Introducing Zoe King & The Waiting Room

Drink, Food, Experiences | October 22, 2021

Zoe King

As Sarah mentioned in a previous blog post, “keep an eye out for new bloggers!” Well, here I am! I’ll keep my introduction brief because I cannot wait to tell you about my new favorite place to get espresso and pastry in the Mendocino village.

A person in a coat and hat standing on a beach with a dog.

Hi, I’m Zoé. If you are a returning guest, I may have poured you a glass of wine at the Inn or possibly lit a bonfire for you on Big River beach! A little about myself: I am an adventurer by nature and love discovering secret places all along the coastline in this area. I have taken an interest in foraging edibles and I enjoy learning about native species. My fascination with plants has grown by leaps and bounds, especially after my move here from the Bay area. This past growing season, I produced enough food to make one meal a day for myself starting beginning in early spring and lasting through the late summer. I have learned a lot! Through the cold months of winter, I can usually be found in my tiny art studio finding an outlet for my creative expression through candle making, leatherwork or dance.

As you may know, San Francisco has many artisanal roasters and coffee shops that are well-known and highly sought after. I consider myself to be somewhat of an espresso buff. Over the past four years, I have been the Goldilocks of espresso. I think it is safe to say that I have tried every espresso in Mendocino and Fort Bragg several times over. Some were great but not what I would say…just right. Until now…Attention espresso lovers visiting Mendocino, I have found the place to get that dreamy espresso, perfectly foamed latte, or frothy cappuccino you are seeking. Drum roll please…

The Waiting Room

A chalkboard sign with the text Welcome! WAITING ROOM and an arrow, next to a vase of sunflowers.

Lovely sunflowers welcoming you into the cozy space…

Laura, our previous manager and master blogger, has written about Café Beaujolais and the Brickyard. The little yellow building next to the Cafe, however, has not yet been mentioned. It was originally envisioned as a gathering space for those waiting for their table at Café Beaujolais. For that evening crowd, there are several wines and eight beers on tap, along with little snacks like almonds and olives, to warm up your appetite. Just pull up a wide leather stool and enjoy the warm redwood aesthetic.

An open menu with text on both pages, held in a person's hands.

A sample of current menu options…

This sweet spot is now also the place to satisfy your morning Americano ritual as well. The menu is small and, in its simplicity, allows the staff to masterfully present each item. Enjoy a hand-crafted artisanal espresso drink along with fresh baked pastries that leave you wanting more. Pull up a tufted chair in front of the wood-burning stove and relax with that book you’ve been meaning to start, or snuggle up with your dearest on a redwood bench, made by a local woodcrafter, Mike Rosco, and play footsie. The bar stools are very comfortable as well. During our seasonal weather, enjoy the window overlooking the garden and watch the raindrops on the sill or the sun filter through the trees. One of the mottos tossed around by owner Julian Lopez, and I quote, “the wetter it gets outside, the cozier it gets in here”.

Interior of a room with a long wooden counter, stools, and two windows.

Pull up a stool & gaze out upon the rainy Mendocino village…

This is not your extra-large, extra-sugar, extra-fast kind of place. This is a savor-every-sip, enjoy-the-tightly-foamed-milk, and an “I'll have it however you make it” kind of place. This place embodies what they call Third Wave coffee style. What this means is that each cup is hand-crafted and made with love. Milk choices are whole, nonfat, and alternative. The choices are dynamic depending on what they have on hand. Espresso beans come from Soul Grinds, the first mall-batch roastery located in Pacifica, Ca.

A framed painting on a wall above a small table with a vase and a bottle.

The Waiting Room is a small cafe, catering both to those who want to sit for a while, as well as to those who want to get a well-made cappuccino and head out on their next adventure. Based on my experience, I would recommend getting two pastries…both a sweet and a savory. Each pastry is unique and made with heart. All contain organically-sourced ingredients. The menu is ever-changing and represents a true expression of the creativity of the Waiting Room’s pastry chefs. When I was last there, I started off with the herbed feta pocket. Flaky crust with the perfect amount of crunch, savory herbs activating the taste buds and fluffy creamed feta cheese. As I bask in this delicious morning treat, the door opens, and a large oven tray of freshly-baked warm cinnamon rolls is carried behind the counter and placed on a baking rack. I must have one. I regret nothing.

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

YUM!!!

A cup of coffee with foam art on top, sitting on a wooden table.

Frothy goodness…

It feels so good to go to a warm and cozy place where you can just be, especially when it’s raining outside. Although patrons drift in and out, there is an overall calmness that the space provides with the flickering of the fire in the woodstove. The redwood walls wrap you in a down home comfort while still conveying a modern aesthetic. Almost every seat in the house has an outlet, where, if you must, you can plug in and recharge. So if you’re looking for that cozy corner to finish writing your novel, look no further. Seating is in abundance for a room this size. They really put some thought into it. A collection of records and a record player are there for your enjoyment. The staff is friendly, and they blend into this space like a well-composed painting. As the steam wand whistles, you get the growing sense that this may be the place you have been searching for.

Two small electronic devices with screens on a wooden surface.

Get your groove on with vinyl classics…

The Waiting Room is open Wednesday - Saturday 7am to 10pm and comes with my high recommendation for the experience and flavor.
 

~ Words & pictures by Zoe King

Choose Your Next Read

A tray of appetizers or small dishes, including dips, vegetables, and other snacks, arranged on a wooden table.

Introducing our amazing Sous Chef Tori Menna

The Inn has been extra blessed this year with the addition of Sous Chef Tori Menna, she made a complete package for us when we transitioned to our new Executive Chef, and we are continually impressed by her artistry…

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

KW Saltwater Grill

We love enticing our guests into taking a shot at something new on the coast. We are proud to say, they did not disappoint…

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

Attention espresso lovers visiting Mendocino, this is the place to get the dreamy espresso, perfectly foamed latte, or frothy cappuccino. Drum roll please…

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

…We asked the staff at the inn where they liked to go to hang out and relax, and here is what they had to share…

Chef+Stephen+Smith

There’s a new cook in the kitchen

…if you read that and thought, “Wait, does a brand-spanking-new employee file mean that the Brewery Gulch Inn has a new chef?” you would be absolutely correct!…

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!

A huge arch in the middle of a mountain that leads to the ocean

The arches of Mendocino

…A couple of months ago, Tom had mentioned how much he loved the natural rock arches around the headlands, and out of that comment had blossomed this plan for an early morning stroll to go admire them together…

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

La Estrella

“Estrellaaaaaa...” Guy staged whispered as he walked through the office to his desk. It was lunchtime, and he was oh so subtly trying to convince me to go get tacos with him…

An image of a lake with mountains around

Kayaking the Albion River

A fabulous day viewing the legendary houseboats on the Albion River…

An image of a dinner table where several plates are placed with food items on it like chips, scarmbled eggs, leafy vegetables, cream, and some tapioca seeds

Toasting 20 Years with Bubbles and Caviar

…an anniversary like the big 2-0 deserves all the fun and fancy toasts and celebrations we can fit in. So read on, and then go to Goldeneye and raise a glass of their delightful bubbles along with us as we cheer for another equally wonderful 20 years to come…

An image of a deck where two chairs are facing towards the sun set and the entire area is surrounded by trees

We’re 20 years old

…it was sort of a special moment when we looked at the calendar and realized, “Wow! The inn is turning 20 this year! We’ve been doing this for a while!”…

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

Husch Vineyards

…We were in the mood for something fairly casual and friendly, homey even, so we picked up the phone and called Husch Vineyards to see if they could fit us in for a tasting…

An image of a hill, below it there is a river, and beyond it there are houses surrounded by trees

Portuguese Beach

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

An image of a flower blooming amidst varieties of plants

Out come the wildflowers

…The wind may still have been brisk, the seas still rough, the skies still frequently filled with full and dripping clouds, but at last the bright breath of spring was beginning to make its presence known – truly news to make us glad…

An image of a salmon taco placed in a plate

Casa del Sol

…So what are you waiting for? Go now and enjoy your own taste of this wonderful little gem of a spot down in Noyo Harbor. It’s totally worth it!

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

…I am, of course, talking about Glass Beach, that charming stretch of little rocky coves up in Fort Bragg that nearly every single first time visitor asks directions to, eager to scratch another well-known destination off their list…

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

…We rose from our stools at the barrel and stretched our legs, commenting to Kim how hard it was to choose which wines we wanted to purchase and take home. “That’s what I love about working here,” he said. “All the wines are good!”…

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.

A day trip through the Anderson Valley

…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

…the next time you find yourself dreaming of a little escape to Mendocino, book a stay with us and set up your own private tasting with Guy and Sarah of Fathers + Daughters Cellars…

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

Do you find yourself craving a glimpse of waves, the freedom to wander paths and trails along ocean-side bluff tops, and that tickle in your nostrils of the sweetly golden air of sunset as day sinks down beyond the boundless expanse of the sea?…

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

A building with a pitched roof and multiple flags stands at dusk, with lights visible in the windows and doorway.

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…

A person stands near the partially open double doors of a building with a geometric design above.

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

…This was our first experience with Coro, and we were excited to get to see what it was all about…

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

B Bryan Preserve

…What a personal, beautiful opportunity to get to know some of the most iconic and majestic creatures of the African landscape…

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

…this is one of the most popular weekends of the year, with rooms getting snagged a good couple of months ahead of time…

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

For about a year now, we’ve been hearing glowing reviews of the pizza that Café Beaujolais started making last May at their Brickery. “Creative!” “Delicious!” “You’ve GOT to try it out.” And finally, this past weekend, we did just that…

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

…We were chatting recently with several local friends about this romance that fills the air, and we came up with a list of the best places to get into the spirit of things…

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

Spring Fun

…We thought we’d let you know about some of our favorite activities and events that are going on this spring, activities and events that you are definitely going to want to add to your itinerary!

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

Forest Bathing in Action

…After too short of a pause, we hefted our packs and headed back down the trail, content that we had indeed found the perfect place for putting our forest bathing ideas into action…

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

…are the Skunk Train’s railbikes worth adding to your itinerary during your next visit to Mendocino?…

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

Noyo Headlands Park

…Of late, we’ve found ourselves starting almost all of our ocean-side strolls at the Noyo Headlands Park trailhead located on the southern section of the Coastal Trail that runs along the western edge of Fort Bragg. Why?…

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

Fortunate Farm

…Searching for a place in which to further pursue her own dreams of what ag could be, Gowan partnered with her mother Ellen, her step father Jef, and a few other like-minded folks to open Fortunate Farm about five years ago…

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

…So if you ask us where to go for a laid-back lunch and a great glass of beer, we are totally sending you to Overtime Brewing Company up in Fort Bragg. Trust us, it’s worth it.

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

A little day trip south

…we’ve schemed up a little sightseeing excursion of our own heading south down the Mendocino coast. Nothing crazy, just enough to fit comfortably in a day…

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

…once you’ve pondered this darling Presbyterian Church, you’ll know why we think of it as a true local gem, why we love that we get to count it as a vital part of our community…

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

…For the past couple of decades, the greater Mendocino community has been celebrating this annual parade put on by our water-loving neighbors with a full season of Whale Festival events…

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

What is shinrin yoku?

It is, in essence, steeping oneself in the peaceful presence of nature for medicinal benefits – if that isn’t a modernized, scientific version of Mendocino’s “back to the land” mentality, then we don’t know what is.

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

Foodie Fun!

Are you looking for the ultimate foodie moment? Have you stopped by Pennyroyal Farms yet to try their farmstead goat and sheep cheeses and their luscious wines?

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

Barn Talk

“Wait, what am I seeing?” Our guest peers closer at the paintings in the Great Room, eventually walking right up and touching the wooden barns to verify that, yes, it is in fact real wood that creates that 3D effect…

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

…we moseyed on up to Noyo Harbor this past weekend to chat with joint owners and best friends Wendy Holloway and Captain Heather…

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

A favorite local holiday tradition was born 8 years ago when Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens unveiled their very first Festival of Lights extravaganza.

Poster of Forever Young movie featuring the lead artists

Hollywood's Favorite Backlot

For over 100 years, Mendocino has been a favorite location for Hollywood producers.

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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