Visit California Online - Mendocino California

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as our guest, Bruce Lewis, representative from the Mendocino California Chamber of Commerce.

Bruce, please tell our readers something about yourself and what exactly are your responsibilities with the Mendocino Chamber of Commerce.

Where is Mendocino California and could you describe its topography and climate?

The Mendocino Coast, which begins about 100 miles north of San Francisco and extends 75 miles in length, is a combination of long sandy beaches, rocky cliffs (said to be like those in Scotland), rivers and large tracks of forest, including coast redwoods, which exist along the Northern California coast, Southern Oregon and in China. The average year around daytime temperature is 50-60 degrees.

Could you name and describe unique romantic getaways in the Mendocino area and why, as you mentioned to me, your area is a romantic paradise?

Ocean sunsets are the stuff of romance. The dramatic coastal cliffs, the crashing surf and long, often empty sandy beaches along the Mendocino Coast provide a hundred little getaways places for intimacy and quiet moments. Some of my favorite romantic spots revolve around movies made here.

As a follow up to the last question, could you name and describe six unique venues to celebrate a wedding ceremony?

When you have a forest, ocean, beaches and rivers all converging, wedding sites are abundant. Six to consider:

What is there to do in and around Mendocino in relation to sports and cultural activities?

Canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach or in the woods, diving, birding, as well as golf and tennis at the Little River Inn. The Mendocino Arts Center, which includes open studios and classes, is a beautiful spot for sampling the area's art. The Mendocino Coast is the home to one of the world's most famous art colonies.

What types of accommodations are available in the Mendocino area and how do they compare price wise with other California locations?

We offer everything from rental houses, bed and breakfasts and cottages nestled in the redwoods to roadside inns and full-service motels; something to meet everyone's pocketbook, from $49 to $500 plus.

Mendocino is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that gives us pleasant temperatures all year. There is a festival or some activity happening here year around, from the Whale Festivals in March to our Inn Tours in December.

Since we are right on the ocean and have an active fishing fleet, fresh seafood is abundant. Mendocino also is California's top exporter of mushrooms and offers lots of organically-grown food. We also have vegetarian restaurants and the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, one of the leading schools in the nation for training chefs in raw food cuisine.

How easy or difficult is it to get to the Mendocino area and to get around the area?

We are located about 3.5 hours from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The first half of the trip is along major highways, then turns onto Highways 128, which is a winding 60-mile trip on a well-maintained two-lane road through valleys, past vineyards (and wine tasting) and through redwoods. It is not a quick trip, but it is a beautiful one.

There are a dozen state parks, state beaches and preserves with great hikes along the coast. Many of the state parks (MacKerricher, Headlands, Van Damme, Russian Gulch and Jug Handle to name a few) have beaches and woods. There is an ecological staircase in Jug Handle State Preserve that takes you through 100,000 years of geologic history (from giant redwoods to a pygmy forest) over a trail that is about two miles long. MacKerricher has harbor seals, Russian Gulch a waterfall, and Van Damme a walk along a stream that spawns salmon.

Visit our WEBSITE or call Amy Luce in our visitor center at 707-961-6300. Thanks Bruce once again for participating in our interview.


Featured Websites		California Travel Articles Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as our guest, Bruce Lewis, representative from the Mendocino California Chamber of Commerce. Good day Bruce and thank you for participating in our interview. Norm: Bruce, please tell our readers something about yourself and what exactly are your responsibilities with the Mendocino Chamber of Commerce. Bruce: I am the Chamber's media relations specialist. I help tell our area's story. Norm: Where is Mendocino California and could you describe its topography and climate? Bruce: The Mendocino Coast, which begins about 100 miles north of San Francisco and extends 75 miles in length, is a combination of long sandy beaches, rocky cliffs (said to be like those in Scotland), rivers and large tracks of forest, including coast redwoods, which exist along the Northern California coast, Southern Oregon and in China. The average year around daytime temperature is 50-60 degrees. Norm: Could you name and describe unique romantic getaways in the Mendocino area and why, as you mentioned to me, your area is a romantic paradise? Bruce: Ocean sunsets are the stuff of romance. The dramatic coastal cliffs, the crashing surf and long, often empty sandy beaches along the Mendocino Coast provide a hundred little getaways places for intimacy and quiet moments. Some of my favorite romantic spots revolve around movies made here. * The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse: it is here that actor Jim Carey romanced his girlfriend in the movie, The Majestic. * Ten Mile Beach: Jennifer O'Neil and a young teenager came together here in the Summer of 42 * The Heritage House: Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn stayed here as they explored new horizons in Same Time Next Year. * The Harbor House: this redwood lumber baron home-turned-B&B is perched on a cliff at the edge of the town of Elk and offers views that rival the storied Big Sur Coast. * The Greenwood Pier Inn: this Elk, California B&B offers a room with a tower that holds a hot tub overlooking the ocean. * Pacific Star Winery: located at the north end of the Mendocino Coast, you can wine taste with a sweeping ocean view. Norm: As a follow up to the last question, could you name and describe six unique venues to celebrate a wedding ceremony? Bruce: When you have a forest, ocean, beaches and rivers all converging, wedding sites are abundant. Six to consider: * The restored 1909 Point Cabrillo Lighthouse (with Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo) in a 300-acre nature preserve. * The MacCallum House in Mendocino Village where the TV show Murder She Wrote was filmed offers all the amenities. * The Kelly House is a historic Victorian home (now a historical museum) with beautiful gardens and an ocean view. * The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers 47 acres of flowers and plants from around the world and has paths that take you to the ocean. * Hill House Inn (the Inn at Cabot Cove in the TV show, Murder She Wrote) has sweeping ocean views that include the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse in the distance. * Shambhala Ranch is a spectacular setting with140 acres of beautiful rolling hills. Some of the world's tallest redwoods are nearby. Norm: What is there to do in and around Mendocino in relation to sports and cultural activities? Bruce: Canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach or in the woods, diving, birding, as well as golf and tennis at the Little River Inn. The Mendocino Arts Center, which includes open studios and classes, is a beautiful spot for sampling the area's art. The Mendocino Coast is the home to one of the world's most famous art colonies. Norm: What types of accommodations are available in the Mendocino area and how do they compare price wise with other California locations? Bruce: We offer everything from rental houses, bed and breakfasts and cottages nestled in the redwoods to roadside inns and full-service motels; something to meet everyone's pocketbook, from $49 to $500 plus. Norm: When is the best time to visit your area? Bruce: Mendocino is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that gives us pleasant temperatures all year. There is a festival or some activity happening here year around, from the Whale Festivals in March to our Inn Tours in December. Norm: Is there any particular cuisine that is distinct to the Mendocino area? Bruce: Since we are right on the ocean and have an active fishing fleet, fresh seafood is abundant. Mendocino also is California's top exporter of mushrooms and offers lots of organically-grown food. We also have vegetarian restaurants and the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, one of the leading schools in the nation for training chefs in raw food cuisine. Norm: How easy or difficult is it to get to the Mendocino area and to get around the area? Bruce: We are located about 3.5 hours from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The first half of the trip is along major highways, then turns onto Highways 128, which is a winding 60-mile trip on a well-maintained two-lane road through valleys, past vineyards (and wine tasting) and through redwoods. It is not a quick trip, but it is a beautiful one. Norm: Could you tell us something about the state parks and beaches in your area? Bruce: There are a dozen state parks, state beaches and preserves with great hikes along the coast. Many of the state parks (MacKerricher, Headlands, Van Damme, Russian Gulch and Jug Handle to name a few) have beaches and woods. There is an ecological staircase in Jug Handle State Preserve that takes you through 100,000 years of geologic history (from giant redwoods to a pygmy forest) over a trail that is about two miles long. MacKerricher has harbor seals, Russian Gulch a waterfall, and Van Damme a walk along a stream that spawns salmon. Norm: Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered? Bruce: Visit our WEBSITE or call Amy Luce in our visitor center at 707-961-6300. Thanks Bruce once again for participating in our interview. 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