12 Mar 2014
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NEW NATIONAL MONUMENT: Named #3 of “52 Places to Go in 2014” by the New York Times, the newly-minted National Monument-- Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands-- is primed for a close-up. One hundred and thirty miles north of San Francisco, the newly-acquired lands and moody bluffs of Mendocino's coast -- incorporating nearly 1,300 acres -- gives hikers new access to a 12-mile stretch of coastline laced with cypress forests, scenic cliffs and wildflower fields. Nearby, Point Arena Lighthouse stands sentinel along with four nearby natural wonders: Bowling Ball Beach, Pygmy Forest, Hendy Woods State WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - No binoculars needed for a safari trek at B. Bryan Preserve, a 110-acre outpost in Point Arena. Founded in 2004 as a preserve for rare and endangered African zebras, antelope and giraffes, the sanctuary offers daily tours and three eco-friendly cottages with hot tubs overlooking a lake; www.BBryanPreserve.com. Tracks to Kayaks: For the ultimate outback adventure the new Tracks to Kayaks on the iconic Skunk Train is the ticket offering a day-tripper's combo of steam and stream. Tucked deep in the Noyo River Canyon and only accessible via train, the newly-opened wilderness camp has teamed up for a Camping on the Noyo program featuring eight sites, wood-heated showers and kayaks in utter and complete wilderness.; www.skunktrain.com. HERITAGE HOUSE RESORT continues its renovation roll-out on 37 acres of prime Pacific turf. A fixture since 1877, the resort will debut 45 of 70 guestrooms by fall/2014, as well as a spa with three treatment rooms. Long a sweet spot for Alan Alda (Same Time, Next Year), the original cottage has evolved into two separate guest quarters (#43 and #44) named “Same Time” and “Next Year.” Set in Little River, this bluff-side gem has a contemporary, streamlined décor with floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury granite bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, soaking tubs and heated floors, L'Occitane amenities, fireplaces, Frette linens and all the requisite high tech toys. On tap: 5200 Restaurant & Lounge featuring farm-to-fork cuisine by Executive Chef Fabrice Dubuc; www.heritagehouseresort.com.
ANDERSON VALLEY POPS THE CORK: Attitude-free and full of quirks (Boontling, anyone?), the Anderson Valley is amassing quite a résumé of late. Just nine miles east of the Pacific, this hidden wine region of 2,500 vineyard acres boasts 26 tasting rooms including five sparkling wine producers and a litany of new venues including: Knez Winery, Balo Vineyards, Baxter Winery, Lula Cellars and Phillips Hill as well as Stone & Embers and Coq Au Vin eateries. Expansion plans include four new guestrooms at the luscious Madrones, and a tasting room featuring artisan cheeses joining the barn, milking parlor and creamery at the 66-acre Pennyroyal Farm. www.pennyroyalfarm.com. The eco-friendly Anderson Valley Brewing Company steps up with a seasonal range of “bahlest” brews; www.avbc.com. Digs? Try the outback Sheep Dung property or a culinary course at the Philo Apple Farm. www.themadrones.com; www.sheepdung.com; www.philoapplefarm.com. BUDDHAS & BUBBLES - Straight off a movie set, the tiny road through Talmage leads to the Gate of Three Arches and into another realm – the City of 10,000 Buddhas. Pass through to peacocks, pagodas, “Vigor” and Virtue” signposts and the resonance of chanting monks at one of the nation's largest Buddhist monasteries boasting the elaborate Jeweled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas; www.cttbusa.org. Nearby, California Landmark No. 980 – better known as the champagne mineral baths – or Vichy Springs Resort and Spa features a 700-acre facility with America's only warm and naturally carbonated Vichy mineral baths (and Olympic-size pool). Bed down in the historic Blue Cottage (1852), hike to Chemisal Falls or take to the creek side baths like a lime in Perrier; www.vichysprings.com.
I DO WITH A VIEW: From coastal cliffs to world-class sips, the variety of venues for weddings in Mendocino County is as diverse as its topography. Wild animal sanctuaries, off-grid ranches and coastal gardens round out the options. Key contenders with an offbeat slant include Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (the only oceanfront botanical gardens in the U.S.), Point Arena Lighthouse Station, solar-driven Shambhala Ranch and Orr Hot Springs, a beautiful redwood retreat next to Montgomery Woods State Reserve where you can own all types of bubbles 24/7; 23 guestrooms. www.VisitMendocino.com. EDEN ON THE EDGE: Raw, rugged and ready for its close up, the Lost Coast – straddling Mendocino and Humboldt counties – is the call for outback enthusiasts seeking a final frontier. Named “One of the top #10 American Adventures” by National Geographic Traveler, this 80-mile stretch of pristine green comprises King Range National Conservation Area, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park and a stretch of legendary surf breaks for those who can haul a board out. www.VisitMendocino.com. FARM YOUR OWN - If plucking your own eggs is the call, Mar Vista Cottages delivers with a pick-your-own hen house and organic garden, al fresco private hot tub and stand-alone cabins; www.marvistamendocino.com. Cow-milking and pickle-making are part of the return-to-roots getaway at Emandal. Set on 1,000 acres with 19 cabins along the Eel River, Emandal's sports a strong farm-to-table ethos (on-site grass-fed beef, free-range chickens, house-roasted coffee, home-made breads and jams), lively farm chore program and back-to-basics balance; www.emandal.com. START YOUR ENGINES: Housing massive heaps of steel and an inside track on California rich logging history, Roots of Motive Power is the stop for an open air walkabout in Willits. In a stunning display of guts and girth, behemoths – including a classic 1885 Porter steam engine—stand ready for their close up in a symphony of steam; visits are limited to key events and workdays (first and third Sundays of each month); www.rootsofmotivepower.com.
KEY EVENTS TO TIE A MEDIA VISIT TO: • January: Crab, Wine & Beer Festival www.visitmendocino.com •February: International Alsace Varietals Festival www.avwines.com •April: Mendocino County's Party for the Planet www.visitmendocino.com •May: 19th Annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival www.avbc.com •July: Willits Frontier Days www.willitsfrontierdays.com •August: Willits Kinetic Carnivale www.kineticcarnivale.com •October: Abalone Cook-off & Festival www.mendoparks.org •November: Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival www.visitmendocino.com
MEDIA CONTACTS: Koleen Hamblin/KOLI Communications; ko@kolicommunications.com; Alexandra Ludmer/CINCH PR; alexandral@cinchpr.com. |
