Northern California

Mendocino, California

Perched on the bluff overlooking the river and the ocean, 

the town of Mendocino is not only classically picturesque, 

but it is also one of the best examples of a vibrant historic landscape 

where people carry on everyday lives 

amidst the delightful and enduring legacy of the 19th century.

The overall harmony of the streetscapes and the consistency of the historic townscape 

have their roots in the foresight of the citizens who in 1971 

placed this town on the National Register of Historic Places. 

One of the earliest district nominations in California, 

this helped preserve and acknowledge the importance of Mendocino, 

a place that figured importantly in the development

 and the economy of the Redwood coast following statehood.

Most historic districts in this country consist of small sections of a larger, 

more developed city, but historic Mendocino is the town itself 

and this creates a dynamic that is evident as one walks the streets.

 While visitors come to enjoy the historic townscape,

 the residents are also using the post office, the library, the school, 

and the grocery store. 

Even the more recent additions

 seem at home and do not detract from the character 

and feel of this once bustling lumber mill town.

The pathways, the hills, the empty lots, the orientation of the town,

 all ground us in the present while at the same time transport the visitor 

and resident alike to an earlier time when towns were walk-able and human in scale.

 The views both near and far are composed of vernacular, 

yet sophisticated buildings, water tanks, cemeteries, dirt paths, 

overgrown vegetation, and colorful gardens all set amidst 

the rocks, cliffs, ocean, and the mouth of the river. 

Whether familiar with the town, or a new visitor, 

the historic landscape will reward those who take the time to appreciate

 this rich and diverse landscape.

The town has a world-famous music festival in summer,

you can find information about this online.

If you're interested you should definitely make reservations and

purchase your tickets early.

I love this area because of the ocean, the beautiful redwood forests are like

the forests primeval, it is truly breathtaking.

There is so much to see in this area, you establish your base camp and

go driving around in any direction, even up the Russian River where you

will find artist's galleries, wonderful tiny cafe's, and shops.

+ it's Sonoma County....

the wine country's finest area.

the bridge at Russian Gulch

on Mendocino Coast

I could so easily live in this area...my friends tell me I would get tired of

being away from a big city, but I don't think so.

Anyway, San Francisco is only a few hours away & a beautiful drive,

at least until you take the freeway.

Doesn't matter where you stay if you visit this area...you won't

be in your rooms long enough for it to matter.

Just get outside, take a camera, sit down & enjoy the views,

and talk to the locals...they are mighty interesting.

MORE TO COME ON SONOMA COUNTY

as it's getting to be time to plan your vacations,

and if anyone wants to stay in the USA and you haven't been

to the Pacific Northwest, do consider it this year.

We fly into San Francisco, rent a car and head north.

must have a GPS as there are many lonely roads.

xx's