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
