ELEVATED ESCAPES/VINTAGE WATER TOWER LODGING: Take the next vacation to a new level with an eco-friendly say in repurposed water tower lodgings. Mendocino has a unique line-up of these 30- to 40-ft., repurposed towers dating back to the 1800s; Top Five Picks: Water Tower Cottage at the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek (right) complete with a private hot tub and 15 ft. perch overlooking the Pacific; Tower Cabin at Oz Farm, with a wood stove and funky décor; three-story Redwood Tower at Sweetwater Inn & Spa with its commanding views of the Pacific; Bever-Roberts Tower set in the village of Mendocino; and Room 13/The Water Tower House at the MacCallum House, the spot for top-end dining.www.schoolhousecreek.com;www.ozfarm.com;www.sweetwaterspa.com;www.mendocinotower.com; www.maccallumhouse.com.

ROMANCING THE RAILS… Kick start a romantic romp in Mendocino County with a riff in the redwoods via California's first railbikes. Set on the historic Skunk Train line, the two-person bike delivers a deep dive into ancient redwood groves, laced with blue herons, osprey and all things wild. The one-hour seven-mile jaunt along Pudding Creek Estuary is suited for all levels, with an optional motorized assist for lazy lovers. $79.00/person; seasonal. www.skunktrain.com/railbikes .

TWO LUXE INNS DEBUT ON MENDOCINO'S PACIFIC COAST - Perched on the cliffs south of Mendocino, the hamlet of Elk is ready for its close-up. Spring/2018 marked the launch of the uber luxe Harbor House Inn, a ground-up restoration including nine guestrooms, wrap-around decks and heady 3,400-bottle wine cellar. Fort Bragg's newest gem – the Noyo Harbor Inn – is perched on the harbor overlooking the Noyo River, surrounded by lush woods and simple serenity. Set in deep cherry wood with original oil paintings and commanding views, the 15-room inn includes a cozy new restaurant and bar and access to a variety of experiential activities. From the French press coffee to the stunning Captain's Quarters Suite, this is the place to tuck in and check out.www.theharborhouseinn.com; www.noyoharborinn.com.

HOPLAND RISING: The tiny town that could makes an impressive redux with the fall /2019 debut of the Thatcher Hotel. Located at the gateway to Mendocino County, this Victorian gem (1890) will sport 18 guestrooms, a lively bar, pool and alfresco dining. Nearby, 14 tasting venues, new 12-acre Flow Kana cannabis company and Solar Living Institute housing the nation's first solar-powered cannabis dispensary (Emerald Pharms), seasonal hiking at theHopland Research and Extension Center and tour/tasting at Terra Sávia olive mill round out a visit. www.thatcherhotel.com; www.flowkana.com.

MENDOCINO'S HIGHWAY 128 TO RECEIVE “SCENIC HIGHWAY” STATUS – Stretching 144 miles with a colorful tapestry of 100+ wineries, rural farmland, Michelin dining and outback treks, the soon-to-be-minted Scenic Highway 128 offers visitors an inside track on Northern California's rich and diverse agricultural and vinicultural roots. Stretching four counties (Yolo, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino) – Highway 128 showcases Mendocino's Yorkville Highlands and Anderson Valley AVAs, two top stops for Bordeaux blends and deep end Pinot Noirs. Pack the corkscrew and pair of hiking boots! www.visit128.com.

WILDERNESS WEDDINGS – With 90 miles of Instagram-crazy coastline, ethereal redwood forests and a riveting lineup of rustic-chic ranches, tying the knot Mendo style is as easy as it is eye popping. From farm-friendlyMar Vista Cottages to the uber luxe Inn at Newport Ranch and Mendocino Grove, the variety of options is endless. Think jeans and flip flops aside resident Rothschild giraffes at B. Bryan Preserve, an elegant elopement or Steampunk-style service backed with a stunning display of guts and girth, including a classic 1885 Porter steam engine, standing ready at Roots of Motive Power in Willits.

FOREST BATHING WITH THE GIANTS: The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku focuses on utilizing all the senses to become one with the outdoors. This practice has proven benefits vis-à-vis health and happiness and provides a solid base for travelers seeking to tap into Mother Nature at her naked best.

Mendocino County offers a wealth of forest bathing opportunities with 24 state and national parks stocked with ancient redwood groves, reflective waterfalls and exotic flora. Top five treks: Van Damme State Park – cozy up at the Cottages at Little River Cove then pop over to pump fists with the primeval Pygmy Forest; Smithe Redwoods State Reserve – tuck into the 1940s no-tech Big Bend Lodge then slip through the Drive-Thru Tree enroute; Jughandle State Reserve – bed down at the private Whale Song with a hot tub and a view before traipsing through the fairy rings; Hendy Woods State Park – ramble to the Brambles for an elevated stay or pony up at the Philo Apple Farm in a rustic cottage before meeting Mr. Big Hendy for a decompressing hug; Montgomery Woods State Reserve – savor the natural hot springs and overnight at rustic Orr Hot Springs then rendezvous with a stately 367-foot redwood at this other-worldly reserve. It's WOW time! https://visitmendocino.com/bathing-with-giants/ .

TRIBAL TRAVEL: TREND IN MULTI-GENERATIONAL TRAVEL ON UPSWING AS FAMILIES MINE MOMENTS vs. MEMES - Families today are seeking more than sand and sea to check off the annual vacation list. According to U.S. Travel & World Report, multigenerational vacations continue to be the leading industry-wide trend with education, culture and nature-based trips taking a front seat. From luxury lodges to working ranches and cozy cabins kissed by ancient redwoods, Mendocino County is the ideal playground for this growing getaway trend. Sporting a creative line-up of lodging options and excursions, this Northern California destination is big on bonding, be it with Mother Nature or Aunt Nellie.

THE STARS HAVE ALIGNED – A culinary evolution is underway following Mendocino's rich reservoir of local product and 50+ years delivering on the farm-to-table ethos. On the coast in the little enclave of Elk, Harbor House Inn chef Matt Kammerer's hyper-local tasting menu has landed him a Michelin Star and Food & Wine's Best New Chefs award (2019). Kammerer's menu includes hand-crafted sea salt, vegetables bathed in sea mist, seaweed baked into bread and butter and such delicacies as albacore smoked over a bed of chrysanthemum. Michelin starred chef Perry Hoffman (Shed/Healdsburg, etoile/Yountville) takes over the reins at The Restaurant at the Boonville Hotel where he first started his career alongside his uncle Johnny Schmitt; Hoffman's grandmother – Sally Schmitt – was original chef-owner of Napa's French Laundry.www.boonvillehotel.com; www.theharborhouseinn.com.

MENDOCINO COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS:

• Size: 4,000 sq. miles (District of Columbia + Rhode Island + Delaware)

• National/State Parks: 24

• Pacific Coastline: 90 miles

• AVAs: 10; Wineries 90+

• Smallest AVA in America: Cole Ranch AVA

• Top Crops: Grapes & Cannabis

• Routes: Scenic Highway 1; Scenic Highway 128 Wine Road, Inspiration Highway 101

• Unique Language: Boontling, Late 19th century language still spoken in Boonville

• Airports: SFO, OAK, SMF, STS

• Drive Time from SFO: 2+ hours

MEDIA CONTACTS: Koleen Hamblin/KOLI Communications; ko@kolicommunications.com; 800.487.9057
Alison de Grassi/Visit Mendocino County; alison@visitmendocino.com