Dec 11, 2008 2:03 - By: Nancy D. Brown
From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip
Romantic Little River Inn
If you are looking to escape the bright lights and traffic of the city, a roadtrip to Little River Inn on the Mendocino, California coast might be just the ticket. What began as a family home, built in the 1850’s, is now the romantic Little River Inn. Still family owned, Ole Hervilla and his wife Cora Coombs opened the Little River Inn in 1939. Their children and their families continue to run the 66 room hillside property.
The Inn boasts a nine hole golf course, tennis courts, a spa, gift shop, restaurant & bar on the property, as well as being pet friendly and offering complimentary internet access. I was fortunate to fit in a massage at the Third Court Salon and day spa during my stay. Earlier that morning I enjoyed a four hour horseback ride at Ricochet Ridge Ranch outside of Fort Bragg. The therapist was quick to respond to my screaming muscles and gave me a wonderfully relaxing massage.
Ocean View Luxury Room
A visit during the off season is not only romantic, with an in-room fireplace, the rates are low and the surf is high. Ask for the crab rate week days, January 4-29, 2009. Stay in any room for $189 per night, including ocean view luxury rooms. For a calendar listing of Mendocino county activities visit www.MendocinoFun.com.
Located at 7751 North Highway One
Reservations: 1 (888) 466-5683
Rates range from $130 to $365 for the Mallory Farmhouse. These rates are for high season (June-October & holiday periods.)
Oct 31, 2008 19:02 - By: Nancy D. Brown
From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip
Forget waiting for the government’s bailout package to appear, Mendocino, California’s MacCallum House Inn is the place to turn for financial relief. From October 30 until February 1, 2009, guests of the MacCallum House will receive 50 percent off their reservations for a two night minimum stay. If that’s not enough to get you heading to the Mendocino coast, the MacCallum House will have a bottle of local wine waiting for you in the room. All good deals must come to a close. The MacCallum House bailout will expire on November 7, 2008 and reservations must be made online.
Horseback Riding in Mendocino County
I visited the MacCallum house in August for a little me time. Both of my children were at camp and my husband couldn’t get away from work. I was giddy with anticipation for this trip. Upon my arrival I noticed several women dressed in riding boots and pants. My curiosity got the best of me, and I asked the ladies if they had been horseback riding earlier. Turns out, the MacCallum House offers a riding package with Ricochet Ridge Ranch, two miles north of Fort Bragg. The quality of the horses and the scenery are both outstanding.
Lodging Options
Gwen MacCallum Room 1
The Gwen MacCallum room was located on the second floor of the Main House. Considered to be one of the most romantic rooms in the house, the solid mahogany queen sleigh bed with its down comforter suited me perfectly. What captured my eye when I entered the room was the claw foot bathtub. Imagine a bubble bath with no interruptions? Pure heaven.
In addition to six rooms in the main house and seven cottages on the property, there are six rooms in the adjacent Barn. All but the rooms in the main house are pet friendly.
Food, glorious, food
That evening I dined at the MacCallum House Restaurant. I was seated to the right of the fireplace and enjoyed a lovely Comanche Creek Heirloom tomato “BLT” salad with house made mozzarella, applewood smoked bacon, butter lettuce, Stella Cadente olive oil and balsamic drizzled over herbed croutons. Next up, pan roasted halibut in a tomato beuree blanc sauce with roasted fingerling potatoes and a broccoli puree. I finished the meal with a raspberry mascarpone cheesecake souffle with a mini pot of chocolate sauce served on the side. Don’t forget, breakfast is included with your stay. Weight Watchers, here I come.
Room rates: $175-$425
Reservations (800) 609-0492
