Visiting Mendocino, CA – Lodging at Little River Inn and The Inn at Cobbler’s Walk and Nearby Attractions – April 2021
The Little River Inn, located 2 miles south of Mendocino, is an incredible property overlooking the ocean. The staff observed all covid safety protocols at check in and we felt very comfortable throughout the property. The room was spectacular, spacious and had a balcony & great view of the Pacific Ocean. It was fully equipped with amenities, tv, electric fire place, little fridge, shower and big bath tub. You can sit on the rocking chairs and watch the sunset from your balcony.
Breakfast is not included in your room rate but can be purchased & charged to your room. Whatever you order will be served at your room in the morning by leaving the selected menu outside your door the night before. The grounds were beautiful and the location was great. There are public beaches nearby and the main town, Mendocino Village, is less than 2 miles away.
We played a round of golf at their own golf course with fabulous views. We had the pleasure to take in a 18 hole round. It’s a well-kept course with many of the holes challenging. The course has carts which helps on the many hills. They also supply clubs if needed. There is a driving range & putting green so you can warm up before teeing off.
Their restaurant serves delicious food in a beautiful tent. You enter in the front and walk to the bar where you place your food order but be sure to make a reservation.
To drink, have a glass of their local wine or a bottle of Gowan’s Cider, which was amazing. A definite must order is their clam chowder with the clams in the shell. We also recommend the crab cakes. For the entrees, we had cioppino with mixed shell fish which was very flavorful and filling. The other was the local sablefish served with asparagus and king trumpet mushroom in a curry and miso butter sauce.
Try the roasted cauliflower vegan dish crusted with tahini. For dessert their signature berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream is the dish to get.
The Inn at Cobbler’s Walk is a very charming property where guests will really notice a great attention to detail. We had an upstairs unit suite style room with a Murphy bed that came out of the wall. The location is beach side where you can walk on a trail overlooking the ocean. They have another longer hike next to their sister property at the Glendeven Inn called the Fern trail. Cobblers was about a 1/2 mile from the Little River Inn and they both share some of the beautiful coastline and views. A nice hot breakfast (egg dish or hot entree, healthy pastry, fruit, fresh squeezed oj and a hot beverage) are dropped off at your door at 9am each morning of your stay.
Amenities include robes, WiFi, balcony, coffee/tea in the room, a parking spot with your name on it, a wood burning fireplace, fridge, microwave and nice decor. Visit their chickens and give them some of feed they present in neat little bags in your room. They also have a public area to visit their 4 llamas and you can even assist in the feeding of the llamas nightly at dusk.
The staff is helpful and accommodating as we even met the owner, John, who was very hospitable and friendly. www.cobblerswalkmendocino.com
Harbor View Bistro & Bar
Fort Bragg’s Luxury Noyo Harbor Inn provides the freshest ingredients including seafood caught just off the Pacific coast. The restaurant is French influenced California cuisine at its finest. Our favorite appetizers were their popular brussels sprouts and Caesar salad with tomatoes & avocado. For the main course, the king salmon & rack of lamb with assortment of mixed vegetables including parsnips, yams and squash was divine.
Our favorite dish was the sea scallops over mashed potatoes with a hint of cauliflower. The outside patio has a view of the harbor, water and boats.
The Princess Seafood- The Princess Seafood restaurant is casual & has outdoor seating. You order at the counter as they serve up freshest seafood around. Some of the dishes not to miss are the clam chowder, prawn soft tacos, albacore poke bowl and the Dungeness crab. Female owners Heather and Wendy have maintained the place during this tough time and we could see why it was packed.
There also a seafood market for takeout fresh fish. Enjoy your meal while you dine with a glass of wine or cider. https://fvprincess.com/
Another great dinner spot is the wonderful Italian establishment called “Luna Trattoria”. Restaurant owners Massimo and his wife moved here after living in Orange County for many years and are originally from the south of Italy. This quaint building looking like a home but is a lovely establishment with indoor and outdoor dining. We started with the layered eggplant appetizer which was wonderful. Don’t miss the pasta fagioli soup which is hard to find with beans and pasta.
For entrees, we had their signature linguine and clams which was great. We also tried Massimo’s veggie lasagna from his hometown in southern Italy from his family. The staff was very warm and the setting was very intimate. Enjoy the Chianti or house Italian white wine with your meal and finish that with their wonderful tiramisu and cannolis. Be sure to make a reservation as the place get packed.
More at www.lunatrattoria.com
Activities in Fort Bragg-A fun day involved the Skunk Train, which is about an hour ride with a 25 minute break. I also suggest the popular railbikes located at the same location. You can book them back to back. The railbike adventure is an E bike on the railroad tracks. On the trek out to the turnaround point at Glen Blair Junction, the train follows behind shortly after. On the journey back to the depot, the railbikes follow the train. These bikes utilize battery assistance so you pedal as much or little as you choose.
When you get to Glen Blair Junction, the guides give a history lesson of the train, the redwood trees and how the train started in the area, then you’re free to hang out for a picnic or hike about a mile on a looped trail. You get about a 50 minute break before your start riding again.
More info and reservations at www.skunktrain.com/railbikes/
Lula Cellars– Lula’s focus is creating world-class Pinot Noir wines from their Estate. They serve Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs with single vineyard offerings from the greater Mendocino County.
The tasting room manager Dan was a character (I mean that in a good way as we stopped by on the way back to Santa Rosa).
Photos by Jack Kelly