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Photo Courtesy of @electricwest
From Point Arena to Willits, the network of quiet towns and vine-swept backcountry speak to the easy luxury of traveling without a deadline and taking time to dig deeper into a destination. Add in locally farmed or harvested cider, honey, beans, peppers, seaweed and uni, and a seat at the table just elevated the experience.
There’s just something soothing about cruising along California’s legendary Highway 1 with its dramatic coastline and real deal small towns linking the dots. Start at Gualala nestled on the southwest corner of the county for a romp in all things art. The eclectic Gualala Arts Center delivers a bevy of incredible works. Then venture to the mind-bending Stone Ranch, a massive 30-acre property featuring 35 captivating stone installations. For a surreal adventure, drop into Bowling Ball Beach (Schooner Gulch State Beach). As the tide pulls out, the beach unfolds like a lunar landscape with a mass of almost perfectly shaped spherical stones, then onward to the wild side via B. Bryan Preserve. Heading up the coast, find Stornetta Lands National Monument and the Point Arena Lighthouse, and stop for the night in the sleepy but dreamy enclave of Elk with a choice of three distinctive inns and a wealth of amazing food, including the two Michelin star Harbor House Inn.
Hopland is the Gateway to Mendocino County, with new wine-tasting venues and a rustic-chic vibe. Plant roots at the Thatcher Hotel, a classic restored Victorian, then spend the day exploring the town with 15 winetasting venues. New stops include Alta Orsa Winery, Dancing Crow Winery and Ettore Winery. As the day slips into night, hit up The Golden Pig for dinner, showcasing a vibrant locally-sourced menu. Traversing north on Highway 101, find a smattering of wineries, distilleries and museums like Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah. Quench your thirst at Ukiah Brewing Company or any number of restaurants in Ukiah. Up the road in Redwood Valley, incredible spirits with a focus on rye whiskeys at Mendocino Spirits are sure to please. Landing in Willits, The Munchery and Bad Habit Grill are newer eateries gaining in popularity, joining Ramen Cubed as a favorite haunt. Grab a pint at Northspur Brewing, or a show at Willits Center for the Arts and bed down at Baechtel Creek Inn or the quirky Old West Motel. In the morning, a trip to the Mendocino County Museum offers up an interesting history of Mendocino County.
Yorkville to Fort Bragg features the most magical road in Highway 128 – grasslands, vineyards and forests that pop out at the Highway 1 and the grand Pacific Ocean. The drive is spell-binding, dotted with a few key winetasting venues such as Meyer Family Cellars, Artevino in Yorkville, with a commanding valley view. Continue to the enchanting town of Boonville, known for its own particular language, Boontling. This stretch of land packs plenty of punch, so pull up a seat and get ready to swirl. Set in the wine-centric Anderson Valley AVA. Stretching east to the sea, from Boonville to Navarro is an all-day ticket to the region’s top Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines. Pull into Disco Ranch for provisions or hit the new Jumbo’s Win Win roadside burger stand then set off. This is a food and wine emporium with The Boonville Hotel, Offspring & Wickson and wineries too numerous to count. Award winning ciders at Gowan’s Heirloom Cider delight as will a walk amongst the redwoods in Hendy Woods State Park. A meet up with Highway 1 produces a spectacular ocean view – head north to the eclectic communities of Albion, Mendocino, Caspar and Fort Bragg.
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