Mendocino Bed and Breakfast California Joshua Grindle Inn Local Attractions

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Local Attraction

A visit to the secluded Mendocino coast is a study in nature, adventure and culture; an escape from harried lifestyles to a realm of self- discovery and renewal. As one traverses Highway 1 and dips down into Little River, just south of Mendocino, a display of quaint inns and restaurants dot the cliffs overlooking the Pacific and then just around a bend, Mendocino's storefronts and white New England- style church steeples unfold. Situated on the bluffs of the Mendocino Headlands, the character of this quaint town borrows from the East Coast heritage of its first settlers who started the mill town in 1852.

The redwoods still play an integral part in the appeal of Mendocino. To the East of town, is a dense redwood forest. To the West is only headlands and ocean as far as the eye can see. This impressive location lends to the numerous adventures awaiting visitors. Among the possibilites are canoeing, bicycling, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides through Mendocino, golf, tennis, scuba diving and chartered fishing excursions.

For those who prefer to just relax and take in the magnificent ocean views, there are several stretches of beach and headlands to wander about, have a picnic or view the whales (seasonal) and harbor seals. Four state parks are within a half hour drive of town. These parks offer walking trails through redwood laced fern canyons, across creeks, along pristine beaches and even to a waterfall. Visitors are also drawn to Mendocino for its emphasis on culture. Present day Mendocino has a strong commitment to the arts with the center piece being the Art Center and its showcase gallery on Main Street where the works of its talented students and graduates are displayed. Offering a wide variety of classes, workshops, festivals, fairs and entertainment to the public, the Center is the cultural hub of the North Coast. Mendocino hosts many private galleries as well, which offer a wide selection of local artists and media, including paintings, wood carvings and furniture, wire sculpture, ceramics and weaving, to mention but a few.

The performing arts also play an important role in the life of the Mendocino community year-round. The Mendocino Theater Company, the Gloriana Opera Company, the Warehouse Repertory Theater, Mendocino Music Festival and the Symphony of the Redwoods are a few of the groups providing a wealth of entertainment and cultural activity. There are many fine restaurants in Mendocino which offer creative and gourmet meals. Food for every taste is offered in a variety of unique and intimate settings, from French to California cuisine. One could spend a full week in Mendocino and eat at a different recommended restaurant every night.

The innkeepers at the Joshua Grindle Inn are more than happy to reserve theater tickets, recommend restaurants or excursions. Locals are also very friendly and more than happy to provide suggestions on great places to shop or even where to watch the whales. Abundant nature and culture combined with small-town ambience give Mendocino its reputation for being a "jewel" or as the San Diego Union-Tribune called it in 1992, "a magical....gentle place." Many famous authors, musicians and artists have found their inspiration on the Mendocino Coast. Every day, guests of the Joshua Grindle Inn go home equally inspired.

Attractions:

Mendocino Headlands State Park: This unique blend of gentle trails, rugged coastline, secluded beaches and timeless history surrounds the Village of Mendocino on three sides. Three miles of trails wind along the cliffs, giving the casual explorer spectacular views of sea arches and hidden grottos.

Overture Center for the Arts: Located in the picturesque village of Mendocino, on California's North Coast, the Mendocino Theatre Company has been producing high quality theatre for nearly 27 years. The company performs in the intimate 88 seat Mendocino Theatre, producing a variety of plays ranging from great literary classics to modern comedies, and from much performed chestnuts to original dramas.

After arriving at the Joshua Grindle Inn, guests find that Mendocino is surrounded by beautiful, historic and exciting destinations, each encompassing an array of activities.

The beauty of the North Coast is easily admired in the four State Parks which are within a half hour drive of the Inn. These parks offer walking trails through redwood laced fern canyons, across creeks, along pristine beaches and even to a waterfall. To the East are beautiful redwood groves, engulfed with those magnificent giants. Another haven for natural beauty is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens just seven miles north, where trails wind through perennial gardens, into the natural gardens created under the cover of a pine forest, and ultimately to the ocean.

The North Coast is also rich in history. In addition to the village of Mendocino, there are several historic sites in Fort Bragg just fifteen minutes to the North. Fort Bragg was the site of a U.S. Army Fort which was established circa 1852-54. It is no longer an army fort, but the original fort building still stands on Franklin Street between Laurel and Pine Streets. The town also hosts the Skunk Train Railroad which has run an historic steam engine since 1885 through the redwoods offering passenger rides daily.

There is truly a myriad of things to do in the Mendocino area. To name but a few of the exciting activities and excursions, there is: canoeing, bicycling and horseback riding; horse-drawn carriage rides through Mendocino, golf, tennis, scuba diving and chartered whale watching boats. This should satisfy the sports person in all of us. For those who prefer to just relax and take in the ocean views, there are several stretches of beach and headlands to wander about, have a picnic, or view the whales (seasonal) and harbor seals.

One will not be left without a list of splendid destinations and activities during their visit. As a favorite destination for many, Joshua Grindle Inn and the Mendocino Coast offers the perfect getaway.

Activities:

Hiking: Mendocino offers a wealth of hiking and walking trails, from tidepools to towering redwoods -- and even an ecological staircase that joins the two! Here are descriptions of a few of our favorites. We are happy to pack you a picnic lunch basket for your outing, or you may choose our Backpack Picnic Package. Enjoy your day!

Mendocino Headlands
This state park surrounding the village stretches for approximately 2 1/2 miles. Although you can join the trail at various points, it begins just above Big River Beach (off Main Street beyond the old Mendocino Presbyterian Church). CAUTION: The ocean surf up here can be very rough and is unpredictable - always be aware and never turn your back to the ocean!

Point Cabrillo Reserve
A leisurely 1/2 mile round trip walk takes you to the Point Cabrillo Light House across the headlands. We recommend the docent guided walk every Sunday at 11:00 am (May through September) for an interpretive tour of the lighthouse. The reserve is located north on Highway 1 off Pt. Cabrillo Drive. Check out the recently restored Third Order 1800's Fresnel lens. As of Summer 1999, the Fresnel lens has been successfully turned back on and is once again providing the primary aid to navigation at Point Cabrillo Light Station

Van Damme State Park
Located just south of Mendocino, Fern Canyon Trail is a 5 mile round trip hike with slight elevation gain/loss. This is a wonderful hike along a lush, forested fern canyon on which you will follow (and cross over several times) the Little River.

Russian Gulch State Park - Waterfall Loop
Whether you hike the 6 1/2 mile round trip, 7 1/2 mile semi loop or just the first 5 miles round trip (paved road), you are bound to enjoy this heavily forested creek canyon. With slight elevation gain, this trail takes you along ferns and redwoods to a beautiful 36 foot waterfall. The park is located on the west side of Hwy 1 just north of Mendocino.

Jughandle State Reserve
Hiking the Jughandle Ecological Staircase takes you up and across five marine terraces created by plate-tectonics. The changing terrain takes you through a creek canyon, tall forest and into a pygmy forest! There is also a short trail across the headlands to a small pristine beach. The preserve is located approximately 3 miles north of Mendocino on the west side of Highway 1.

Shopping: Mendocino's variety of shops are all located within walking distance of the Inn. Here are a few of our favorites:

Sallie Mac: Gifts & Home Accessories from the European Countryside
Lark in the Morning: Musical Instruments, Books, Recordings and Videos from over 60 cultures
Out of this World: Premium Optics and Science Play
Gallery Books

Fine Dining:

We will happily make dinner reservations for you. Following are a few of our favorite local restaurants:

Cafe Beaujolais (707) 937-5614
   Adventurous gourmet dining with eclectic influences
Mendocino Café (707) 937-2422
   Multi-Ethnic cuisine: featuring Pacific Rim specialites
955 Ukiah Street Restaurant (707) 937-1955
   Artfully presented California cuisine
The Ravens (707) 937-5615
   Unique & creative vegetarian and vegan cuisine
Moosse Café (707) 937-4323
   Best known for light entrees and homemade desserts
MacCallum House Restaurant (707) 937-5763
   Elegant setting -- fantastic housemade ice cream, save room!
Mendocino Hotel (707) 937-0511
   Continental cuisine -- garden dining room
Little River Inn (707) 937-5942
   Country Fare in a garden dining room
Stevenswood (707) 937-2810
   Gourmet California cuisine in a wooded setting
Ledford House (707) 937-0282
   Ocean view dining with live music
Albion River Inn (707) 937-4044
   Wonderful ocean view seating -- features fresh local seafood
La Playa Mexican Restaurant (707) 964-9400
   aka "The Phantom Café" -- local chow at the Caspar Inn
Mendo Bistro (707) 964-4974
   Skyline views from the top of the old Company Store
Sharon's by the Sea (707) 962-0680
    Located in Noyo Harbor, Sharon's is a favorite of our guest
North Coast Brewing Company (707) 964-BREW
    Our local brew pub featuring California cuisine and pub fare
Rendezvous Restaurant (707) 964-8142
   Country-French with local seafood specialties
The Purple Rose (707) 964-6507
   Fun mexican restaurant and cantina
The Restaurant (707) 964-9800
   Features Asian, Vegetarian, fish and pasta dishes

Horseback Riding: Horseback Riding on the Beach Beach and redwood forest vacations on Northern California's magnificent Mendocino coast. Daily trail rides and riding vacations along Ten Mile Beach, across cattle ranches, through majestic Redwood forests.

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