Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nelson Family Vineyards
WINERY
(
www.nelsonfamilyvineyards.com
; 550 Nelson Ranch Rd, Ukiah; 10am-5pm; )
Just north of Ukiah, this winery, vineyard, pear, olive and Christmas-tree farm with won-
drous views over the valley is a great place to picnic (in a redwood grove), make friends
and sip not-too-sweet Chardonnay and luscious red blends.
Vichy Hot Springs Resort
Opened in 1854, Vichy is the oldest continuously operating mineral-springs spa in Califor-
nia. The water's composition perfectly matches that of its famous namesake in Vichy,
France. A century ago, Mark Twain, Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson traveled
here for the water's restorative properties, which ameliorate everything from arthritis to
poison oak.
2605 Vichy Springs Rd, Ukiah; lodge s/d $145/205, creekside r $205/255, cottages from $295;
)
has the only warm-water, naturally carbonated mineral baths in North America. Unlike
others, Vichy requires swimsuits (rentals $2). Day use costs $30 for two hours, $50 for a
full day.
Facilities include a swimming pool, outdoor mineral hot tub, 10 indoor and outdoor tubs
with natural 100°F (38°C) waters, and a grotto for sipping the effervescent waters. Mas-
sages and facials are available. Entry includes use of the 700-acre grounds, abutting Bur-
eau of Land Management (BLM) lands; hiking trails lead to a 40ft waterfall, an old cin-
nabar mine and 1100ft peaks - great for sunset views.
The resort's suite and two cottages, built in 1854, are Mendocino County's three oldest
structures. The cozy rooms have wooden floors, top-quality beds, breakfast and spa priv-
ileges, and no TVs.
From Hwy 101, exit at Vichy Springs Rd and follow the state-landmark signs east for 3
miles. Ukiah is five minutes, but a world, away.
Orr Hot Springs
A clothing-optional resort that's beloved by locals, back-to-the-land hipsters, backpackers
and liberal-minded tourists,
springs
(
707-462-6277; tent sites $50-60, d $150-180, cottages
