Misty, craggy, and full of Northern California's specific brand of charm, Mendocino marches to the beat of its own drum circle
Lodging
Mendocino Village Inn 44860 Main St., Mendocino, 800/882-7029, mendocinoinn.com, from $85, private tubs at connected Sweetwater Spa $15.50 per hour per person
Food
Eggheads Restaurant 326 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, 707/964-5005, lunch $10
MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant 45020 Albion St., Mendocino, 800/609-0492, maccallumhouse.com, dinner $20
Attractions
Navarro River Redwoods State Park Hwy. 128, two miles east of Hwy. 1, 707/937-5804
Skunk Train Foot of Laurel St., Fort Bragg, 800/866-1690, skunktrain.com, tickets from $35, kids $20
Glass Beach Elm St. at Old Haul Rd., Fort Bragg
MacKerricher State Park Hwy. 1, north of Fort Bragg in Cleone, 707/964-9112
Fuchsiaram 23201 North Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg, 707/964-0429
We grab sandwiches at the Little River Market (which, for some reason, is attached to the post office) and take them to one of the tables in the back, where there is a splendid ocean view. A couple of minutes south is Van Damme State Park's Pygmy Forest, a romantic name for a natural aberration. Here, cypress, pine, and other trees only grow to a stunted height, due to the mineral-challenged soil. It's a bizarre, understated spectacle. Trees that look like they should be towering above us are just my height.
Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.