California Official Visitor's Guide 2009 - UK - (Page 36) Mendo Bistro, Mendocino Ferndale Victorian Mendocino Coast Awe-inspiring redwoods, whale watching and wine tasting north coast disCovEr T he coastal redwood empire that extends from Oregon’s southern border to the town of Mendocino holds a timeless grandeur. The winter rains and dense summer fog are important to the area’s most famous inhabitants—the massive coast redwood trees that can top 300ft/91m and can live for more than two centuries. From the bluffs north of Trinidad you can spot migrating whales in winter and spring. In national and state parks where redwood groves are protected, you can walk through glorious, silent sanctuaries of old-growth forest. Farther south is Sonoma County, home to more than 100 farms—particularly beautiful in spring— and many farms on the Sonoma County Farm Trails routes are open to the public. Sonoma County is also home to nearly 150 wineries, making this one of California’s premier wine-growing regions. avEnuE oF thE giants garberville Drive this 31mi/50km route, edged by columns of massive trees. Pull off for attractions such as the Founders Grove nature trail. www.redwoods.info Point arEna lighthousE Point arena Climb to the top of the 115-foot-tall Point Arena lighthouse and you can see for miles from its lantern room. Take a guided tour of the light station or spend the night in an old lighthouse keeper’s home. www.gomendo.com MEndoCino Coast BotaniCal gardEns Fort Bragg Explore manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, diverse plant collections and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean. www.gomendo.com viCtorian villagE Ferndale Stroll down Main Street and step into a simpler time, with a general store, ice cream parlour and blacksmith shop. www.redwoods.info TAI POWEr SEEFF (3) EvEnts March BarrEl tasting WEEkEnds northwest sonoma County Take sips of current releases and the best of coming vintages fresh from the barrel at regional wineries. Mar 7–8 & 14–15. www.sonomavalley.com WhalE FEstival Mendocino Coast Trek along headlands to catch a glimpse of whales and other marine mammals, or get a closer view from chartered whalewatching tours. Warm up with local chowder. Mar 7–8. www.gomendo.com June FrontiEr days Willits California’s oldest continuous rodeo is the centrepiece for a weeklong Independence Day party, with a parade, carnival, Western dances, and horse shows. June 28–July 4. www.gomendo.com september BigFoot days Willow Creek In the town where the legend of Sasquatch began in the state, take part in a wacky celebration commemorating the hairy mythological beast. Be sure to check out the local Bigfoot museum. Sept 5–6. www.redwood.info 36 www.visitcalifornia.co.uk http://www.redwoods.info http://www.gomendo.com http://www.sonomavalley.com http://www.gomendo.com http://www.gomendo.com http://www.gomendo.com http://www.redwood.info http://www.redwoods.info http://www.visitcalifornia.co.uk
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