Off Hwy. 101, 445 Lake Benbow Dr., (800) 355-3301, (707) 923-2124. 55 rooms; $129-$569+. Some TVs & wood-burning fireplaces. Afternoon tea at 3; restaurant; bar. Pool & hot tub nearby (May-Oct). Pets ok in some rooms.
Opened in 1926, the magnificent English Tudor Benbow Historic Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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| front exterior of Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California |
Guest rooms are furnished with antiques and equipped with a basket of mystery novels and a carafe of sherry. Some have lake views and private patios.
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| guest room at Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California |
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| guest room sherry at Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California |
The inn was once quite popular with the Hollywood elite--think Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and Joan Fontaine--and actor Charles Laughton found it quiet enough here to memorize his lines for
Mutiny on the Bounty. A majestic communal lounge with fireplace and library invites socializing, and game tables are set with chessboards and jigsaw puzzles.
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| lobby lounge at Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California |
This spot enjoys perfect summer temperatures. Outside pleasures that make the most of it include colorful English gardens with grassy expanses, a small private beach on the east branch of the Eel River, lawn games, and complimentary use of bicycles. A 9-hole golf course and heated swimming pool plus hot tub are within walking distance. Facilities there also include a playground, putting green, laundry room, and pet run.
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| swimming pool at Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California |
Complimentary tea and scones is served each afternoon at 3 p.m. during check-in. Special events are often scheduled, and holiday festivities occur throughout December.
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| afternoon check-in tea at Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, California |
The elegant restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner. It offers an expansive menu, with both simple dishes and more sophisticated fare. For summer dinner on the terrace, my husband and I dined on a colorful heirloom tomato and queso fresco salad,
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| queso fresco salad at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
a baby surf and turf (a filet mignon medallion, smoked prawn, and lemon mashed potatoes),
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| baby surf and turf at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
and pan-seared organic king salmon.
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| salmon plate at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
We each ordered a white wine flight and enjoyed making tasting comparisons throughout our meal,
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| white wine flight at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
and we ended with house-made chocolate truffles.
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| chocolate truffles at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
Note that a special vegan menu is available. For brunch in the dining room the next morning,
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| dining room at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
we each ordered our usual—me a classic eggs Benedict,
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| eggs Benedict at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
and my husband a simple country breakfast with chicken-apple sausage.
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| country breakfast at Benbow Historic Inn restaurant in Garberville, California |
In fair weather, diners may sit outdoors on a large terrace overlooking the back lawn and river, and live entertainment is scheduled on most mid-week summer evenings. Additionally, a cozy taproom bar dispenses good cheer, and guests can order picnic lunches to go.
And from here it is just a few minutes to the magnificent redwoods of the
Avenue of the Giants.
More ideas for exploring Northern California.
images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Love the look of the afternoon tea. Actually love all of the food.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Carole, this place has my name written all over it! I love tea and scones, wine, and Eggs Benedict! It looks like a charming place.
ReplyDeleteThe Tudor-style architecture at the Benbow Historic Inn looks so romantic and charming!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely sounds like way more than a place to sleep. I'd probably dive into the basket of mystery books in the bedroom. My husband---not so much, but he'd probably enjoy your husband's "go to" breakfast.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful stay. Both beautiful and delicious.
ReplyDeleteOh this so looks like our kind of place. Love the idea of mysteries and sherry being provided. And breakfast, oh my. . .!!!
ReplyDeleteNice looking place. We were just talking about a trip to Mendocino and northern California.
ReplyDeleteI had a lovely stay there many years ago. We had a nice view of the lake from the room, but I don't remember any sherry - maybe a new development and certainly a nice touch. My favorite memory is of a wonderful dinner on the terrace on a warm August evening, Would love to have a 2nd visit.
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for an afternoon tea! This looks like my kinda place quaint and charming. Definitely keep it in mind for a visit.
ReplyDeleteThat dining room looks divine Carole. I am long overdue for a trip to this area.
ReplyDelete