event planning, join their wine club, and purchase wine.

WHERE: approximately 12 miles north of Fort Bragg at the 73.58 mile post on scenic Hwy 1, and in the satellite tasting room at 401 N. Main St. in Fort Bragg at the Depot Mall, 707-962-9463.

MORE INFO: 707-964-1155, PacificStarWinery.com 101Things.com • Mendocino County 25

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18520 N Hwy 1, Fort Bragg, (Hwy 1 @ roundabout) Open Mon-Sat 10-7 • Sun 9:30-5:30 • 707-961-0365

SUPPORTING ANIMALS ON THE COAST Mendocino Coast Humane Society MendocinoHumane.org • 707-964-SPAY Ple

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Map Key 1 To Westport

8 • Pacific Star Tasting Room

2 Ricochet Ridge Riding Stables

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3 Pacific Star Winery 4 Surf and Sand Lodge

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5 Beachcomber Motel 6 Beach House Inn

9 Skunk Train Fort Bragg Depot 10 Triangle Tattoo & Museum

7 Travelodge Fort Bragg

11 C.V. Starr Community Center (pool)

12 Rubaiyat Bead Shop & Rug Gallery

Motel 6 Fort Bragg

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• Close to the Beach • Indoor Heated Pool • Fitness Center • Free Wi-Fi • Restaurant on Site • Banquet & Meeting Room • Pet-Friendly Phone: 707-964-4761 Fax: 707-964-8035

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Travelodge Fort Bragg • 763 North Main Street 707-964-4787 • www.travelodge.com 26 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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Coast Inn and Spa 18661 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg 707.964.2852 • www.coastinnandspa.com

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Plus Viraporn’s Thai Cafe for Lunch & Dinner ~ 707-962-0717

13 Bernillo’s Pizza 14 Taka’s Japanese Grill & Sushi

22 The Q BBQ Joint 23 Emerald Dolphin Inn / Mini Golf

15 Mendocino Chocolate Co. 16 Mendocino Coast Chamber

24 Holiday Inn Express

17 Motel 6 Fort Bragg 18 Seabird Lodge

26 Sub-Surface Progression 27 Ark Thrift Store

19 Silver’s at the Wharf 20 • Sportsmans RV Park

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29 Pomo RV Park & Campground 30 Pine Beach Inn

• World’s End Rowing Club

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beourguests.com (707) 964-3737 632 N. Main St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 ●

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Free WiFi & Local Calls Copy Service / Fax DirecTV / HBO In-room Coffee Fridge / Microwave Complimentary Hot Breakfast Bar Heated Indoor Pool / Spa Exercise Gym email: hieftbragg@gmail.com

(707) 964-1100 • www.hiexpress.com/fortbraggca 101Things.com • Mendocino County 27

Noyo Harbor O

ne of the West Coast’s most scenic harbors, Noyo Harbor is the perfect place to start your day of adventure on land or on the high seas. Highway 1 passes over the harbor along the Noyo Bridge; the harbor itself is located at the mouth of the Noyo River at the southern end of Fort Bragg. Here the towering redwoods sprawl to the edge of the continent, stopping just short of spilling into the vast Pacific Ocean.

Gorgeous views and warm hospitality make Noyo Harbor a great place to meet the ocean from the land. The harbor is home to abundant wildlife, extraordinary fishing and whalewatching opportunities, and world-class lodging and dining. It is a must-experience destination for outdoor recreation.

Communing with nature is a way of life in Noyo Harbor. Harbor seals, sea lions and even river otters bask in the sun, play, and poke their smooth looking heads out of the water, all around the bay. Waterfowl, including osprey, cormorants, pelicans and gulls, patrol the waters looking for their next edible opportunity. Nature lovers have plenty to marvel at, with the wide variety of wildlife that makes the harbor home. photo by Gregg Gardiner Annually, over 20,000 California Gray Whales travel south along the coast from Alaska, to winter in their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico. In the spring, they return north to begin the cycle again. Often you can see these graceful giants from the shore, but chartering a boat from the harbor is an excellent way to meet them on their terms, in their world — so don’t forget your camera. A local professional guide can educate guests about the habits and history of these awe-inspiring creatures, and increase the number of whales they are likely to see, even on a short visit. During the whale migrations many fishing charters offer fishing trips combined with whale-watching tours. In March, help celebrate the migration during the annual Fort Bragg Whale Festival, an experience the whole family can enjoy.

Take part in guided whale-watching walking tours, sample clam chowders with the kids, and take a free trolley from the festival grounds to the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. Adults can sample good beer and great BBQ at the microbrew and barbecue tasting.

courtesy NorthCliffHotel.net

photo by Blake Tallman, SubsurfaceProgression.com

North Cliff Hotel y l t n a g e l E d e l e d o m e R Large Deluxe Ocean View Rooms Private Balconies with Seating In-Room Hot Tubs and Fireplaces Deluxe Continental Breakfast Free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, HBO

1005 South Main St, Fort Bragg 866-962-2550 NorthCliffHotel.net 28 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Fort Bragg

FISHING CHARTERS The harbor offers excellent sportfishing opportunities; a local guide can draw from firsthand experience on these waters, supply the proper gear, and show you how to catch that monster fish.

Charters are available from the harbor and can accommodate almost any ocean fishing need. The harbor and surrounding coastal areas are teeming with fish including rockfish, lingcod, halibut and tuna, and are some of the best places on the West Coast to catch Chinook salmon.

If it’s the land you love, yet you would still like to enjoy the ocean, take a walk down the Noyo Jetty. No fishing license is required to fish from it.

37 Bird-Watching with the Audubon Society

There are hundreds of coastal birds that frequent Mendocino County, and the Mendocino Coast Audubon Society invites you to see them for yourself. Join the MCAS for endlessly fascinating walks and field trips at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, MacKerricher State Park, Van Damme State Park, Virgin Creek and elsewhere.

The walks at the Botanical Gardens are regularly scheduled for the first Saturday and third Wednesday of each month, with free admission for Botanical Garden members and special reduced rates for nonmembers. Generally the Saturday walks are designed with beginners in mind and the Wednesday walks for more experienced birders, but anyone is welcome to join in, regardless of experience. Also, binoculars are available for those who need them.

Field Trips are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month. The locations, local birding hot spots, are selected to take advantage of seasonal birding opportunities.

Visit the Mendocino Coast Audubon Society’s website for times and information.

MORE INFO: MendocinoCoastAudubon.org, Audubon@mcn.org; GardenByTheSea.org Mendocino Coast Audubon Society, facebook.com/SaveOurShorebirds

KAYAKING Touch, taste and smell the harbor at water level from a kayak. Visitors can bring their own kayaks, rent them in the area, or employ local outfitters for guided tours. Kayaking in the harbor is a great experience for the beginner, the expert, or anyone at any skill level in between. When the tide is right the beginner can paddle down the Noyo River to enter the ocean, taking in the views. For the more experienced, or if kayaking with a guide, the harbor has spectacular sea caves to explore, abalone diving and even fishing from the kayak. Whether sightseeing, sport kayaking or fishing, kayaking in Noyo Harbor is a healthy, delightful way to spend a day, and a fun way to connect with family and friends.

DINING & LODGING Enjoy the ocean view, taste the catch of the day and sip a local Mendocino wine.

The harbor has a variety of dining options to choose from, the food is fresh and the atmosphere and views are free. Several lodging options are available on the harbor; choose from ocean view rental homes, enjoy the personal touch at a nearby bed and breakfast, or camp at the mouth of the Noyo River at Sportsmans RV Park. Whatever your plan or price range, you can wake to an ocean view or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

World’s End Rowing Club

Your Contact for Open Water Coastal Rowing

Free Information & Membership Available

707-964-2612 www.worldsendrowingclub.com

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ONE STOP COASTAL FUN

At The Wharf

RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE Fresh Seafood, Steaks Seasonal Creations Relaxing Atmosphere Magnificent Views Free WiFi Banquets and Parties Open Daily Lunch 11 am Dinner 4:30 pm Reservations: 707.964.4283 thewharf@mcn.org

Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor

Rest

photo by Alan Ferguson

Silver’s

A Restful RV Park at the Mouth of the Noyo River

NOYO RIVER LODGING Waterfront & Economy Private River Decks Teeming River Life Beach & River Access Free WiFi Reservations: 800.643.2700 reservations@ thewharf@mcn.org

SilversAtTheWharf.com

WHALE WATCHING • SPORT FISHING • KAYAKING • STARR/SPATH WATER PARK • WINE TASTING • RIDE THE SKUNK TRAIN Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

101Things.com • Mendocino County 29

ŠCYoung Photography

Where nature is elemental

47 acres of botanical bliss, with world-renowned collections including conifers, rhododendrons, magnolias, succulents, heaths/heathers, and so much more, fronting the Pacific Ocean and within four hours of the Bay Area and Sacramento Regions.

Come see what makes our garden special. . .

Special Events:

ART IN THE GARDENS – AUGUST 1, 2015 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – NOV/DEC WEEKENDS, 2015

STORE & NURSERY OPEN YEAR-ROUND ¡ RHODY’S GARDEN CAFÉ OPEN APR–SEP SUMMER HOURS: 9AM TO 5PM (MAR–OCT) ¡ WINTER HOURS: 9AM TO 4PM (NOV–FEB) 18220 NORTH HIGHWAY 1 ¡ FORT BRAGG, CA 95437 707 964-4352 E X T 16

www.gardenbythesea.org Free to AHS RAP Members

M E N D O C I N O - C H O CO L AT E . CO M

Coast 38 Mendocino Botanical Gardens Lose yourself for an hour — or all day — at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, one of only a handful of public gardens with ocean frontage.

The #2 garden on Sunset magazine’s list of top public gardens, these magical 47 acres encompass manicured gardens, fern-ringed ponds, intimate pocket gardens, coastal pine forests, and wildower-strewn bluffs at ocean’s edge. Enjoy a picnic on a lush meadow lawn, visit our expanded organic demonstration Vegetable Garden, or plan your GardenByTheSea.org celebration in a rustic gazebo encircled by the glory of late-summer dahlias.

The mild maritime climate of the Mendocino Coast offers ideal growing conditions for rhododendrons, heaths and heathers, heritage roses, succulents, conifers, and so much more. The Gardens provides habitat for more than 150 species of birds that live in or visit the Gardens yearly, and the Cliff House provides an indoor vantage for watching winter and spring grey whale migrations.

This “garden for all seasonsâ€? is a place to enjoy a retreat from the world, any time of year. Spring brings a profusion of bulbs and stunning rhododendrons. Summer ďŹ nds the Perennial Garden in full bloom and the Dahlia collection coming into a riot of color.

In fall, an abundance of mushrooms burst forth (not for picking or consumption) — a mycologist’s paradise! Quiet contemplation can be found while wandering the fern-lined creeks in the soft light of winter.

The Gardens is for all ages; come see what makes our garden special.

Summer Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March to Oct.; Winter Hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. to Feb. The Garden Store and Nursery on the Plaza are open year-round; Rhody’s Garden CafÊ is open April to Sept. There is no admission fee to visit the Store, Nursery or CafÊ. • • • • •

Events & Weddings Store & Nursery CafÊ — Wi-Fi Picnickers Welcome Dog-Friendly

• Art in the Gardens: Saturday, August 1, 2015, 11am to 5pm • Festival of Lights: Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–20; Gala on Thurs, Dec 3 • MyGarden 2016: Saturday, May 14

WHERE: 18220 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg MORE INFO: For complete listing of special events and workshops visit gardenbythesea.org or call 707-964-4352 ext. 16

39 Mendocino Chocolate Company

Take home more than memories.

Take home Mendocino Chocolate!

Locally Hand Crafted Chocolates Fudge â?¤ Truffles â?¤ Toffee Turtles â?¤ Bundt Cakes Gifts & More

(800) 722-1107 10am-5:30pm 10466 Lansing St. in Mendocino Village and 232 Main St. in Fort Bragg

COME IN FOR FREE TASTINGS 30 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

The Mendocino Chocolate Company has been making fresh, handmade chocolates and other treats for almost 30 years. Stop by their Fort Bragg store, or their newer store in the Village of Mendocino, and you will see for yourself why the Mendocino Chocolate Company views candymaking as an art form. Their delightful handmade confections are as pleasing to the eye as they are delicious. Try Mendocino Chocolate’s signature item, their beautiful, scrumptious trufes. Check out their specialty items and novelty gifts, including a half-pound chocolate moose and exquisite handmade seashells in marbled white, milk and dark chocolates. Mendocino Chocolate Mendocino-Chocolate.com Company can ship its ďŹ ne products anywhere in the United States.

WHERE: (two locations) 232 N. Main St., Fort Bragg and 10466 Lansing St., Mendocino, between Village Toy Store and Rainsong MORE INFO: 1-800-722-1107; 707-964-8800 (Fort Bragg), 707-937-1107 (Mendocino); Mendocino-Chocolate.com

40 Gloriana Musical Theater

Since 1976, Gloriana Musical Theatre has entertained Mendocino County audiences with blockbuster Broadway musicals, musicals starring young performers, and one of a kind special productions. On tap for 2015 are four major productions, including Company, a Stephen Sondheim musical comedy that won six Tony Awards, and Broadway’s timeless musical classic, Peter Pan, one of the most beloved family favorites of all time.

Throughout the year, the company offers workshops to improve technical and acting skills and provides an annual scholarship program for students furthering their education in the performing arts. Call or go to their website for more information about tickets and upcoming shows.

WHERE: Eagles Hall Theatre, 210 N. Curry at Alder, Fort Bragg MORE INFO: 707-964-SHOW (7469), Gloriana.org Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ÂŽ

Fort Bragg

41 World Famous Triangle Tattoo & Museum

While wandering around the sleepy North Coast town of Fort Bragg, consider a permanent souvenir from the stellar artists at Triangle Tattoo & Museum on Main Street, where the big red heart TATTOO sign hangs over the sidewalk. Climb up the bright red stairway where you will feel enveloped by the spirit, history and excitement of Tattoo. Founded in 1986, they will celebrate their 30th year of tattooing in Fort Bragg. One of only a few museums in the world dedicated to Tattoo History, this unique collection is fittingly housed in one of the town’s original Victorian storefronts. You’ll see striking, vintage exhibits of tattoo artifacts, flash (designs), tattoo tools and photographs. There is written history about many cultures including the Maori, Japanese, Native American, South Seas, European and American tattoos. There are exhibits of Patriotic Tattoos, In Honor of Tattooed People in the Circus Sideshow, Prison Tattoos, even Tattoos Without Consent. Mr. G and Madame Chinchilla are world-famous tattoo artists and historians who are quoted in the New York Times, many magazines and books. They are featured on the first Discovery Channel documentary “Tattoo, Beauty, Art and Pain,” and have been tattoo consultants for major television shows. The Museum is free to the public and open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. Children are welcome. Papa Nixx is one of our newer team members, and we have many world-recognized visiting artists from around the globe. This is the place to meander and view — from floor to ceiling, filled room to room — for anyone curious about the art and history of tattooing. Educational video documentaries play daily… Be Art with a Pulse!

WHERE: 356 B N. Main St., Fort Bragg MORE INFO: 707-964-8814, TriangleTattoo.com

42 MacKerricher State Park

TriangleTattoo.com

MacKerricher State Park offers miles of magnificent rocky coastline, beaches, dunes, bluffs and headlands that give way to forests, seasonal streams, grasslands, and a lake. Some of California’s richest tidepools form during low tide along the shore near Laguna Point, where offshore rocks attract black oystercatchers and provide a rookery for harbor seals.

The park encompasses nearly 2300 acres, over 450 of which are designated “underwater park,” preserving some of the best and most unique of California’s natural underwater ecosystems. Inglenook Fen, the last remaining coastal fen in California, supports salamanders, rare insects and shorebirds. Waterfowl and wading birds frequent Lake Cleone and Mill Creek; in fact, more than 100 bird species have photo by Cyndy Phillips been observed in MacKerricher State Park. A convenient boardwalk wanders past Lake Cleone, and another, the wheelchair-accessible Laguna Point Boardwalk along the beach, provides sweeping vistas of the coast and five overlook platforms for whale- and harbor seal-watching. The historic Haul Road runs through much of the park and is great for hiking and bicycling. Most of it is wheelchair-accessible as well. The park also offers opportunities for camping, horseback riding, fishing and abalone-diving. Glass Beach, at the southern end of the park, is noted for brightly colored, wave-polished glass pebbles, remnants of broken glass dumped there between 1906 and 1967.

MORE INFO: 707-964-8898, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=436

Triangle Tattoo & Museum

Art witha Pulse Tattoos for All Occasions!

43 Abalone Diving in Mendocino County

Because it’s where the largest number of abalone are found, and because of regulations designed to protect the small populations that live elsewhere, most of California’s abalone-diving is concentrated on the coast of Mendocino County. For decades hordes of recreational divers have descended there beginning in April every year, lured by the legendary red abalone. Until recently, abalone divers would get up as early as 4:30 in the morning and struggle into cold wetsuits, getting ready to hit the water at the crack of dawn.

Beginning in 2014, however, new regulations went into effect because of declining abalone numbers, and now divers have to wait until 8 a.m. before heading into the water with their snorkles, abalone irons (pry bars) and gauges (required to ensure that only abalones of legal size are taken). The sport is challenging, but exhilarating. After a full day of braving frigid, murky waters and entangling kelp forests, free-diving abalone divers will tell you there is nothing that beats the rush of coming back to shore laden with the fortune of delectable abalone in its iridescent shell.

MORE INFO: Sub-Surface Progression, see ad below, 18600 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg, 707-964-3793, AbDive.com

cino Mendo med Na Coast lace to pP 3rd To he World nt Visit i Times

by NY

Sub-Surface PROGRESSION

COMPLETE OCEAN SPORTS CENTER SPECIALIZING IN ABALONE DIVING & SPEARFISHING GEAR Diving Locations & Advice • SCUBA Certification Courses Kayak Sales and Rentals • Surf, Skim, Boogie Boards Visit us on FACEBOOK for Visibility Reports and Updates on Ocean Conditions Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

356-B 356 -B North Main Street Fort Bragg • 707.

707.9 964.8 64.88 814 triangletattoo.com

Rentals & Sales

Huge Inventory

New Updated Equipment

ABDIVE.COM on the Mendocino Coast

18600 N Hwy 1 Fort Bragg (707) 964-3793 Open 7 days a week 101Things.com • Mendocino County 31

Fort Bragg

Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Horse-Vacation.com

BEACH

& REDWOOD TRAIL RIDES Ride Wild Coastal Beaches of Mendocino

Magnificent Ancient Forests & Vast Cattle Ranches 1 1/2 Hour to All Day Rides MacKerricher State Park • Fort Bragg

Lari

• Excellent Horses • English & Western • Week Long Riding Vacations, Lodging, Fine Dining, Spas • Wine Tours & Entertainment at Unique Bed & Breakfast Inns Shea’s

Ricochet Ridge Ranch

707-964-7669 • 888-873-5777 • www.horse-vacation.com “Top 25 Trips of a Lifetime” — Outside Magazine

44 Horseback Riding at Ricochet Ridge Ranch

How does riding along deserted beaches and through ancient redwood forests on the back of a fit, well trained horse sound? Lari Shea’s Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers both group and private trail rides along Ten Mile Beach, across vast cattle and horse ranches overlooking the ocean, and through majestic Redwood forests. California’s unique climate offers unmatched riding days year-round.

Horses are available for riders of any level, from the absolute beginner to the very advanced, both English and Western styles. Your horse and the pace of your ride will be carefully matched to your riding ability, assuring your safety and enjoyment. Experienced riders may canter for miles on spectacular trails during private rides.

Some of the Ricochet Ridge Ranch horses are equine athletes who have numerous wins and high placings in major endurance races, dressage and other competitive events.

Others are suitable for folks who have never ridden before. Children 6 years of age and older are welcome to ride. Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers one and a half to four hour rides, and day-long, multiple day, and week-long riding adventures. Read articles and reviews on their website, and watch excerpts from “Best of America by Horseback” and OpenRoad.TV! WHERE: 24201 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg MORE INFO: 707-964-7669 or 888-873-5777, Horse-Vacation.com

On the Mendocino Coast.....

Hot Tub Suites “On The Beach” Kitchenettes, Fireplaces & Barbecues Whale Watch from your Balcony 1111 North Main St., Fort Bragg TheBeachcomberMotel.com 800-400-7873 or 707-964-2402 32 Mendocino MendocinoCounty County••www.101things.com 101Things.com 2

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®®

45 Old Haul Road (Ten Mile Trail)

Located on Northern California’s Mendocino Coast in MacKerricher State Park and part of the vast California Coastal Trail system, the Ten Mile Coastal Trail starts at the Pudding Creek Trestle. The Beachcomber Motel front desk staff provides visiting walkers with the Ten Mile Coastal Trail log book to sign their names and join the ranks of the hundreds of people who have walked this trail. The trail runs along the bed of an old logging haul road and railroad, north from the Fort Bragg city limits for seven miles to the Ten Mile River. A multi-use trail for hikers, bicyclists and horse back riders, the asphalt paved trail traverses coastal bluffs to Ward Avenue, connecting to Hwy 1. An additional 3 miles north of Ward Avenue leads to the Ten Mile River through a sand dune complex.

The trail provides one of the longest unbroken whalewatching locations on the West Coast, along with such diverse activities as nature study, fresh and salt water fishing, tide-pooling, seal-watching and surfing.

MORE INFO: TheBeachcomberMotel.com

46

Pudding Creek Trestle, photo by Gregg Gardiner

LOW TIDE

Fort Bragg’s Family-Friendly City Parks

Pomo Bluffs Park offers spectacular views from the southern bluffs above Noyo Harbor. This 25-acre park offers outlook points and benches, coastal pedestrian and bike trails, and interpretive exhibits. From Hwy 1 take Ocean View Drive to Cliff Way to get there. Open dawn to dusk.

Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park is located at the east end of Laurel St., southeast of Fort Bragg Middle School. This 7-acre park offers shady walking trails and a close-up experience with nature. Charming wooden footbridges cross a stream that has undergone extensive aquatic restoration. Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through October and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through April.

Harold O. Bainbridge Park is designed for the whole family to enjoy. The park offers tennis courts, a basketball court, and open space to play or spread a blanket and enjoy an afternoon picnic. Its Wiggly Giggly Playground is located on Laurel St., between N. Harrison and N. Whipple Sts., across from the Fort Bragg Library. It offers swing sets, slides and equipment of all shapes and sizes to climb, hide in, run around and hang from.

The park is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MORE INFO: City.FortBragg.com/415/Local-Parks-Aquatic-Center

Gifts Jewelry “This could be a quote from Sea a magazine Shells or from a happy traveler.”

401 N. Main, St. Suite 206 Fort Bragg, CA • 707-964-2200

..... and on the Ocean Trail!

Premium ocean view rooms with beach access.

Walk to Glass Beach. Enjoy romantic sunsets from your own private balcony.

1131 North Main St., Fort Bragg SurfSandLodge.com 800-964-0184 or 707-964-9383 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®®

101Things.com ••Mendocino www.101things.com MendocinoCounty County 33 3

Fort Bragg

One of a Kind Glass Pieces

by Local Artists

Hand-Sculpted Glass

Custom Designs Fine Glass Gifts and More!

401 N. Main Street • Fort Bragg • 707-964-2245

47 Historic Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Depot

SkunkTrain.com

If you don’t happen to have a time machine, the next best thing would probably be a trip on Mendocino County’s famous Skunk Train. From the restored historic rail cars to the dramatic views of majestic redwood forests, scenic upland meadows, and the pristine mountain waters of Northern California, what you will experience is largely unchanged from the way things were in the late 1800s.

The Skunk Train offers a wide selection of rides, including half-day trips, overnight trips, a sunset BBQ excursion, trips that include camping or kayaking, and even — if you make your reservations enough in advance — a chance to ride in the engine’s cab with the engineer and the fireman! There are also special event trips, some of them holiday-themed. Excursions begin in Willits or Fort Bragg, and depending on which trip you choose, will either bring you back to your starting point or all the way to the end of the line. Departing from Fort Bragg, the first few miles are along the Pudding Creek estuary, where you might sight blue heron, egrets, osprey, ducks, and the occasional lounging turtle. After passing through Tunnel No. 1, the Skunk Train snakes its way along the Noyo River, zigzagging through the redwood-thick Noyo River Canyon. If you continue past Northspur (the midway point), your train will descend the Eastern slope of the California Coast Range, cutting through it at Tunnel No. 2 (Summit); this is the mountainous part of the railroad line, in which 8.5 miles of track cover a straight-line distance of less than one mile.

WHERE: Skunk Train Fort Bragg Depot, foot of Laurel St., Fort Bragg.

MORE INFO: 707-964-6371, SkunkTrain.com

48 Pacific Glassworks, Demonstrations, Classes We enjoy showing and sharing the beauty of the Mendocino Coast.

Come share your fun days with us!

• In-Room Coffee, Fridge, Microwave • Pet-Friendly Rooms • Fresh Baked Morning Muffins 191 South Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437 (707) 964-8000 (800) 345-0022 SeabirdLodge.com

The North Coast’s friendliest place to stay!

34 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Every weekend guest artists come from all over Northern California to demonstrate the art of lampworking at Pacific Glassworks in downtown Fort Bragg. Lampworking involves softening glass rods and tubing by heating them in the flame of a torch at 2000-3000° F. The softened glass is then transformed into a finished piece by blowing it, manipulating it by hand and forming it into amazing shapes with hand tools. Depending on their area of expertise, the guest artists create different types of custom pieces to order. For example, you can learn how the pieces are formed and manipulated into jewelry, and have a glass ring custom made for your collection.

Special one of a kind sculptures are always on display. The shop also features several local artists’ work in fused glass and brilliant dichroic glass jewelry.

Fused glass is made by layering sheets of glass in a kiln, fusing the layers of glass together. Dichroic glass is formed by vaporizing and then condensing up to 30 microscopic layers of gold or silver or photo by Gregg Gardiner metallic oxides onto glass in a vacuum chamber, creating a crystalline coating. A plate of dichroic glass can be fused with other glass in multiple firings. Dichro exhibits remarkable optical properties, displaying different colors as light is refracted through it or reflected at various angles.

Enjoy the full glass experience of beautiful shapes inspired by the Pacific Ocean at Pacific Glassworks! Lessons are available there as well, by appointment only.

WHERE: 401 N. Main St., Suite 201, in the Depot Shopping Mall in downtown Fort Bragg.

MORE INFO: 707-964-2245

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Fort Bragg

49 Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf and Fun Center

Wow, what a blast! At the Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf and Fun Center, all 18 challenging holes are located in and around gorgeous streams, fountains and waterfalls, and are designed to be tons of fun for all ages and experience levels. Also, the first 9 holes are handicapped-accessible. To top it off, Emerald Dolphin Inn guests receive their first round free (although some restrictions may apply).

After a round of mini golf, you can go inside the clubhouse and play a game of pool, or try your hand at today’s top arcade games including Dance Dance Revolution Extreme, pinball, air hockey and Big Buck Hunter. Also inside you will find a food court serving delicious pizza, nachos, ice cream, ice cold sodas, beer and more. There is even a private party room available for your next celebration or event. Parties can be planned with the Emerald Dolphin staff in any theme you desire. They do all the decorating, food, drinks and clean up: it just doesn’t get any easier than that. If you’re planning an event on your own, custom balloon bouquets can be ordered and delivered from Emerald Dolphin.

And if balloons just aren’t enough, there are toys and gifts, plus Emerald Dolphin is the only place in the county that offers Gorilla-Grams, a “gorilla” dressed in costume who will arrive at your next party to dance your guests into hysterics! Call well in advance for the perfect gift for someone that has everything, and check the website for more information. Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf has everything you need for an outrageous party.

WHERE: 1211 S. Main St., Fort Bragg MORE INFO: 707-964-6699, EmeraldDolphin.com/edi_006.htm

50 C.V. Starr Community Center Pool and More

EmeraldDolphin.com

$

ff o 2

Much more than a swimming pool, fitness center, community center and outdoor activity area combined, the C.V. Starr Community Center offers people of all ages a wealth of wonderful, exciting things to do and magnificent facilities to do them in.

The physical infrastructure is a 4-acre campus that hosts an off-leash dog park, a 10,000 square foot skate park, sun deck, BBQ and picnic area, two petanque (an ancient Roman game) courts, and a 43,000 square foot aquatics and fitness facility. Inside that facility they have a full waterpark-style pool complete with a 146 foot water slide, zero depth entry warm water leisure pool, lazy river, eight lane lap pool and a 1 meter diving board.

In addition to the pools there are two group exercise studios, a wellness center with a full range of weight and cardio equipment, and multipurpose rooms for meetings and an incredible variety of enrichment classes for everyone from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. Visit their website for information on hours, fees and class schedules.

WHERE: 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg MORE INFO: 707-964-9446, StarrCenter.net

18 Hole Public Mini Golf Course Arcade & Billiards Delicious Snacks & Treats Private Party Room

707-964-6699 1211 S. Main St, Fort Bragg www.emeralddolphin.com

$2 off Round of Mini-Golf Per person, up to 6 persons with this coupon.

Not valid on major holidays or event weekends.

300 S Lincoln Street Fort Bragg

707-964-9446 StarrCenter.net

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

101Things.com • Mendocino County 35

Fort Bragg

51 Surfing the Mendocino Coast

Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, you will find waves to suit you on the Mendocino coast. Many of the area’s more experienced surfers will be found at Point Arena Pier (35 miles south of Mendocino Village) and Virgin Beach, which is just north of Fort Bragg. Look for “overhead” and “double overhead” (literally higher than your head, or twice as high as your head) waves at these locations. Places more suited to intermediate-level surfers include Blues Beach (south of Westport); Pudding Creek (two blocks north of Elm Street in Fort Bragg) and Wages Beach (north of Westport). In Mendocino, Smuggler’s Cove (south of Big River Bridge) has waves that are bigger than they appear at first, and should not be attempted by beginning surfers. Caspar State Beach (on Point Cabrillo Drive off Hwy 1), however, is beginner-friendly.

Regardless of where you go, you’ll need a wetsuit. The water is in the low 50s year-round, so you’ll probably also want a hood and booties. If you’re a beginner, learn surf etiquette by talking with local surfers. They are a pretty friendly bunch. Surfboards, wetsuits and equipment are available to rent or buy at local surf shops. They can give you all the equipment and information you need, along with lessons, demos, trips and tours. And know your limitations — remember, “Get swept away by the beauty, not by the waves!”

MORE INFO: Sub-Surface Progression, Fort Bragg, 707-964-3793, AbDive.com Mendocino County Surfriders, 707-962-0221

photo by Elizabeth Petersen, RevUpCreativeMedia.com

the forests. Three trails have knowledgeable guides available to teach you about the ecology, history and management of the forest. A number of longer trails are available for mushroom hunting, hiking, biking and horseback riding. With your own bottled water and appropriate permits, overnight camping is available in rustic and equestrian campsites for a small fee. Leashed pets are welcome, and swimming is allowed in the rivers, although fishing is not, per the Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

WHERE: on Hwy 20 between Fort Bragg and Willits MORE INFO: MendoWalks.org/JSDF/JSDF.php

53 Glass Beach Treasures

52

Jackson Demonstration State Forest

photo by Gregg Gardiner

Sitting in the spray of a delightful waterfall on Chamberlain Creek Trail or staring out at the uninterrupted view from the top of Riley Ridge after a long hike through old redwood forests on the remote Volcano Point Trail, it’s easy to forget the bustling history of the land in Jackson State Forest. A booming industrial logging center from 1862 until 1947, the land now serves as a peaceful respite for eager visitors who come to see

At first glance you may think this beach is covered with glass that has gathered there for eons. Not so. For centuries it was a common practice of people who lived in seaside cities to dump their trash into the ocean, and from 1906 through 1967 it was true of people in Fort Bragg as well. In 1967 the practice came to a screeching halt, however, and the coastal dumps (three of them in Fort Bragg) were cleaned up. Perhaps by way of thanks, the ocean responded by washing up beautiful multicolored pieces of wave-tumbled glass from those very dumps onto their beaches.

The northernmost of these three beaches of polished glass is located in MacKerricher State Park. It is very safe to walk on. All along its shore there are gem-like pieces of wave-tumbled glass in a rainbow of vivid colors glistening on the sand.

Glass Beach is a fantastic place to bring the family to wander. There are also plenty of tide pools there to wade through and see crabs, mollusks and aquatic plants.

However, collecting glass on the beach has been prohibited since California State Parks took possession several years ago, so please leave these cultural treasures for the next visitors.

WHERE: You can find the beach at the end of Elm Street; signs on Main Street point the way to a parking area and paths leading to the beach.

MORE INFO: FortBragg.com/explore/glass-beach/; Glass Beach is one of many diving locations for Sub-Surface Progression, ABDive.com

Glass Beach, photo by Mackenzie Kincaid

36 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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MENDOCINO COAST

Westport

compassandcamera

T

he beautiful, laid-back village of Westport perches on bluffs 80 feet above sea level, approximately 28 miles west of Hwy 101 and 16 miles north of Fort Bragg. During the redwood lumber boom, for a while it was the fastest growing coastal town north of San Francisco. It served as a busy commercial shipping harbor, with two massive wharves loading lumber as well as wool, oats, tanbark, shingles and railroad ties into schooners bound for San Francisco. At its peak Westport boasted 14 saloons. These days, residents settle there seeking a strong sense of community and an escape from the harried pace of city life. Visitors find a charming windswept seaside village with a bluff-top park suitable for picnics, volleyball games and weddings, where a bustling shipping yard once sat.

Your special place …

The Westport Headlands

Things To Do Camping on the beach is a favorite Thing To Do in Westport. Westport Union-Landing State Beach covers over 3 miles of rugged and scenic coastline, and has 86 campsites available on a first come, first served basis. The magnificent vistas, sunsets and tree-covered mountains in the background provide an inspiring backdrop to the park. In addition to campgrounds, Westport’s hotels and restaurants serve travelers, many of whom visit for the village’s annual events. These include the Volunteer Fire Department chicken barbecue and the Great Rubber Ducky Race, a Mother’s Day (“Ducky Sunday”) event that includes a tri-tip and vegetarian barbecue, a quilt raffle, and a rubber ducky beauty contest. The course follows Wages Creek to the Pacific surf’s edge. Other favorite Things To Do: take a picnic from the Westport Store out to the accessible viewing platform on the Headlands and look for birds or gray whales, or just watch the sunset.

MORE INFO: WestportCA.org

60 Acres Ocean Front

On-Site Hiking and Beachcombing Pets Allowed

(with prior authorization)

Full Ranch Breakfast Registered Historic Site Flower Gardens Wireless Internet Access headlands@westportvillagesociety.org

40501 N. Highway One • Westport 707-964-6725 • HowardCreekRanch.com

Ocean View Lodging & Dining Cozy, Casual and a Little Bit Elegant

We s tpo tpor rt Hot e l

Dinners Beer • Wine • Espresso Saturday Afternoon Tea

& Ol Old d A b a l one Pu Pub b Hwy 1 in Westport 707.964.3688 Telephone: 877.964.3688 877.964.3688 H i g h way O n e . W e s t p o r t . C a l i f o r n i a Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

101Things.com • Mendocino County 37

MENDOCINO COUNTY

I

Wineries & Breweries

f you like wine, you’re in for a treat when traveling though Mendocino County. With 10 separate wine regions and a huge selection of varietals, this area has a lot to offer any wine aficionado. Though small, Mendocino County is known for producing world-class wines, a tradition that started more than 125 years ago. European settlers began planting vines on hills and in valleys that were reminiscent of their homelands. Many settlers were attracted to California by the promise of Gold Rush riches. When such promises proved exaggerated, some turned to winemaking.

Mendocino County’s first winery was established in 1879 by Louis Finne, near where Hopland is today. Since the fruit did not usually survive transport before the railroad’s arrival in the county, many grape growers built their own wineries and produced “jug” or bulk wines. County records show that winemaking was well established by 1900. The big wine boom explosion happened in the 1960s. Today, more than 60 wineries are found in the area. The region produces an abundance of award-winning vintages, and the business is the largest non-manufacturing industry in the county.

We’re proud to offer our readers the most accurate and up-to-date wine map in the region on the following pages. Additionally, we have checked with every winemaker and updated not only their contact information but their varietals. So if you’re interested in a particular varietal, you’ll be able to tell which winemaker makes the wine you desire most. Our wine section also showcases our winery advertisers from throughout the 101 Things To Do magazine. Take the time to support them while you visit this extraordinary wine region. Enjoy a “taste” of Mendocino.

MORE INFO: Mendocino Winegrowers, 707–901-7629, MendoWine.com

54

Breweries of Mendocino County

If beer is your thing, you will definitely want to take time to visit a Mendocino County brewery and sample its great tasting beers. The following breweries offer tours of their facilities as well as beer tastings: Anderson Valley Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, many of which are award winners, at their tap room in Boonville. 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 (a local language now used mostly by local old-timers). Tours of the brewery are offered daily; call for schedule.

WHERE: 17700 Hwy 253, Boonville • MORE INFO: 707-895-BEER, AVBC.com

Wine Listing Varietal Key CO ........ Certified Organic BD ........ Bio-Dynamic ____________________ Ba ......... Barbera C ........... Chardonnay Ca ......... Carignane CBSB ... California Bordeaux Style Blend CF ........ Cabernet Franc Cha ....... Champagne ChB ...... Chenin Blanc Ci .......... Cinsault CRSB ... California Rhone Style Blend CS ........ Cabernet Sauvignon Do......... Dolcetto G........... Gewurztraminer Gr ......... Grenache M .......... Merlot Mal ....... Malbec Mar ....... Marsanne

Mu ....... Muscat N........... Nebbiolo P ........... Port PB......... Pinot Blanc PG ........ Pinot Gris-Grigio PN ....... Pinot Noir PS ......... Petite Sirah PV ........ Petite Verdot R ........... Rose RB ........ Rhone Blend RD ........ Red Dessert Wine Ri .......... Riesling S ........... Semillon Sa.......... Sangiovese SB......... Sauvignon-Fume Blanc SpW...... Sparkling Wine Sy ......... Syrah-Shiraz Vi .......... Viognier WD ....... White Dessert Wine WZ ....... White Zinfandel Z ........... Zinfandel

Many wineries produce varietals and special blends not listed here. We strive to make these listings as accurate as possible. Information is subject to change. Please email any discrepancies or changes to info@101things.com

Mendocino Brewing Company was the first brewpub in California, and the second in the United States. Internationally renowned as a brewer of full-flavored, traditional ales and best known for their flagship Red Tail Amber Ale, the MBC has a wide variety of beers to offer. Visit their Ale House in Ukiah where you can savor their excellent array of brews fresh from the brewery.

WHERE: 1252 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah • MORE INFO: 707-467-2337, MendoBrew.com

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 38 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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Wine & Brew Tasting Rooms Recommendations are listed in Bold Print Winery Tasting Varietals 7D: Albertina Wine Cellars

By Appt CS PO Box 601, Hopland 707-744-1475 • AlbertinaWineCellars.com Daily CS, G, PN, R, SB, Z 8B: Annapolis Winery 26055 Soda Springs Rd., Annapolis 707-886-5460 • AnnapolisWinery.com 6C: Balo Vineyards Weekends PN 9001 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3655 • KillerPinot.com 5D: Barra of Mendocino, CO Daily C, CS, Mu, PB, 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley PG, PN, PS, RD, R, 707-485-0322 • BarraOfMendocino.com Sa, Z 6C: Baxter Winery Th-Mon C, Ca, PN 8660 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3173 • BaxterWinery.com Daily CS, CRSB, M, PN, 6C: Bink Wines R, SB, Sy The Madrones, 9000 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-2940 • BinkWines.com Daily C, CS, M, PN, R, 6C & 6D: Bliss Family Vineyards SB, Z Tasting at Brutocao Cellars, And Vly & Hopland BlissVineyard.com Weekends CBSB, CS, M, RB 5D: Brown Family Wines 1106 Bel Arbres Dr., Redwood Valley 707-234-4236 • BrownFamilyWines.com Daily Ba, C, CS, Do, 6C: Brutocao Cellars ~Anderson Valley Tasting Room M, P, PN, RD, 7000 Hwy 128, Philo SB, Sy, Z 707-895-2152 • BrutocaoCellars.com Daily Ba, C, CS, Do, 6D: Brutocao Cellars ~Hopland Tasting Room M, P, PN, RD, 13500 S. Hwy 101, Hopland SB, Sy, Z 707-744-1664 • BrutocaoCellars.com 6D: Campovida, CO, BD Daily C, Mar, Gr, PN, 13601 Old River Rd., Hopland Sy, Vi 707-744-8797 • Campovida.com 6D: Cesar Toxqui Cellars Wed-Sun C, CF, CS, P, PG, Tasting Room, 13440 So. Hwy 101 Hopland PN, R, Z 707-744-1071 • Toxqui.com Daily PN, PB 6B: Champ de Rêves 5500 Hwy 128, Philo • 707-895-2594 ChampdeRevesVineyards.com 5D: Chiarito Vineyard

By Appt PS, Z 2651 Mill Creek Road, Ukiah 707-462-7146 • ChiaritoVineyard.com Th-Mon PN, Sy 6C: Drew Family Cellars Tasting: The Madrones, 9000 Hwy 128 707-895-9599 • DrewWines.com 7D: Duncan Peak Vineyards

By Appt CS, PS 14500 Mountain House Road, Hopland 925-283-3632 • DuncanPeak.com 6B: Edmeades Seasonal G, Z 5500 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3232 • Edmeades.com 6C: Elke Vineyards Fri-Mon C, PG, PN, SpW 12351 Hwy 128, Boonville 707-246-7045 • ElkeVineyards.com Tue-Sat Multiple 5D: Enoteca Wine Bar Wineries 106 W. Church St., Ukiah 707-972-5541 • Enoteca.me 5B: Esterlina Vineyards Daily C, CS, M, PN, P, 1200 Holmes Ranch Road, Philo R, Ri, SB, Sy, Vi, 707-895-2920 • EsterlinaVineyards.com WD, Z 6C: Foursight Wines Fri-Mon G, PN, R, S, SB 14475 Highway 128, Boonville 707-895-2889 • FoursightWines.com Daily C, CS, G, M, PN, 6D: Frey Vineyards, CO, BD PS, R, Sa, SB, Sy, 13771 S. Hwy 101, Hopland ~at Solar Living Institute WZ, Z 707-744-1026 • FreyWine.com 5D: Girasole Vineyards , CO Daily C, CBSB, CS, PB, 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley (at Barra) PN, PS, Z 707-485-0322 • GirasoleVineyards.com 4D: Giuseppe-Neese Vineyards

By Appt C, CS, M, Z 395 School Way, Redwood Valley 707-485-8458 Daily Ba, Ca, ChB, Do, 6D: Graziano Family of Wines Mu, PB, PG, PN, 13251 S. Hwy 101 Suite 3, Hopland PS, R, Sa, SB, SpW, 707-744-8466 Sy, WD, Z GrazianoFamilyOfWines.com 6C: Goldeneye Winery Daily PN 9200 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3202 • GoldeneyeWinery.com

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Why all the Color?

This chart is color-coded to match the appellation color codes on our map, which is located on the next two pages. Match the color to the map and you will find who you’re looking for. photo courtesy BrutocaoCellars.com

Winery 6B: Greenwood Ridge Vineyards 5501 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-2002 • GreenwoodRidge.com 5B: Handley Cellars, CO 3151 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3876 • HandleyCellars.com 6C: Harmonique Wines 14051 Hwy 128, Boonville 707-895-9300 • HarmoniqueWine.com 6B: Husch Vineyards 4400 Hwy 128, Philo 800-55-HUSCH • HuschVineyards.com 6D: Jaxon Keys 10400 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 877-462-6666 • JaxonKeys.com 6D: Jeriko Estate, CO, BD Hwy 101, one mile north of Hopland 707-744-1140 • JerikoEstate.com 6C: Knez Estate Grown Winery, CO Tasting: The Madrones, 9000 Hwy 128 Philo, 707-895-3365 • KnezWinery.com 6B: Lazy Creek Vineyards 4741 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3623 • LazyCreekVineyards.com 7D: Le Vin: Coastside Gallery, CO 33151 Hwy 128, Yorkville 707-894-2304 • LeVinWinery.com 6C: Lichen Estate 11001 County Rd. 151, Boonville 707-895-7949 • LichenEstate.com 7E: Lone Oak Estate 36050 Hwy 128, Cloverdale 707-894-9260 • LoneOakEstateWinery.com 5B: Lula Cellars 2800 Guntley Rd., Philo 707-895-3737 • LulaCellars.com 7C: Maple Creek Winery 20799 Hwy 128, Yorkville 707-895-3001 • MapleCreekWine.com 4D: Manoir Girard 12601 Eel River Rd., Potter Valley 800-339-7653, Girard.org 7B: Mariah Vineyards 33525 Mountain View Rd. (mile marker 9.25) 707-882-2243 • MariahVineyards.com 4D: Masut ´ Winery 301 Reeves Canyon Rd., Redwood Valley 707-485-5466 • Mas´ut.com 6D: McFadden Farm & Vineyard, CO 13275 S. Hwy 101, Suite 5, Hopland 707-744-8463 • McFaddenVineyard.com 6D: McNab Ridge Winery 13450 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 707-744-1986 • McNabRidge.com 7C: Meyer Family Cellars 19750 Hwy 128, Yorkville 707-895-2341 • MeyerFamilyCellars.com 7D: Milano Family Winery 14594 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 707-744-1396 • MilanoWinery.com 6D: Naughty Boy Vineyards, CO 13275 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 707-743-2868 • NaughtyBoyVineyards.com 6B: Navarro Vineyards 5601 Hwy 128, Philo 800-537-WINE • NavarroWine.com 6D: Nelson Family Vineyards 550 Nelson Ranch Road, Ukiah 707-462-3755 • NelsonFamilyVineyards.com 4D: Oster Wine Cellars, CO 13501 Tomki Road, Redwood Valley 707-485-5257 • OsterWine.com 2A: Pacific Star Winery 33000 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 707-964-1155 • PacificStarWinery.com 3A: Pacific Star Tasting Room 401 Main St., Fort Bragg, in Depot Bldg.

707-962-WINE • PacificStarWinery.com 5D: Parducci Wine Cellars 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah 888-362-9463 • Parducci.com

Tasting Daily

Varietals CS, M, PN, Ri, SB, Sy, Z

Daily

C, G, PG, PN, Ri, SB, SpW, Sy, Vi, Z

Fri-Mon

C, PN

Daily

C, ChB, CS, G, Mus, PN, SB, Z

Daily

C, CS, Gr, M, P, PN, PS, SB, Sy, Vi, Z C, CS, PN, Sa, SB, SpW, Sy

Daily

By Appt.

C, PN

Th-Sun

G, PN, R

By Appt

CF, CS, M, SB, Sy

Th-Mon

PG, PN

By Appt

C, CS, CBSB, M, R

Daily

G, PG, PN, R, Z

Daily

C, CS, M, PN, Z

By Appt.

P

By Appt

Sy, Z

By Appt

PN

Daily

C, G, PG, PN, Ri, SB, SpW, Z

Daily

C, CBSB, CS, G, M, P, PN, PS, R, RD, SB, Z C, CS, P, PS, R, Sy

Daily

Daily

Daily

Daily

Daily

By Appt

C, Ca, CBSB, CS, M, Mal, P, PS, PV, RD, WD, Z C, PN, R, Do

C, CS, G, Mu, PG, PN, PS, R, SB, Sy, WD, Z C, CS, Mu, PG, PN, Ri, Vi, Z CS

Winery Tasting 5D: Paul Dolan Vineyard, CO, BD Daily in Parducci Wine Cellars 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah 888-362-9463 • PaulDolanWine.com 6B: Phillips Hill Estates Daily 5101 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-2209 • PhillipsHill.com 6C: Philo Ridge Vineyards Fri-Mon 14125 Hwy 128, Boonville 707-895-3036 • PhiloRidge.com Tu-Sun 6D: RIVINO Winery 4101 Cox-Schrader Rd., Ukiah 707-293-4262 • Rivino.com Daily 6B: Roederer Estate 4501 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-2288 • RoedererEstate.net 6D: Saracina Daily 11684 South Hwy 101, Hopland 707-670-0199 • Saracina.com Daily 6C: Scharffenberger Cellars 8501 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-2957 • ScharffenbergerCellars.com Daily 6C: Seebass Family Wines 14077 Hwy 128, Boonville 707-467-9463 • SeebassVineyards.com

By Appt.

5D: Seebass Family Wines 3300 Old River Road, Ukiah 707-467-9463 • SeebassVineyards.com Daily 6C: Signal Ridge Vineyard Tasting Room Tasting: The Madrones, 9000 Hwy 128 Philo, 707-895-3588 • SignalRidge.com 5D: Silversmith Vineyards Daily 8121 Vineyard Oaks, Redwood Valley 707-485-1196 • SilversmithVineyards.com 5D: Simaine Cellars Daily 3001 S. State St., Ste 42, Ukiah 707-462-6300 • Simaine.com Daily 6D: SIP! Mendocino Wine Bar 13420 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 707-744-8375 • SipMendocino.com

By Appt 6D: Terra Savia, CO 14160 Mountain House Rd, Hopland 707-744-1114 • TerraSavia.com 5D: Testa Ranch Fri, Sat, Sun 6400 N. State St., Calpella 707-391-7273 • TestaRanch.com Daily 6C: Toulouse Vineyards & Winery 8001 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-2828 • ToulouseVineyards.com 2C: Vin de Tevis

By Appt 51161 Covelo Road, Dos Rios 707-983-8433 • VindeTevis.com 6D: Whaler Vineyards Daily in Sip! Mendocino Wine Bar 13420 S. Hwy 101, Hopland, 707-462-6355 6C: Witching Stick Th-Mon 8627 Hwy 128, Philo 707-895-3454 • WitchingStickWines.com 7D: Yorkville Cellars Daily 25701 Hwy 128, Yorkville 707-894-9177 • Yorkville-Cellars.com

Varietals C, CS, PN, SB, SpW, Z

C, G, PN

C, G, PG, PN, Vi, Z

C, CBSB, CF, P, PB, R, Sa, Vi C, PN, SpW

C, Gr, Mal, PN, R, SB, Vi, Z C, PN, SpW, Sy

C, G, M, R, Sy, Z

C, G, M, R, Sy, Z

G, PN, R, SpW, Z CS, PS, Vi, Z

Ca, M, Sa, SB, Sy, Z Multiple Wineries C, CBSB, CS, M, PN, PV, SpW CA, CBSB, GR, R, SB, ZIN G, Mu, PG, PN, PS, R, Ri Ca, CF, CS, M, Z

CS, Sy, Z

C, PN, Sy, Z

CBSB, M

Breweries & Tap Rooms 6C: Anderson Valley Brewing 17700 Hwy. 253, Boonville 707-895-2337 (BEER) • AVBC.com 6D: Hopland Tap House Brewpub: 13351 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 707-744-1255 • HoplandTapHouse.com 5D: Mendocino Brewing Ale House 1252 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah 707-467-2337 • MendoBrew.com

Daily

Unusual and Rare Wines

3A: North Coast Brewing Co. Brewpub: 455 North Main St., Fort Bragg 707-964-2739 • NorthCoastBrewing.com

Daily

Unusual and Rare Wines

7A: Pier Chowder House & Taproom 790 Port Rd, Point Arena 707-882-3400 • ThePierChowderHouse.com

Daily

C, CS, M, Mu, P, PG, PN, PS, SB, WZ, Z

5D: Ukiah Brewing Co, Ritual Restaurant & Lounge 102 S. State St., Ukiah 707-468-5898 • UkiahBrewingCo.com

101Things.com • Mendocino County 39

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North Coast Brewing Co.

Big River

No

Vin de Tevis

DOS RIOS

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Giuseppe-Neese

Manoir Girard

OLD WINERY WAY

POTTER VALLEY

Yorkville Highlands

Redwood Valley

Potter Valley

McDowell Valley

Mendocino Ridge Islands-in-the-Sky ™

Mendocino

Eagle Peak

Dos Rios

Anderson Valley Covelo

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Mendocino National Forest APPELLATION LEGEND MENDOCINO COUNTY

REDWOOD VALLEY

Frey

Eel River

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Middle Fork

EAST R

Little River

Van Damme Beach State Park

MENDOCINO

Russian Gulch State Park

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Noyo Harbor

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MENDOCINO COUNTY

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CALIFORNIA

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FORT BRAGG Pacific Star Tasting Room

CLEONE

MacKerricher State Park

Pacific Star

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LAYTONVILLE

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Standish Hickey State Rec Area

TOMKI RD

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Subject to change, call for info

By Appointment

(many include weekdays, Thurs, Fri and/or Mon)

Weekends Plus

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Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this map and accompanying information at time of print.

Any discrepancies or omissions can be corrected by contacting 101 Things To Do at 707-443-1234 or via e-mail to info@101things.com NOT ALL STREETS SHOWN MAP NOT TO SCALE © 2015 101Things To Do®

Breweries

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GU N H TLY RA OLM RD N CH ES RD TO SEA RANCH, ANNAPOLIS, JENNER, HWY 116 BODEGA BAY, SAN FRANCISCO

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Ukiah Brewing Enoteca Wine Bar

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E PERKINS ST E GOBBI ST. TALMAGE RD EEK RD MILL CR

UKIAH

Lake Mendocino

Maple Creek

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SPRINGS RD

Yorkville Le Vin

YORKVILLE

Mailliard Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Meyer

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CLOVERDALE

Lone Oak

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SONOMA COUNTY

TO SANTA ROSA SAN FRANCISCO

HOPLAND Terra Savia Frey at Solar Albertina Living Institute LA FRANCHI RD Duncan Milano AND DUNCAN Peak

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LAKE COUNTY

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GUALALA

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South to Annapolis, Sonoma County

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WINE & BEER TASTING ROOMS

FISH ROCK

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Call First

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Mariah

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Pier Chowder House

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PHIL O

NAVARRO

Parducci

PARDUCCI RD

Paul Dolan

CALPELLA

Barra Girasole Testa Ranch

OLD RD R RIVE

(closed Sun, Mon) S STATE ST Esterlina Mendocino Brewing Roederer Chiarito Lazy Creek Simaine Handley RD Seebass Phillips Hill Husch COX-SCHRADER RD Greenwood Ridge Champ de Rêves Rivino Navarro Edmeades Toulouse Whaler Scharffenberger Brutocao, Bliss U Witching Stick Baxter LE INDIAN CREEK RD N VIL N PHILO LSO RD Balo Vineyards O E N CH B Lichen Estate N The Madrones: Goldeneye RA Nelson Elke Harmonique Jaxon Keys Bink 253 Seebass Knez Saracina Philo Ridge Jeriko Drew Manchester Foursight Signal Ridge Graziano Anderson Beach BOONVILLE SIP! Mendocino McFadden Valley State Park McNab Ridge Brewing Hopland Tap House MANCHESTER Brutocao, Bliss Campovida Cesar Toxqui

ELK

128

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(BEL ARBRES)

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N STATE ST

(VINEYARD OAKS DR)

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KIA

ALBION

Albion Riv

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M H O OUNTAIN USE RD

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101 Things To Know About Wine 28. Field Blend: A common practice among the early grape growers in Mendocino County, 29.

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where complementary grape varieties were interplanted in a vineyard. The grapes are harvested and fermented together, creating a field-blend wine.

Finish: The taste that remains in the mouth after the wine is swallowed. A long, lingering finish is considered desirable.

Fortified: The addition of brandy or spirits to wine to increase alcohol content.

Grassy: An aroma or taste of grass or newly-mowed hay — usually associated with Sauvignon Blanc.

Lees: Sediment and yeast found in a barrel or tank during and after fermentation. More winemakers are using the old technique of aging wine on the lees to increase complexities in aromas and flavors.

Legs: The drops of wine that slide down the sides of the glass when it is swirled, indicating the alcohol content in the wine.

Length: The amount of time a wine’s taste and aroma are evident after swallowing.

Made and Bottled By: The legal phrase used if a winery crushed, fermented and bottled at the same location at least 10% of the wine in the bottle.

Handley Cellars, Philo, photo by Jamey Thomas, HandleyCellars.com

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Plan ahead. Many wineries have limited hours. Appointments to taste and tour wineries are very easy to set up and in many cases can be quite impromptu, so don’t hesitate to call ahead even if it’s last minute.

Ask questions. Wine tasting is an opportunity not only to educate your palate, but also to learn more about the winemaking process.

Designate a driver. For a carefree day of tasting, this is the best way to go. Available local tour services are fun and especially affordable. It is illegal for a tasting room to serve wine to anyone who appears intoxicated, even if they have a designated driver — so taste responsibly.

Feel free to use the dump buckets set out on the tasting bar for excess wine.

Limit yourself to no more than four wine tastes per winery.

Ask before you picnic at a winery, and never bring other alcoholic beverages to drink at a winery.

Children are welcome during non-event weekends, but please keep an eye on them. Most wineries operate heavy equipment and therefore it is not safe for unsupervised children.

Remember, no one under the age of 21 may sample wine — not even your children.

Always taste from whites to reds. If you’ve already entered the red list and want to try a particular white again, try another day. If you’re on the cusp of whether or not to buy it, take your best guess or come back for another try later.

Try vertical/horizontal tasting. Vertical tasting involves sampling the same wine from different years. Horizontal tasting involves sampling the same vintage year and wine from different wineries.

Step away from the wine. If you’re in a winery that’s very busy at the tasting bar, back away from the bar after receiving a tasting.

Don’t wear perfume, cologne, or lotions. The aromas of the wine mingle with strong scented cosmetics, which alter perception in taste, and can ruin the experience for others.

Follow the winery’s advice on tasting order. Winemakers’ styles differ, so trust the order provided by each winery’s experts.

Acidity: Since acid is present in all grapes, it’s also present in all wines. It is extremely important in determining structure, shape and lifespan, and it helps preserve wine for longer aging. Good acid levels can make a wine crisp and refreshing, supporting the aftertaste.

Appellation: In the United States, appellation is a grape-growing area defined strictly by a geographic area. If a wine label cites an appellation, 75% of the grapes must be grown in that appellation. (For a more detailed explanation of Appellation, see Things to Know 57, 58 & 59.

Aroma: Refers to fragrances in the wine that are characteristic of the grapes. For instance, Chardonnay might be described as citrusy. Its aromas of lemon, lime or grapefruit come from the grapes; they are not added. Also see Bouquet or Nose.

Parducci, Ukiah, Parducci.com

36. Nose: Refers to how the wine smells, similar to aroma and bouquet — as in, “This wine has a great nose.”

37. Oaky: Describes the aroma or taste character of a wine that has interacted with the oak of a wood barrel.

38. Oxidized: A loss of freshness from exposure to air. If a wine has been open for several days, it will become oxidized.

39. Produced and Bottled By: A legal phrase that indicates the winery crushed, fermented and bottled a minimum of 75% of the wine in the bottle.

40. Racking: The traditional practice of moving wine from one container to another. Essen41.

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16. Balance: An integration of the major components of wine (fruit, acidity, tannins, 48. alcohol, oak) so none outweighs the other. A balanced wine fills the mouth with flavors.

17. Barrel Fermented: Wine that is fermented in 55-gallon oak barrels contributing to an 49.

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increased complexity and flavor. The interaction with wood adds suggestions of spice and vanilla to wines.

Body: The feeling of a wine’s weight in the mouth, such as full-bodied, medium-bodied or light-bodied.

Bouquet: The fragrances in the wine that are introduced by the wine-making process, including the smell of the oak (vanilla) or the yeast in the wine.

Chewy: Describes full-bodied, sometimes tannic wines — rich enough to chew on.

Complexity: The interplay of a wines many characteristics. A wine can be at once rich and deep, yet balanced and showing finesse.

Corked: The term corked refers to wine that smells moldy and disagreeable as a result of a bad cork likely tainted with bacteria called TCA (trichloroanisole).

Dry: A wine with little or no perceptible sweetness.

Earthy: Wine, such as Pinot Noir, that has the smell or slight taste of fresh dirt.

Enology: The science of winemaking, also spelled oenology.

Estate Bottled: Indicates the winery owns or controls the grapes that produced the wine in the bottle.

Fermentation: The process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, turning grape juice into wine.

42 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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tially it is decanting on a grand scale by moving wine from barrel to barrel to rid the wine of sediment.

Residual Sugar: The amount of unfermented grape sugar remaining in a wine. Dessert wines have a high level of residual sugar, while dry table wines have little to no residual sugar.

Split: The term used for a six-ounce bottle of wine, usually champagne.

Sulfites: A natural by-product of fermentation. Sulfites (in small quantities) may be added to wine to guard against spoilage.

Sur Lie: A term used for wines aged on the lees. Also see Lees (#32).

Table Wine: The legal term for wine that is less than 14% alcohol. Any wine over 14% alcohol must state the alcohol content on the front label and may not use the term “table wine” on the label.

Tannin: Chemicals found in the skins of many fruits, including grapes, which impart astringency. Tannin naturally preserves wine from oxidation and is a primary component in determining the wine’s structure and aging potential.

Tartrates: Natural, purely harmless crystals from the tartaric acids present in wines that often form in used casks, in wine sediment and on used corks. Although they look like cut glass, they are completely safe, and are a positive indication to experienced tasters that a wine has not been overly processed.

Unfiltered: Some winemakers do not filter their wine because they believe filtering strips aromas and flavors from the wine. However, these wines can be clarified using a fining process.

Unfined: Wine that was not treated with any fining agents; however, it can be clarified using filtering. Some winemakers believe fining wine strips essential aromas and flavors from the wine.

Varietal: Term used to describe a wine produced from a particular type (variety) of grape. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and hundreds of others are examples of varietal wines.

Varietal Character: The aromas and flavors typical for a particular grape variety.

Variety: Term used to describe a type of grape. A wine made from a particular grape variety (e.g., Zinfandel) is referred to as a varietal.

Vintage: The year the grapes were grown and harvested.

Viticulture: The science of grape growing. When including the production of wine, the proper term is viniculture.

Wine Thief: A glass or plastic tube used to get a sample of wine from a barrel or other container.

Yeast: Important microorganisms that cause fermentation by converting sugar to alcohol.

Appellation is a term used to define different grape growing regions. If “California” is on a wine label, the wine is made from grapes grown anywhere in California. If “Mendocino County” is on the label, then at least 75% of the grapes were grown in Mendocino County.

Within the Mendocino County appellation there are almost a dozen sub-appellations, including the Anderson Valley, Redwood Valley and Mendocino Ridge.

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Pacific Star Wniery, Fort Bragg, PacificStarWinery.com Annapolis Winery, AnnapolisWinery.com

58. Many appellation boundaries are easy to understand. State and county appellations of

origin such as California and Mendocino County are defined by governmental boundaries.

59. Sub-appellation boundaries are determined by similar climatic conditions, soil types

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and weather patterns, or what the French call “terroir.” Variations in terroir contribute to different flavors in the same grape variety grown in different regions. Mendocino County currently has 10 such legally defined AVAs, or American Viticultural Areas.

Alicante Bouschet: A cross between Petit Bouschet and Grenache, Alicante Bouschet’s red flesh and dark skin produce a wine with deep, intense color.

Barbera: Known for its rich color, low tannins and high acid, this Italian grape came to California in the 1880s and today is part of the “Cal-Italia” varietal trend produced by several Mendocino County wineries.

Cabernet Franc: Wine produced from this grape can have the intensity of flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon without the overpowering tannins, allowing it to be enjoyed without waiting years for the tannins to soften.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Described as the “King of Red Wines,” this small grape produces some of the most magnificent and sought after wines in the world. Through DNA testing Cabernet Sauvignon was found to be a cross between Cabernet Franc (red grape) and Sauvignon Blanc (white grape).

Carignane (Carignan): Grown by early California wine pioneers Carignane produces a fruitdriven, easy-to-drink wine that is used as a blending wine, as well as a single varietal wine.

Champagne: Term for sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France.

Charbono: Thought to be a relative of Barbera or Dolcetto, or both varieties, that dates back to the 1880s in California. It is popular within the current “Cal-Italia” movement in the wine industry.

Chardonnay: The Queen to Cabernet Sauvignon’s King, this white grape variety produces the famous Champagne, Chablis, White Burgundy and Maconnais wines from France, and is the most popular white wine in the world. As a varietal wine, Chardonnay can range from rich, oaky and buttery to fresh, crisp and fruity.

Chenin Blanc: Once a popular wine ranging in style from dry to semi-dry to sweet, Chenin Blanc primarily is used for blending. The fruity, well-balanced wine is more challenging to find as a single varietal, but for white wine lovers, it can be worth the hunt.

Cinsaut (Cinsault): A Rhône varietal used to blend grapes or to produce an aromatic rosé, Cinsaut produces a soft, light-bodied red wine with perfume aromas and fruit forward flavors.

Dolcetto: From the Piedmont region of Italy, Dolcetto is produced in two distinctly different styles: a soft, slightly sweet aperitif-styled wine or a robust, hearty rich wine. A classic Dolcetto exhibits flavors of citrus peel, almonds, blueberries and even licorice.

French Colombard: Also known as Colombard, this white grape variety once was the second most planted grape in California. Today it rarely is found as a varietal wine, but with its fruitforward flavors, it is used as a blending grape.

Fumé Blanc: A fanciful name for Sauvignon Blanc.

Gewürztraminer: Originally from the Alsace region of France, Gewürztraminer quietly gained fans for its strong floral aromas and classic lychee-nut and spicy flavors. This versatile, fruity white wine can be made semi-dry to bone dry as a late harvest dessert wine.

Grenache: In France’s Rhône region, Grenache is used in the classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In California it is often used in delicious Rhône varietal blends or in Rosé.

Malbec: Often used in Bordeaux-style blends and as a single varietal wine.

Marsanne: A white grape originating in the Rhône region of France. It frequently is blended with other Rhône varietals.

Meritage™: A trademark name developed by the Meritage Association to identify blends made from specific Bordeaux varietals. Association wineries’ Bordeaux must be produced from a blend of two or more of the following varieties in order to be called a Meritage: Cabernet

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PacificStarWinery.com

Rivino, Ukiah, Rivino.com

Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, and Carmenere. No single variety can be more than 90% of the blend. For a white wine Meritage, the wine must have two or more of the following varieties, and no single variety can be more than 90% of the blend: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Vert.

78. Merlot: A classic Bordeaux grape traditionally used for blending. In the early 1970s Merlot gained popularity with wine drinkers seeking a softer, fruitier red wine.

79. Mourvèdre: Mourvèdre arrived in Northern California in the 1870s from the Mediterranean regions of Spain and France, where it was called Mataro. It often is blended with varietals, such as Grenache, to create a fruity, crisp Rosé.

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family winery, using locally grown fruit to capture

We are a small

The Essence of the Sonoma Coast.

4101 COX - SCHRADER RD, UKIAH www.RIVINO.com 707.293.4262

Tasting Daily 12 noon to 5pm 8 miles from The Sea Ranch, on Annapolis Road

www.annapoliswinery.com ~ 707-886-5460

101Things.com • Mendocino County 43

In the Heart of Anderson Valley Loose yourself in the beauty of Toulouse

8001 Hwy 128 in Philo

101 Things To Know About Wine

continued

Tasting Daily 11am-5pm Dog Friendly

Toulous Toulous oulousee Vineyards

707-895-2828 • ToulouseVineyards@yahoo.com

80. Muscat: A versatile grape with perfumy aromas and fruit-forward flavors dating back to early

Discover our award-winning wines in our new tasting room. All of our wines are 100% estate-grown on our historic family vineyard in Mendocino. Enjoy the unique architecture and sit by the fireplace or take in the scenic views relaxing on our veranda and outdoor spaces. seebassvineyards.com info@seebassvineyards.com Tasting Room Open Daily 11-5 707-895-9378 14077 Hwy 128, in the heart of Boonville

Visit the Scharffenberger Cellars Tasting Room and enjoy styles of sparkling wines that are not easy to find, such as Blanc de Blancs and Crémant.

Come for the ever-changing art shows or have a picnic and wine in the gardens!

Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on our patio while taking in the serene views of the Valley!

A complete tasting of our wines includes Magnum size – there is a difference! If you’d like to order a picnic for your visit, call the Tasting Room 48 hours in advance at 707-895-2288 ext. 22.

44 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

civilizations. Muscat varieties include Muscat Blanc, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Hamburg (Black Muscat), Orange Muscat and more.

81. Peloursin: An almost extinct French Rhône region variety that has been identified as having ties to Petite Sirah.

82. Petit Verdot: Used to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon or with other Bordeaux varietals to add color, a spicy quality and additional structure or backbone. This wine is rarely found as a single varietal.

83. Petite Sirah: DNA studies show Petite Sirah is the Rhône grape Durif, a cross between Peloursin and Syrah. Although called ‘petite’ the wine is anything but — it offers robust flavors and plenty of tannins.

84. Pinot Gris: Pinot Grigio is a natural mutation of Pinot Noir that yields a soft, perfumy white wine.

85. Pinot Noir: Grown in the cooler regions of Mendocino County, this fog-loving grape is an essential component in the production of some French Champagnes.

86. Port: This term is used to describe the famous fortified sweet wine made in Portugal. Portstyle wines are made in the United States from a variety of grapes.

87. Riesling: Also known as Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling, this classic German varietal was once produced by many California wineries. Now it is rarely found on a winery’s tasting list. Generally a flowery, fruity dry wine with high acid and low alcohol, it can be also be made in a semi-dry and late harvest style.

88. Rosé: A pink or salmon colored wine produced from red grapes. Because the juice has limited contact with the skins and seeds that give the wine structure and tannin, Rosé is a soft, easyto-drink wine best served chilled.

89. Rousanne: A Rhône variety frequently blended with Marsanne and occasionally Syrah, Rousanne contributes good acidity and aromas of herbal tea and floral notes to the blends.

90. Sangiovese: Brought to Mendocino County by Italian immigrants, Sangiovese is produced as a varietal wine with possibly small amounts of other wines blended in to add a layer of dimension or additional flavor components.

91. Sauvignon Blanc: Also known as Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc is a classic variety that is an alternative to Chardonnay. Its styles can vary from grassy and herbaceous, to citrus qualities of lime and grapefruit, to flint and mineral qualities with gooseberry flavors.

92. Semillon: Traditionally blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce dry table wine or a sweet dessert wine, including the renowned dessert wines from Sauternes, France. As a single varietal, Semillon displays aromas and flavors of figs and honey.

93. Shiraz: The Australian and South African name for the Syrah grape. See Syrah for additional info.

94. Sparkling Wine: Usually produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this wine bubbles when poured into a glass due to carbonation. Harvested early to capture the tangy flavors and high acids, a second fermentation in individual bottles starts with the addition of a small amount of sugar. Carbon dioxide, a natural by-product of fermentation, is trapped in the bottles and creates tiny bubbles when the sparkling wine is uncorked. This method of producing sparkling wine is called methode champenoise.

95. Syrah: Syrah is a warm climate wine with characteristics include white pepper, leather, wild gamey and intense dark berry flavors.

96. Tempranillo: Considered the Cabernet Sauvignon of Spain, Tempranillo has many names including Tinto Fino, Tinta Roriz, Tinta del Pais, Aragonez and Valdepañas. Tempranillo is generally blended with other varietals, similarly to the use of Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux.

97. Valdiguié: For years it was known as Napa Gamay or Gamay until DNA analysis properly identified this variety as Valdiguié. This original French variety has all but disappeared as a varietal in France just as it has gained in popularity in California.

98. Viognier: Originally from the Rhône region, Viognier wines have a distinctive fragrance, a combination of floral and fruity aroma and flavors. Sometimes small amounts are blended with Syrah to tame and add elegance to the wine.

99. White Zinfandel (also see Rosé): This soft, easy-to-drink wine is produced in a similar style to a Rosé, White Zinfandel is produced from Zinfandel grapes. As the grapes are crushed, the juice picks up some of the pigmentation from the skins, giving it a rose or pink color.

100. Zinfandel: Although how the first Zinfandel vines arrived in the United States is a mystery, DNA testing linked it to both the Italian variety Primitivo and the Croatian variety Crljenak Kasteljanski. Zinfandel was a standard variety found in field-blend wines produced by the Mendocino County wine pioneers. This robust wine has an enormous following among wine lovers.

101. Late Harvest: A term used to describe wine made from grapes picked after the normal harvest time, generally late fall. Such grapes have a much higher sugar content, or Brix, that can translate to a sweet wine that is high in alcohol, making them a perfect complement for after dinner.

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Anderson Valley

MENDOCINO INLAND

Boonville, Navarro, Philo, Yorkville photo by Scott Willoughby, SeebassVineyards.com

A

nderson Valley, located between Cloverdale and the Mendocino Coast, stretches along Hwy 128. Yorkville marks its eastern end, Boonville and Philo are located in its center, and Navarro sits at its western terminus. The main highway is busiest on the weekends as tourists head to and from Mendocino Village and Fort Bragg on the North Coast. The valley is sparsely populated on mostly large parcels, with Boonville leading Anderson Valley in activity and population. The valley is filled with rolling hills, shaded with oak and madrone trees, and home to apple orchards, vineyards and colorful wildflowers. Some 1,000 acres of wine grapes are produced in the area, and many local wineries with tasting rooms are found there, primarily along Hwy 128. According to Food & Wine magazine, “Anderson Valley may be one of the best places in the country to grow Pinot Noir.”

Things To Do In addition to wine tasting, visitors can enjoy galleries of local artwork executed in such media as stained glass, pottery, woven fabrics and woodworking. Boonville features gift shops, antiques, restaurants and an ice cream parlor. Local markets offer picnic and deli items for travelers passing through and on the go. Anderson Valley has several parks where visitors can enjoy bird-watching, hiking, picnicking and fishing. Most contain campsites set among towering redwoods. Hendy Woods is a favorite spot for local nature lovers. The park borders the Navarro River and has 92 campsites as well as day use facilities.

Events & Festivals • February — International Alsace Varietals Festival, AVWines.com • March — Annual Variety Show, Philo • April — Spring Wildflower Show, Boonville — Muzzleloaders Rendezvous, Yorkville —1st Annual Goat Festival, Boonville • May — Anderson Valley Open Studio Tour, AndersonValley-Artguild.org — Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Boonville Beer Festival, AVBC.com — Pinot Noir Festival, Philo

• May-October — Boonville Farmers’ Market, Saturdays • June — Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, SNWMF.com • July — 4th of July Celebration • August — Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival, YorkvilleHighlands.org — Airport Day, Boonville • September — Mendocino County Fair, Boonville, MendoCountyFair.com — California Wool and Fiber Festival, FiberFestival.com — Yorkville Ice Cream Social MORE INFO: AndersonValley.org

MEDITERRANEAN CHARM IN THE HEART OF ANDERSON VALLEY

55 Anderson Valley Wineries

The Anderson Valley Wine region, best known for its production of rich Pinot Noirs and smooth, dry, Alsatian-style Gewürztraminers, is the home of beautiful scenery as well as superb wines. The region is full of family-owned wineries that produce small batches of excellent handcrafted wines showing off the characteristic qualities that have made Anderson Valley a famous growing region. In this area you can even find méthode champenoise sparkling wines that originated in the Champagne region of France. The area has a wide variety of tasting room atmospheres that range from the rustic aura of a former chicken coop to an elegant, French-inspired experience. Wine, art and beautiful natural scenery blend seamlessly in this fascinating region of Mendocino County. There is an established driving route that takes you past all of the region’s many highlights. If you are more fast paced, Hwy 128, which runs east of Elk, splits the region right down the center. See our wine section starting on page 38 for more on all Mendocino County wineries.

MORE INFO: Mendocino Visitors Center, 866-GO MENDO (466-3636), 707-964-9010, GoMendo.com

Award Winning Zinfandel Cabernet Chardonnay Merlot • Port Dolcetto Pinot Noir • Syrah Sauvignon Blanc Italian Varietals BrutocaoCellars.com Anderson Valley Tasting Room 7000 Highway 128 Philo, CA 95466 707.895.2152

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Hopland Tasting Room 13500 S. Hwy 101 Hopland, CA 95449 707.744.1664

Relaxed, tastefully appointed and comfortable guest accommodations.

Four separate tasting rooms specializing in local, hand-crafted wines.

Casual yet refined dining at Stone and Embers.

BINK WINES • DREW FAMILY CELLARS • KNEZ WINERY SIGNAL RIDGE • STONE & EMBERS 9000 Hwy 128, outside of Philo at mile marker 23.5 707-895-2955 | www.themadrones.com 101Things.com • Mendocino County 45

Anderson Valley

57 Hendy Woods State Park

For an awe-inspiring experience, come gaze at towering 1,500-year-old redwood trees in Hendy Woods State Park. Located in the middle of the fantastic Anderson Valley Wine District, the park is noted for two breathtaking groves: the Big Hendy, which is 80 acres and includes a self-guided discovery trail, and the Little Hendy, which covers about 20 acres. The park’s Upper Loop trail, which winds through the center of the Big Hendy, is a particularly beautiful route that leads through a towering cathedral of oldgrowth redwoods. A day use area near the Big Hendy offers gorgeous views and picnic sites. There are picnic sites throughout Hendy Woods with access to the Navarro River, which runs through the entire length of the park.

The Navarro River is a popular destination of its own. Fishing is not allowed in the park, but permitted in the Navarro River watershed downriver from the bridge at the park entrance. In the late winter and spring, kayaking and canoeing are very popular because the park is less foggy than other redwood parks along the coast. Bikers and horseback riders enjoy the trails that meander throughout it. In the summer, Hendy Woods State Park offers great swimming in the river for a respite from the heat of the summer sun.

WHERE: off of Greenwood Road Scenic Byway outside of Elk MORE INFO: 707-895-3141, 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438

MapleCreekWine.com

56 Yorkville Highlands Appellation

Nestled between the beautiful Alexander and Anderson Valleys near Yorkville, the Yorkville Highlands Appellation offers enchanting scenery and excellent wines. The area stretches nearly 16 miles on either side of Hwy 128, with over 356 acres of excellent wine grapes that range from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot. Over 40 wines are made from grapes from the Yorkville Highlands region, known for the passion and quality of the growers and winemakers who call it home. The wineries are all family owned and managed. Most, if not all, of the wines are made in small lots. This appellation hosts the annual Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival in August, which features over 30 wines made from grapes grown within the region, plus delicious regional cuisine, games and contests. The highland scenery is well worth the trip. See the sights and taste the wines!

MORE INFO: 707-895-2341, YorkvilleHighlands.org

GOWAN’S OAK TREE Anderson Valley’s Famous FRUITS and VEGETABLES

From Our Farm Fresh-Picked PRODUCE

gers, Leave as Friend Enter as Stran s Visit the Tasting Room and Art Gallery where you can sample the Award-Winning Artevino and Maple Creek Estate Wines.

Bring a picnic, relax and stay a while!

Tasting Room & Art Gallery open daily from 11am-5pm 20799 Highway 128 Yorkville CA 95494

707-895-3001

www.maplecreekwine.com 46 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Family Picnic Area

Crisp Juicy Apples Ice Cold Cider From Our Orchard

Home-Grown, Full Flavored Freshness is Our Specialty. People Drive Miles to Us for a Real Taste Treat. ❖ ❖ We Ship Anywhere in the U.S. ❖ ❖

6600 Hwy. 128, Philo, CA (707) 895-3353 or 895-3225 www.gowansoaktree.com

58 Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Hendy Woods, photo by Max Otto Forster

After following Hwy 128 through the Anderson Valley, just west of Navarro motorists will find themselves suddenly entering an 11-mile-long tunnel of redwood trees that takes them all the way to the ocean. Welcome to Navarro River Redwoods State Park.

Visitors to the park can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking in and along the Navarro River. There are two campgrounds, although as of this writing the Paul M. Dimmick campground is currently closed, with the Navarro Beach campground remaining open. The park’s redwood groves are home to raccoons, black-tail deer and other wildlife, as well as belted kingfishers and other river-oriented birds.

WHERE: On Hwy 128, 2 miles east of the junction with Hwy 1 MORE INFO: 707-882-2463, 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=435

59 Anderson Valley Museum

Intriguing Pomo Indian basketry, antique logging equipment and other artifacts from the area’s rich history await you at the Anderson Valley Historical Society’s museum.

It is located in a century-old schoolhouse directly adjacent to Hwy 128 between Elk and Ukiah. Although the building is no longer used as a schoolhouse, as a museum it still teaches a great deal about the rich history of the Anderson Valley and Mendocino County. The museum showcases what life and Studio was like for those hardy pioneers who chose to settle there. With a working sheep-shearing exhibit and blacksmith shop, children young and old will love this interactive form of education. Other exhibits include Pomo Indian baskets and basketmaking tools, historic timber equipment and fascinating photographs.

Bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic in the picnic area, sheltered in the shade of a redwood grove. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., from February through November.

Representing Over Thirty WHERE: 12340 Hwy 128, Boonville, in the Con Creek “Little Red Schoolhouse” Nationally and Internationally Renowned Artists MORE INFO: 707-895-3207, from the Western United States AndersonValleyMuseum.org

John Hanes Fine Art Gallery

Located at: 14051 Hwy. 128, Boonville CA • 707-489-0981 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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60 Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Located in the tiny, unique town of Boonville, Anderson Valley Brewing Company opened the doors to its first brewpub in 1987. Since then, they’ve built a new facility and now brew their world-class ales in copper vessels salvaged from two defunct but historic German breweries. Much of the electricity they use comes from solar panels.

The Anderson Valley brews include award-winning Boont Amber Ale, Hop Ottin’ IPA, Poleeko Gold Pale Ale, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, Boont Extra Special Beer and Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale, among others. The legendary Boonville Beer Festival is held each May. In 2015, the 19th annual Beer Fest will take place on May 2 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds.

18-hole Disc Golf Course at Anderson Valley Brewing Company, photo by Cody Christopulos

Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Boonville Beer Festival, AVBC.com

You can find out more about the beers and where to buy them as gifts for your friends (or yourself), discover the world’s first 18-hole Disc Golf Course with a craft brewery for a clubhouse, or even learn “Boontling,” the famous local lingo. (Anderson Valley Brewing says “Bahl Hornin!”) Tours of the brewery are daily at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m., except holidays. Stop by the Tap Room to arrange your tour. You will need to wear closed shoes for safety.

WHERE: 17700 Hwy 253, Boonville MORE INFO: 707-895-BEER, AVBC.com

61 Disc Golf Courses

The discus throw was introduced at the Ancient Olympic Games in 708 B.C., and the modern game of golf dates back to the 15th century in Scotland. It was not until 1926, however, that we have any record of the two games being merged. That year schoolchildren in Canada developed “tin lid golf,” a game similar to golf played by throwing tin lids. Elsewhere and independently, other people tried playing golf with disclike objects, including pie tins, from the ’30s through the ’60s, but it wasn’t until the late ’60s that the rules for modern disc golf were laid down and the game started to catch on in a big way. As in traditional golf, a course usually consists of 18 holes. Unlike regular golf, most disc golf courses are located in public parks and are free to play, although some courses charge a nominal fee. The sport requires inexpensive discs instead of costly clubs and balls. The disc golf “hole” is a metal basket mounted on a pole. It’s become wildly popular, and seems to be America’s new favorite park game. It’s so easy to play that just about anyone of any age can enjoy it, yet at the same time it is very challenging to master. Courses can be found all over Mendocino County: • Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Hwy 253 at Hwy 128 in Boonville, 707-894-5966 • College of the Redwoods, Mendocino Coast, 1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg, 707-962-2663 • Mendocino High School, 10070 Ford St., Mendocino, 707-964-1601 • KOA Campground, 1600 Hwy 20, Willits, 707-459-6179 • Low Gap Park, 841 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah, 707-448-6722 • Mendocino College Disc Golf Course, 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah, 707-468-3000 • Lake Mendocino, Overlook Day Use Area, 707-462-7581 • Manchester Beach KOA, 707-882-2375 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

101Things.com • Mendocino County 47

MENDOCINO INLAND

Hopland

photo by Gregg Gardiner

right: JaxonKeys.com

A

lthough only a few blocks long, the town of Hopland packs quite a lot into its short length. Its attractions include an old fashioned roadside café, two brew pubs and a host of great winery tasting rooms, with more just outside of town.

Hopland’s focus is wine, boasting the area’s top-awarded wineries. It is home to 18 wineries, and there are eight tasting rooms in downtown Hopland alone, with more along Old River Rd. and Hwy 101. You can also sample organic olive oils and wildflower honey.

Local wines can be paired with delicious food made from the freshest, local ingredients.

Visitors can sample Mexican food from a nearby taco truck, or share tapas-sized small plates or tasty pizzas and farm-to-table salads.

Some local hotspots will waive the corkage fees on any wine bottle purchased from a Hopland wine tasting room. Several Hopland area winery tasting rooms offer special complementary food and wine pairings and one-day wine sales on the second Saturday of every month. Wineries in the greater Hopland area hold two great gatherings for wine and food lovers each year, a spring and a fall Hopland Passport event.

Events and Festivals Check the websites of Hopland’s wineries for events throughout the year.

• January — Crab, Wine & Beer Festival • April — Sparkling Wine Celebration — Earth Week Dog Walk • May — Spring Hopland Passport • October — Fall Hopland Passport • November — Wine & Mushroom Festival

62

photo by Gregg Gardiner

Hopland’s Wineries

When you pay a visit to the world-renowned wineries of the Hopland region, located in and around Hopland off Hwy 101, you will be treated to fantastic wines and delightful scenery. This region embodies everything that is the Mendocino wine experience. The Hopland wineries are famous for their award-winning Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux varietals, and offer elegant tasting rooms presenting a variety of unique wine-tasting experiences. You’ll find live music, bocce courts, barrel tasting and organic gardens awaiting you in the distinct Hopland wine region.

There are many different ways to experience the wineries and tasting rooms in Hopland. There is a convenient driving loop that you can enjoy at your own pace, and there is also a selection of more deluxe tours — something for every preference and price range. A trip to the Hopland Wine Region will leave you with delightful memories of picturesque hillsides and delicious wines.

MORE INFO: Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance, 707-468-9886, MendoWine.com

Graziano Family of Wines Whether you are discovering us for the first time or are a longtime friend, we invite you to visit our Tasting Room, located right on U.S. 101 in the beautiful village of Hopland in southern Mendocino County.

Up to 25 different wines from classic Italian to unique old world varietals, all handcrafted with history, heritage and care.

at 13450 S. Hwy 101

Best Quality

Best Selection

Best Prices Open Daily 10 - 5 13251 South Highway 101, Suite 3, Hopland (707) 744-8466 www.grazianofamilyofwines.com 48 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

MENDOCINO 10400 S. Hwy 101, Hopland 707-462-6666 • jaxonkeys.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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The Gardens of Brutocao Cellars, BrutocaoCellars.com

63 Schoolhouse Plaza, Brutocao Cellars

In 1997 Brutocao Cellars purchased the old Hopland High School from the Fetzer family and built a 7.5-acre complex dedicated to wine and food. The Schoolhouse Plaza is a prominent and historic (circa 1920) landmark travelers pass as they drive through Hopland on Hwy 101. There is a tasting room, gift shop and six regulation bocce courts on its premises. Historical photos on display in the tasting room shed light on the local community, agriculture and original inhabitants, the Pomo Indians. Take the time to participate in a spirited game of bocce ball (Italian lawn bowling), a Brutocao family tradition. The tasting room staff can explain the rules as well as provide you with award-winning handcrafted wines. Hopland Brutocao Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: 13500 S. Hwy 101, Hopland MORE INFO: 800-433-3689, 707-744-1664, BrutocaoCellars.com

FINE WINE | CRAFT BEER | LOCAL CIDER

Wine Shop Tasting fine wines from Mendocino County Open 11am - 6pm | 7 days a week Visit sipmendocino.com for our current schedule of events 13420 S. Hwy 101, Hopland | (707) 744 - 8375

Award Winning Zinfandel Cabernet Chardonnay Merlot • Port Dolcetto Pinot Noir • Syrah Sauvignon Blanc Italian Varietals Hopland Tasting Room 13500 S. Highway 101 Hopland, CA 95449 707.744.1664

Anderson Valley Tasting Room 7000 Highway 128 Philo, CA 95466 707.895.2152

BrutocaoCellars.com

FAMILY WINERY Handcrafted Wines Historic Hop Kiln Picnic Area Gift Boutique Open Daily 10-5 Tours by Appt.

14594 S. Hwy. 101 Hopland 707-744-1396 MilanoWinery.com Visit our second tasting room in Cloverdale at 105 N. Cloverdale Blvd ~ 707-894-6166 LIVE MUSIC Fridays All Year and Saturdays Jun - Oct ~ VinoDiAmore.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Organic & Biodynamic Wine Try delicious organic wines from America’s first organic winery!

Tastings at the winery in Redwood Vly., Monday-Friday, by appt.

(707-485-5177). Also, at our tasting bar in the Solar Living Institute at Hopland, 7 days a week, 11-5, no appt. necessary (707-744-1026).

F R E Y V I N E YA R D S 800.760.3739 FreyWine .com/near-you

101Things.com • Mendocino County 49

Hopland

64

TerraSavia.com

Olives in Hopland

There are three attributes of extra virgin olive oil that are considered “positive”: fruitiness, pungency and bitterness. The last two are acquired tastes, and most people in this country prefer olive oils that are less pungent and bitter. Good producers will try to achieve a palatable balance.

In addition to the olive varieties chosen at time of planting, Mother Nature’s kindness plays a big role in the outcome. Rain, drought and frost can affect the quantity and quality of oil produced. Mendocino County has a great olive-growing climate, with somewhat chilly winters and hot summers. The county lends itself to growing well-known varieties like Mission, but also such popular Tuscan varieties as Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Maurino and Coratina.

Are you confused when buying extra virgin olive oil? That’s because there are so many factors to consider. Much like wines, olive varieties largely determine the flavor profile.

Nevertheless, Spanish and Greek olives tend to produce oils that are fruitier than Tuscan olives, which are more pungent and slightly more bitter, in part because the Spanish and Greek olives tend to be allowed to ripen longer.

Air, light and heat can affect how long the oil lasts. Unopened good oils can last up to two years. However, once opened they should be consumed within a month, since air will begin to oxidize them. Keep several oils on hand for different purposes, but not so many that they will go rancid in your cupboard. It is important to store them in a cool dark place, but not the refrigerator.

At the Terra Sávia winery and olive mill on Mountain House Road in Hopland you can get a complimentary tour and olive oil tasting. They are always happy to share their experience and that of their olive customers with their guests. In addition, you can also taste some of their award-winning wines. Both their oils and wines are certified organic

by California Certified Organic Farmers.

WHERE: 14160 Mountain House Rd., Hopland MORE INFO: 707-744-1114, TerraSavia.com

65 Real Goods Solar Living Center

RealGoods.com

Specializing in Education, inspiration and environmentally-friendly products, the 12-Acre Real Goods Solar Living Center offers a great place on Hwy 101 to break up your road trip. The Center, just south of Hopland, features a picnic area, three different ponds, a children’s play area that’s fun and educational, tours and shopping. Children can burn off excess energy while learning a bit about solar power, or the whole family can just relax in the shade for a picnic lunch. For those who have a serious interest, take the 45-minute tour and learn how wind and the sun can be converted to clean, renewable energy. Check out the organic garden, permaculture landscape, the many types of ecofriendly building materials and the passive and active solar design incorporated into the architecture. There are many other interesting landscape features as well, like the bamboo pyramid and organic microfarm.

TERRA SÁVIA certified organic artisan wines and olive oils

tasting room • picnic areas art gallery • event center olive tree nursery • olive mill vineyard vacation rental

RealGoods.com

The heart of the 12-acre site is the straw bale retail store which features perhaps the best selection of English-language green books available anywhere, plus organic clothing and housewares, green alternatives for a clean and healthy home, great toys and gifts for children, solar consultants for your on- or off-grid solar projects, and much, much more.

Real Goods is open seven days a week year-round, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always there to help, or just to say hello while you browse.

Call ahead to arrange a tour, or just drop in. There is a requested entry donation of $2 per vehicle.

WHERE: 13771 S. Hwy 101, Hopland MORE INFO: 707-472-2403, SolarLiving.org

14160 Mountain House Road Hopland, CA 95449 (707) 744-1114 TerraSavia.com GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 38.959988 | Longitude: -123.115634

• • • • • •

Open Every Day! Renewable Energy Education Guided Tours Picnics, Ponds and Playgrounds!

Educational Displays Healthy Snacks

• • • • • •

BioDynamic-Wine Tasting from Frey Vineyards Worlds Largest Strawbale Store Organic, Fair Trade Coffee and Tea Huge Selection of Eco-Books Solar Parts, Panels and Systems!

We Wrote the Book on 13771 S. Hwy 101 Solar Living!

Hopland, CA 95449 707-472-2403 www.realgoods.com

50 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

MENDOCINO INLAND

U

Ukiah

Fabulous Flashback Car Show & Poker Run in September, VisitUkiah.com

Arts Council of Mendocino County

kiah is the Mendocino County seat and its largest city. First settled in 1856, Ukiah began to grow in 1889 with the arrival of the railroad. Now its population is approximately 16,000, while that of the greater Ukiah area numbers about 35,000. Framed in a deep mountain valley, Ukiah is a beautiful destination that combines a wealth of natural resources with an independent character.

Off the beaten path, Ukiah’s unique setting, spirit and people inspire you to explore further.

For those seeking to escape urban angst and experience life in a more relaxed environment, Ukiah offers a getaway rich with activity, creativity and small town charm. With countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, good food and drink, year-round events and cultural attractions, Ukiah has something for everyone. And, unlike any city named anything else, its name spelled backwards is “haiku.”

Things To Do Lake Mendocino is 5 miles north of Ukiah on Hwy 20, east of Hwy 101. Visitors to the lake enjoy wake boarding, water skiing, jet skiing, camping and fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Nearby recreational areas include Low Gap Regional County Park, Mill Creek County Park, Cow Mountain Recreation Area and Montgomery Woods State Reserve. There are city parks within Ukiah with playgrounds, picnic areas and other services. Todd Grove Park, located on Park Blvd., features a public swimming pool, playground and picnic areas amid tall redwoods.

For musical enjoyment, Ukiah offers Mendocino Ballet, Ukiah Civic Light Opera, Ukiah Community Concert Association, Ukiah Symphony and the Ukiah Players Theatre. Mendocino College Center Theater also has a 400-seat theater in its state-of-the-art performing arts facility. Parducci Wine Cellars and Rivino Winery offer live music in the summer.

© E. Raybee

We’re Growing the ARTS!

County-wide ARTS CALENDAR & more at: www.ArtsMendocino.org

Events & Festivals • First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Ukiah, ArtWalkUkiah.org; Ukiah Farmers’ Market, Saturdays year-round, MCFarm.org • January-February — Mendocino Crab & Wine Days • January-April — Downtown Comedy Series • May — Cinco De Mayo Celebration; Potter Valley Rodeo & Community Expo; Pastels in the Plaza • June — Ukiah Valley Artists Co-op Art Fair; A Taste of Downtown (Beer, Wine & Other Beverage Tastings) • June-August — Sundays in the Park, Todd Grove Park

• June-October — Parducci Acoustic Café, Parducci.com; Live music at Rivino Vineyards, Rivino.com • July — 4th of July Picnic in the Park at Todd Grove Park • August — Redwood Empire Fair • September — Fabulous Flashback Car Show & Poker Run; Ukiah Valley Artists Co-Op Studio Tour • October — PumpkinFest, Downtown Ukiah Fair • November — Mendocino Wine & Mushroom Fest • December — A Small Town Christmas MORE INFO: VisitUkiah.com

open daily • lunch • dinner • cocktails 130 W. Standley, Ukiah 707/462-9181 www.patronarestaurant.com

Coming soon, four doors down, Patrona’s little sister: fast, casual, globally inspired, locally sourced food and full craft bar.

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

101Things.com • Mendocino County 51

In the Heart of Picturesque Mendocino County...

Spas

PEACH

ST

GOBBI STREET EXIT

PA R CT K

STELLA

PERKINS STREET EXIT

EL RIO CT

an

To Hopland

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BABCOCK

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ST GOBBI

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ST CHURCH ST PERKINS

LESLIE

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ST MILL

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MARS

Oak Manor Park OAK MANOR

DR

LN

approx. 2 miles To Vichy Springs on Vichy Springs Rd.

MAIN MAP:

1 Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant

6 Rivino Winery and Tasting Room

2 Mendocino Brewing 3 Comfort Inn and Suites

7 Quality Inn 8 Super 8 Motel - Ukiah 9 Best Western Orchard Inn

4 Hampton Inn

10 Vichy Springs

Ale House

5 Fairfield Inn and Suites

• Free High Speed

Wi-Fi

• Satellite TV

with Premium Channels

• Extended Stay

Lodgings with Kitchens

• Banquet/

Conference Room with Full Kitchen

UkiahDiscoveryInn.com 52 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

10

Map Key AIRPORT INSET MAP:

• FREE HOT BREAKFAST • Swimming Pool • Restaurant • Free High Speed Internet

SMITH ST

Rd Talmage

AVE

HILLCREST

HILLVIEW AVE

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ST THOMAS

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APPLE

Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House Sun House Park

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• Indoor Heated

MAIN ST

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To Talmage

OAK ST

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Hot Breakfast

C re e k

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3 mi.

PINE ST

See Downtown Map page 55

MARLENE

➠

TALMAGE ROAD EXIT

BUSH ST

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PLUM DR

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• Complimentary

BARBARA ST

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FRNT

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➠

1340 N. State St. Ukiah, CA 95482 707-462-8873

S AVE FREITA

AVE LUCE

AVE

WASHINGTON AVE

Y OBSERVATOR

RUPE ST TALMAGE RD

TALMAGE

To Hopland, Santa Rosa

HASTINGS

Beautifully Renovated — Ukiah’s Finest Lodging

Civic Center

CAROLYN ST

See Airport Map inset above

LORRAINE

SPRING

DORA ST

OAK ST

BETTY ST

BLVD

ST

HORTENSE

POMOLITA

LOUISE CT

ES ST

HOPE

Yokayo School

SOUTH STATE ST

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FRONTAGE RD

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OAK PARK AV

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THOMPSON ST

BARN

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ST

1140 Airport Park Blvd, Ukiah 707-463-3600 Fax: 1-707-463-3601

ST

WAUGH LN

AIRPORT PARK

FairfieldInnSuitesUkiah.com

EASTLICK

CT

Exit 548A

ALICE AVE North

7

PERRY ST

MILL

GARDENS AVE

ALICE AVE

MULBERRY ST

DR

CLAY

LUCE

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HIGHLAND CT ND HIGHLA

Anton Stadium

D AVE

SO STEPHEN

AVE

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Ukiah Municipal Airport

VD BL 4

rk Airport Pa Blvd

NOKOMIS

HASTINGS AVE

Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi Free Satellite TV with HBO Channels Suites with Whirlpool Tubs Indoor Heated Pool and Spa Spacious Guest Rooms, Well-lit Work Areas Business Center • Fitness Center Guest Laundry • Free Hotel Parking In-Room Hair Dryer, Iron and Ironing Board

BA

3

HASTINGS AVE

• • • • • • • •

Old Country Road N

2

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MENDOCINO DR

COCHRANE AVE

1

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CHERRY ST

SAN JACINTA

Only 110 miles north of San Francisco Right off Highway 101

REDWOOD A V E

Ukiah MENDOCINO PL Municipal Airport A ir po rt R d

Y STANDLE

Hastings Ave

UKIAH

AIRPORT INSET

The Best Value Under The Sun.

(standard or wireless)

• Direct TV in Rooms

(over 120 Channels, 5 HBO)

• Environmentally Friendly Microwave ~ Refrigerator ~ Hairdryer ~ Coffee Maker • Pet Friendly

707-462-7584 • 950 N. State Street, Ukiah

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

MASON ST

CHARLETON

BURLINGTON

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LN

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AVE

MYRON

ORR

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TOKAY

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IRVINGTON DR

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ELM ST

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Redwood Empire Fair Grounds

STATE STREET EXIT

17

➠ ➠ 19

11 mi.

To Redwood Valley, Willits

ST

MYRON PL BRUNNER ST

ST

AVE CHABLIS CT RIESLING PL CHARDONNAY

SHERRY DR

FORD RD

NORTH

EMPIRE

CAPPS LN

DR

MAZZONI RD

ARLINGTON

MAGNOLIA ST

RD LOW GAP

BRUSH ST

EVANS ST

FORD ST JOSEPH

HAMILTON HOSPITAL DR

Vinewood Park

13 14 15

ST SIDNIE

SIDNIE

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CT

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12

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SAUVIGNON

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Ukiah Valley Medical Center

GIBSON

RUDDOCK

NORTON ST

SCOTT SNUFFIN

MORRIS MAIN ST

K OA

SCHOOL

MILLVIE

LOCKWOOD

PINE ST

CABERNET

BUSH ST DONNER

Frank Zeek School

CT

SIRAH

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C re

Mendocino County Governmental Complex

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Ukiah High School

DESPINA

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ek

AVE

MAPLE AVE JACKSON AVE

Pomilita School CYPRESS AVE

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UKIAH MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

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UKIAH MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

AVE

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TODD GROVE MUNICIPAL E PARK AV K OA E LIV

CYPRESS

BL VD

KP

HENRY ST

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Giorno Park

Pear Tree Center

• Free Hot American Breakfast • Free High Speed Internet • Free Coffee • Free Local Calls • Kids Stay Free (under 18) • Nonsmoking Rooms • Handicapped Rooms • Fridge, Microwave • Heated Pool & Spa • Guest Laundry • Remote Cable TV w/HBO, CNN, ESPN, Pay Per View

UKIAH

Take off

Must show ad at check-in.

Based on availability.

Not available with any other discounts or 1-2 Persons/1-2 Beds during special events.

10%

TravelodgeUkiah.com 707-462-5745 • 1720 N. State St. Ukiah

101 Rus

Close To Redwoods, Lake Mendocino, Golfing, Casinos and Vineyards

sian

Riv

CENTRAL UKIAH

er

Northbound 101, exit N. State St. • Southbound 101, exit N. State St. left, Inn on left

NOT ALL STREETS SHOWN • MAP NOT TO SCALE ©2015 101 Things To Do®

11 • Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce • UkiahVisitor Center

15 Pacific Outfitters 16 • Discovery Inn • Wing Stop Ukiah

12 Ruen Tong Restaurant 13 Walter Café

17 Travelodge 18 Parducci

14 Days Inn

19 Coyote Valley Casino

BEST WESTERN

Orchard Inn UKIAH

• Outdoor Pool & Spa • LED TVs • Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Pet-Friendly • Corporate Rates • Free Ample Truck Parking

555 S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah, CA 95482 • 707-462-1514 • Fax 707-462-1237 Reservations: 1-888-894-9903 • www.BestWesternUkiah.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

• Free Wi-Fi • 39" LCD TV • Picnic area • Outdoor pool • Free local calls • Pet-friendly rooms • In-room micro, refrig

UKIAH

Full-Service Inn Close to Local Attractions

Complimentary Q Breakfast

Hot • Fresh • Healthy

Reservations: 707-462-2906 • QualityInnUkiah.com 1050 South State Street • Hwy 101, Exit 548A / Talmage

Award winning Green Hotel

SUPER 8 UKIAH

693 South Orchard Ave, Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 468-8181 • www.super8ukiah.com

Super 8 Ukiah sets the standard for environmentally-friendly, energy efficient lodging with modern luxuries powered by renewable energy.

Free EV Charging Station • Free High Speed Wireless Internet Swimming Pool and Heated Spa • Pillow Top King Size Beds 40” LED TV with Media Hub featuring 100 HD Channels Complimentary SuperStart® HOT Breakfast with Organic Coffee & Tea In-House Family Dinner (Room Service Available) • Guest Laundry

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

101Things.com • Mendocino County 53

Ukiah

66 Sundays in the Park Free Concert Series

Ukiah’s “Sundays In The Park” free concert series has been going strong since 1991. Presenting performances by artists from such diverse genres as blues, classical, country, salsa, soul, rock and swing, each of the summer’s six free concerts draws an average of over 3,000 music fans to beautiful Todd Grove Park.

SpacePerformingArts.org

67 SPACE

SPACE, [Laurel] Near and [Paulette] Arnold’s School of Performing Arts and Education, is a thriving center of theatre, culture and education for children, ages infant through 18, and their families. It is a place where young people learn to act, sing and dance, but more than that, it is a safe space where children can explore and grow. Mutual respect, cooperation, independent decision-making, self-discipline and self-confidence are all reinforced and fostered.

SPACE offers a year-round program. Forty percent of participating families receive some financial assistance for tuition. Support comes from the community, through fundraising events, donations and grants. SPACE has been awarded and recognized by statewide foundations, and is a living example of the power of art to affect individuals and communities. Performances are held periodically throughout the year; contact SPACE for dates, times and ticket information.

WHERE: 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-462-9370, SpacePerformingArts.org

VisitUkiah.com

The concerts feature artists from around the world and just down the road. Pack a picnic, or indulge yourself with great food from vendors offering everything from barbecue tri-tip to sushi. Bring a blanket and gather with family, friends and neighbors to enjoy top notch performers while being part of the greater Ukiah community. Pets and smoking are prohibited within the main event area. Bring low-back chairs only, and personal BBQs are only allowed at the picnic table areas. Concerts begin at 6 p.m.

WHERE: 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-463-6231, CityOfUkiah.com/sundays-in-the-park/

at OCO E to e c a l P st e B The the West Coast on

68 Grace Hudson Museum

The Grace Hudson Museum features the best of the region’s art, history and anthropology. Exhibits in the museum range in subject matter from Native American culture and Northern California coast history to the works of contemporary artists.

ENOTECA photo by Gregg Gardiner

ly

d Vegetarian Frien

Il Dolce Far Niente

OCO TIME Restaurant California Japanese Cuisine 107 & 111 W. Church St, Ukiah • Reservations • 707•462•2422

“the sweetness of doing nothing wines from local boutique wineries and a unique selection from Italy in a warm, intimate atmosphere menu of charcuterie offerings, northern California cheeses and olive oils

Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30-2:15 Dinner Mon-Thu 5:30-8:30 Dinner Fri-Sat 5:30-9:00 Don’t have time to sit down? Please go to IT’S TIME for Grab & Go Mini Market Mon-Fri 11-6:30 Sat 11-5

Online Menu... OCOTIME.com 54 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

106 W Church St. in Ukiah www.enoteca.me 707-972-5541 darcieantle@gmail.com

The primary focus of the museum is the magnificent work of Grace Carpenter Hudson.

She painted some of the most brilliant oil paintings of the Pomo Indians that have ever graced a canvas. The museum features over 30,000 related objects, including historical photographs and Pomo Indian artifacts. The building sits on a beautiful four-acre park with shaded picnic areas and a basket garden that grows all of the materials that the Pomo Indians used for their basket making. Also located on the grounds is the Sun House, the former Hudson residence. It was originally designed by Grace Hudson and her husband, and is still furnished with their unique collection of furnishings and décor. Guided tours of the Sun House are offered and depart from the museum. Admission fees are nominal, and entry is free on the first Friday of every month. There is also a delightful gift shop. Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. Closed major holidays.

WHERE: 431 S. Main St., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-467-2836, GraceHudsonMuseum.org

69 Ukiah Valley Conference and Visitor Center

The Ukiah Valley Conference Center is a great place for planning and hosting an upcoming event. The Center is a state-of-the-art meeting facility, offering a variety of spaces able to accommodate groups as small as five or as large as 600 people. Located in beautiful downtown Ukiah, this modern center has every amenity to make your next social or professional gathering a success. There is an on-site kitchen. The Center is conveniently located within walking distance of restaurants and specialty shops for dining and shopping needs. There are also several shops located directly on the premises, including a specialty marketplace for local foods, gifts baskets, unique gifts, garden accessories and a coffee bar. Adjacent to the center is the Alex R. Thomas Jr. Plaza, great for hosting outdoor ceremonies and special events.

The Event Coordinator can arrange planning and set-up for events from small meetings to large banquets. The Conference Center staff is trained to assist event needs from start to finish, at any level. This Conference Center can provide audio visual equipment, pull-down and freestanding projection screens, video and slide projectors, as well as tabletop or freestanding 40-watt amplified podiums. This equipment can be provided free of charge — just notify the Center of your special needs in advance. The Ukiah Visitor Center is also located in the building and features Ukiah and surrounding area information, plus up-to-date event information.

WHERE: 200 S. School St., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-463-6700, CityOfUkiah.com/uvcc; 707-467-5766, VisitUkiah.com (click on Groups & Meetings) Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

GIB SO N

MASON ST

SMITH

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POST OFFICE

13

10

14

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STANDLEY

courtesy of the City of Ukiah 1 1929 Railroad Depot, Colonial Revival style.

2 The Sun House; 1911, Arts Craftsman style, National Register. Listing, State Landmark.

3 Carnegie Library, Prairie School style, 1914.

4 Ukiah Civic Center, Mission Revival style, originally in 1922 as the town’s grammar school.

5 C. Hofman home, National Registry, Eastlake style, 1889.

6 Old City Hall, 1913-1987, corner Church and School Sts. 7 Masonic Lodge, Classic style with cut brick facade, 1924, corner of Perkins & School Sts. 8 Ukiah Republican Press Building, RevivalRenaissance style, 1928, glazed terra cotta tiles.

9 Courthouse Annex Beaux-Arts style, 1928 with Indian limestone added to original 1872 courthouse.

10 100 block of Standley St.; first commercially developed area during 1859-1883 era.

11 Palace Hotel, National Registry, corner Smith and N. State Sts., First built in 1891, a mixture of styles.

12 Lamb’s Inn, Four Square style, built in 1915 as a quality boarding house; now offices.

13 Gillespie Building, a commercial block from 239-255 N. State St., built after the 1890 fire.

14 Oddfellows Lodge, Italianate style, 1882.

15 White Building, 1906, the only structure in Ukiah that was significantly damaged by the 1906 earthquake; 111-115 N. State St. 16 The block was developed by the Mark’s family, originally with four buildings, Laura Scudder (of potato chip fame) ran a café in this block called Little Davenport, 100 block of W. Perkins St. 17 Mendocino County Public Library, the site of the first white settlers’ cabin in Ukiah, 1850.

CRE EK

NORTH MAIN ST

K J

NORTH STATE ST

NORTH OAK ST

NORTH SCHOOL ST

Downtown Ukiah HENRY

Historic Places Map Key

12

9

8

SPACE 2 blocks

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COURT HOUSE

17

A STEPHENSON

5

SOUTH MAIN ST

BC D 6

SOUTH STATE ST

SOUTH OAK ST

CHURCH

16

F

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RAILROAD DEPOT

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SOUTH SCHOOL ST

PERKINS

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Alex Thomas Plaza

NOT ALL STREETS SHOWN • MAP NOT TO SCALE ©2015 101 Things To Do®

3 CLAY

12th Anniversar y

362 N. State St. Ukiah

(707) 463-8444 Open Mon-Sat 10-6 Sundays 11-3

Buy

* Sell * Trade

Village Books Literature n Antiquarian Mysteries n History SciFi and lots more

344 N State St. Ukiah 707-468-5355

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5:30pm

www.villagebooks-ukiah.com

Art Center Ukiah Corner Gallery

2

4

TATTOO & PIERCING

Map Key

Walk-Ins Welcome

F Corner Gallery, Art Center Ukiah G Patrona Restaurant & Lounge H • Shoefly and Sox

A Conference Center

• Visitor Center • Main Street Program

Custom or Flash • Always Sterile Always Friendly

Open 7 Days a Week

• Boutique 120

B Haiku Activewear C Enoteca Wine Bar D OCO Time Restaurant and It’s Time Sushi Grab & Go

E Accent Tattoo

I J K L

207 S. State St., Ukiah 707-462-6884 Mon – Sat 11am – 8pm Sun 11am – 6pm

Chop Chop Village Books dig! music SPACE Performing Arts Center Classes for ages Infant to 18

for men & women

Dance Acting & Singing

AccentTattoo.com

fine footwear, handbags and gifts in Historic Downtown Ukiah

• clothing • accessories • gifts

120 West Standley St. Downtown Ukiah 707.472.0120 boutique120.com Insta

where luxury and casual meet...

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

TOMS • Frye • UGG • Born • Clarks Keen • Naot • Josef Seibel • Jambu Teva • El Naturalista • Arcopedico Rieker • Baggallini…and many more Near & Arnold’s School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education 508 W. Perkins St. Ukiah • 707-462-9370 www.spaceperformingarts.org

120 West Standley Street, Ukiah 707.463.6933 www.shoeflyandsox.com find us on facebook

An Artist Cooperative Purchase Local Art Talk to the Artists Tues-Sat 11-5 or by appointment First Friday every month 5-8 pm 201 South State, Ukiah cornergalleryukiah.com

707 462-1400

Haiku Activewear

Comfortable clothing for street to studio, performance & style, women & men • PrAna • Moving Comfort • Lucy • Zobha ..

• LoLe • Marika

180 West Church St.

(707) 467-9719 Tues. - Sat. • 11-6pm

Across from OCO Time in Ukiah

101Things.com • Mendocino County 55

Ukiah

70 Redwood Valley Wineries

Mendocino County is a wonderful grape-growing and wine-producing area. The county’s wine-growing areas can be divided into ten distinct regions, one of which is the Redwood Valley. Every June on Father’s Day weekend, A Taste of Redwood Valley brings wine, food, arts and crafts, and fun to the area. The region starts near the city of Calpella (north of Ukiah) and extends north between Potter Valley and the new Eagle Peak AVA. Here, many distinctive wines are crafted, from deep, rich reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfadel to crisp Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs.

Organic vineyards are maintained throughout the area and produce unique, flavorful wine grapes. Small wineries produce their own specialty wines that you will enjoy sampling and tasting at the many different tasting rooms throughout the region. For more information, see our wine section starting on page 38.

MORE INFO: Mendocino County Visitors Center, 866-466-3636; ATasteOfRedwoodValley.com; MendoWine.com/wineries/appellations-info.php Acoustic Café at Parducci, Parducci.com

71 Parducci Wine Cellars & Acoustic Café

Visit Parducci Wine Cellars and experience Mendocino County’s oldest winery.

Taste the wines that wine critic Dan Berger called “...better than ever, most following the style set down decades ago by John Parducci.” Tours are available on request; lunch and picnic items are served in the tasting room and can be enjoyed on a beautiful patio overlooking the Mayacamas mountain range. Tasting room hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the summer months attend Parducci’s Acoustic Café on select Saturday evenings to enjoy a concert series featuring dining and dancing in a beautiful outdoor setting. As always, the schedule includes a wide range of musical styles. This year enjoy Earl Thomas (R&B Soul), Levi Loyd & Friends (Funk R&B), McKenna Faith (Country), Dgiin (French Gypsy Swing), Bill Noteman and the Rockets (Chicago Jump Blues) and the Ford Blues Band (High Octane Blues). Check “Upcoming Events” on Parducci.com’s “Visit Us” page for exact dates and ticket information. Parducci’s also has event space available to rent for special occasions.

WHERE: 501 Parducci Rd., Ukiah, just north of Ukiah on the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit from Hwy 101 MORE INFO: see wine section starting page 38, 707-463-5357, Parducci.com

Wa lter Café in beautiful UKIAH

• Steak • Seafood, Sushi • Home-made Pasta • Home-made Bistro Style Pizza • Cocktails

72 Vichy Springs Mineral Hot Springs Resort

Mendocino County boasts some of the best natural hot springs in the world.

Particularly notable are the carbonated hot springs at Vichy Springs Mineral Hot Springs Resort and Country Inn, a unique 161-year-old historic hot springs resort only two hours north of downtown San Francisco. It has the only naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths in North America. Its soothing 90-degree sparkling waters have drawn famous names throughout the decades. Mark Twain, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, Teddy Roosevelt and Ulysses S. Grant have all enjoyed the relaxing and clarifying properties of its unique waters.

Credit Cards Accepted

920 N. State Street • (707) 462-2080 Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 5-10pm • Sat-Sun Noon-4pm & 5-10pm

www.waltercafeukiah.com

The Best Thai Cuisine In Northern California

Ruen Tong

Thai Cuisine Patio Dining Available Elegant Atmosphere Take Out • No MSG

801 N. State Street, Ukiah • 707-462-0238 • RuenTong.com

Open 7 Days a Week 11am - 9:30pm 56 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

VichySprings.com

Vichy Hot Springs is the best of two worlds, a country inn and a hot springs resort open every day for day use or overnight stays. Included with overnight rooms and cottages are breakfast in the morning, full use of the naturally carbonated mineral baths and hot pool at any time, Olympic size pool in season, and 700 acres of hiking trails. Day use is available every day from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and includes the naturally carbonated mineral baths, hot pool, Olympic size swimming pool, and the property, just as if one were staying the night. Massage therapy, facials and hot stone massage are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for both overnight and day use guests.

WHERE: 2605 Vichy Springs Rd., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-462-9515, VichySprings.com

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Mineral Hot Springs Resort & Country Inn www.vichysprings.com

Famous Champagne Baths, Overnight Accommodations and Day Use See why Jack London, Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Robert Louis Stevenson and many other distinguished guests fell in love with this resort.

Welcoming visitors and world-wide travelers for 161 years 18 well-appointed rooms and 8 private cottages available for overnight stays

Indulge in first class spa treatments

California Historic Landmark No. 980 North America’s only warm, naturally carbonated “Vichy” baths, famous worldwide Mineral hot pool and Olympic-size pool

Massage, Facials, Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology Treatments No reservation needed for day use

700 acre private reserve for walking, hiking and rejuvenation

2605 Vichy Springs Rd, Ukiah 707-462-9515 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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Burritos Tacos Enchiladas Chimichangas Chile Rellenos Fajitas Nachos Seafood Plates Sopes Tortas

Family Owned All Fresh Ingredients Park Falls Plaza, Ukiah

Open Daily 9 am to 9 pm

“Most Beautiful Hotel and Best Service in all Mendocino County.”

We Use Only Corn Oil Imported Beer & Wine Breakfast Served All Day

Stay in Comfort

Ukiah

73 Lake Mendocino

in Ukiah... the Heart of Mendocino County Close to Wineries, Casinos, Lake Mendocino, Golf Course, Ukiah Convention Center

From mountain-view rooms with private balconies to elegant, romantic suites with a fireplace and whirlpool Complimentary High-Speed Internet and Full Hot Breakfast Heated Pool in Private Garden Setting Fitness Room ~ Business Center Meeting Rooms Over 1800 sqft Banquet Room

Hampton Inn Ukiah

1160 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah 707-462-6555 www.ukiah.hamptoninn.com

58 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Set amid the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley, Lake Mendocino was formed in 1958 by the construction of the Coyote Valley Dam on the Russian River. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pine trees forest the area, offering intermittent shade and premium bird and wildlife habitat. The 1,900+ acre lake and its environs offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, water-skiing, fishing, hiking, camping and horseback riding. Anglers will find sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino. The Lake Mendocino Disc Golf Course offers 18 holes between its north and south courses. There are playgrounds for children at the Bushay and Chekaka campgrounds, and a horse staging area is located near the Kaweyo Trailhead.

WHERE: 8 miles northeast of Ukiah off Hwy 101 on Hwy 20 (Bushay) or 5 miles northeast of Ukiah off North State Street on Lake Mendocino Drive (Chekaka) MORE INFO: 707-467-4200, 707-462-7581, Mendocino.com/?id=2431

74 Low Gap Regional Park Complimentary Hot Breakfast Swimming Pool Free Wi-Fi Cable/Satellite TV Microwave Refrigerator Guest Laundry Pet-Friendly All Major Credit Cards Accepted

1220 Airport Park Blvd.

707-462-3442 Ukiah www.ComfortInn.com

Low Gap Regional Park is a multi-use public park covering more than 80 acres.

It is situated along Orr Creek, an important tributary of the Russian River and one of three major streams that run through the city of Ukiah. Because access to all of these streams is extremely limited, access to Orr Creek is one of the most noteworthy features of this park, along with its extensive recreational development.

The upper reaches of Low Gap Regional Park serve as a woodland preserve. Here you will find nature trails that allow you to explore and enjoy the beauty of the area in its natural state. One of the trails will take you past a vernal pool (a small seasonal wetland). You may observe the pool from the trail, but please stay out of it; it is a very fragile and special environment.

The developed part of the park includes tennis courts, playgrounds, an archery range, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, a covered picnic area, and an amphitheater for small concerts, plays and other performances. There is also a one-acre community dog park, a fenced area designated for off-lease use by residents and visitors and their dogs. It offers shade, benches, water and disposal facilities for dog waste, and allows well-mannered canine citizens to exercise and play in a clean and safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife.

WHERE: in the hills west of Ukiah, just across Low Gap Rd. from Ukiah High School.

MORE INFO: www.co.mendocino.ca.us/gs/parks/lowgap.htm and MendoTrails.org/trails/low-gap-park-trails/

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Lake Mendocino, photo by Gregg Gardiner

75 Ukiah Municipal Golf Course

Since 1931 the Ukiah Valley Golf Course has provided countless rounds of golf and numerous tournaments set amid the majestic hills and sloping terrain of Mendocino County. Ukiah is a regulation 18-hole municipal golf course with an “open to the public” policy. It also offers annual memberships, tournaments and instruction.

VisitUkiah.com

From the back tees it offers 5,850 yards of golf at a par 70. With many trees and crisscrossed by sparkling streams, this is a gem of a course. Its signature hole is the 192-yard, par three, third hole. This challenging tee shot dares you to hit the green, despite the bunkers that provide heavy protection and a gully on the right side of the fairway.

This is a wonderful golf course that will not disappoint.

WHERE: 599 Park Blvd., Ukiah (about a mile from the center of town) MORE INFO: 707-467-2832, UkiahGolf.com

76 Ukiah Speedway

Ukiah Speedway is a 1/4 mile asphalt oval racetrack offering pulse-pounding excitement and high-velocity family fun. Come out and see bombers, modifieds, extreme asphalt outlaws, jammers, mini-stocks and more in action.

Like us on Facebook | Facebook.com/CoyoteValleyCasino

UkiahSpeedway.com

Typically a night of racing begins with a Trophy Dash, with the four to six fastest qualifiers in each division racing four to six laps and the winner receiving a trophy.

The second set of races are the Heat Races; the field is divided into two or three groups that race between six and ten laps depending on division, earning money and points and allowing drivers to feel out how their cars are handling prior to the Main Event.

As in the other races, cars in the Main Event run an inverted start, with the fastest cars in the back. This is the feature race, and it begins with qualifying semi-main events.

The top four from those go on to the Main Event, where most of the points are earned and the largest part of the night’s purse is won.

Come visit Ukiah Speedway on the 4th of July and enjoy a fireworks show, too!

WHERE: 1055 N. State St., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-279-9577, UkiahSpeedway.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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Ukiah

78 Montgomery Woods State Reserve

Probably the most remote of California’s 31 redwood parks, this jewel of a natural reserve is a beautiful fern forest that is home to five separate redwood groves that have never been logged. You can access them by walking along a 2-mile loop trail that follows Montgomery Creek. The really dramatic old-growth scenery begins about one third of a mile into the park.

Montgomery Woods is a rarity in that it is home to both of California’s main redwood species, the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendrons giganteum). The former grow along the coast and are the tallest trees in the world; the latter grow at higher altitudes and are older and more massive, though not as tall as the Coast Redwoods. The tallest known tree in the world from 1996 to 2000 grew in Montgomery Woods. Called the Mendocino, it has since been edged out by more recently discovered trees, but remains in the top 10 of the world’s tallest known trees.

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is off the beaten track, but once you get there you will experience one of the world’s true natural wonders. Parts of the reserve are somewhat marshy, so it’s not a bad idea to bring along mosquito repellent if you’re visiting during the summer. The park is open for day use only, and there is no fee.

WHERE: Located about 13 miles west of Ukiah on Orr Springs Rd. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the drive along this picturesque but steep, winding road.

MORE INFO: 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=434

79 Hunting in Mendocino County

Montgomery Woods State Reserve, photo by Shannon Riley, VisitUkiah.com

77 Cow Mountain Recreation Area

Named for the wild longhorn cattle that once roamed there, the 52,000-acre Cow Mountain Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. The terrain is rugged, with steep, chaparral-covered slopes and scattered stands of fir, pine and oak. The elevation varies from 800 to 4,000 feet, and the area offers spectacular views of Ukiah and Clear Lake. Over 30 miles of streams and more than a dozen wildlife reservoirs help make Cow Mountain premium wildlife habitat. The Recreation Area is divided into three very different management sections: South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area emphasizes off-highway vehicle use. Over 120 miles of vehicle trails cross 23,000 acres, and offer challenges to motorcycle, ATV, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts. There are two developed campgrounds and two OHV staging areas.

North Cow Mountain Recreation Area is managed primarily for such non-motorized activities as hunting, hiking, camping, horseback riding and mountain bicycling. There is one developed campground, a designated rifle range and a 17 mile network of hiking trails.

Sheldon Creek Recreation Site is a detached area offering primitive recreational opportunities. It is located near Hopland. North and South Cow Mountain are closer to Ukiah, and are accessed off Talmage Road from Hwy 101 South. There are several entrances. The access roads going into all of these areas are narrow and winding, and travel trailers and large RVs are not recommended.

MORE INFO: 707-468-4000, BLM.gov/ca/ukiah/cowmtn.html

60 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

The wildlife in Mendocino County is diverse and abundant, with quail, wild turkey, bear, pig and blacktail deer, among other species. Mendocino also offers sportsmen many different choices when it comes to where to hunt in the area. There is public land available for hunting, and most of it holds trophy-class game. There are also opportunities to hunt on private land for a fee. You can find information about hunting locally and also pick up hunting supplies at Pacific Outfitters in Ukiah.

Pacific Outfitters has one of the largest selections of hunting rifles and shotguns on the North Coast, and they carry all the major brands. They are also the largest supplier of archery equipment around, and carry compound bows, crossbows, recurves — you name it — and more. Check out their large selection of camouflage and hunter orange clothing, and don’t forget the footwear. Pacific Outfitters carries light and durable boots, perfect for any outdoor conditions you may encounter. Not only is their selection of guns and rifles, archery equipment, camo and outdoor gear one of the largest for several counties around, their staff is made up of seasoned hunting veterans who really know the area.

Be sure to visit them before you start on your hunting adventure.

WHERE: in parts of the Black Butte River watershed near Covelo, Jackson State Forest, Cow Mountain Recreation Area, Mendocino National Forest, Red Mountain Recreational Area, other areas of public land and various private lands.

MORE INFO: Pacific Outfitters, 955 No. State St., Ukiah 707-468-6474, PacificOutfitters.com

Back country near Covelo, BlackButteRiverRanch.com

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LAKE COUNTY

Clear Lake

On Beautiful Historic Clear Lake At the base of Mt. Konocti

LakeCounty.com

photo by Carol Dellinger

L

ake County is a popular California family getaway directly east of Mendocino County. Hwy 20 runs along the northern shore of Clear Lake, the county’s namesake, and offers a continuous view of its sparkling blue waters. You can pick it up about 5 miles north of Ukiah on Hwy 101. From Upper Lake on Hwy 20 you can take Hwy 29 south if you prefer, through Lakeport and Kelseyville to Lower Lake, looping around the lake to the south. At Lower Lake you can pick up Hwy 53 north through Clearlake and complete the loop back to Hwy 20. Throughout Lake County you’ll find friendly communities, outdoor recreation, attractions and activities, beautiful rural scenery and some of the best air quality in the state.

Clear Lake in Lake County is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely inside California, with an elevation of 1,326 feet and over 100 miles of shoreline. It is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in North America. Blue Lakes, Lake Pillsbury and Indian Valley Reservoir are the county’s other major bodies of water. The region is rich with historical and cultural resources in addition to its many recreational opportunities. Archeologists believe that Native Americans have lived in the Clear Lake basin for at least 11,000 years.

It is also a nationally noted destination for both largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, with many fish in the 4 to 6 lb. range, and some up to 10 lbs. or more.

The area features annual community events, festivals and fairs. Visitors can enjoy concerts, sporting events, fishing tournaments, car shows, casinos, farmers’ markets, special presentations and exhibits that provide fun for all ages.

Things To Do: • Wine Tasting • Lake County Museum, Lakeport, 707-263-7918 • Historic Courthouse Museum, Lakeport, Native American displays, 707-263-4555 • Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum, 707-995-3565 • Five golf courses, including one championship 18-hole course • Three casinos (Lakeport, Upper Lake and Middletown) • Lakeport Speedway at the county fairgrounds, LakeportSpeedway.com More Info: LakeCounty.com

• Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, AndersonMarsh.org • Clear Lake State Park, ClearLakeStatePark.org • Mount Konocti County Park, hiking and daily bus tours, no vehicles allowed • Fishing, swimming, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, boating and jet skiing • Camping, hiking, dirt biking, • off-highway vehicle riding, bird watching, areas for hang gliding

Events & Festivals • Ongoing — Fiddler’s Jam Session, every First Sunday, Kelseyville — Kickin’ in the Country, Third Thursdays Jan through Sept, Kelseyville — Lakeport Summer Concerts Series, Fridays • January — Winterfest, Lakeport • February — Wine & Chocolate • February/March — Annual Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament, Lakeport • April — Konocti Cup Sailboat Race, Buckingham — Blue Lakes Trout Derby — Kelseyville Olive Festival • May — Catfish Derby, Clearlake Oaks — Lake County Passion Play, Upper Lake — Memorial Day Parade, Lakeport — Lower Lake Daze Parade & BBQ — Wine Adventure, Countywide — Renaissance Faire, Lower Lake • June — Middletown Days — Home Winemakers Festival, Lakeport MORE INFO: LakeCoChamber.com, LakeCounty.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

• July — Independence Day Festivities, Clearlake Oaks — Cardboard & Duct Tape Boat Regatta & Kinetic Sculpture Racing, Lakeport — Clearlake International Worm Races, Parade & Fireworks — Lake County Rodeo, Lakeport • August — Blue Wing Blues Festival, Upper Lake — A Taste of Lakeport • September — Lake County Fair, — Sea Plane Splash-In, Lakeport — Kelseyville Pear Festival • October — Falling Leaves Quilt Show, Lakeport — Oktoberfest, Lakeport — Konocti Challenge Cycle Tours, Lakeport — Shipwreck (Pirate) Day, Lakeport • November — A Very Merry Main Street, Lakeport • December — Christmas in the Country, Kelseyville — Clearlake Holiday Parade — Upper Lake Holiday Parade

Rooms • Cabins • Suites Marina • Boat Gas Pumps Right on Clear Lake!

C-Store & BBQ Picnic Area

(Formerly known as Ferndale Resort)

www.clvresort.com - 1.877.577.STAY (7829) Just 6 miles from Konocti Vista Casino 6190 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville CA 95451

HORAGE C N A

INN MOT E L On the Lake Walk to Downtown

Completely Refurbished in 2012 with So Many Fun Things To Do

Dock • High-Speed • Wi-Fi • Cable TV Microwave • Mini-Fridge • Kitchen Suites • Guest Laundry Pet Friendly • AAA & Corp Rates Outdoor Pool

AnchorageInnLakeport.com

950 N Main Street, Lakeport

• 707-263-5417

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80 Clear Lake State Park

Clear Lake State Park is on the shores of Clear Lake, California’s largest freshwater lake. The area is popular for water recreation including swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, Sacramento perch, blackfish, carp and channel catfish. Professional bass fishing organizations including U.S. Bass, Cal Bass and Western Bass have designated Clear Lake the nation’s number one bass fishing lake! The current record for a largemouth bass caught there is over 17.5 pounds.

photo by Paula Schultz, PaulasPhotoArt.smugmug.com

Hikers will enjoy the various hiking trails throughout the park. The Indian Nature Trail is self-guided and passes through the site of what was once a Pomo village. The Dorn Trail allows hikers to witness the natural features of the park. The Kelsey Creek Trail is an accessible trail which highlights the waterfowl that inhabit Kelsey Slough.

There are four campgrounds at the park: Cole Creek, Kelsey Creek, Lower Bayview and Upper Bayview. Kelsey Creek campground is open year round. All sites can fit a maximum camper/trailer length of 35 feet. If you do not have a tent or an RV, the park also offers rental cabins. The cabins are located within feet of beautiful Clear Lake. Each cabin has a platform bunk bed (no pad or bedding), wood floors and covered porches. For more information about the cabins or to make reservations go to ReserveAmerica.com or call 707-279-8526.

Stop by the Visitor Center for information while you are at the park. The Visitor Center at Clear Lake State Park features displays that focus on the area’s natural and cultural history, an aquarium exhibiting some of the lake’s fish species, and a gift shop.

WHERE: The entrance to the park is 3.5 miles northeast of Kelseyville on Soda Bay Rd. MORE INFO: 707-279-2267, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473; Visitor Center, 707-279-4293, ClearLakeStatePark.org 62 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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MENDOCINO INLAND

Willits

W

illits, the third largest town in Mendocino County, is located on Hwy 101 approximately 22 miles north of Ukiah.

Willits calls itself “Heart of Mendocino County — Gateway to the Redwoods,” and was incorporated in 1888. In 1911, tracks were extended from the California Western Railway’s Skunk Train to reach Willits.

The former logging train still connects Willits with Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast, and is a favorite attraction for visitors to the area. Willits features excellent retail stores, restaurants, lodging, business and service establishments. Most of the businesses line Hwy 101, but a few can be found on quiet side streets. The town itself is set amid the beautiful rolling hills and forests of central Mendocino County.

Events & Festivals

Willits

81 Home of Seabiscuit

Seabiscuit, the legendary race horse and subject of a 2003 motion picture, lived and is buried at Ridgewood Ranch along Hwy 101 in Willits. In 1936 San Francisco auto salesman Charles Howard paid $8,000 for Seabiscuit and hired trainer Tom Smith and jockey Red Pollard to race him. Together they turned a moderately successful 3-year-old, regarded by many as lazy, into a champion and one of the greatest racehorses in history. They seemed to embody the American spirit, and gave hope to millions of Americans during the Great Depression. With one victory after another, Seabiscuit helped lift the spirits of our country’s struggling and often despairing citizens, and became one of the greatest icons of his era.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed to promote the cultural legacy of Ridgewood Ranch, the home and final resting place of this legendary racehorse. Through historic preservation, environmental conservation and public education, the foundation’s ultimate goal is to create a living museum by continuing Ridgewood’s 150-year history as a working ranch. Individuals and groups are welcome to take a guided tour of Ridgewood Ranch, Seabiscuit’s stud barn (named a US National Historic Site in January of 2014), and Charles Howard’s historic craftsman-style ranch house. To schedule a reservation or for individuals interested in contributing to the preservation and conservation of Ridgewood Ranch, call or visit its website.

WHERE: 16200 N. Hwy 101, Willits MORE INFO: 707-459-5992, SeabiscuitHeritage.org

Adam’s Restaurant 50 S. Main St. Hwy 101, Willits

Descendants of Seabiscuit frolicking at Ridgewood Ranch, photo by Ree Slocum, photos courtesy SeabiscuitHeritage.org

• Thursday Farmers’ Market — May to October at City Park and November to April at Little Lake Grange, 3–6pm, MCFarm.org • January — Crab and Wine Festival • June — Hometown Celebration • June/July — Willits Frontier Days, week-long 4th of July Celebration with Rodeo, Carnival, Parade • August — Kinetic Carnivale, KineticCarnivale.com • October — Hometown Celebration • November — Beer, Wine and Mushroom Festival, Mendocino.com/mendocinowine-mushroom-festival.html • December — Christmas Train MORE INFO: Willits.org

Baechtel Creek Inn

Hot Breakfast Pool Hot Tub Full Spa Skunk Train Packages Available

Unique Lodging in a Quiet Creekside Setting at the Gateway to the Redwoods in Willits

707/456-9226

Fresh Caught Fish Grass Fed Beef Organic Chicken Fresh Local Vegetables.

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800-459-9911 BAECHTELCREEKINN.COM 101 GREGORY LANE, WILLITS 101Things.com • Mendocino County 63

Willits

82 Historic Skunk Train

For a glimpse of days gone by, take a trip on Mendocino County’s famous Skunk Train. From the restored historic rail cars to the dramatic views of majestic redwood forests, scenic upland meadows, and the pristine mountain waters of Northern California, what you will experience is largely unchanged from the way things were in the late 1800s.

The Skunk Train offers a wide selection of rides, including half-day trips, overnight trips, a sunset BBQ excursion, trips that include camping or kayaking, and even — if you make your reservations early enough — a chance to ride in the engine’s cab with the engineer and the fireman! There are also special event trips, some of them holiday-themed. Excursions begin in Willits or Fort Bragg, and depending on which trip you choose, will either bring you back to your starting point or all the way to the end of the line. Departing from Willits and traveling to Northspur (the midway point), your train will climb the Eastern slope of the California Coast Range, cutting through it at Tunnel No. 2 (Summit) before descending into the Noyo River Canyon. This is the mountainous part of the railroad line, in which 8.5 miles of track cover a straight-line distance of less than one mile.

If you continue through to Fort Bragg, your train will snake along SkunkTrain.com the Noyo River, zigzagging through the redwood forests of Noyo River Canyon, down to Pudding Creek estuary, where you might sight blue heron, egrets, osprey, ducks, and the occasional lounging turtle.

Ready to eat SUSHI ROLLS WHERE: Skunk Train Willits Depot, 299 E. Commercial St., Willits MORE INFO: 707-964-6371, SkunkTrain.com freshly made every minute!

Did you know Sushi is not just Raw Fish?

IT’S TIME Willits o!

G & b a r G i sh Su

Also try our Self Styled HOT NOODLE BAR! And...check out our

HEALTHY CONVENIENT FOOD STORE 35 East Commercial Street, Willits Next to the Movie Theater

Mon-Fri 11am-7pm • Closed Sat & Sun

707•459•2621

Call ahead of time to avoid a long waiting time

For a full service meal, try our mother kitchen, OCO TIME in Ukiah!

Online Menu... OCOTIME.com

83 Willits Frontier Days

Spend the Fourth of July in the Old West at the week-long Fourth of July celebration known as Willits Frontier Days. This event stars California’s oldest continuous rodeo. The 2015 celebration will mark the 89th year of this authentic western event.

The rodeo and a full week of events draw people from all over California and the world. Willits Frontier Days was started by the American Legion in 1926 with the intention of raising money to build a hospital for the town. In 1932 the reins were handed over to the Willits Volunteer Fire Department, and since 1950 it’s been run by the Willits Frontier Days Association, a nonprofit organization of businessmen and ranchers raising funds for community projects.

The main event is the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CCPRA) Rodeo. This is rodeo at its finest, featuring some of the finest cowboy talent in California. It’s got the right stuff: bull riding, bulldogging, bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping and more, plus all the dust, sweat and excitement anyone could want. Live professional rodeo is a spectator sport like no other in America, and in Willits it’s clear the Old West is still alive and kicking. This is the real deal.

Centered around this semi-professional, top competition are a traditional rodeo parade, rodeo sweetheart competition, junior rodeo, gymkhana, old-time carnival, classic western dance, cowboy barbecue and breakfast, cowboy poetry, a truck-pull, and a classic shoot-out by the Black Bart Gunfighters. Get a hat (no horse or cattle needed) and come be a cowboy or cowgirl for a week!

MORE INFO: 707-459-6330, WillitsFrontierDays.com

photo by Steve Eberhard

The Book Juggler Books 80,000 Used in Stock!

BUY - SELL - TRADE 1 8 2 S . Ma i n S t , Wi l l i t s

(707) 459-4075 www.thebookjuggler.com

OPEN 64 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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600 S. Main St. Willits, CA 95490 (707) 472-7412 Open: M - F: 11 am - 6 pm Sat: Noon - 5 pm

Gems Jewelry Geodes Minerals Fossils Beads Crystals

D AY S A W E E K !

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Starchild Chocolate

A Willits Tradition Since 1901

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Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

207 South Main St, WILLITS 707-459-2444

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NOT ALL STREETS SHOWN MAP NOT TO SCALE ©2015 101 Things To Do®

Al’s Redwood Room is the oldest continually operated business in Willits.

The Redwood Room got its name when it was part of the Willits Hotel, which was constructed in 1902. It became Al’s Redwood Room in the early 1950s when it was owned by Al Greenburg, who had an Al’s Redwood Room neon sign made and hung on the outside of the establishment.

The Redwood Room has survived several fires, three location changes, Prohibition and the ownership of multiple proprietors.

Today at Al’s Redwood Room, along with all the qualities of a historic tavern, you’ll also find American and Thai food, and the old 1950s sign restored to its original splendor.

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1-800-376-3104 www.starchildchocolate.com 101 N. Main St Willits, Ca 95490 101Things.com • Mendocino County 65

84 Willits Skate Park

The Willits Skate Park was the first skate park in Mendocino County. What began when organizers approached the Willits City Council in 2000 finally became a reality at its grand opening in June, 2005. The council initially declined to function as lead agency, so consequently the Willits Skate Park Association, an adult volunteer service group, formed. It raised money, mobilized people, and got the ball rolling. The vast community effort that ensued was truly a testament to what can be accomplished when enough people follow through on a big idea.

The finished product was an 18,500-square foot cement skate park, one of Northern California’s premier skate destinations. In the end, over 6,000 man-hours of volunteered time and roughly $800,000 in grants and donated funds helped to make it possible.

Go to skate or just to check out the action. The park welcomes anyone on a skateboard, roller skates or rollerblades. Please note that helmets, elbow pads and knee pads are a must, and drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden, as are fighting and other violent behavior, weapons and tobacco use. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Pacific Standard Time; summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. It is closed during inclement weather.

WHERE: From Hwy 101 turn east onto East Commercial St. The park is about half a mile down on the left-hand side (north side) of the street.

MORE INFO: 707-459-4605, WillitsSkatePark.com

Willits Skate Park, photo by Steve Eberhard, Photocogitator.com

Surprised by an unexpected rain shower? Not a problem. The resort also offers an arcade, games room, and time to catch your breath after trying to keep up with your kids. Besides offering overnight camping in their spacious RV sites, shaded tent sites, or the resort’s cozy “Kamping Kabins,” Willits KOA Camping Resort also offers day use fun.

And for your family reunion, office party, or a birthday bash for someone special, it’s the perfect place to go. If the wide range of activities is a little overwhelming, KOA’s friendly staff will be happy to plan your party for you; after you select the party of your choice, all you need to do is relax and enjoy yourselves.

85 Willits KOA Camping Resort

Located in Northern California’s “Gateway to the Redwoods,” Willits KOA resort features an Old West theme and is laid out on a peaceful country setting with rolling hills and trees. It has something for everyone, including a swimming pool, fishing pond, petting zoo, mini golf, play tower, rental bikes, disc golf course, waterspray park and hiking trails. Their national award-winning summer recreation program includes ice cream socials and live entertainment featuring hula hoop and limbo contests, as well as their ever-popular dances including the chicken dance, macarena, superman, cha cha slide, electric slide, hokey pokey and lots more.

WillitsKOA.com

Willits KOA Camping Resort was the winner of the 2011 KOA President’s Choice Award, awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service. The resort is open all year and dogs are welcome. Contact them to make your reservation.

WHERE: 1600 Hwy 20, Willits MORE INFO: 800-562-8542, WillitsKOA.com

86 Willits’ Family-Friendly City Parks

Our campground resort features an “Old West” theme and is laid out on a peaceful country setting with rolling hills and trees. The campground has something for everyone, including a swimming pool, fishing pond, petting zoo, radio control track, mini golf, playtower, arcade, rental bikes, disc golf course, waterspray park, hiking trails and much more. Our National award winning summer recreation program (caters to kids) includes ice cream socials, and live entertainment featuring hula hoop contests, singing, dancing and karaoke, making our campground the perfect place for family camping.

Visit with your family, plan your family reunion with us, consider group activities or just an overnight visit with us. Our spacious RV sites, shaded tent sites and cozy Kamping Kabins all make our campground attractive to all types of camping needs. Our new Kamping Lodges hold up to 6 people and includes a kitchen and bath for those wanting a little more luxury.

66 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Recreation Grove Park, the largest park in Willits, sits at the corner of Commercial and South Lenore Streets. It includes a stage, arena, covered picnic tables, restrooms, barbecues, a food service building and a playground.

Willits City Park is downtown across from City Hall. Under a canopy of trees you’ll find a playground and the Centennial Monument, the latter dedicated in 1988 in celebration of Willits’ 100 years as an incorporated city. This park is also the location for the weekly Farmers’ Market during summer.

Babcock Park, the smallest park in Willits, is off Hwy 101 adjacent to the Frank Howard Memorial Hospital. There you can stretch your legs under the trees by the fountain, and, should you wish, enjoy a picnic lunch.

Frank Grasse Dog Park, located on E. Commercial St. next to the Willits Skate Park, is a free, off-leash dog park. It is fully fenced, open from dawn until dusk, and offers shade and water.

MORE INFO: 707-459-4601, WillitsCity.com

87 Willits Community Theater

There is nothing quite like the experience of a live theatrical performance.

People who appreciate the dramatic arts flock to the Willits Community Theatre from all over Mendocino County and beyond to see and hear actors live and up close, and feel the interaction between performers and the audience.

Established in 1977, the WCT is proud to present an annual season of new and classic plays every year, as well as ongoing concerts, dance performances and community events. It also offers its stage on a rental basis, collaborating with schools and other groups, and providing a venue for artists to audio and video record their shows in front of an artistically sophisticated live local audience.

WHERE: 37 W. Van Ln., Willits MORE INFO: 707-459-0895, WillitsTheatre.org Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Willits

88 Roots of Motive Power

Take a trip back in time at Roots of Motive Power and learn about steam engines and the roots of the logging industry in north western California. California’s history was built on the backs of these rolling marvels, and at Roots of Motive Power the past comes alive with physical history. Standing next to these locomotives is like standing near huge, metal, fire-eating and steam-breathing giants.

THE WEST’S LARGEST

INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER

707-459-7910

www.willits.org

Pride In Performance! TM

The Chamber is committed to creating...

a strong local economy, a healthy business environment and a livable community

707-459-5938

1565 South Main St. • Willits, CA 95490

WILLITS

The Gateway to the Redwoods!

Free Continental Breakfast Free High Speed Internet Flat Screen TV WiFi Ready, Free HBO Coffee, Microwave, Fridge Ironing Board, Blow Dryer Guest Laundry, In-Room Jacuzzi Seasonal Swimming Pool

photo by Chris Baldo

Roots is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1982 to preserve and restore steam and diesel powered equipment used in the California north coast logging industry from the 1850s to the present. Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to become a member and lend a hand on scheduled workdays, which generally take place the first and third Sundays of each month. The organization also holds classes, such as Steam Engineer and Railroad Safety classes, and sponsors public events, including train rides and the Willits Frontier Days Steam-Up on the 4th of July.

Whether you would like to join in the action or just want to visit, this is a great way to connect with our collective past.

WHERE: 400 E. Commercial St., Willits MORE INFO: RootsOfMotivePower.com

Newly Upgraded Rooms

www.the.super8.com/willits

SUPER QUIET

SWIMMING POOL & SPA

1119 South Main Street • Willits 707-459-3388 • Reservations 800-817-7508

89 Mendocino County Museum

The Mendocino County Museum opens a window onto the past of the people and places that make up Mendocino County. Veterans History: Personal and Vintage Toys are exhibits currently on display. This year in May the museum will present Lincoln and the Constitution and Mendocino Home Front, exhibits commemorating the sesquicentennial anniversary of the American Civil War. Be sure to visit enduring favorite exhibits: an authentic “hippie” van replete with trippy hippie decor from the 1960s, real stagecoaches, a recreated old time creamery, Pomo Indian baskets, relics from the ill-fated clipper ship Frolic, Seabiscuit’s friends, and a great museum shop featuring locally made gift items. Next door is Roots of Motive Power and its collection of steam-powered trains and machines.

The Mendocino County Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free on the first Wednesday of each month, and more than reasonable the rest of the time.

WHERE: 400 E. Commercial St., Willits, across from Recreation Grove Park and the Willits Rodeo Grounds MORE INFO: 707-459-2736, MendocinoMuseum.org

90 Willits Center for the Arts

The Willits Center for the Arts was created to support and showcase the local art scene in and around Willits, providing low-cost art and art-related activities to the community. It holds publiclysponsored and locally-grown art shows throughout the year.

Work on renovating the historic 1926 Women’s Improvement Club building that would house the WCA began in 1993, and by 2000 the center was finally opened. Another milestone was reached in 2008 with the opening of the upstairs “Great Room,” which increased available exhibit space and provided a venue for music, dance performances and comphoto by Steve Eberhard munity events.

The Willits Center for the Arts is regularly open Thursday to Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. An updated listing of current shows and events can be found on its website.

WHERE: 71 E. Commercial St., Willits MORE INFO: 707-459-1726, WillitsCenterForTheArts.org Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

$10 FREE PLAY! WHEN YOU JOIN OUR PLAYERS CLUB CREEKSIDE CAFE DAILY PROMOTIONS FREE SODA & COFFEE

100 KAWI PLACE WILLITS, CA 707-459-7330 www.svrcasino.com

Must be 18 & Over to Play 101Things.com • Mendocino County 67

Covelo

MENDOCINO INLAND

photo by Ruby Christine

NORTH FORK CAFE Mostly Italian Cuisine

Serving Covelo for 21 Years Soups ✷ Fresh Seafood ✷ Pasta Pizza ✷ Beer ✷ Wine ✷ Espresso Prime Rib on the Weekend Steaks

Events and Festivals

Wed. - Sat. 5-9:30p.m. ✷ Chef Denny Lopiano

76365 Covelo Rd. ✷ Covelo, CA ✷ (707) 983-8014 Open 7 Days a Week, 9am-6pm

Come in for Coffee & Cookies

Quality Products & Outstanding Service

Building Farming Gardening 76420 Covelo Rd 707-983-6424

• Third Thursday evenings: Open Mic at the North Fork Café • May — FFA Parade, Mother’s Day Weekend

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76381 Covelo Road, Covelo • 707-983-8005 uptownmerchantile@gmail.com 68 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

• August — Blackberry Festival • September — Round Valley Rodeo — Round Valley Indian Tribe’s “Indian Days”

scenic turn off Hwy 101 northeast onto Route 162 will bring you to one of California’s prettiest pockets of nature. The drive takes you along the old Northwestern Pacific Railroad and the ancient waters of the Eel River into a land that Native Americans venerate to this day. Covelo and the Round Valley, with its breathtaking mountains, the majestic Eel River, and groves of conifers and valley oaks, offer a rare glimpse of the wilderness to share and remember. The air is fresh, crisp and clean, and the view is literally panoramic.

The oldest known inhabitants of Round Valley were members of the Native American Yuki tribe, who lived there for thousands of years. Tragically, in the late 1850s they were driven onto a small remnant of their land that had been designated an indian reservation, and eventually seven other California tribes were forcibly relocated there as well.

Over the past century, the area around the reservation became populated with small settlements. Industry did pass through briefly, but today the natural beauty of the landscape is essentially unscathed, as over time many of the scars slowly healed. Even the old railroad line with its turn-of-the-century designed trestles and tunnels now seems almost a natural work of art.

Today the little town of Covelo at the middle of Round Valley is a unique cultural enclave set in the heart of the natural world. Close to half of its population is Native American. The town has a vibrant artistic community and a Community Radio Station, KYBU 96.9 FM. With a large number of talented artists who specialize in a many different media including ceramics, basket-making, drumming, photography, painting, Japanese textiles, quilting and sculpture, Covelo is one of the most culturally rich and artistically exciting towns in Mendocino County. It is an exceptional place to stop for gallerybrowsing and purchasing unique local items.

Covelo

www.CoveloBuildingFarmSupply.com

Purina Mills Carhartt Clothing Garden Supplies Pet Food Livestock Feed & Supplies

Round Valley, photo by Gregg Gardiner

91 Scenic Drive to Covelo

Ten miles north of Willits, State Route 162 runs east from Hwy 101. Known at that point as Covelo Rd., it meanders through the Mendocino National Forest all the way to Glenn County and Willows. It is one the most beautiful back roads in California. A 45-minute drive over its first 30 miles will take you from Hwy 101 through Dos Rios and on to Covelo. You will travel back to the past and into the heart of unspoiled nature. Your odyssey will follow the tracks of the historic Northwestern Pacific Railroad with its majestic tunnels, trestles and tracks cutting through the hills and river canyons. Opened in 1914, with its final run in the 1990s, the NWP railroad that once ran the length of the Eel River from Willits to Eureka is itself a man-made wonder. Built by hard-working, mostly immigrant labor at the turn of the century, it is a remarkable sight. The remaining glory of the railroad invokes a sense of history and nostalgia for a time no longer here.

Covelo Rd. will transport you through mixed conifer forests, oak woodlands, grass glades, canyons and wet meadows. In fall and winter, the forests and the majestic Eel River are the stars of the journey. The road follows the course of both the main branch of the Eel and its middle fork for a time. See a wild, natural waterway in motion, waxing and waning through the seasons, perpetually refreshing. In spring and summer, California poppies, penstemon, shooting stars, wild iris, Indian paintbrush, dogwood, wild lilac and several varieties of lupine steal the show with breathtaking explosions of color. Go for it — head for Covelo and an outdoor experience you’ll never forget!

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

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Covelo

74540 Hill Road, Covelo 707-983-6273 www.MnMfeed.com

92 The Blackberry Festival

The 33rd annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, 2015, at the Blackberry Festival grounds in Covelo.

Sponsored by Friends of the Round Valley Public Library, the festival features arts and crafts, live music, wine tasting, kid’s activities, blackberry delicacies and souvenirs, not to mention a square dance, a country breakfast, a 5k and 10k run and a photo by Marie Louise Mileck car show!

The grounds include a large wisteria-covered semi-circular arbor with a bandstand in the middle, all originally built for the first festival in 1983. Inspired by the delicious blackberries that grow all around Round Valley, the festival was begun in order to provide an outlet for local citizens to sell their handiwork, to boost the Round Valley economy by promoting tourism, and to unite the people of Round Valley in a common cause. Today the festival continues to be guided by those three goals. It was originally founded by a group of local residents under the nonprofit auspices of the Round Valley Chamber of Commerce, with the Mendocino County Chamber of Commerce providing $1,600 in seed money, but it took the hard work of many volunteers to pull it off. More than three decades later, the Round Valley Blackberry Festival is going stronger than ever.

WHERE: Festival grounds are located at the corner of Main and Grange Streets, in the park of the historic Round Valley Flour Mills in Covelo.

MORE INFO: RoundValleyBlackberryFestival.com

In the Heart of Beautiful Round Valley

Golden Oaks Motel Completely Remodeled DirecTV • WiFi

75860 Covelo Rd.

COVELO

707-983-8000

Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm & Sun 9am-4pm

Hidden Oaks

Convenience Store Lowest Gas Prices in Town

76700 Site A, Covelo Rd

•

Check Out Our New Deli COVELO

707-983-6106

HIDDEN OAKS CASINO AND

Monthly Giveaways

RESTAURANT

Progressive Games

Over 100 Gaming Machines Great Atmosphere and Friendly Staff Hidden Oaks Café: Appetizers, Burgers & Fries, Sandwiches, and More!!

Open 7 Days a Week HiddenOaksCasino.com

76700 Covelo Rd, COVELO Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

•

707-983-6896 101Things.com • Mendocino County 69

Covelo

93 Black Butte River Ranch

Just 14 miles east of Covelo, “where the pavement ends,” lies the secluded and magnificent Black Butte River Ranch. This 14-acre facility is minutes from great swimming holes on the Eel River and the wilds of the Mendocino National Forest. The ranch offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping and rustic cabins along the Black Butte River. A County Store, a barbecue featuring local grass fed beef, and showers and a laundromat are all on site. Bring your horse; Black Butte River Ranch provides nine paddocks and seven acres of pasture. Rainbow trout, salmon and steelhead can be found in over 300 miles of streams and 2,000 acres of lakes and ponds. Other recreational opportunities abound, including camping, hiking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, hunting, nature study, mushroom hunting, photography and off-highway vehicle travel.

The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness to the north provides the experience of deep mountain forests and swift rivers. Mendocino National Forest is located only 6 miles from the Ranch. The changing elevations in this wilderness offer a wide variety of outdoor conditions.

WHERE: 34985 Etsel Ridge Rd., Covelo MORE INFO: 707-983-9438, BlackButteRiverRanch.com

BlackButteRiverRanch.com

Black Butte River Ranch

14 Acre Resort

• rustic cabins • mesquite grill • country store • full RV hookup • tent camping • horse paddocks • hiking & fishing • great swimming holes • events At the edge of the Mendocino National Forest where the Eel and Black Butte Rivers meet

34985 Etsel Ridge Rd • COVELO

707-983-9438

www.blackbutteriverranch.com

Highway 162 at East Lane in Covelo Phone: 707.983.6413 Owners: Greg and Christine Braden

CWA COVELO

WESTERN AUTO Foreign & Domestic Auto Repairs & Parts Accessories, Tires & Wheels Hunting & Fishing Licenses Major Appliances 76405 Covelo Road Covelo • 707-983-6651 70 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Driving from Hwy 101 to Interstate 5 Through the National Forest From Hwy 101 to reach Interstate 5, travel east on Hwy 162 north of Willits, past Covelo and through Mendocino National Forest. The journey is approximately 85 miles over both paved and dirt roads, and can take over three hours to drive, but the beautiful scenery and sweeping vistas will turn the chore of reaching the interstate into a delight. The route through Mendocino National Forest is usually closed until mid-May due to snow.

Closures are possible at other times of the year and road conditions may vary; before departing call the Covelo Ranger District at 707-9836118 or the Grindstone Ranger District at 530-934-3316 for more information on conditions and closures.

MORE INFO: www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino

Mendocino National Forest

Eel River, Mendocino National Forest, photo by Gregg Gardiner

T

he Mendocino National Forest, just to the east of Covelo, covers an enormous area that is perfect for outdoor recreation. This forest is the only one of California’s 18 national forests that is not crossed by a paved road or highway. It is especially attractive when seeking tranquility and solitude. Approximately 65 miles long and 35 miles across, this forest consists of one million acres of mountains and canyons that offer abundant recreational opportunities. Elevations in the forest range from 750 feet in the Grindstone Creek Canyon in the Sacramento Valley foothills on the forest’s eastern edge, to 8,092 feet at the South Yolla Bolly Mountain in the northern part of the forest. The average elevation is about 4,000 feet. Four wilderness areas are located in the Mendocino National Forest: Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel, Yuki, Sanhedrin and Snow Mountain, running north to south respectively.

Mendocino National Forest is also home to two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Eel River received its designation in 1981 and the Black Butte River in 2006.

CAMPING: The camping experience in Mendocino National Forest is outstanding, with developed campgrounds offering some facilities from backcountry camping to dispersed campsites (which are not as developed as the regular campgrounds and will usually have one or two primitive vault toilets, one or two picnic tables and fire rings). For up-to-date information contact the Covelo Ranger Station located just north of Covelo on Hwy 162 or phone 707-983-6118.

Getting there is easy. Take Hwy 162 North of Covelo for 1.5 miles; there you will find the ranger station. From the station turn east on Hwy 162 for 11 miles to Eel River Work Center, where Hwy 162 arrives at the Mendocino National Forest. As the roadway enters the national forest it becomes Forest Hwy 7 (FH 7) and changes from a paved road to a dirt road. From there all the campsites are accessible. Some of our favorites are listed below.

Eel River Campground is adjacent to the Eel River Work Station with river access. Hammerhorn Lake Campground is 18 miles north of Eel River Work Center via Road M1 (Indian Dick Rd.), and offers a 5-acre lake for trout fishing in a mixed conifer setting.

Little Doe Campground is 12 miles north of Eel River Work Center via Road M1 (Indian Dick Rd.). No piped water here, but a beautiful mixed conifer setting at 3,600 feet.

Howard Meadows Campground is great for picnicking with fishing and nearby boat launching ramp. At 3,500 feet this campground is within walking distance of Howard Lake.

Howard Lake Basin Recreation Area is a popular primitive experience. The 20-acre lake is accessible; however, it is recommended that vehicles with good clearance be used, such as a 4WD pickup truck, since the access road is not improved.

Several nicely dispersed camp sites include Atchison Camp on Forest Hwy 7, Section 24; Surveyor Camp, off Forest Hwy 7, 7 miles east of Eel River Station; Green Springs Camp and Rock Cabin Camp are trailhead camps and popular jumping off spots to the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness. Georges Valley and Soldier Ridge Camps are located at the northeast terminus of the Indian Dick Road.

(M-1); both camps are at trail heads accessing the wilderness.

RECREATION: The diverse geography of this forest offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, boating (no motors), fishing, hunting, nature study, photography, and off-highway vehicle travel. The Mendocino National Forest supports an extensive resident trout fishery as well as salmon and warm-water fisheries. Rainbow trout are found in over 300 miles of streams and 2,000 acres of lakes and ponds. The varied terrain of the Mendocino provides endless challenges for mountain bikers. Wilderness areas are one of the few places in the Forest where bicycles are not permitted. Mendocino National Forest offers one of the finest opportunities for OHV recreationists in Northern California, with designated routes and facilities. Free OHV maps are available at the Covelo Ranger station.

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

RedFox

MENDOCINO INLAND

LAYTONVILLE

N

photo by Gregg Gardiner

amed after Frank B. Layton, a blacksmith who settled there in 1875, Laytonville sits at 1,670 feet above sea level, giving it the highest elevation of any town along Hwy 101 in Mendocino County. Small yet lively, it is a federally designated Frontier Community and has a warm and friendly “Old West” feel to it. Home to the “Best Lil’ Rodeo Around,” the area also hosts the annual Kate Wolf Music Festival at a ranch 5 miles north of town. At one time a center of both the logging and ranching industries, today Laytonville’s economy relies primarily on service occupations and educational, community service and arts employment.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains, dramatic redwood forests and rich prairie land graced with beautiful, gnarled valley oaks and canyon live oaks dripping California Spanish moss, this is a sleepy little hideaway where the frantic pace of modern city life gives way to the measured cadences of nature.

Laytonville

94

CASINO

Laytonville Rodeo

Cowboy up! Every year Laytonville holds the “Best Lil’ Rodeo Around,” and this June they’ll be at it again.

On Saturday, June 13, it’s Quad Rodeo day, with 4-wheelers and dirt bikes competing in categories from Pee Wee to adult. There will be barrels, poles and more. Then on Sunday, June 14, it’ll be the Laytonville CCPRA (California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association) Rodeo. Events will include barrel racing, saddle bronc and bareback riding, breakaway roping, team roping, bull riding and chute dogging (“Chute dogging is getting into a bucking chute, like bull riders come out of, with a 300-500 pound steer. You hold on to his horns, they open the gate, you get 10 feet away and then you have to wrestle him until he falls over.” — Laytonville chute-dogger Henry Shere). Spectator admission is very affordable, and kids 10 and under get in for free.

Also, be sure to come out for Laytonville’s Junior Rodeo, slated for later in the summer, and cheer on the kids. Family entertainment don’t get no better than that!

WHERE: Hwy 101 to Laytonville, follow the signs to the rodeo grounds at Harwood Park, 44400 Willis Ave. MORE INFO: 707-984-0067

95 Laytonville Farmers’ Market

Year-round on Monday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. (June through October) and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (November through May), local farmers set up shop at Harwood Hall on Willis Rd. in Laytonville. They bring glorious offerings of the best in local fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan goat cheeses, ranch meats, eggs, garden bouquets, handcrafted clothing and much more.

They also come to share their ideas and visions for future projects in their community.

This is the Laytonville Certified Farmers’ Market (LCFM), in the heart of Mendocino County. The Laytonville Certified Farmers’ Market provides opportunities for people in rural Mendocino County to develop new businesses, and gives everyone a chance to visit with friends, enjoy local musicians, and purchase delicious, healthy food while supporting local farms. MORE INFO: MCFarm.org

96 Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival

The beautiful Black Oak Ranch concert facility, 5 miles north of Laytonville and just three hours north of San Francisco on Hwy 101, provides a picturesque setting for four days of live performances, local food and craft booths, and nonprofit information. Listen to some of folk music’s greatest talents, and lend your own voice to the campfire sing-along each night at the 20th annual Kate Wolf Music Festival this June 25, 26, 27 and 28. Performers scheduled to appear at the 2015 Festival include Smokey Robinson, Judy Collins, Charlie Musselwhite, Maria Muldar, Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, and Angelique Kidjo.

o i n a s t C e s l i n d i e r F 18 Years & Older Get to Play!

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707-984-6800 200 Cahto Drive, Laytonville

2 miles west on Branscomb Rd off Hwy 101 Great scenic byways, only 25 minutes from the coastline photo by Kim Sallaway Photography, Kimbacan.com

Leukemia cut short the life of folk singer and songwriter Kate Wolf, but the song of her life plays on today through the music festival that bears her name. On-site overnight camping is available, and is included at no additional cost with four-day, three-day and weekend passes.

MORE INFO: 707-829-7067, KateWolfMusicFestival.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

For the Cheapest Prices in Mendocino and Lake Counties, stop by our

Smoke Shop

101Things.com • Mendocino County 71

MENDOCINO INLAND

Leggett

A

pproximately 25 miles north of Laytonville is the town of Leggett, located at the junction of Hwy 101 and Hwy 1. The former logging town attracts campers and travelers during the summer months, and hordes of fishermen when the salmon swim upstream to spawn in the late fall. The population of Leggett fluctuates between 350 and 500 depending on the season. Summer temperatures can hover in the high 80s and 90s, but the Eel River is always nearby for cooling off. Piercy, about 9 miles northwest of Leggett and located on the South Fork of the Eel River, is an unincorporated area immediately below the Mendocino-Humboldt County line.

98 Confusion Hill Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, photo by Carolyne Cathey, MendoParks.org

97 The Peg House

On Hwy 101 north of Leggett is one of the most beloved roadside stops along the Redwood Highway. The Peg House is featured in Sunset magazine’s Top Road Food Spots in the West: “One of the 25 Absolutely Best Places to Eat Along Western Highways.”

Across from Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, the ‘Peg House’ features a gourmet deli, espresso bar, gift shop, general store complete with picnic and camping supplies, an outdoor organic grill and a gas station. Owners Diana and Gary Ballard-Doll have it all — right in the middle of nowhere and on the way to everywhere. Their espresso bar features some of the best mud north of San Francisco. Signature Coffee, roasted in Redway and freshly ground on site, goes into an old Rancilio espresso machine that has been building up steam for decades. The espresso that comes out has an aroma and crema thick enough to make a city barista cry.

The delicatessen features fantastic sandwiches (turkey roasted there) and other delights. The Grill is outside, in back, where you can sit in a garden. The grill features TriTip sandwiches, Humboldt Grass-Fed Beef burgers and fresh, sweet Arcata Bay oysters.

A beautiful redwood stage creates a venue for summer music, movies, and other events.

Diana’s award-winning jams, jellies, salad dressings, candies, brownies and cookies make a simple coffee break an event. Try the ‘Mendo Mookie’ — a cross between an oatmeal muffin and a cookie. The Peg House has some of the coolest gifts on the road. More collector items than tourist fodder, it features unique postcards, books, signs, locallymade designer jewelry and other classy gifts and gear. Open from 7 a.m. ’til sunset, hours varying with the seasons.

WHERE: 2 miles north of Leggett on Hwy 101 MORE INFO: 707-925-6444, ThePegHouse.net

See #97 of 101 Things To Do

loves us! sunset.com

“NEVER DON’T STOP” Deli & Espresso Homemade Treats Groceries & Gifts Clean Restrooms Area Info Booth Travel Books & Maps RV Parking ThePegHouse.net

Just south of Garberville, you’ll find Campbell Bros. World Famous Confusion Hill, the most exciting roadside attraction in northern Mendocino County.

Listed as a California Point of Historical Interest, and featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not, this is definitely a oneConfusionHill.com of-a-kind attraction. It has been the home of mystery and fun since 1949. When you step into the Gravity House, your body will seem to defy the laws of nature. You will experience contradictory optical and physical sensations that will make you ask yourself, IS SEEING BELIEVING? There are no right or wrong answers at Confusion Hill.

Be sure to check out the Redwood Shoe House. There is also the unique, miniature Mountain Train Ride that will take you on a 30-minute ride up the hill and back down.

Along the way you will learn about the Redwood Forest and see historical logging equipment on the side of the track. Confusion Hill is also the home of the World’s Tallest Free Standing Redwood Chainsaw Carving, and has been listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. While at Confusion Hill, take a few minutes to pay your respects at the Twin Towers Memorial Trees. There is also a gift shop, snack bar and playground for the kids. Please note that the Train Ride and Snack Bar are seasonal and are open Memorial Day to Labor Day only.

WHERE: along Hwy 101, 15 miles south of Garberville (exit left) and 7 miles north of Leggett (exit right) MORE INFO: 707-925-6456, ConfusionHill.com

CALIFORNIA POINT OF Redwood Hwy 101 HISTORICAL INTEREST

FUSIO N O HILL N C

Famous Totem Pole!

IS Take a FUN TRAIN RIDE G SEEIN In the REDWOODS Mountain Train Rides & Snack Bar June – Labor Day Daily 10am – 5pm

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LAWS OF NATURE IEV Defyatthe the GRAVITY HOUSE ING Gift Shop & the Gravity House Open 7 Days a Week

15 miles South of Garberville, EXIT LEFT 7 miles North of Leggett, EXIT RIGHT 707-925-6456 • www.confusionhill.com

CAPTAIN SHON’S

THUNDERBIRD MOUNTAIN TRADING COMPANY & SUNSPIRIT SILVER JEWELRY

Largest Selection of Southwestern Indian Jewelry in No. Calif. & the Pacific Northwest • Turquoise • Coral • Cut Stones • Silver-Calif. Gold

A Familial Tradition Since 1878

FREE FREE SAMPLES World Famous Indian Style Smoked Salmon & Salmon Jerky - Plus Buffalo, Elk & Beef Jerky SAMPLES Gallery & Showroom at 705 Hwy 101 #3, South of Richardson Grove, Across from Patriot Gas and Deli, Next Door to One-Log House 707-247-3100 or 1-888-JERKY99 u www.thunderbirdmountaintrading.com u thunderbirdmtntrading@yahoo.com

72 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

approx.

1 8 mi.

2

➠

➠

Leggett To Garberville

3

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

State 100 Standish-Hickey Recreation Area Here at the “gateway to the tall trees country,” weary travelers can refresh themselves with a dip in the South Fork of the Eel River, a quiet picnic, or a stroll through the beautiful redwoods. One of the last remaining stands of virgin, oldgrowth redwood in the area can be found on the Grove Trail.

There is great fishing here, too.

Standish-Hickey also offers three campgrounds, with over 150 campsites available on a first come, first served basis.

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area began as a Save the Redwoods League campground in 1922, and in the 1950s, 500 additional acres were donated by descendants of Miles Standish, one of the original pilgrims. The 1,200-year-old Captain Miles Standish Tree named after him is one of the park’s premier attracphoto by Carolyne Cathey, MendoParks.org tions. Additional acreage was acquired over the years, and now the park is over 1,000 acres. The second part of the park’s name was chosen in memory of Edward Ritter Hickey, the son of a local lumberman, who died of the Spanish influenza in 1918 while caring for victims of the pandemic. His family also donated some of the land.

WHERE: 1.5 miles north of Leggett on Hwy 101.

MORE INFO: 707-925-6482, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=423

101 Smithe Redwoods State Reserve

Traveling north from San Francisco along the Redwood Highway (U.S. 101), the first old-growth redwoods you’ll encounter are in Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Here you’ll find the beautiful Frank and Bess Smith Grove of redwoods, as well as Dora Creek Falls, a lovely 60-foot waterfall. Because Smithe Redwoods is a natural reserve, the park is managed to minimize human impact, so there are no developed campgrounds or trails, or even a parking lot. There is, however, a paved pullout near it on Hwy 101 where you can pull over and park, and within the reserve you’ll find a picnic area and easy access to the South Fork of the Eel River for fishing and swimming. From about 1920 until the early 1960s it was a popular tourist resort called Lane’s Redwood Flat, owned by George W. Lane, one of the builders of the Redwood Highway. It was then purchased by the Save the Redwoods League, which deeded it to the State of California.

WHERE: 4 miles north of Leggett on Hwy 101 MORE INFO: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=427 Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Map Key 1

• Thunderbird Mountain Trading Company • Richardson Grove Campground & RV Park

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The world-famous Thunderbird Mountain Trading Company is nestled in the heart of the Redwood Forest on Scenic Hwy 101, just before Richardson Grove Redwoods State Park. Captain Shon has worked with Native American Indians since the 1970s, and has the largest collection of American Indian jewelry in Northern California. His original store, Happy Hunting Ground, was built in 1972 in the Old Western town of Pinnacle Pass, in Scotts Valley, California, in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Thunderbird Mountain Trading also carries handcrafted moccasins and boots made by the Huron-Wendat Indians of Eastern Canada, and a large variety of furs, fur rugs, blankets and pillowcases from around the world. They have a large selection of handmade Navajo kachina dolls or dancers, sand paintings, dream catchers, carved Navajo fetishes and peace pipes, masks, plaques, carvings and handmade textiles from Peru such as Alpaca rugs, hats, ponchos, teddy bears, scarves and shoulder bags. And if that’s not enough, don’t pass up their homemade jams, jellies, marmalades, fruit butters, smoked salmon and buffalo jerky!

WHERE: 705 Hwy 101 #3, Garberville, south of Richardson’s Grove MORE INFO: 888-537-5999 or 707-247-3100, ThunderbirdMountainTrading.com

NOT ALL STREETS SHOWN MAP NOT TO SCALE ©2015 101 Things To Do®

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Thunderbird Mountain Trading Company, photo by Gregg Gardiner

➠To Laytonville 271

Confusion Hill

271

The Peg House

CAPTAIN SHON’S

Thunderbird Mountain Trading Company A Family Tradition Since 1878

WE SHIP WORLDWIDE!

MOCCASINS

Genuine Native Handcrafted by the Huron-Wendat tribe, descendants of Hiawatha We are the exclusive Representative & Distributor for U.S. and Europe, 855-MOCS123

We are Honored to Bring these Quality Products to You TOLL FREE 1-855-MOCS-123 FREE SAMPLES WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN STYLE SMOKED SALMON AND SALMON JERKY - PLUS BUFFALO, ELK & BEEF JERKY

Visit our Gallery & Showroom at 705 Hwy 101 #3

South of Richardson Grove State Park across from Patriot Gas & Deli Next door to the One-Log House Coffee Shop 707-247-3100 or 1-888-JERKY99

u ThunderbirdMtnTrading@yahoo.com

RETAIL u WHOLESALE u Dealer Inquiries Welcome!

ThunderbirdMountainTrading.com 101Things.com • Mendocino County 73

ponsible for any errors, the client assumes full responsibility for accuracy and completeness of of advertisement. Color represented on this proof may differ slightly from the actual printed ad.

MYSTIC FOREST RV PARK

Close to Restaurants Redwood National Park Battery Point Lighthouse

CAMP IN THE REDWOODS

FREE Continental Breakfast

FULL RV Hookups with CABLE TV SECLUDED Tent Camping 18 Hole MINI GOLF Course FREE Touring Information for Guests 15875 Hwy 101, KLAMATH, CA 95548

Microwave ~ Refrigerator FREE Wi-Fi Cable HBO

707-482-4901 • tcam@hughes.net

www.MYSTICFORESTRV.com

Where Redwoods Meet the Ocean

CRESCENT CITY Overlooking Crescent City Harbor

Free In-Room Coffee Minutes from Del Norte Fairgrounds, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Stout Grove, Pacific Ocean, Smith River and Klamath River.

Walking distance to Beaches, Boat Docks & Restaurants ✩ Marina View Rooms ✩ Free High-Speed Internet in All Rooms STAY MORE SPEND LESS! ✩ Guest Laundry ✩ Free SuperStart Breakfast ✩ AARP/Senior Discounts

685 Hwy 101 South Crescent City CA

725 Hwy 101 North

CRESCENT CITY

707-464-6106 ~ www.econoct.com

OUTSIDE THE AREA

Del Norte County, CA & Southern Oregon C

alifornia’s northernmost coastal county — Del Norte — and Oregon’s southern county, Curry — share a common lifestyle. Both counties contain miles of unspoiled beaches and rivers famous for salmon and steelhead. Southern Oregon’s Josephine and Jackson Counties are east of Curry County and offer warmer summertime temperatures, winter skiing, whitewater excitement, wineries and Shakespeare performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

California’s Del Norte County is located 329 miles north of San Francisco via Hwy 101, and 288 miles south of Portland via Interstate 5 and Hwy 199. One of the many attractions of this county are the coastal redwood parks, particularly the Redwoods National and State Parks. Trees of Mystery, located off Hwy 101 in Klamath, the southern-most town in Del Norte County, offers visitors the opportunity to ride the SkyTrail through towering treetops. Exciting Jet Boat tours of the Klamath River are also available near there.

Crescent City is the county seat and Del Norte’s largest city. Here visitors can enjoy parks and sandy beaches, restaurants, museums, art galleries and other attractions. One favorite of tourists is the always exciting and educational Ocean World, one of America’s best privately owned small aquariums. Nearby the majestic Smith River flows to the ocean and offers a number of recreational activities, including rafting, inner-tubing, kayaking, fishing and more. Just north of Crescent City is the quaint agricultural community of Smith River, where the river of that name enters the Pacific.

The Southern Oregon coast offers visitors dazzling ocean vistas and lush green forests, sand dunes and sea lions, water sports and sailing adventures. Brookings, the southernmost town in Oregon’s Curry County, offers spectacular coastal parks, such as Harris Beach and Samuel H. Boardman State Parks. Still further north, Gold Beach and charming Wedderburn flank the mouth of the Rogue River. Gold Beach hosts the Curry County Fair in the summer and the Annual Art, Seafood and Wine Festival in May.

www.visitdelnorte.com/super8

707-464-4111

• 800-800-8000

The Best Value Under Date __________________________ ________________________________________________________ gnature or email approval also authorizes size and annual fee of ad. the Sun.

ns ____________________________________________________ Date __________________________ Signature or email approval also authorizes size and annual fee of ad.

270 5th Street 4701

Eureka, CA • (707) 443-2206

Valley West Blvd.

Arcata, CA • (707) 826-2827

A 95501 • (707) 443-1234 Fax: (707) 443-5309 • ads@101things.com • www.101things.com

Mention Mentionthis thisadadatatcheck-in check-inororwhen whenmaking makingreservations reservationstotoreceive receive offoffregular regularroom roomrates rates ononyour yournext nextstay! stay!

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Hwy. Hwy.101101Kenmar KenmarExitExit• Next • Nextdoor doorto toEelEelRiver RiverBrewery Brewery• 1805 • 1805Alamar AlamarWayWay• Fortuna, • Fortuna,CACA (707) (707)725-2888 725-2888• www.super8fortuna.com • www.super8fortuna.com

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| 1.800.800.8000| | SUPER8.COM SUPER8.COM| 1.800.800.8000 En Español En Español 1.877.202.8812 1.877.202.8812

74 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

All Super All Super 8 hotels8 hotels are independently are independently ownedowned and operated. and operated.

Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City, photo by Steve Hammons

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Klamath River

S R U T O T A JE T BO Incredible Views dlife Phenomenal Wil e tim The Trip of a Life

800-887-JETS

y 3 Boat Tours a Da 7 Days a Week

Experienced Captain & Narrator A Tour Rich in History, Culture, Nature & Thrills

17635 Hwy 101 South in KLAMATH • JetBoattours.com

Rogue River on the way to Agness, photo by Gregg Gardiner

At the crossroads of Hwy 101 and County Road 595 in Gold Beach, many travelers zipping along don’t realize what making that turnoff could do for them. County 595 becomes Agness Rd. after about 20 miles, and leads to the small town of its namesake, Agness.

The world famous Rogue River runs right through the center of town. The Historic Lucas Pioneer Ranch, Singing Springs Resort, and Cougar Lane Lodge, all in Agness, offer Rogue River visitors hospitality, fine food, casual overnight accommodations and an escape from the hustle of everyday life.

Inland Southern Oregon offers warmer summertime temperatures, wintertime skiing, whitewater excitement, wineries and Shakespeare performances. From beautiful coastal communities like Gold Beach, Brookings Harbor and Florence, to the inland cities of Grant’s Pass, Ashland and Medford, to the gorgeous Willamette Valley and everything in between, Oregon is a paradise.

2013 Trees of Mystery 101 Things Del Norte Humboldt Mendocino 1/8 Pg Horizontal Full-Color Ad (4.75”W x 3.1”H)

Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, photo by T. Charles Erickson

Ocean View Rooms Just Steps to the Beach!

And Walking Distance to Great Restaurants.

Some Rooms with Spectacular Ocean & Bay Views • High Speed Internet Access All Rooms with Microfridges • Free Continental Breakfast with Waffles Indoor Jacuzzi • Guest Laundry

ANCHOR BEACH INN

Arch Rock, Samuel H. Boardman State Park, photo by Gregg Gardiner

Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

880 Hwy. 101 South, Crescent City, CA 95531 707-464-2600 • 800-837-4116 • AnchorBeachInn.com 101Things.com • Mendocino County 75

OUTSIDE THE AREA

Humboldt County

TOURS MON-FRI

Woodley Island Marina, Eureka, photo by David Kaftal

H

umboldt County is a haven for travelers and residents alike. It boasts half of all remaining old growth redwoods, including the world’s tallest trees, 160 miles of unspoiled beaches, many of them along the fabled Lost Coast, and bustling seaports, See it made! quaint farming communities and historic fishing villages. Everywhere in the county, travelers will find exceptional accommodations, fine restaurants, a multitude of shopping opportunities and numerous campgrounds.

The county is situated on the Northern California coast 90 miles south of the Oregon border. The largest towns are adjacent to U.S. Highway 101. The county line is 200 miles north of San Francisco and 350 miles south of Portland.

Humboldt County has a variety of climates and terrain. Coastal Humboldt is wild, mostly rocky, and cool in the summer. Inland, Humboldt has small communities that get 2009 MENDOCINO COUNTY corrections : Trinity and warm in the summer. Many sit next Make to scenic rivers such shown as the Eel, Please reply by email, fax or postal mail. quite Klamath.

(707) 443-1234 In northern Humboldt, Orick is the Name gateway___________________________________________ to Redwood National Park, home of the Indicate changes, or sign if APPROVED. ads@101things.com world’s tallest trees.

Many notable redwoods are along the Newton B. Drury Parkway, see it made weekdays handcrafted jewelry gifts & décor (we will send a revised proof if changes are indicated) Date ____________________________________________ a short stretch of old Hwy 101. Twenty miles south of the park is the fishing village of Fax: (707) 443-5309 Your Advertising Enjoy a free guided tour through our design studio Please fax this sheet back or reply to this email, anywhich changes ora ifbeautiful PROOF IS OK. Trinidad, overlooks sheltered harbor. Another 10 miles further south If proof is not returned, ad will run as shown.recommended.

The publisher will not be responsible for any errors, the client Mon-Fri at this 11am.

Reservations along Hwy 101, McKinleyville has the Arcata-Eureka Airport, the county’s only commerPlease Print Name _________________________________________________________ assumes full responsibility for accuracy and completeness of information and for payment of advertisement.

SIZE AD:___________page cial airport. A few miles south of there is Arcata, home to Humboldt State University and directions from hwy 101: Exit #713 • Arcata/Samoa Blvd. • Right on K • Left on 9TH PROOF IS OK• BY ________________________________________________________ Date ________________________ a unique marsh and wildlife area that ANNUAL serves as a FEE: natural$____________________ wastewater treatment TH 1,390 ad, inc system. trade) 1300 9 St. in Arcata • (707) 822-5132 www.hollyyashi.com FAX(per 707-443-1234 Proof APPROVED __________________________________________________________ Date _____________________________ Authorized Signature Arcata is a vibrant university town, with many businesses clustered around its historic billed after printing Open Mon-Sat: 10am - corrections 6pm &also Sun: 12pm by - 5pm Signature or email approval authorizes size and annual fee of ad.

Make the shown __________________________________________________ Date_ _______________________ central plaza. continued on page 78

Regional Visitor Publications  Post Office Box 1374  Eureka, California 95502  707-443-4887  FAX 707-443-1234

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“Immerse yourself in Ferndale’s Victorian spirit.” –

Sunset Magazine

Ferndale embraces you.you.

A pastoral oasis the magnificent magnificentbeaches beachesofofCalifornia’s California’s Lost Coast, Ferndale chosen Ferndale embraces A pastoral oasisnestled nestledbetween betweenredwood redwood forests forests and and the Lost Coast, Ferndale hashas beenbeen chosen as aas“Distinctive Destination” of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Magnificently preserved Victorian architecture. a “Distinctive Destination” of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Magnificently preserved Victorian architecture.

Fresh Air.air.Repose; Villageyour yourcares caresare arecenturies centuriesaway! away!

Fresh Repose; in in the the Victorian Victorian Village

“California’s best-preserved Victorian Village” – Jerry Hulse, L.A. Times Travel Editor Visit Victorian Village on-line at www.victorianferndale.com Visit thethe Victorian Village on-line at www.victorianferndale.org/chamber

Ferndale Chamber of Commerce • P.O. Box 325 • Ferndale, CA 95536 • Phone/Fax (707) 786-4477 76 Mendocino County • 101Things.com

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Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

101Things.com • Mendocino County 77

Tour the North Coast in style

OUTSIDE THE AREA continued from page 76

Humboldt County

FORTUNA

COUNTRY INN 2025 Riverwalk Drive Fortuna, CA 95540

BEST WESTERN ▲ COUNTRY INN North

★

Ph: (707) 725-6822 • Fx: (707) 725-5270 R iverw alk Dri For reservations call 1-800-679-7511 v

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EUREKA

North 4th & 5th Ave

Bayshore Mall & Marie Callendar’s

www.bwbayshoreinn.com

★ BAYSHORE INN

Broadway

Ph: (707) 268-8005 • Fx: (707) 268-8002 For reservations call 1-888-268-8005

▲

BAYSHORE INN

3500 Broadway • Eureka, CA 95503

City of EUREKA

ARCATA

ARCATA INN

4827 Valley West Blvd.

Arcata, CA 95521

Ph: (707) 826-0313 • Fx: (707) 826-0365 For reservations call 1-800-528-1234

Giuntoli Lane

★

ARCATA INN

www.bwarcatainn.com

Mario’s Marina Motel

Great Shelter Cove Location for Fishing • Hiking • Beachcombing

photo by Bob Von Normann; courtesy of Humboldt County CVB, Redwoods.info

East of Arcata, along Hwy 299 is the charming, sunny town of Blue Lake, home of the Blue Lake Rancheria Indian tribe. Curiously enough, there is no lake in Blue Lake. Further east is Willow Creek, known for outdoor recreation along the Trinity River, including whitewater rafting, and the site of many purported Bigfoot sightings.

Eight miles south of Arcata is the Victorian seaport of Eureka on Humboldt Bay, which offers kayaking, fishing and wildlife-watching.

There are harbor tours aboard the M.V. Madaket, and the Woodley Island Marina is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront.

Eureka is the county seat and contains many fine examples of Victorian architecture, particularly along the waterfront in Old Town.

Most noteworthy of these is the ornate Carson Mansion, perhaps the most photographed Victorian in the United States. Eureka’s population of nearly 28,000 makes it the largest coastal city between San Francisco and the Oregon border.

Eureka has many excellent restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and lodging facilities. The city is also known for its large and active arts community. In fact, Humboldt County has the distinction of having more artists per capita than any other of the state’s 58 counties.

533 Machi Rd. • 707-986-7595 Further south, 5 miles west of Hwy 101, is the Victorian village of Ferndale. The entire town has been named a State Historical Landmark (No. 883) because of its outstanding preservation of commercial buildings and residences.

CABINS Seven miles east of Ferndale is the sunny inland town of Fortuna, or the Friendly City. h c in with 5 Right along Hwy 101, it has many newer hotels and an attractive community lodge overm a o F y Memor looking the Eel River. East of Fortuna along State Hwy 36 is Grizzly Creek State Park, a s Mattresse favorite for hiking, camping and summer sun.

Further south on Hwy 101 is Scotia, a historic lumber mill town just now transitioning from “company town” to independent community.

In southern Humboldt, Hwy 101 and nearby roads are lined by some of the finest examples of old-growth redwoods. From Redcrest south to Phillipsville, motorists can detour along the renowned Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of two-lane road that parallels Hwy 101 and winds through stands of huge redwoods along the Eel River.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located along the Avenue of the Giants, covers more than 51,000 acres. The park includes the Rockefeller Forest, the largest single stand of virgin redwoods. After leaving the avenue, the traveler will once again be on Hwy 101.

A jaunt west on side roads that exit Hwy 101 will lead travelers to the King Range National Conservation Area and the legendary Lost Coast. This adventure leads to hamClose to Victorian Ferndale, Ave. of the Giants, Loleta Cheese Factory, Ocean Beaches lets such as Briceland and Whitethorn, and ultimately the town of Shelter Cove.

TL Rating 10/10/9 • Tent, Cabin & Large Pull Thru Sites • Free WiFi • Casino Shuttle Near the southern county line, 9 miles south of Garberville, Richardson Grove State Park is a magnificent 2,000 acres of redwoods. The state acquired the area in the early 2189 Riverwalk Drive • Fortuna CA 95540 1920s, making it one of the oldest state parks in California.

MORE INFO: Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1034 2nd St., Eureka, 800-346-3482, Redwoods.info 78 Mendocino County • 101Things.com Please say you saw it in 101 Things To Do ®

Bar on site, satellite TV, coffee maker, micro/fridge, kids under 18 stay free, pet-friendly rooms available.

Finest RV Park on the North Coast

707-725-3359 • www.riverwalkrvpark.com

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Closest Hotel/Casino to the World Famous Avenue of the Giants Just minutes away from two of Northern California’s most popular beaches Close to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Headwaters Forest Reserve Both Humboldt Botanical Garden and Samoa Dunes Recreation Area are nearby Nearby preservation areas include The Lost Coast, King Range National Conservation Area and Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Generous Slots including all the favorites, as well as, the latest games and technology Table Games action including blackjack, poker and the only live action craps and roulette in Humboldt County 103 award winning guest rooms Hotel Amenities include pool, fitness center, salon and more Upscale casual dining in Rivers Edge Restaurant and Simple Bites in Bear River Express CafĂŠ Lounge with live entertainment and full cocktail bar Tobacco Traders & Coffee Company

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800.761.2327 | 11 Bear Paws Way | Loleta, CA 95551

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