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Northern California Mini Road Trip | Vineyards, waterfronts and Art
Hi there and Happy Friday!!
This is our second week bringing you our new Friday Feature - Mini Road Trips. This week we are featuring a west coast mini road trip with a focus on Northern California.
The natural beauty of Northern California can be enjoyed in the simplicity of a short drive between a handful of locations in close proximity. Luckily for travelers who embark on the route we've set forth, there's a well balanced mix of vineyard exploration, water views and historic sites.
Let's begin our trip in the city of Philo, which is located in Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. Here you will find the charming family owed Navarro Vineyards & Winery which has been growing grapes, making wine and producing non-alcoholic grape juices since 1974. Be sure to sign up in advance for a tour where you can taste the featured wines and juices. Learn about their eco friendly vineyard and the way in which they process their wines and juices which reflects Navarro's commitment to sustainable practices and their long term farming vision.
Lovely family-owned Navarro Vineyards and Winery is eco friendly and implements sustainable practices. (c) travelincousins.com
Following your tour, head out to the lush grounds where you will witness the winery's baby doll sheep taking care of the vineyard's lawns, while chickens take care of fertilizing, llamas and sheepdogs roam about watching over the sheep and little lambs.
The vineyard environment is just perfect for a picnic lunch. The nearby Boonville General Store, a farmstand-like cafe-deli which serves organic food from farm to table, is the ideal spot to grab a bite to enjoy While relaxing on the vineyard grounds.
The vineyard environment is just perfect for a picnic lunch. The nearby Boonville General Store, a farmstand-like cafe-deli which serves organic food from farm to table, is the ideal spot to grab a bite to enjoy While relaxing on the vineyard grounds.
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino (c) travelincousins.com
Get back on the road for a scenic 40-mile drive north towards Mendocino. Travel along rolling hills and through the Anderson Valley. Your trip will also take you through the 11-mile tunnel of redwoods Once in Mendocino County, take a drive over the Albion River via the Albion River Bridge, a wooden deck truss bridge. This is the only remaining wooden bridge on California State Route 1 nd was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
The final stop for the day and evening’s accommodations is the Stanford Inn by the Sea, which is located on a coastal hillside overlooking Mendocino Bay. This Vegetarian Inn offers a bariety of services and life-enhancing experiences at its wellness center. Why not indulge in a relaxing Massage in the Forest to cap off the day!
Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or meat eater, you will absolutely not want to miss having a scrumptious meal at the resort's Ravens Restaurant which featured a plant-based cuisine made from their on-site certified organic gardens.
The final stop for the day and evening’s accommodations is the Stanford Inn by the Sea, which is located on a coastal hillside overlooking Mendocino Bay. This Vegetarian Inn offers a bariety of services and life-enhancing experiences at its wellness center. Why not indulge in a relaxing Massage in the Forest to cap off the day!
Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or meat eater, you will absolutely not want to miss having a scrumptious meal at the resort's Ravens Restaurant which featured a plant-based cuisine made from their on-site certified organic gardens.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (c)travelincousins.com
After a restful night's sleep, start your day with an early walk in the natural surroundings of Mendocino Headlands Beach State Park. Beginning operation in 1974, this park was expanded in 2002 with the addition of Big River wetlands creating a wonderful 7,400-acre wildlife corridor linking diverse coastal and inland habitats, creating the largest piece of connected public land within Mendocino County.
Get back on the road for a visit to Fort Bragg where you will encounter one of the coolest beaches around. Glass Beach, is covered in rounded sea glass and just a short walk takes you to tide pools, rocks to climb, cliffs to watch the surf for whales and to gaze North to the Lost Coast. Follow this up with a stroll through the gardens at Fort Bragg. If you haven't gotten your fill of beautiful flowers, head over to the flora-filled Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens for an afternoon of natural exploration. The gardens have an oceanfront view on the coast with over 150 species of birds and other creatures.
Get back on the road for a visit to Fort Bragg where you will encounter one of the coolest beaches around. Glass Beach, is covered in rounded sea glass and just a short walk takes you to tide pools, rocks to climb, cliffs to watch the surf for whales and to gaze North to the Lost Coast. Follow this up with a stroll through the gardens at Fort Bragg. If you haven't gotten your fill of beautiful flowers, head over to the flora-filled Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens for an afternoon of natural exploration. The gardens have an oceanfront view on the coast with over 150 species of birds and other creatures.
Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum (c) travelincousins.com
For lighthouse enthusiasts, the striking Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean, situated on the closest point to the Hawaiian Islands in the Continental United States.
If time permits in the day or if you prefer a day filled with art appreciation, plan to visit two historic museums. The first is The Ford House Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, set amongst miles of trails that wind along the cliffs. Also on the National Register is Grace Hudson Museum, home to collections consisting of more than 30,000 inter-related objects, with significant holdings of local Pomo Indian artifacts.
Time to bring your lovely Northern California trip to an end and head home more relaxed and invigorated!
Enjoy your weekend!
-Travelin' Elisa & Travelin' Tanya
If time permits in the day or if you prefer a day filled with art appreciation, plan to visit two historic museums. The first is The Ford House Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, set amongst miles of trails that wind along the cliffs. Also on the National Register is Grace Hudson Museum, home to collections consisting of more than 30,000 inter-related objects, with significant holdings of local Pomo Indian artifacts.
Time to bring your lovely Northern California trip to an end and head home more relaxed and invigorated!
Enjoy your weekend!
-Travelin' Elisa & Travelin' Tanya
