Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
25 Out Of This World B3
26 Twist A3
27 Village Toy Store C2
Leading out to a gorgeous headland, Mendocino is the North Coast's salt-washed perfect
village, with B&Bs surrounded by rose gardens, white-picket fences and New Eng-
land-style redwood water towers. Bay Area weekenders walk along the headland among
berry bramble and wildflowers, where cypress trees stand over dizzying cliffs. Nature's
power is evident everywhere, from driftwood-littered fields and cave tunnels to the raging
surf. The town itself is full of cute shops - no chains - and has earned the nickname
'Spendocino,' for its upscale goods. In summer, fragrant bursts of lavender and jasmine
permeate the foggy wind, tempered by salt air from the churning surf, which is never out
of earshot.
Built by transplanted New Englanders in the 1850s, Mendocino thrived late into the
19th century, with ships transporting redwood timber from here to San Francisco. The
mills shut down in the 1930s, and the town fell into disrepair until it was rediscovered in
the 1950s by artists and bohemians. Today the culturally savvy, politically aware, well-
traveled citizens welcome visitors, but eschew corporate interlopers - don't look for a Big
Mac or Starbucks. To avoid crowds, come midweek or in the low season, when the vibe is
mellower - and prices more reasonable.
Sights
Mendocino is lined with all kinds of interesting galleries, which hold openings on the
second Saturday of each month from 5pm to 8pm.
Mendocino Art Center GALLERY
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 707 937 5818, 800 653 3328; www.mendocinoartcenter.org ; 45200 Little
Lake St; 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, to 4pm Tue-Sat Nov-Mar)
Behind a yard of twisting iron sculpture, the city's art center takes up a whole tree-filled
block, hosting exhibitions, the 81-seat Helen Schonei Theatre and nationally renowned
 
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