Spotlight on Lodging by Out and About Media

By Leighanne Lindsey of Out and About Media:

In this 17 minute show are five guests who are owners and innkeepers of many places to stay in majestic Mendocino County, one of the most-sought-after-destinations. Their places range from a B&B to vacation home rentals. They talk about how unique their places are and about the beauty and fun that is Mendocino County. The show is moderated by Sally Stewart of Southern Exposure Salon and Spa in the town of Mendocino.

Activities nearby these unique places to stay include kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, abalone diving, shopping, tasting wines at boutique wineries, whale watching and boating out on the open sea.

In this TV show on Lodging are:

•  Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse, a bed & breakfast in Little River, Owner Jo Bradley

• The Beachcomber Motel and Spa, the Surf and Sand Lodge and The Beach House Inn – all in Fort Bragg and all owned by Pam Amante

• Mendocino Preferred Vacation Homes, Owner Jim Hay

• Elk Cove Inn & Spa, Innkeeper Mary O’Brien

• Visit Mendocino County, CEO/President Scott Schneider who talks about lodging throughout the county

When you stay at Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse in Little River, you are served a gourmet meal direct to your room. They can also serve vegan, gluten-free and meals tailored to the guests. This 1800’s era home and cottages sit on two, quiet acres just a short walk from a private cove on the ocean’s edge. http://www.victorianfarmhouse.com/. At the Beachcomber Motel & Spa and The Surf and Sand Lodge, your room faces the beautiful, wild Pacific and cliffs in North Fort Bragg. Just outside your room, is a short walk over the headlands to the beach. These two lodging facilities are next to a long, paved trail that stretches from Fort Bragg to McKerricher State Park. Both are pet friendly, which makes this trail just perfect for you to walk your pet. They provide bikes for your enjoyment along the trail as well. The Beach House Inn, which is owned by the same owner that owns The Beachcomber & Surf & Sand, sits on a quiet and serene bird estuary just across highway one, also known as Main Street. All three places are pet-friendly, have fireplaces and in-room spas.

• Beachcomber Motel & Spa: http://thebeachcombermotel.com/
• Surf & Sand Lodge http://www.surfsandlodge.com/
• The Beach House Inn: http://www.beachinn.com/

Mendocino Preferred Vacation Rentals are luxurious homes and suites and romantic getaways near the village of Mendocino. Many sit on the cliffs over the ocean. In fact, this show was filmed in one of its many vacation homes that sit on the cliffs called Ocean Splendor in Little River. The Chapman Point House, also on the cliffs, has a stunning view across the bay of the town of Mendocino. Windrift Cottage at Mendocino is a cozy cottage with beach access. It’s located mid-way between Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Whale Rock is a lovely, unique and quiet location on the beach just 10 miles North of Fort Bragg. Many more vacation rentals can be found at http://www.mendocinopreferred.com/. At the Elk Cove Inn & Spa in the small town of Elk, halfway down the Mendocino coast, you are welcomed in the morning by a full buffet of locally sourced, organic food, from fruits to omelets to amazing dessert offerings. And the champagne flows and flows. Upon arrival, you receive a basket of food and wine. Happy hour goes for two long hours. Walk to the beach and town for lunch or dinner and some shopping. A short trail leads down from the inn to a long, private beach with stunning views of jutting rocks out in the ocean and sea caves. http://www.elkcoveinn.com/. Fort Bragg is filled with award-winning restaurants serving locally sourced, organic foods and fresh wild fish from the harbor. A short drive takes you to the quaint and charming village of Mendocino. It is situated on the headlands facing the sea where there is a live theater, shopping, galleries, a place for tasting Mendocino County wines, and more restaurants serving delicious, local foods. Drive along curving Highway 1 for a dramatic escape.

Try a stay at the Manchester KOA campground located on the state beach halfway down the coast where there are a selection of cabins that suit the needs of the individual to large parties. Of course there is camping and places to park your RV. Head on down to Gualala for unique art stores and galleries and to the Gualala Arts Center which is dedicated to promoting public interest and participation in the arts. There you can find art exhibits, workshops & classes, classical & popular music performances, theater, lectures and much more.

There are many B&Bs and one-of-a-kind lodging places there as well. When it comes to vacations, you can’t beat the variety of places to stay, the numerous restaurants for luscious dining, and a range of activities and things to do, from the coast to the Anderson Valley which is filled with ancient redwoods and vineyards to Ukiah and Redwood Valley where even more vineyards abound in the mountains and hills.

Visit Mendocino County’s website says, “Mendocino County, where rugged coastline, breathtaking beaches, picturesque villages, majestic redwood forests and America’s Greenest Wine Region beckon you to escape to a slower pace. Combining the best of the outdoors with the finest aspects of living well,

Mendocino County embodies the very best that California and Mother Nature has to offer. Come sit by the fire, savor a delicious Mendocino vintage, stare up into a mighty redwood tree or watch migrating whales from the porch of one of our unique inns. Serenity and wilderness plus indulgence and enjoyment all await you, just a couple hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area where you’ll feel so far away from it all. http://www.visitmendocino.com/.

The next Spotlight on Mendocino County segment will be on Dining. It will air on the second Sunday in March (the 9th.) April’s segment on the second Sunday will be on Wineries. May it’s Activities and June Shopping. Throughout the year, Spotlight on Mendocino County continues to cover everything from shopping and activities to lodging and dining. It’s the place to go for informative visuals and round tables with owners when you begin to plan your next vacation to Mendocino County.