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Getaway To California’s Mendocino Coast
By DesertMama | July 12, 2008
Do you remember the TV show Murder, She Wrote starring Angela Lansbury as the clever detective Jessica Fletcher? The setting was Cabot Cove, Maine. But guess what! Her darling little 1888 Victorian home with a white picket fence is nowhere near the East Coast. In fact, it sits in the charming town of Mendocino, California and if you are so inclined, you can stay there during your romantic getaway. The home is a bed and breakfast called The Blair House Inn (no relation to the DesertFamily but we did pose by the sign during our visit).
Another place for a romantic getaway, or your family trip, is the Little River Inn a spectacular location with stunning views, golf, a spa and the best hotcakes ever!
Looking for family fun? Fort Bragg is only a few miles north of the Mendocino Coast and is full of fun activities for the children. Between the two towns is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This place alone is worth the journey. The 47-acres pop with colors, scents and scenery out of a calendar. The kids can run and burn off energy and play in an area designed for children to create things with twigs from the surrounding trees. Cowlick’s in the Garden serves light lunch and homemade ice cream. My kids and hubby enjoyed blackberry and chocolate chunk while I indulged on a strawberry cone. Yum! During our stay we took a ride on the Skunk Train. The train departs daily from Fort Bragg and offers spectacular scenery of redwoods, streams and wildlife. There is a snack bar on board complete with $2 bags of popcorn; my son devoured his bag. At the turn around point passengers can hop off and enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs and more. If you have little ones be sure to bring a few activities for the ride (coloring books, books, etc.) in case they get antsy.
The Emerald Dolphin Inn is as family-friendly as they come with the only miniature golf in town right next door. Surf Motel and Gardens is another location worth mentioning for families. Both locations offer free continental breakfasts. Travel Tip: Try and score lodging that offers a free breakfast. The Tradewinds Quality Inn and Suites further north on Main Street is another family-friendly location, complete with an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and a free sit down breakfast at the Tradewinds Restaurant.
Topics: Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar |
TravelMuse
July 12th, 2008 at
I swore off Mendocino YEARS ago after a miserably carsick journey to Gualala for my open water check out dive (the last hurdle in scuba diving certification).
Now you are tempting me back, damn you.
What route did you take? Was it as curvy as I remember?
July 12th, 2008 at
That’s too bad you got carsick! The drive is so pretty. We took the 128 there and the 20 back and, yes, there are several miles of curves on both routes. I guess Dramamine would be a good thing to have on hand for those who get carsick.
That’s awesome you got your diving certificate!
July 16th, 2008 at
Jamie, you must have come up on Highway 1 to or from San Francisco which is extremely curvy. If you follow DesertMama’s route, you’ll have a better trip. The first 10 miles on your way to the coast is pretty twisty, but then straighten’s out. Hope you’ll come back for a visit soon.
July 16th, 2008 at
Despite the random drive to get here, the journey is worth it! Visiting the Mendocino Coast is truly a unique experience. (Heck, I visited from New York City in 2001 and moved here six months later!)
Don’t forget to visit some of Fort Bragg’s great restaurants for kids and adults while you are here, like Piaci Pub & Pizzeria, Chapter & Moon, V’Canto Italian Dinner House, Mendo Bistro…too many great ones to name here.
Kids (ages 6 and older) will also love horseback riding on the beach, whale watching during the appropriate season, kayaking, tidepooling, hiking the redwood forests…whatever your pleasure! Check out http://www.fortbragg.com for more information about this great town.
August 2nd, 2008 at
Carsickness does spoil a trip. But, a couple things to remember going over either Highway 20 or 128, you need to keep your eyes on the road, do not sit in the back seat or reading a book, etc. Keep fresh air circulating throughout the vehicle and don’t drive to fast. But, you will want to stay the speed limit - and remember to use turn out lanes. There are several stops along Highway 20 - check out the Steam Donkey at Camp 20. Fort Bragg, CA is a great place to visit, and a nice place to live. There are lots of things to see and do; plus, some great shops.
I recommend Silvers at the Wharf, D’Aurelios, Laurel Deli (@Skunk Train Depot), Lee’s Chinese, Little River Inn, Mendocino Cookie Company, PaPa Bears Confectionery and Cowlicks Ice Cream!