Coastal Traveler - Summer 2007 - (Page 23)

coastalolema Olema By Alex Parsons Olema was once the hub of the Point Reyes peninsula, and though the town is no longer filled with the drunken crowds of Western Weekend legend, it offers a tranquility that many visitors find charming. Located around the intersection of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway One, “downtown” Olema makes a convenient stop-off before heading out to the Point Reyes National Seashore. The town also boasts excellent inns and one of the area’s best restaurants. The Olema Inn has added contemporary crispness to its old warmth, and though there are six sizeable rooms for rent, the restaurant steals the show. Always popular are Hog Island oysters from nearby Tomales Bay, prepared eight ways. Original salads pair well with rich appetizers for a meal on the smaller side. Entrees serve up the warmth of French haute cuisine alongside healthy servings of local vegetables. An extensive list of wines, many available by the half-bottle, give reasonably priced access to some of California’s best small vineyards. The Olema Inn is open for dinner daily, and for lunch on weekends and the garden is enchanting in the summer. For a more down-home and affordable experience, the Olema Farmhouse (next door to the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge) has a deli counter and a restaurant with an extensive menu. The Farmhouse has been around since 1865. Under new ownership, the traditionally popular bar now offers live music on weekends. Victorian Redux Olema was once believed to be the epicenter of the infamous 1906 earthquake; parts of town were shifted 18 feet in the minute-long quake. So fashion designer Dana Davidson’s boutique, Epicenter, is named accordingly. It’s a surprising mix of tasteful tourist paraphernalia and high fashion. Next door at Vita Collage, designed Victoria Swift has created an exquisite mix of home furnishings, jewelry, and objects of quality design. Cyclists will enjoy the Bear Valley Inn, at the intersection of Highway One and Bear Valley Road, where national bicycle advocate Amanda Eichstaedt and her husband have created a fresh interpretation of old-country charm. Prices are reasonable, and those pedaling their way to the inn will receive a 15-percent discount and expert advice on the best rides in the area. For the more luxurious minded, the tastefully renovated historic Olema Druids Hall and Cottage offers a plush getaway in this special rural environment. Once a meeting hall for the United Ancient Order of Druids it is now a serene oasis of understated elegance with fine architectural details. Onwards to Adventure Bike, hike, or drive down Bear Valley Road, where you’ll find the headquarters of the National Seashore. The Bear Valley Visitor Center (415.464.5100) has maps and exhibits on the park’s attractions, and is staffed by rangers ready to offer advice from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. There are trailheads beginning here, but you may want to drive into the peninsula if you’re in a hurry to see the ocean. Within its loosely defined boundaries, Olema claims some excellent riding trails. You can corral your horses at the Morgan Horse Ranch outside of park headquarters and ride from there, but if you don’t own a horse, drive south on Highway One to the Five Brooks Stable where they offer guided and unguided trail-rides starting at $35 for an hour-long jaunt. The town boasts excellent inns and one of the area’s best restaurants. Where to Stay Bear Valley Inn 88 Bear Valley Rd • 415.663.1777 Olema Cottage www.olemacottages.com • 800.410.8373 Olema Druids Hall www.olemadruidshall • 415.663.8727 Pt. Reyes Seashore Lodge 10021 Coast Hwy 1 • 800.404.5634 Roundstone Farm 9940 Sir Francis Drake Blvd • 415.663.1020 Olema Inn • 415.663.9559 www.theolemainn.com Where to Eat The Olema Inn See listing above Olema Farmhouse 10005 State Highway 1 • 415. 663.1264 Where to Shop Epicenter 9960 State Highway 1 • 415.663.1239 Vita Collage 9940 State Highway 1 • 415.663.1160 Where to Play The Bear Valley Visitors’ Center • 415.663.1092 Five Brooks Stables • 415.663.1570 summer coastaltraveler 23 http://www.olemacottages.com http://www.olemadruidshall.com http://www.theolemainn.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Coastal Traveler - Summer 2007

Coastal Contents Coastal Connoisseur Coastal Surfer Coastal Review Coastal Rider Coastal Map Coastal Maifesto Sausalito - Tiburon Mill Valley Muir Beach Stinson Beach Bolinas Olema San Geronimo - Nicasio Fairfax Inverness - Inverness Park Point Reyes Station Point Reyes Station and Dillon Beach Sebastopol Petaluma Sonoma Coast Healdsburg Mendocino - Redwood Coast Lake County Napa Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur

Coastal Traveler - Summer 2007

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