Low-key Mendocino
A two-night itinerary to really unwind
We had so much fun last week putting together that Essence of Mendocino itinerary for everyone that we decided to create another one for you! This particular two night / three day itinerary is set up for those of us that need a break from the stress and worry of life, that want to reconnect with that quiet place inside. Don’t worry, we haven’t packed it full of go-go-go activity. In fact, feel free to skip or add ideas as you wish – stretch out a nap for as long as you need or spend some extra time out in the trees… This is all about you!
Roadside glory along the Mendocino coast
Day 1
As you wind your way along the highway en route to Mendocino, take some deep breaths and enjoy the scenery. Whether you’re on Highway 101, 128, 20, or 1, the trees and hills, cliffs and waves of Mendocino County offer up a beautiful picture to any and all passing by. Once you’re close enough to Mendocino, tune your radio to 95.3 FM and let The KOZT get you into the local mood with their broad selection of music and local information.
If you got a fairly early start on your day, maybe make a stop or two at the many stunning lookout points along Highway 1 once you hit the coast. We love stepping out from the car into the crisp coastal air to stretch our legs and refresh our lungs for a few minutes. And if you planned ahead and packed a snack, even better! If not, you can grab something tasty at any number of little spots along the way, including Gowans in Philo, the Elk Store in Elk, the Westport Community Store in Westport, and Mariposa Market in Willits.
A cheeky little visitor at the bird feeder. Photo by staff member Marisol.
After you check into the inn, just take your time and let your mind shake off any last hurry or stress you may have brought along for the ride. Settle into your room. Pop your feet up on your private balcony with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Fall asleep on the couch out on the Main Deck as you listen to the chorus of Stellar’s jays, acorn woodpeckers, hummingbirds, quail, and adorable pygmy nuthatches. Let us serve you a delicious meal during our Wine Hour, then cozy up in your room with a movie or two from our library of DVD’s or that book you’ve been waiting forever to get around to reading.
Take it easy, and let the frogs in our ponds below the inn lull you into an early bedtime.
Peaceful evening at the inn. From Marisol again.
Day 2
Sleep in. Really. Do it. And if you’re hopelessly awake, slow down your morning routine. Leave your phone alone – it can wait. Go down to the coffee bar in one of our comfy robes, and take back up a steaming mug to sip on as you watch the world wake up outside your windows. Listen for the early morning birds or the cow that lives next door. Order breakfast to your room and linger over each bite. Fill up your coffee or tea one more time as you slowly get dressed and ready for the day – maybe enjoy the last drops of this one out on the Main Deck or in one of the arm chairs next to the big fireplace in the Great Room.
A cozy cup of tea in the Great Room.
By this point, it may be noon already, but who cares? You’re not on any schedule! Go meander through the sleepy streets of the village of Mendocino for a little bit and take in the picturesque charm of this New England-style hamlet. Go wherever your whim takes you – maybe a shop or art gallery catches you eye, maybe you step out along the trail to the bluffs, maybe a sunny bench calls out for you to just sit for a while.
Once your stomach starts to tell you it’s lunchtime, there are several wonderfully relaxed options to choose from. The Mendocino Café has a beautiful garden deck and a menu geared towards lighter fare. Café Beaujolais serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas we’ve ever had in the idyllic garden outside their Brickery. The itty-bitty corner café Fiddleheads has a short but well-done menu. And the Garden Bakery, while somewhat lacking in charm, makes some of the best Mexican food in Mendocino for a perfect picnic on the Kelly House lawn right across the street.
Serenity along the trails of Van Damme State Park
Now for a little nature time. Make the short drive down to Little River Airport Road and go in for a little ways until you reach the parking lot at the Van Damme State Park Pygmy Forest. Amble along the boardwalk through the pygmy forest if you like, or head straight into the upper reaches of the main section of Van Damme. A couple of minutes strolling along, and you’ll be right in the middle of one of our favorite areas for practicing the art of Shinrin Yoku. If you’re up for it, find an open grove off the trail and sit down for a bit on one of the venerable redwood logs. Breathe and be still.
When you are ready, head back to the inn to indulge in your late afternoon in-room massage. Let the therapist kneed any remaining tension away as you let yourself unwind a little more. And when she is done, sink into your bath and soak for a while… try not to fall asleep quite yet though!
Too much good food to be had around here!
Enjoy the evening meal our chef has created for Wine Hour, savoring each dish either out on the Main Deck or at one of the solid wooden dining tables in the Great Room. You can even take the food back to your room if you want to eat on your own private deck.
Tonight, maybe go for a quiet stroll through our gardens and down around the lily ponds. Then snuggle under your blankets again for another movie or that book you started last night. Ready for an early bedtime? Perfect!
Day 3
This may be the day you have to head back home, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t take your time and go slow. Go for a little repeat of yesterday’s easy start. Or maybe come join us in the Great Room for breakfast and sit by the big fireplace.
Once you finally have the car packed and we say our adieus, stop at one of the many little beaches along the coast and watch the waves for a while. Whether you choose Jughandle Reserve, Caspar Beach, Big River, Little River, Albion River, or the mouth of the Navarro, they all offer that calming breath of sweet Mendocino air that you need to tide you over until until your next visit to our quiet little corner of the world.
A solitary morning stroll on Jughandle State Reserve Beach
Words by Laura Hockett. Photos as well, unless otherwise specified.