Guest Post by Heather Noll
Heather Noll, President of Chalkboard Communications, share her recommendations for one of her favorite getaways with her husband and pups – beautiful Mendocino, CA.
Q: Why should people visit Mendocino County in Northern California?
A: Mendocino County is one of the only places in the U.S. where you can enjoy wine, waves, and wilderness. Anderson Valley is known for its stellar Pinot Noirs (and bucolic landscape), the Coastline is rugged and dramatic (similar to Big Sur), and the redwoods, which dot the landscape throughout the county, are breathtaking.
Q: What’s the best way to travel to Mendocino? Possible to get there if you don’t own a car? How many hours does it take from the SF Bay Area?
A: Best (and really only way, unless you have a private jet!) is to travel there by car. We like taking US 101 north to Hwy 128 West, and traveling through Anderson Valley (where you can stop at one of the dozens of wineries along the route), until you reach Hwy 1, where you can either head south towards Elk, Point Arena, and Gualala (known as the “Banana Belt” – where the weather is always sunny) or north to the more well-known towns of Mendocino Village and Fort Bragg. It’s about a 2-hour drive from SF or Oakland to Mendocino wine country, and a 3 hour drive to the Mendocino Coast.
Q: What should one pack for visiting Mendocino?
A: Layers and comfortable shoes! It’s usually very warm in Anderson Valley, but the coast can be a little cooler. And you’re going to want to bring hiking boots or tennis shoes to walk some of the many trails that wind along the coast and through the various State Parks that the county is home to. Some of our favorite parks for hiking are Russian Gulch, Van Damme (check out the pygmy forest) and Mendocino Headlands (all on the coast) and Hendy Woods and Montgomery Woods (both inland).
Q: Where are the best places to stay in Mendocino? For couples? For families? Group of friends?
A: For couples: Brewery Gulch Inn. An intimate and cozy yet contemporary 12-room inn with an outstanding Food & Beverage program – both a daily breakfast and a nightly wine and appetizer hour are included with your stay.
For families: Little River Inn. A 65-room full-service resort with a restaurant, bar, tennis courts and Audubon-certified golf course – it’s also supremely dog-friendly, so you can bring your fur babies along as well.
For group of friends: MacCallum House. A Mendocino Boutique Hotel & Restaurant located in the heart of Mendocino Village and walking distance to lots of great dining (though the inn has its own stellar restaurant and bar, and makes the most incredible cocktails!), shopping, hiking, and more, with a selection of different rooms types – from traditional units to suites to cottages – that will suit all tastes and budgets.
Q: What are some must-do activities while in Mendocino?
A: Whale watching during the migration season (Nov-Apr), dining in Noyo Harbor District (we love Princess Seafood Restaurant), canoeing down Big River with Catch a Canoe (where you’ll likely witness up close river otters and harbor seals frolicking), or attending one of the many annual festivals that Mendocino County hosts. Favorites include the annual Urchin Festival in late June and the Harvest Festival in early November, where the local bounty of mushrooms is the star (pro tip: sign up for a Mushroom Exploration and Foraging Tour at the Stanford Inn!).
Q: What are the best towns in Mendocino to visit?
A: Hard to pick a favorite, as we love all of the towns in Mendocino County. If you’re looking for coastal beauty, I’d say Elk, Little River and Mendocino Village. In Anderson Valley, Boonville is the most happening spot, and inland, Hopland exudes small town charm.
Q: Best local shops to visit?
A: We don’t do a lot of shopping when we’re here – we spend a lot of time outdoors and in nature, getting our hike on, and then reward ourselves with good food and drink (and a lot of it, ha!).
If you’ve got kiddos, Out of This World in Mendocino Village sells the coolest toys (mostly educational in nature). Pro tip: if you’re into fun footwear, the Village Sock Shop is a must-visit.
Q: Let’s talk food! What are the best eats in Mendocino? Must-visit restaurants? Must-eat dishes?
A: My favorite subject! Here are my top picks:
At Little River Inn’s restaurant, order anything that features fresh and seasonal produce from their Laughing-Duck Farm (the beet salad with whipped goat cheese is my go-to!)
Fish and Chips (washed down with a pint, of course) at Patterson’s Pub
Fried chicken at MacCallum House Restaurant
Dungeness Crab Roll with a side of Lobster and Crab Bisque from Princess Seafood Restaurant
Sea Palm Strudel from Ravens’ Restaurant at Stanford Inn (vegan)
Breakfast pastries, coffees and teas from Good Life Cafe
Puttanesca Pizza from Offspring Wood Fire Pizza at the Farrer Building
The Boss Hog from The Golden Pig (you’ll want to share this with someone – unless you have a hollow leg)
Q: Mendocino is also known for great wine and beer. Which winery(ies) and brewery(ies) are your favorites?
A: Everyone who finds themselves on the Mendocino Coast MUST visit Ole’s Whale Watch Bar at Little River Inn, pony up to the bar that overlooks the Pacific Ocean (and maybe spot a whale or two passing by) and order a Saison. That is my #1 recommendation!
Favorite wineries:
• Lula Cellars – their outdoor tasting area is so lovely (and dog-friendly), and overlooks a pond, with walking trails throughout the property. They also make some of the best Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley.
• Fathers & Daughters Cellars – their private tastings at the top of Ferrington Vineyard are by appointment only, and this is one of the more unique tasting experiences on offer in California, in my opinion. And owned by the most lovely family.
Favorite brewery:
Anderson Valley Brewing Company– we served their Summer Solstice beer at our wedding, and they also make the Saison that Little River Inn pours – which is literally my favorite beverage in the world!
Other recommendations:
• Sip on a glass of wine at The Waiting Room at Café Beaujolais
• Drink beer with the locals at Dick’s Place
• For the ultimate indulgence, book the Bubbles and Caviar pairing at Goldeneye Winery
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: The busiest months are always July and September, so I’d avoid these months. My favorite time to visit is the Fall — September and October. Much like in San Francisco during these same months, the weather is warm and the skies are sunny and clear.
Q: Any other must-do or must-know tips for visiting Mendocino?
A: Mendocino offers something for everyone, and I mean everyone. Lots of FREE things to do, which I know is important to folks during these times (explore Glass Beach, go tidepooling, visit Ford House Museum or Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, meander along the headlands, browse art galleries).
It’s a place where you can really relax, unwind, and embrace getting away from it all. The beauty of the area – from rolling vineyards to towering redwoods to crashing waves – truly cleanses the soul. ✨
Thank you so much Heather for these fantastic recommendations! 🙏
