Sweet Mendocino

For when you’re dreaming of something sweet and tasty

For those of you that don’t know, we entered the season of Lent this past Wednesday. What is Lent? Among other things, this nearly 2 month stretch before Easter is meant to be a time of reflection, most typically marked by fasting to some degree. And we all know that there’s nothing like entering on a good, long period of self-denial to make you dream about all the things you aren’t supposed to be having… cookies… ice cream… chocolate… donuts… sigh… So since we’re already dreaming, we thought we’d share all the lovely things that have been floating through our brains. Because even though we’ve given them up for now, that doesn’t mean you have to!

Read on, read on, and maybe you’ll find something sweet that you can’t live without either...

 IN MENDOCINO………

Taking a peek through the window…

Mendocino Chocolate Company

Probably one of the most well-recognized sweets shops in town, this long-time chocolatier has been supplying creative handmade truffles and a surprising array of other goodies to the Mendocino coast for years. Their classy gift boxes also make great, tasty gifts for friends and family.

Stop by their shop on Lansing Street in Mendocino or Main Street up in Fort Bragg. The Mendocino branch is open 11:00-5:30 daily, and the Fort Bragg is open 10:00-5:30 daily.

Perfect evening light at good ol’ Papa Bear’s.

Papa Bear’s Chocolate Haus

A little less well-known that the Mendocino Chocolate Company, this mom and pop spot on Main Street in Mendocino has established a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Their Fresh Raspberry White Chocolate Bark usually disappears almost as quickly as they can make it, and their Chocolate Mint Bars are phenomenal.

The owners of this little shop are being extremely COVID conscious – the chocolates they have available (not always the same selection) are on display in the window along the old wooden sidewalk. You drool over what you see, text your order to the number displayed, and then pay through a small side window, where they also hand over your bag of confectionary treasures.

Open 10:00-5:00 daily.

Our favorite kind of bar to belly up to.

Frankie’s

One of our favorite spots to stop by when we need an ice cream fix in the middle of the work day, we find ourselves running away to Frankie’s on a regular basis for the Café Affogato or the oh-so-good Caffeinator.

Open Monday-Thursday 1:00-7:00 & Friday-Sunday 12:00-7:00.

Such a great place!

Goodlife Café & Bakery

Another favorite of ours for a casual lunch, snack, or sweet treat! Afternoon coffee and giant cookie? Yes, please! They also sometimes make an Almond Chocolate Bar that is absolute chocolate pastry heaven. Good Life’s a great spot if to hit up if you have any dietary restrictions, as they usually have something just right for everyone’s needs and desires.

Open 8:00-3:00 daily.

 IN FORT BRAGG………

Mmmmmmm…………..

Cowlicks Ice Cream

All the ice cream served at Frankie’s? It comes from this ice cream mecca up in Fort Bragg. Make the drive north for the full array of ice cream options – it’s totally worth it.

Open 11:00-9:00 daily.

DONUT!!!

Drop In Donut

A newer place that opened this past year on Redwood Street in Fort Bragg, this popular little spot has the stamp of approval from Guy and Ella, who like to add it into their regular daddy-daughter dates.

Open Thursday-Sunday 8:00-sold out.

The window art at the Cookie Company always makes us smile.

Mendocino Cookie Company

If you’re in the mood for a good cookie and find yourself in downtown Fort Bragg, meander on over to the Company Store on Main Street, where the Mendocino Cookie Company and Zappa’s Coffee share a little café with a window right onto the street. Grab a coffee and satisfyingly large cookie to go and stroll along; maybe do a little window shopping at the different art galleries and stores, or head over to the coastal trail, which you can access about a block south by going behind the Napa Auto Parts store.

Open Monday-Saturday, 7:00-5:00 & Sunday 8:00-3:00.

Sweet Affair

This tiny bakery on Laurel Street in Fort Bragg has very limited hours that they are open, but they thrive on special order business. One of our housekeepers has ordered almost every birthday cake for her large family from this female owned and run bakery over the past year or two, and she raves about them every single time. Plan a visit during their open hours and indulge in one or two of their amazing macarons.

Currently open Saturday 11:00-4:00.

The bakery department at Harvest Market

Ok, so this particular spot may not seem as fun or romantic as a chocolate shop or ice cream parlor, but the bakery department at the locally-owned Harvest Market up in Fort Bragg turns out some truly tasty baked goods. Guy is addicted to their Chocolate Shortbread Cookies and says that the Chocoalte-Covered English Toffee Caramels are like kryptonite. Need something to complete a picnic out on the bluffs? They’ve got ya covered. Want to pick up an indulgent midnight snack? They’ve got plenty of options there too! The smaller branch in Mendocino – Harvest at Mendosa’s – does have a petite selection of these goodies, but head up to the main store in Fort Bragg for the full spread.

Open 7:00am-9:00pm daily.

 A LITTLE FARTHER AFIELD………

A little bit of heaven, tucked away on Main Street in Point Arena.

Franny’s Cup & Saucer

We may or may not have already raved about the crazy-good donuts that Franny blesses the world with most Fridays. We are also excited to partner with her on all the custom mini wedding cakes for our elopements. AND she made the most mind blowingly fantastic rainbow unicorn constellation cake for Ella’s 8th birthday this summer – who would have thought that rainbow cake could actually taste delicious???  Take a quick day trip south to Point Arena and stop by Franny’s tiny little bakery on Main Street for your own taste of her passion for all things tasty.

Open Wednesday-Saturday 8:00-2:00 & Sunday 8:00-noon.

Paysanne

Spending the day in the Anderson Valley? Make a point to stop by this adorable little ice cream and sweets shop in the middle of Boonville. Guy, Sarah, and Ella are regular visitors themselves and have nothing but good things to say about it.

Open Friday-Monday 11:00-6:00.

Words and pictures by Laura Hockett