A-mushrooming we shall go!

Activities, Experiences, Food, Hiking, Outdoors | November 12, 2021

A revisit of a previous blog post, because it’s really just THAT GOOD! It’s mushrooming season here on the Mendocino Coast!

A mushroom with a bulbous stem and a textured cap growing on a forest floor with leaves and twigs.

A darling little duo, even if they weren’t edible.

In case you weren’t aware, mushroom season has begun! We’ve had several good bouts of rain lately, and the forest floor has begun to burst with fungi of all shapes and sizes. Just go on a walk right now through almost any of the local trails like Russian Gulch or Van Damme, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s such an interesting, beautiful array of colors and forms! Now, while it wouldn’t be a good idea to eat most of the mushrooms you’ll see out and about on your walk, there are quite a few that are tasty enough to draw the passionately enthusiastic foragers amongst us out into the woods every chance they get this time of year.

Two people walking away on a grassy field, with a line of trees in the background under an overcast sky.

Ready for a woodland adventure!

A few of us here at the inn decided to join in the spirit of the season and see if we could discover some edible mushrooms of our own this past week. We met up at the inn, chatting excitedly as we pulled wicker baskets out of our trunks and laced up our boots, ready to dive into the wet and muddy woods. We hopped the split rail fence surrounding the inn’s parking lot and headed out into the part of Jackson Demonstration Forest that abuts our property.

Two small mushrooms with smooth caps and stems growing on a mossy surface, with other plants visible in the background.

A perfectly charming scene. (sadly, not edible)

A close view of a person's hand holding a small, textured object, with a forest background.

This one was violet!! (but not edible…)

A person's hand holding a mushroom with a broad, flat cap and a short stem, with a forest floor visible in the background.

And this one had such lovely, violet gills. (also not edible)

As soon as we entered the first stand of trees, our eyes were glued to the ground, casting about in search of fungi – and there were SO MANY mushrooms! They were everywhere. Little bright red balls popping out from under dead leaves, miniscule caramel-colored caps sprouting from a bed of fern-like moss, violet-tinged beauties with wavy edges, a darling white-fringed trio tucked beneath the nodding branches of some woodland bush… Our guide Carrie, who grew up foraging with her family here on the coast, started showing us the various distinguishing parts of the mushrooms we were seeing. Nothing so far was actually edible, but she still took the opportunity to explain the differences between the many fungi at our feet. Was the stalk solid or hollow? Did it break cleanly, or was it fibrous? What did the gills on the underside of the cap look like? Was the cap slimy or dry? What color(s) were the cap and gills? She pointed out the spreading matt of mycelium just underneath the surface of the ground that the mushrooms we saw were sprouting from.

A cluster of irregularly shaped mushrooms growing on a decaying log, with leaves and debris surrounding them.

Ooey gooey Witch’s Butter, which some foragers use to make jelly candies.

After another stop to learn about the edible, gelatinous Witch’s Butter growing from an old stump, we turned aside from the rough utility road we had been following and made our way out into the pathless woods. This was new ground for all of us, our guide Carrie included, so we weren’t sure what we would be able to find (or even if we would find anything at all!), but we were out on an adventure.

A person's hand touching a mushroom growing on the side of a tree trunk, with moss and bark visible.

Check out these beautiful Artist’s Conchs. Hard and woody, they were definitely not on our list of fungi to nibble on, but they were still cool.

Like little kids, we investigated “shrumps” to see what hidden mushrooms were bursting their way out through the layers of fallen leaves. We admired an old fir snag covered in moss and the shelf-like Artist’s Conch. We discussed the health benefits of Usnea, or the Old Man’s Beard lichen streaming down from many of the branches around us. We happily nibbled on the lovely, white Toothed Jellies that were abundant everywhere we turned. We oohed and aahed over the spindly fingers of bright orange Coral Mushroom just beginning to grow in a sheltered grove.

A cluster of large, irregularly shaped mushrooms growing on a decaying log, with moss and leaves visible.

Wow. Take a look at this beautiful Pig’s Ear mushroom we found nestled on the forest floor.

We had been winding around salal bushes and through low hanging branches of tan bark oak for a little while, when suddenly the first gal in our group let out a delighted shriek and stood pointing down until the others of us caught up. She had found a Pig’s Ear! Part of the highly-prized Chanterelle family of mushrooms, Pig’s Ears can be quite delicious when younger… but are often riddled with maggots when they get too big. Yuck. This particular specimen was on the bigger side, and none of us particularly wanted to deal with maggots, so after passing it around and admiring its delicate details, we decided to let it remain a part of the forest floor. It was still exciting though! Our first big edible find.

A person's hand holding a cluster of mushrooms with textured caps and stems, in a forest setting with leaves and moss visible.

Discussing the different parts and merits of the Pig’s Ear.

A person's hand holding a small, textured object, with a blurred forest background.

This tiny little guy (not edible) was intriguingly woody yet still incredibly delicate.

From here we decided to circle back around to the utility road. After what seemed an hour of picking our way through veritable thickets of salal and climbing over more downed logs that we could remember, we were all starting to feel hungry and wishing we had brought more water. Once we finally crossed the path of the utility road though and made our way into the more open woods on the other side, we were once again lost in the wonder of even MORE mushrooms. Seriously, they were everywhere. At one point, we were engrossed in discovering how big an emerging patch of orange Coral Mushrooms was going to be (too small to gather), only to realize that we had sat down on several beautiful little White Coral Mushrooms (also too young yet). AND we were right next to what may or may not have been a river of Candy Caps. So many mushrooms.

Close-up of a textured, coral-like fungus growing on a forest floor with leaves and debris.

An adorable baby white Coral Mushroom. We decided to let it grow another week or two before coming back to harvest it.

We finally emerged from the woods in the meadow across from the inn’s entrance. We hadn’t found enough edibles to fill our baskets, but we were happy. We had been on an adventure. We had learned a little more about the wonders of the woods. We had gotten a little taste of the joy that inspires the passionate enthusiasm of the dedicated mushroom forager, and we were ready for more!

Who’s ready to join us on our next adventure????

Three people standing together outdoors, holding baskets and smiling, with a fence and grassy field behind them.

Our small but very excited foraging group: Zoe, Carrie, and Laura.

Go on a Mushroom Foraging expedition with Carrie when you’re at the inn this winter. Make sure to wear good boots and clothes that you are ok getting wet/dirty/grubby. Pack a snack and plenty of water.
 

~ Words and pictures by Laura Hockett

Choose Your Next Read

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Fresh oysters on the half shell served with a mignonette sauce and lemon wedges.

KW Saltwater Grill

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Star-shaped succulent leaves clustered together, with smaller, rounded succulents at the base.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

I can’t help but picture garden gnomes and fairies flitting about their branches and nestling in the soft petals of the blooms.

A person's hand holding a cluster of mushrooms with textured caps and stems, in a forest setting with leaves and moss visible.

A-mushrooming we shall go

…We had gotten a little taste of the joy that inspires the passionate enthusiasm of the dedicated mushroom forager. And we were ready for more!

Exterior of a building with vines growing on the front, covering the windows and doorway. A table and chairs are visible on the sidewalk.

The Mendocino Café – Staple of the Village

We ordered the classic Stout-Braised Pot Roast, made with Covelo beef, carrots, mushrooms, fingerling potatoes and horseradish cream. Scrumptious bits of beef and vegetables in their own juices were beyond comforting on this autumn day.

A platter of fried food, including chicken wings and other items, on a white plate.

Introducing Zoe King & The Waiting Room

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View from the mountain top with vibrant purple flowers in the foreground and a scenic view of the sea in the distance

Moments & Places of Quiet

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Chef+Stephen+Smith

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Steps leading to the door of a wodden building

The Caspar Pub House

The newest restaurant on the coast, with the best British fare on the Mendocino coast. Guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!

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The arches of Mendocino

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A big burger on a plate with a man in the back

La Estrella

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Kayaking the Albion River

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Toasting 20 Years with Bubbles and Caviar

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We’re 20 years old

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An image of a packet where glasses are placed and the packaging is labelled as Husch

Husch Vineyards

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Portuguese Beach

…What a beautiful morning. Beautiful. And it had all been for me…

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Out come the wildflowers

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An image of a salmon taco placed in a plate

Casa del Sol

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An image of a woman holidng doughnut which has chocolate sprinklers and is placed on a plate

Sweet Mendocino

…since we’re already dreaming, we thought we’d share all the lovely things that have been floating through our brains… Read on, read on, and maybe you’ll find something sweet that you can’t live without either!…

A close up image of glass stones and other rolling stones near the beach

Glass Beach

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Arugula-topped pizza in an open box on a patio with a scenic view in the background.

Farm to Pizza

…After a split second of staring at the screen, Guy looked up at James and I. “We’re getting this for lunch, right?” We were quick to agree – this pizza sounded too good to pass up!…

A gravel path leads to a lighthouse perched on a grassy hill overlooking the ocean under a vast sky.

Point Cabrillo Light Station

…when we saw the magnificent way the waves were crashing along the coastline and we realized we had a bit of a break in our day to steal away from the paperwork on our desks, we grabbed our sneakers and made a beeline for good ol’ Point Cabrillo…

A wave curls and breaks onto a dark sandy beach under a cloudy sky with a faint hint of light.

Navarro River Beach

It’s a moody evening out here on Navarro Beach. The day started out fairly gray earlier this morning, migrating gradually into sunshiny warmth, and now has reverted back to the lowering mass of clouds so typical to Mendocino winter…

A pile of freshly picked cider apples, glistening with moisture and varying in tone from dark to speckled light.

Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders

…We tasted 6 ciders altogether. They were all delicious, filling our mouths with the flavors and feelings of happy holidays and cheery harvest time…

Wine glasses filled with red wine rest on a table with menus, corks, and a heart-shaped object

Lula Cellars

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A building with a white awning and a sign for Good Life Cafe & Bakery

Goodlife Café & Bakery

…I lingered over each bite and sip. The latte was comforting and creamy. And my snack… well…it was fantastic!…

Four bottles of Lula wine stand on a table outdoors, with a blurred background of greenery and a body of water.

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…Why should we want to go spend the day in the Anderson Valley? … we’re itching to get out and experience some of the newest additions to all that the Anderson Valley has to offer…

Two containers of soup, one light and one dark, sit on a wooden table next to two pieces of bread and napkins.

A good night for soup

…This was what we needed. Good soup. Good company. Beautiful evening in a beautiful place. Café Beaujolais had done it again, and everything was just right…

A small group in an outdoor gathering with drinks on a wooden deck

Fathers + Daughters Cellars at the Brewery Gulch Inn

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A hand holds a wine glass filled with red wine, featuring the Meyer Family Cellars logo.

Meyer Family Cellars

…Being so darn toasty, we relished the instant cool that washed over us as we crossed the threshold of our destination – the invitingly cheery Mendocino tasting room of Meyer Family Cellars…

A narrow dirt path winds through a lush green forest filled with ferns and small blue flowers.

A hiker’s weekend

…So we thought we’d put together a weekend itinerary for these intrepid wanders, a little sampling of some of our favorite trails, both more and less well known, stretching out for longer miles and beautifully condensed into shorter bites of exploration…

A secluded beach with dark sand and driftwood logs sits nestled between rocky cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Buckhorn Cove

…One more slow gaze around the entire cove, my heart filling up to the brim with the peaceful calm of the place, and I at last turned back to my car and the day ahead, ready to face the world…

A wide sandy beach stretches towards a distant tree line under a dramatic, textured sky with the sun breaking through.

The art of the freeform vacation

…more often than not I find myself ever so gently trying to convince guests that they should leave themselves a little more leeway in their vacation, a little more space to breathe and let what I like to call the “Mendo chill” take over and guide their stay…

A dirt road leads to a marshy landscape with a winding river and hazy hills in the distance.

Old Smith Ranch Preserve

…This was just what I needed. A short break from the rest of the world. A quiet trail inviting me to step away from work and bills and deadlines of any and all sorts. A chance to explore and gain fresh perspective. A sweet little escape…

A Super Tortas restaurant with a bright green exterior features a hanging sign and window decals with a cartoon-style sandwich graphic. A row of parked cars lines the side of the building.

Super Tortas!

…Super Tortas is delightfully unrefined, as any good hole in the wall should be, but what they lack in polish they more than make up for in finished product – they may look small, but they sure do deliver big, in more ways than one!…

Pink begonias in a greenhouse, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the plant display

Revisiting the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

…We were slowly making our way along the meandering grassy paths of the perennial garden… oohing and aahing over every burst of color, every interesting texture of leaf, every variation in size and form…

Fallen tree bridge on a hiking trail, with trekkers crossing in a lush green forest

Chamberlain Creek Waterfall

…It felt almost like the kind of place where a fairy or a woodland nymph would hide away from the noise of humankind – tucked away and nestled into the heart of the forest…

bench (2)

The Forest History Trail

…And so I meandered along the trail, enjoying every breath of free and wild air, forgetting the world outside these lovely trees…

A moody, lush forest with a couple of tall trees and shrubs on a cloudy day.

To refresh yourself with the sea

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A person walking on a path covered with green bushes on either sides, along with trees

Wandering in the woods

…One recent Saturday morning saw us heading into the Jackson Demonstration Forest from a trailhead a few miles up Little Lake Road…

A soothing massage in a tranquil setting, highlighting relaxation and wellness. A perfect escape for rejuvenation | Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa

Time to relax

Guys, I got a massage. It. Was. Glorious…

Summer+Urchin+w+lid

The art of slowly savoring

…how do you express that ineffable sense of peace and rest that steals over you as you simply slow down and savor the experience of dining at the Harbor House Inn?

A path descends via steps towards a beach framed by cliffs and vegetation, under a partly cloudy sky.

Sunset in Mendocino

Oh sunset, sunset. Such a lovely time of day…

Tall, slender tree trunks stand closely together in a forest setting, with a path winding through the trees.

Stunningly wild

Wow, just wow.” We stared up at the trees standing off the steeply twisting trail ahead.

An image of a souvenir shop where one person is behind the counter.

Half a day in the Anderson Valley

A few months ago, we had an amazing day meandering our way down the Anderson Valley.

A low-angle shot shows a tall tree trunk stretching upwards, surrounded by other trees and glimpses of the sky through the foliage.

Russian Gulch State Park

…if we were forced to rank all the amazing hikes around here

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Patterson’s Pub

…“It looks like this is everyone else’s favorite pub too!” we heard rolling back from the leader to the last man pushing through the curtain…

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Tahto Wines

…have we got just the thing for you! Tahto Wines, dear reader, Tahto Wines…

A table is set with plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils, displaying various food items against a patterned tablecloth.

Fog Eater Café

…We had been dreaming of the day we would finally be able to get a taste of their fabled food… and we just this week found our way through their door…

Flowers with layered petals grow in pots on a wooden surface, with a greenhouse structure visible in the background.

Dahlias and begonias and fuschias, oh my

…We were slowly making our way along the meandering grassy paths of the perennial garden…

A building with multiple windows features a sign reading Cave Coffee over a covered porch with a railing.

For a truly superior sandwich

…The gal in our group who ordered the Ultimate Club was so in love with her lunch

A river winds through a valley, flanked by trees and obscured by a layer of mist.

Morning glory on Big River

…in the back of our minds we carried away that wonderful hour of morning glory, and it suffused the rest of the day with peace…

A wine glass partially filled with liquid stands in front of several wine bottles with labels, one prominently displaying the word TESTA.

Coro Mendocino

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A person stands near a fence, holding up a device towards a giraffe leaning over the fence.

B Bryan Preserve

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A bench sits on a grassy hillside overlooking a body of water and a distant shoreline under an overcast sky.

Pelican Bluffs

…we had logged roughly 3 miles of meandering through what may have become our new favorite. Seriously. We’re going back with a picnic soon!

A curved shoreline meets a cliffside covered in vegetation, with a structure perched atop the rocks under a clear sky.

Just you and the ocean

…We were already familiar with some of these tiny trails, but others were brand new to us – so we went out and explored!…

Assorted shoe lasts, some connected by a chain, are arranged on a textured background.

Mendocino Shoeworks

…A true-blue, old-fashioned crafter of the finest of footwear. That’s what Jason Clapp is…

A wooden bench is placed along a path in a forest with tall trees.

Independence Day

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A hand holds a stemmed glass with liquid.

A Great Day for Wine

…The highlight of the week…was the long, leisurely day that we spent meandering down the Anderson Valley…

Liquid is poured from a metal pitcher into a mug.

Affogato at Frankie’s

…We looked at each other and laughed out loud, knowing that we were just going to have to get another…

A horse's mane and ears are in the foreground, with a sandy beach stretching to the ocean.

A Different Kind of Beachside Stroll

“We started doing these rides on the beach 23 years ago, and I absolutely love it… I can’t imagine doing anything better with my life." -Tobi Ross

A building with open windows, a menu board, and shelves with bottles is shown from an outdoor perspective.

The Brickery at Cafe Beaujolais

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A large building sits on a hill above a wooden walkway and a body of water with a seal in the foreground.

A Sunny Summer Lunch

…out on the sheltered back deck of the Noyo Harbor Inn, all we got was a gentle breeze ruffling our hair as the sunshine warmed our backs and the Noyo River rolled quietly by...

A baby with eyes closed, beside grape wine.

Fathers + Daughters

When we were expecting our daughter Ella in 2012… we embarked on the adventure that would eventually become Fathers + Daughters Cellars.

A mug with a logo rests on a patterned fabric.

When the Weather won't Cooperate

…We sighed in contentment, for despite (or perhaps because of) the rain we had managed to have what could quite practically be called a near-perfect day…

A weathered wooden bench sits beside a path, overlooking a body of water and a distant hillside.

Romance in Mendocino

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Field of flowers leading to a path under a clear sky.

Spring Fun

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A wooden bridge leads into a dense forest of tall trees.

Forest Bathing in Action

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Overhead shot of a bowl with food and chopsticks on a wooden table.

Ramen Nights

…sometimes there are things that are so phenomenal that they demand the use of more than just one exclamation point to highlight how truly amazing they are. And Good Life Café’s new pop-up ramen nights qualify, trust us...

People ride rail bikes on tracks through a redwood forest.

Riding the Rails

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A coastal view with succulent ground cover in the foreground, featuring flowers.

Noyo Headlands Park

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A market stall with colorful flowers in a bucket and jars of preserves.

Fortunate Farm

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A table with a fresh meal including a burger, a colorful salad, and a glass of beer in a bright dining setting

Overtime Brewing Company

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A lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, with waves crashing against the rocky shoreline.

A little day trip south

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A cozy setting with an open book and a glass of wine placed on a wooden table near a fireplace, creating a warm and relaxing ambiance.

A quiet day in the rain

…It was a moment of true mental and emotional refreshment while the gentle rain refreshed the world outside – just what the doctor ordered.

A charming church with a tall steeple set against a clear blue sky, framed by blooming flowers in the foreground.

One of our most iconic landmarks

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A rugged coastline with waves crashing against the rocky cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Spring Ranch

…For those who are in the mood for something away from the crowds though, one walk that continually stands out in our minds is the trail at Spring Ranch…

A whale's tail splashes back into the water, framed by a pink-filled sky in the background - Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa

It’s time for whales

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A person sitting on the forest floor, leaning against a tree amidst tall redwoods.

What is shinrin yoku?

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A close-up of a horse eating hay behind a metal fence in a barn setting.

Foodie Fun!

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A person in an art studio pointing at a painting of a rustic barn, surrounded by sculptures and other artworks.

Barn Talk

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A close-up of a luxurious caviar serving with chips and a glass of rosé at a fine dining restaurant.

Bubbles & Caviar

…We have been highly looking forward to this moment, and we mean to savor every second of it…

A single salsify flower blooming in a grassy area.

Bring on the flowers

…we find ourselves daydreaming of longer days, of spring, of wildflowers.

Two women sitting outdoors with a scenic ocean view, engaged in painting or sketching, with one wearing a black hat adorned with flowers.

The Portable Painter

…Knowing that The Portable Painter is a unique opportunity to experience Mendocino on a different level, we invited Suzi to come give us a class at the inn…

A musician from the Pura Vida Band performing on stage, playing a guitar under colorful lights, with the band members in the background.

Passion for the Beat

…It was, after all, pretty much impossible not to get up and dance with that infectious Latin beat filling up every square inch of air…

Markey+and+Deli

For Love of the Sea

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A wooden sign with the word TRAIL and directional arrows is affixed to a post in a wooded area.

An evening stroll

…We clocked off from our duties one evening, intent on stretching our legs…

A hand holding a pita sandwich filled with colorful vegetables and greens.

Simply Delicious

So delicious. Truly. Ingredients perfectly blended in every bite. Tart. Bright. Crunchy. Delectably deep savor. So piping hot fresh. Mmmmm….

A cooked crab on a plate with a lemon, seafood utensils, and a napkin beside it.

Crab Time

…This crab extravaganza, which used to be called the Crab Festival, will take place January 18-27. It’s going to be 10 glorious days of crab, wine, beer, and more crab…

An illuminated jellyfish-shaped light decoration against a dark background.

A Festival of Lights

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Poster of Forever Young movie featuring the lead artists

Hollywood's Favorite Backlot

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A pair of intricately designed earrings displayed on a branded jewelry card.

Button Love

She is, in fact, totally and completely, no doubt about it, head over heels in love with antique buttons.

A scenic view of a park in Hendy Woods, featuring a pathway, towering trees, and a bench in a peaceful forest setting.

A Stroll Amongst Giants

…It has a couple of absolutely breathtaking groves of old growth redwoods that will make you want to just plunk yourself down on the nearest bench or fallen log and stare in wonder…

BGI+sunset

That Golden Glow

There’s something magical about that golden hour when the sun starts to slowly descend…

A person standing on a paddleboard in a calm body of water, holding a paddle.

Just like walking on water

One of our innkeepers recently tried out the paddle boarding option with a good friend, and they had such a fantastic time she can’t stop raving about it…

A stormy scene at Noyo Harbor with rough ocean waves crashing under a cloudy sky.

Storm Chasers

We positively LOVE being up here in rugged Mendocino when the wind starts to howl and the clouds get particularly thunderous.

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