Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

If you enjoy exclusive events, Zagat rated dining and five star lodging, surrounded by Mendocino County’s 2,400 acre Van Damme State Park, then you will want to reserve your spot at Stevenswood Wine and Mushroom Excursion taking place November 9, 2008.

“It’s a very exclusive event, limited to 10 people,” says Stevenswood Co-owner Michael Webster.  From noon until 6 p.m. mushroom foragers will accompany Mushroom Expert Eric Schramm on a walk in search of delictable varieties of edible mushrooms.  Participants will have the option to include the days cache in the dinner prepared that evening by Executive Chef Patrick Meany.

Porcini Mushroom

If you prefer pinot noir to porcini’s, or simply want to bliss out at Stevenswood’s Indigo Eco-Spa, the “Emperor’s Choice” 10 hour spa package might be just the ticket.  The package includes a champagne breakfast to kick start your morning, facial, massage, spa lunch and a five star dinner complete with 10 courses paired with wines, among other options.  Certified as the world’s first eco-spa, Indigo uses botanical and all natural ingredients from their private label line of skin and body care products.

For guests traveling with dogs, the resort is pet-friendly, as are some of the local beaches.  Those of us with dogs larger than a toy poddle can breath a sigh of relief as Stevenswood has a “no weight limit” policy.  The owners black Lab, Zack, probaby had something to do with tipping the scale in favor of plus-size dogs.

For more ideas on what to do in the area, visit Concierge Nelson’s blog.

Room Rates: Suites range from $249-$895.

Private Mushroom Tour and Dinner: $399 per person

Emperor’s Choice Spa Package: $2,008 per couple

Pet-friendly fee: $50 per animal

Thanks to lao_ren100 for the beautiful Mendocino beach and bridge photo