Spring fun
Some of the best activities and events in Mendocino this spring
Not too long ago, we were daydreaming about the glories of spring sunshine and wishing for the bright joy of the springtime flowers… now it’s all finally here! With the sun glinting off the waves and the scent of dusky green wafting out of the redwood forest, this breezy spring has been beckoning a fresh wave of visitors to the Mendocino coast. We know that you yourselves will most likely be joining the fun as soon as you’re done reading this quick post, as not many can resist this little jewel of a place when it’s all decked out in its spring best. So, we thought we’d let you know about some of our favorite activities and events that are going on this spring, activities and events that you are definitely going to want to add to your itinerary!
For those who love flowers as much as we do, you’re not going to want to miss the 42nd Annual Rhododendron Show at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens this coming Saturday and Sunday, May 4th & 5th, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Enjoy both the judging tent filled to overflowing with more than 800 different varieties of rhododendron and the lovely, shady path that winds through the Gardens’ perennial rhodie forest. Many other flowers will of course be breaking out to greet the sunshine as well.
Also for flower lovers, the Anderson Valley Wildflower Show will be taking place this same weekend, May 4th & 5th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville.
Nye Ranch at the Fort Bragg Farmers Market
Farmers Markets have started back up! The Fort Bragg Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The biggest one in the area, it is bursting with the bounties of spring. The Mendocino Farmers Market is held every Friday from noon to 2:00pm, adding the perfect homey feel to your stroll around the village. The Albion Farmers Market is held Sundays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm – the smallest of the local markets, it is nonetheless worth a visit for something fun and local to take home after your weekend on the coast.
If the regular farmers markets happen to not coincide with your visit, you can also seek out one of the many little farm stands tucked away throughout the area. Nye Ranch up in Cleone is open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. They have a super easy to access stand right on Highway 1. Fortunate Farm in Caspar, also open on Saturdays, has both delightful produce and adorable sheep, plus flowers! There are also Mist Farm, Petite Teton, The Philo Apple Farm, Gowans, and many more.
On the wine side of things, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is slated to take place the weekend of May 17th through the 19th. The main events are the Grand Tasting at Camp Navarro on Saturday the 18th – a true celebration of all things Pinot - and the Winery Open Houses throughout the valley on Sunday the 19th, when most of the wineries will be holding special events as part of the festival.
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, check out the Point Arena Lighthouse Full Flower Moon Night Tour on the 18th, from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.
For those that appreciate beautiful and intriguing art, you simply must go to the graduation exhibit put on by the Krenov School of Fine Furniture, an internationally recognized mecca for fine woodworking. They are holding this year’s exhibit from May 18th through the 27th, at the Partners Gallery in Fort Bragg. Also not to be missed is the 18th Annual Open Studio Anderson Valley Art Tour from the 25th to the 27th, 11:00am to 5:00pm every day. Some of artists whose work hangs in the inn will be participating.
And then to usher us into summer, the Mendocino Film Festival will be taking place this year May 31st through June 2nd. Three days full to the brim with one amazing film after another, this is one of our personal highlights of the year.
Now that your brains are swirling with delightful springtime possibilities, go grab your calendars and schedule your perfect getaway!
Just follow the trail of gold to sunny Mendocino…
Written by Laura Hockett