The Madrones in Philo, California
Mendocino, a popular escape on California’s northern coast, is known for cute Victorian homes, towering redwoods and the Skunk Train. This fall, there are four new (or new again) places attendees can stay while they access all that fresh air, fine cuisine and Mendo fun.
Harbor House Inn
This historic 1916 lodge in the town of Elk has been completely remade from the ground up. The boutique property harbors nine guest rooms and a 30-seat restaurant (with wrap-around decks and a 3,400-bottle wine cellar). Guests can embark on their own guided mushroom expeditions, hike nearby national forests or relax with on-site massage therapy and morning yoga.
Sacred Rock Resort
You may know it as the circa 1890 Griffin House Inn and Greenwood Pier Inn, but the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians has turned this getaway off Highway 1 in scenic Elk into a resort community of cozy cottages. Adjoining Bridget Dolan’s Pub is a tried-and-true destination for both comfort food and fine cuisine accompanied by local craft brews.
Thatcher Hotel
In Hopland, Campovida, a local winemaking family that runs Hop Barn (which can hold groups of up to 250 for conferences), Green Barn (for think tanks and board meetings of up to 20) and Piazza de Campovida (a dining room for up to 50 people), is breathing new life into this Victorian beauty dating back to 1890. Plans call for 16 guestrooms, a signature bar, pool and alfresco dining with a grand opening in early 2018.
Speaking of Hopland, the city named for its production of hops—a key ingredient in brewing beer—has recently added new dining and winetasting venues along with the nation’s only solar-powered cannabis dispensary. The Golden Pig, a farm-driven restaurant with a menu based on what’s available is the brainchild of the owners of the 2,000-acre Heart Arrow Ranch. At the newly re-opened Hopland Tap House, the owner is serving up eight craft microbrews behind the signature black walnut bar months after a big rig crashed into the neighborhood gathering place in the dark of night.
The Brambles
In Anderson Valley, in the middle of what was a 12-acre spiritual retreat in an ancient redwood grove, new lodging at Madrones introduces 1800s Stick and Shingle Style architecture and Steampunk design to a mix of tree houses, bungalows and cabins. In addition to the outdoor venues at the Mediterranean-themed winery and restaurant compound housing Stone and Embers, the new development offers access to zip lining, a beer garden and wilderness spa.
