DAY 1: Explore the Anderson Valley and a Enjoy a Day of Wine Tasting.
Wake up fresh and ready to explore Anderson Valley. Enjoy a cup of coffee, yogurt, granola & baked bread from Wickson in your suite before exploring the Valley or drive into Boonville for Breakfast at The General Store or Mosswood. Take a winery map of the area with you as you head out from your home base at The Madrones or Brambles. After breakfast, you can enjoy a morning walk or jog on Anderson Valley way or a hike up Peachland Road to enjoy the sweeping views of the valley and vineyards. Another option is a stroll through the town of Boonville; stopping to shop at Hedgehog Books and The Mercantile. For lunch, drive to Pennyroyal for a wine and cheese pairing before an afternoon farm tour. Or, you can grab a sandwich at Lemons Market in Philo and picnic in Hendy Woods State Park. Hendy Woods State Park features two virgin redwood groves: Big Hendy with a self-guided discovery trail and Little Hendy. The Navarro River runs the length of the park and although it boasts some of the largest trees in California, you will feel like you have it to yourself. From here you can drive back to The Madrones while taking the afternoon to visit some of the 25 tasting rooms in the Valley. Anderson Valley is known for Pinot Noir, but several vintners have also created their own sparkling options. Talk to our innkeeper at the front desk for suggestions or take a private afternoon tour with a sommelier who can craft an adventure for your particular palette. After an afternoon of wine tasting, head back to The Madrones/Brambles and relax in your guest quarters or on the property. In the evening, stay close to home and dine at local’s favorites Wickson, The Company Kitchen in Philo or Lauren’s in Boonville.
DAY 2: Explore the Coast and the Villages of Mendocino & Elk.
One of California’s most spectacular coastlines is only a 35-minute drive away. There are a couple ways to get there, but we suggest taking a leisurely loop starting on the Greenwood/ Philo road. At the end of your drive on this quiet county road you will reach the town of Elk and the Mendocino Coastline. There are a few options to dine a few miles to the south in Point Arena—we particularly like the tiny bakery Franny’s Cup & Saucer, but you’ll need to take your treasure with you as there’s no seating (very little standing, too—it’s super tiny!). Your other option is to continue to head north on Highway 1 to the town of Mendocino where we can recommend numerous lunch options depending on your mood. Take time to stroll Main Street Mendocino and browse the many boutique shops or check out Jughandle or Van Damme State Parks. If you want to keep driving, one of our favorite stops is Princess Seafood in Ft. Bragg’s Noyo Harbor, which has wonderfully fresh seafood, including crab rolls and fish tacos. Have dinner at one of Mendocino’s many fine restaurants: Luna, Cafe Beaujolais, Trillium, and Fog Eater Cafe are just a few of our favorites. For the drive home, head south on Hwy 1 and take Hwy 128 through the forest of old growth redwoods which leads back to Anderson Valley.
DAY 3: Relax and Stay Close to Home.
Wake up and dedicate the day to relax and recharge—leave your car parked and venture out on foot. Take a leisurely hike through our neighbor Indian Creek Park and hike up Indian Creek Road. Relax on the grounds with a book and stroll the rose garden. Have lunch at Wickson or grab a to-go item and picnic under the redwoods at The Brambles. In the afternoon, enjoy wine tasting at Long Meadow Ranch. Be sure to carve out time to experience The Bohemian Chemist, specializing in Mendocino County’s original industry, cannabis. Before heading next door to Goldeneye winery, where you can sit out on the terrace overlooking vineyards, grab that special gift item or memento at the Sun & Cricket Shop. Afterwards head across the road to Domaine Anderson and our newest neighbor, Copian & Maggie Hawk. That afternoon take in a game of Bocce Ball as you enjoy a glass of their Rose court side. For dinner make a reservation for a special evening at Wickson or The Boonville Hotel.
In addition to our favorite suggestions, there are numerous other attractions. Being centrally located to a wide range of state parks, sites and activities; Anderson Valley is the ideal retreat for travelers who want to discover Mendocino County. The following is a list of our favorite day trips near Anderson Valley.