August 30, 2013

Mendocino: Blair House Inn; hotel review

1 North

Blair House Inn  

45110 Little Lake St., (800) 699-9296, (707) 937-1800.  4 rooms, 1 cottage; $$-$$$.  No TVS.  Some shared baths.  Unsuitable for children under 6.  Continental breakfast.  Pets ok. 

exterior of the Blair House Inn in Mendocino, California
exterior of the Blair House Inn in Mendocino, California


Famous as the exterior for Jessica Fletcher’s house in the TV series Murder, She Wrote, this charmingly unaltered 1888 Victorian is constructed of now absurdly expensive virgin clearheart redwood.  All the rooms in the Blair House Inn are decorated with antiques and hand-crafted quilts, but the spacious Angelas Suite has 10-foot ceilings, oriental rugs and a four-poster bed, and a bathroom with a rare Victorian pivoting dip sink and a clawfoot tub.  Beds are cozied up with featherbeds and comforters, and some rooms have ocean views.  The exterior of the house looks much as it did when originally built and is surrounded by a white picket fence and a cottage garden.  Each room gets a half-bottle of Husch Vineyards wine upon arrival, and breakfast consists mostly of organic local products, including Thanksgiving Coffee and Cafe Beaujolais’ Early Bird Cashew Granola.

August 28, 2013

San Mateo: Curry Up Now; restaurant review

101 South

Curry Up Now  

129 S. B St., (650) 477-1001.  L-D daily; $.  Reservations taken. 

deconstructed samosa at  Curry Up Now in San Mateo, California
deconstructed samosa at  Curry Up Now in San Mateo, California


This is a food truck gone brick and mortar.  Order at the counter, then select a seat in the contemporary interior furnished with sleek black tabletops that match the unusual menu choices displayed chalk board-style on the wall.  The menu at  Curry Up Now blends ethnic Indian street food with Mexican dishes--think chicken tikka masala burrito, kathi roll (a wrap consisting of a whole-wheat parantha flat bread stuffed with, perhaps, egg and paneer), aloo paratha quesadilla, sexy fries (cross-cut sweet potato fries topped with tikka masala), deconstructed samosa (a mushed-up samosa with chickpeas and teeny-tiny mini samosas mixed in).  Drinks include a ginger-mint lemonade and rose, mango, and mango-mint lassis.  Special vegan and gluten-free menus are available.



More things to do in San Mateo.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 26, 2013

Mendocino Shops; things to do

peace sign potholders at Mendocino Twist in Mendocino, California
1 North

Mendocino Shops

Mendocino Twist  

45140 Main St., (707) 937-1717.  Daily 10:30-5:30. 

Mendocino Twist purveys “Eco-groovy” clothing (including organic hemp hoodies), peace-sign potholders, organic notebooks, and more.



interior of the Gallery Book Shop in Mendocino, California

Gallery Bookshop  

Main St., 937-BOOK.  Sun-Thur 9:30-6, F-Sat 9:30-9. 

The Gallery Bookshop is the perfect spot for a good, long browse.  It’s even more perfect on a rainy day.




More things to do in Mendocino.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 23, 2013

Sonoma: The Chocolate Cow; restaurant review

Wine Country

The Chocolate Cow  

452 First St. East.  

interior of The Chocolate Cow in Sonoma, California
interior of The Chocolate Cow in Sonoma, California


The Chocolate Cow hits the spot on a warm Wine Country afternoon.  Choose from sundaes, banana splits, milk shakes, and Chocolate Cow floats--all made with rich ice cream from Oregon. You can also get yogurt, Hawaiian shaved ice, handmade chocolates, fresh fudge, candy, and “cow-lectible” gift items.



August 21, 2013

Mendocino souvenir foods

candy shop server in Mendocino, California
1 North

Mendocino souvenir foods


I’ve made many visits to Mendocino through the years and have built up quite a shopping list of locally-made foods to purchase when I hit town.  I also have some favorite products I collect a few miles north in Fort Bragg, and I’ve  also found goodies that I stop for on the drive in or out.  When you discover how delicious these foods are, you might want to add a few to your own list.   Read more.


More things to do in Mendocino.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 19, 2013

Mendocino: Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino; things to do

45270 Main St. (west end, upstairs above quilt shop), (707) 937-2217.  Daily 10:30-5; irregular hrs. on Tu in winter. 

interior of the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino in Mendocino, California
interior of the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino in Mendocino, California


Overlooking the bay, the upstairs gallery of the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino showcases an ever-changing array of handmade artworks from many of the well-known artists that live in Mendocino.

August 16, 2013

Pacifica: Shelldance Orchid Garden; things to do

2000 Hwy. 1, (650) 355-4845.  Sat-Sun 10-5. 

exterior of Shelldance Orchid Garden in Pacifica, California
exterior of Shelldance Orchid Garden in Pacifica, California


Situated high up on a bluff overlooking the ocean and reached via a sharp right turn then steep climb off northbound Highway 1, this orchid and bromeliad conservatory is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.   You can visit the greenhouses, where you’ll see many unusual specimens; some are for sale, and some are not. 

The Mori Ridge trailhead for Sweeney Ridge, which is also part of the GGNRA, is adjacent.  A 5-mile roundtrip trail provides spectacular ocean views. 


orchid selection at Shelldance Orchid Garden in Pacifica, California
orchid selection at Shelldance Orchid Garden in Pacifica, California


More things to do in Pacifica. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 14, 2013

Berkeley: Kirin; restaurant review

kitchen at Kirin in Berkeley, California
80 North

Kirin  

1767 Solano Ave./Ensenada Ave., (510) 524-1677.  L M-Sat, D daily; $$. 

Plenty of seating is provided and most of it has a view into the busy glassed-in kitchen.  The northern China menu at Kirin has some delicious dishes, including Szechwan chicken, kung pao chicken, sesame chicken, Xian Jiang lamb, Mongolian beef, Kirin beef, Sichuan dry-fried prawns, vegetable chow fun, and Pan-Pacific wontons filled with crab and cream cheese.



More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 12, 2013

Philo: Handley Cellars; things to do

wine tasting at Handley Cellars in Philo, California
101 North

Handley Cellars  

3151 Hwy. 128, in Philo, (800) 733-3151, (707) 895-3876.  Tasting daily 10-6 May-Oct, 10-5 Nov-Apr; tours by appt. 

After a FREE! sampling of wines, allow time to peruse the unusual collection of international folk art displayed at Handley Cellars—most especially the carved elephant chairs and table from northern Thailand.  An adjacent shaded sculpture garden with tables is the perfect spot for a picnic enhanced by one of the winery’s tasty Pinot Noirs.


More things to do in Philo.

Things to do in nearby Boonville.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 9, 2013

Monterey: Casa Munras Hotel & Spa; hotel review

700 Munras Ave, (800) 222-2446, (831) 375-2411.  171 rooms; $$-$$$.  Some gas fireplaces.  Heated pool; fitness room; full-service spa.  Afternoon snack; restaurant. 

exterior of Casa Munras Hotel  & Spa in Monterey, California
exterior of Casa Munras Hotel  & Spa in Monterey, California


One of the first residences built outside the walls of the old Presidio in 1824, the original Casa was constructed of handmade adobe bricks.  Parts of the original dining room and porch remain as an alcove off of one of the meeting rooms; the rest of the adobe remains have been encapsulated within newer walls or built over.  The Casa was converted into a lodging in 1941, and today guest rooms at the Casa Munras Hotel & Spa are spread among 11 buildings on spacious, flower-heavy grounds.  Complimentary freshly baked cookies are available from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
(831) 735-0176; B & D daily.

Esteban restaurant features tapas.  It has a contemporary interior and a patio with a large fire pit. 


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 7, 2013

Jenner: Timber Cove Inn; hotel review + restaurant review

1 North 

Timber Cove Inn  

21780 Hwy. 1, 14 mi. N of town, (800) 987-8319, (707) 847-3231.  49 rooms; $-$$$+.  Unsuitable for children.  Some gas fireplaces.  Fitness room.  Restaurant.  Pets ok. 

exterior of guest room building at Timber Cove Inn in Jenner, California
exterior of guest room building at Timber Cove Inn in Jenner, California


Perched on a rocky seaside cliff, the Timber Cove Inn offers rooms with magnificent ocean views and some with sunken tubs and private in-room hot tubs.  All have a balcony or patio.  Room 405 is a corner junior suite with a great view and deck and a remote- activated gas fireplace.  Opened in 1963, the inn's design was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and features a dramatic Japanese-modern style.  The lobby has an inviting large seating area with high ceilings and a corner bar.  The property is the home of world-renowned artist Beniamino Bufano's 93-foot-tall obelisk "The Expanding Universe," which was donated by a previous owner to the state along with a 60-foot-diameter plot of land around it to protect it.  Now named Bufano Peace Statue Monument, it is the second-smallest California State Park.  A further claim to fame is that photographer Ansel Adams took the photos for the lodging’s original brochure, which is on display in the lobby.  Facilities include a fitness room built into solid rock with an ocean view from the treadmills, a croquet court, and a hiking path that runs throughout the property.

dining room at Alexander's at the Timber Cove Inn in Jenner, California
dining room at Alexander's at the Timber Cove Inn in Jenner, California


In Alexander’s restaurant everyone gets a view, and a central gas fireplace warms things up.  The kitchen makes use of local ingredients, and Sonoma County wines are featured on the extensive wine list.  Lunch and weekend brunch are particularly good times to enjoy the ocean view and perhaps a grilled salmon sandwich or a made-to-order omelette.


More things to do in Jenner.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

August 5, 2013

Orinda: Europa Hofbrau Deli & Pub; restaurant review

service counter at Europa Hofbrau Deli & Pub in Orinda, California
Greater East Bay

Europa Hofbrau Deli & Pub

64 Moraga Way, (925) 254-7202.  L-D daily; $. 

In a large open room, you place your order at the cafeteria-style service bar.  You’re on your own to find a table and secure your utensils, water, and condiments.  The menu at Europa Hofbrau Deli & Pub is a selection of deli sandwiches, burgers, and carved-to-order meat plates--roast beef, corned beef, pastrami, roasted turkey.  The open-faced sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy is my favorite.  Specialty sandwiches include a Reuben--corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and cheese on rye--and a Thanksgiving turkey-cranberry, plus daily specials and a soup of the day are also available.  Soup or salad sides are inexpensive—the potato salad is delish--and tasty pickle rounds are complimentary (you need to ask for them).  A children's playroom in a back room offers a climbing structure for the little ones and video games for the older ones.  It also has several tables where children can eat unbothered by their adults.  




More things to do in Orinda.

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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 1-14-22

August 2, 2013

Glen Ellen: Benziger Family Winery; things to do

Wine Country

Benziger Family Winery  

1883 London Ranch Rd., (888) 490-2739, (707) 935-3000.  Tasting daily 10-5; self-guided tour daily; tram tour daily 11-3:30, on the half-hour, $20, under 21 $5. 

tram tour at Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, California
tram tour at Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, California


Just up the hill from the little crook in the road that is Glen Ellen and just down the hill from Jack London State Historic Park, the family-operated Benziger Family Winery operates a 45-minute tram tour through their biodynamic vineyards that provides hands-on experience with vines, grapes, and trellising techniques.  The tour is followed by tasting.  Additional diversions include caged peacocks and extensive picnic facilities as well as an open-air cafe.


More things to do in Glen Ellen.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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