Spring in Mendocino, California

Spring in Mendocino, California. While Steve and I don’t have our RV yet we are researching places we want to visit once we are on the road. We know we will most likely be heading out west first so I want to share with you some of what we have learned.

Spring in Mendocino, California

We have both friends and family members living in California that we haven’t seen in years so, for sure, I see a long stay in California. Plus it seems like the best time of year to indulge, explore and renew is in the Spring. And knowing us as well as you do, you know we are all about the food. So we plan on checking out the uber-local cuisine as the good locavores that we are. From the serene canopy of ancient Redwoods to the emerald meadows dotted with grazing lambs and the show stopping array of colorful flowers everywhere, it sounds like Spring is the perfect time to be in Mendocino on the coast of Northern California. Tender shoots and young vegetables are ready to be incorporated into fabulously fresh dishes. The wines bottled in 2017 are ready for drinking. In fact, Maple Creek Winery’s 2017 Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs won Gold Medals at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the American Fine Wine Competition. But I’m sure that the best way to experience these boutique wines, crafted by winemaker Tom Rodrigues, is to stop by their friendly tasting room on Mendocino’s famed wine highway, Route 128. Visitors can expect to be greeted by Buster and Posey, the resident Australian shepherds, and to discover why so many of Maple Creek’s wines have garnered the highest awards in competitions, all while chatting with locals in a relaxed setting. After all, the winery’s motto is “Enter as strangers, leave as friends.” Maple Creek Winery, 20799 Hwy 128, Yorkville, CA 95494, (707) 895-3000.

Those life-giving forests, fertile soil and clean waters of the Mendocino coast furnish plentiful delicacies if you know where to find them. The area boasts more than 3,000 kinds of mushrooms—some of which can only be found on this stretch of coast—salmon, crab and sea urchin, several varieties of seaweed, hard-to-find huckleberries and olallieberries, edible seeds, roots and more. The historic family-owned and operated Little River Inn has a package titled Forage and Ferment that teaches how to find this bounty and prepare and preserve it. Although this even has passed for this year they will be offering another Forage and Ferment Experience in May 2020. This popular event package pairs guests with local foraging experts to gather fodder for a feast that they will learn how to cook. A limited number of spots are available and reservations require 7-days notice. Call 707.937.5942 or 888.INN.LOVE to book. For more information about Forage and Ferment, please visit https://www.littleriverinn.com/forage-and-ferment/. Little River Inn, 7901 N. Highway One, Little River, CA 95456, (707) 937-5942.

For the most complete access to the deepest Redwood forests you have to ride the historic Skunk Train, one of California’s most cherished family attractions, or power yourself along the train tracks on one of their new railbikes. The railroad was built in the 1880s to move logs from the coastal town of Fort Bragg to the inland cowboy country of Willits. Steam and diesel-powered trains still chug through dense woods and zigzag along the lively Noyo River, providing unparalleled access to the Pacific Coast Temperate Rainforest. Young and old delight as the trains travel through tunnels and cross over trestles, all while sending clouds of steam skyward. There are two scenic rides, the Pudding Creek Express and the Northspur Flyer, in addition to annual themed trains for holidays such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Now there’s a new way to experience the Redwood Route, on a custom-built railbike. These two-person railbikes sit securely on the track, allowing passengers to make their journey in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere unlike anything else found on a railway. Travelers depart from a special railbikes launch area, with a trained guide overseeing everything and leading the way along the track. Since the track is owned and operated exclusively by the Skunk Train, they are able to guarantee no trains or other traffic along the route. The bikes are incredibly easy to ride – perfect for all ages and skill levels. They even come with an electric assist—ideal for taking a relaxing breather while still moving along the track, or for a little bit of extra oomph while you make your way up the gentle grade on the return trip. These quiet conveyances provide a unique peak at rare spring wildflowers and shy forest critters. Skunk Train (California Western Railroad), 100 W. Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 964-6371.

Coastal Mendocino is a riot of color, with flowers basking in the sun after a generous rainy season. The area is particularly famous for their rhododendrons. Over 124 species thrive there, some of which even have heavenly scents to match their vibrant beauty, unusual for these intense yet stately flowers. Open since early 2016, The Inn at Newport Ranch offers a breathtaking oceanfront experience, situated on 2,000 pristine private acres with 50-mile views across the Pacific. Guests have exclusive access to the vast property that encompasses virgin redwood forests, grasslands and beach. Some guests opt to tour the acreage on horseback or have a private ATV tour guided by a local with intimate knowledge of the terrain. They have all the amenities of a high-end hotel, from Ranch cuisine cooked from locally sourced ingredients (much of which is from their own organic gardens), to sumptuously appointed guest rooms, to the onsite Fireside Spa and a hot tub perched atop an old water tower. The Inn’s interior spaces are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the location and each room is a bespoke masterpiece filled with handcrafted objects and fascinating items from the owner’s world travels. Recycled redwood trunks soar to cathedral ceilings, local wines are poured in front of a 20-foot fireplace, and stunning views are at your disposal all the time. The Main Inn Building includes the capacious Captain’s Quarters, with views of the crashing ocean; the Redwood House is held up by 24 recycled tree trunks, and each of the three elegant suites has a living room, dining area, kitchen, fireplace, and private deck; and the Sea Drum House is perched on an ocean bluff and has panoramic views, a chef’s kitchen and its own garden. The Inn at Newport Ranch, 31502 N. Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 962-4818.

So as you can see Spring in Mendocino provides an opportunity to be reborn along with the world and to be nourished and replenished by the fruits of the earth and the centuries-old woods all around. Small shops and enticing paths encourage you to wander in search of surprises. Whales frolic offshore while gracious inns and wineries welcome you to bask in the gentle spring sunshine and experience the flowers, fruit, wine, cuisine and fantastic finds of Mendocino County. Special packages and exciting lodging options make Mendocino a vacation within reach. At the end of the one of the most breathtaking drives on earth—about three hours from San Francisco—lies the secret spring destination that promises all of the best of Northern California. And The Traveling Locavores can’t wait to taste a bite of what the area has to offer!