The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mendocino County, Calif.
BUDGET
Stay
Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers luxurious, oceanview accommodations and a European-style day spa on a breathtaking route of California’s Highway 1. The first-floor Swallows Nest, $125-$155. Take in ocean views from the rooftop deck. Rates include a gourmet champagne breakfast and afternoon cocktails and wine. 6300 S. Calif. 1, Elk, Calif. 707-877-3321, www.elkcoveinn.com. Eat
Queenie’s Roadhouse Cafe serves breakfast (famous huevos rancheros) until 3 p.m., sandwiches and burgers from 11 a.m. and beer, wine and mimosas (closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays). Menu items to $13. 6061 S. Calif. 1, Elk, Calif. 707-877-3285, queeniesroadhousecafe.com. Experience
Russian Gulch State Park with over 7,000 feet of ocean frontage is known for Devil’s Punch Bowl (a collapsed sea cave) and a 36-foot-high waterfall accessible along a wooded walking trail (5.5 miles round-trip). This is a famous spot for tidepooling and rock fishing; $8 car entry. 12301 N. Calif. 1, Mendocino, Calif. 707-937-5804, www.parks.ca.gov.
MODERATE
Stay
The owners of the nostalgic Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins share their love of everything vintage in each of the property’s cabins. Amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, barbecues, croquet, badminton, an archery range, and weekend happy hours. The largest William and Mildred cabin features a large living/ dining area with a sofa bed, a kitchenette, a Posturepedic bed, two bathrooms (one with a fancy tub), two fireplaces (electric) and a private deck, from $249-$299. Other cabin rates from $109. The inn is located along a rural stretch south of Mendocino, but minutes from restaurants, breweries, wineries and beaches. 6051 N. Calif. 1, Little River, Calif. 707-9371543, theandiron.com. Eat
The oceanfront Ledford House highlights Cal-Med cuisine and regional wines with live jazz nightly. Entrees, $14-$32; $30 for a three-course Bistro Special. 3000 N. Calif. 1, Albion, Calif. 707-937-0282, www. ledfordhouse.com. Experience
Take the three-hour Stornetta Lands walking tour (about 6 miles) of an area just north of Bowling Ball Beach and Point Arena. The area was recently designated as a California Coastal National Monument. This protected environment of wetlands, meadows, dunes, wildlife habitats and cypress groves is a showcase for flora, fauna, geology and oceanography. $75 per person. 707-888-6121, www.unbeatenpathtours.com.
SPLURGE
Stay
Each of the five romantic guest rooms at the Sandpiper House are individually decorated with antiques, comfy chairs, fresh flowers, feather pillows, and fine linens. All have fireplaces and four have ocean views, up to $295 through April. A two-night minimum stay is required on weekends. Rates include a two-course gourmet breakfast and evening wine and hors d’oeuvres. The inn is surrounded by native trees and a creek and is steps down to a driftwood-strewn beach. 5520 S. Calif. 1, Elk, Calif. 707877-3587, www.sandpiperhouse.com. Eat
The fish is wild and local and the produce, oils, spices and herbs are organic at Wild Fish. Crab, cod, sole and sword and sablefish, $32-$38. Take in the views of the sunset over Little River Cove. 7750 N. Calif. 1, Little River, Calif. www.wild-fish.com. Experience
The lush Anderson Valley lies 9 miles east of the Pacific (Highway 128 Wine Road) with 2,500 acres of vineyard and more than two dozen tasting venues. A guided and chauffeured daylong tour takes in the prettiest stretches of the California coastline and goes into a redwood forest before entering the valley. Sample from some of the best and lesser known vintners and enjoy an al fresco gourmet lunch; $175 per person. 45020 Albion St., Mendocino, Calif. 707-9376700, www.maccallumhouse.com/wine-tours.