The new General Manager at Brewery Gulch Inn
Hi! I’m Sarah Rowe!
Summer vibes on the Southern Mendocino coast…
Just taking a moment to introduce myself, as the new General Manager of Brewery Gulch Inn. We are busy, and fall is bustling through trees on the coast this October. Laura has set the stage for me to take on her revered blog, the “View from the Gulch” as she moves on to bigger & better things. My hope is that my words will flow with the grace and creativity that her posts always have! With a few cameo appearances from our wonderful staff that have offered up their own words of wisdom, the blog will go on! Keep your eye out for new writers to join the ranks of Laura & myself.
Sand dollars & footsteps in the sand in Westport…
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, with two plus decades of northern California under my belt. I have spent my entire life very near to the beloved Pacific Ocean, amongst the wild and untamed forests, coastal living is my game! I graduated High School in Eureka and moved south after my child was born. I’ve raised a family and built a house in Fort Bragg. I’ve made many friendships over the years with long-time locals and professionals, too many to count, curated connections and bridges built within our community that will last a lifetime. I’ve spent a good part of several years hiking the woods and seeking out the lesser-known beaches up and down the Mendocino Coast. Exploring the different locales as part of my mission to acquire knowledge of our county’s expansive wildlands.
Mendocino Headlands spectacular sunset…
Usal Beach at sunset is a magical place to be…
A couple of my all-time favorite outdoor destinations; Montgomery Woods is one of the best escapes to the Redwoods, truly some of the largest I’ve ever seen. It is well worth the drive! The old farms and homesteads along the road through Comptche are mesmerizing, if you’re a country junkie like me. I’ve always wanted to renovate an old barn, perhaps someday. Buckhorn Cove in Little River, and Abalone Point in Westport are two top beach destinations that I love, as they tend to be less crowded and have the best beachcombing. Yes, it’s true. I admit, I have always been a bit of a hoarder of tiny, shiny pebbles, and driftwood that seems to sculpt itself! As a sometimes jewelry maker over the years, it was so much fun to find treasures at the beach to incorporate into my pieces. Combining my love of the outdoors with my love for being creative with mixed materials.
I think this photo expresses my joy & excitement about being back at BGI… Awww the early days…
Restaurants, retail, and property management occupations have educated me well in the world of hospitality, allowing for an innate understanding of visitors needs. Having delved into many different undertakings here on the coast, my experience has given me a strong and confident skillset to feel comfortable taking on this new and extremely exciting role that seems to have come my direction at just the right time. Coming out of the Covid darkness, I just wasn’t sure about where life would take me next. Then in late January, I got the call from Laura. Honored and humbled to be thought of and overjoyed at the opportunity to come back to such a prestigious accommodation for coast travelers, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. I literally squealed and jumped for joy!
Through the trees & out to the horizon…
Brewery Gulch was just what I needed, not only to further my career in the hospitality industry, but the close connection with the fabulous friends at BGI that I have always appreciated over the years. It feels like I’m back at home after a four-year lapse in time. I started working BGI’s wine hour back in 2017, hired by my good friend and General Manager at that time, I quickly evolved into an Innkeeper. The year originally spent here at the Inn brought me close with the staff & I enjoyed it so much, there was no doubt in my mind that if given the chance to come back, it was definite that I would do so! Pleased to be firmly in place, I very much look forward to welcoming all our guests into the BGI family, as we have always done, moving into the future.
~ Words & pictures by Sarah Rowe