MENDOCINO VILLAGE

In fact, you may have trouble remembering that you're on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, not the Atlantic!

The reason for feeling this way is simple - many of the village's early settlers (starting in 1850) came from New England!

The architecture is so reminiscent of a New England seaside hamlet that the television series, Murder, She Wrote - purportedly set in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine - was actually filmed in and around Mendocino Village.

(CC) Lee Coursey

Blair House - an 1888 Victorian first built for Elisha Blair and his family and now a popular Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Mendocino Village - played the role of Jessica Fletcher's home for the television show. And many of the locals played background parts or speaking parts in the series!

The village is lined with beautiful Victorian inns, unique shops - some on the main drags, and some nestled back in little alleys and by-ways that are beautifully landscaped - museums, saltbox homes, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants.

And the setting is unbelievably dramatic! The whole village sits atop the bluffs of the Mendocino Headlands, with the constant crash of ocean waves on the rocks and beaches below acting as nature's musical backdrop to village life.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND MENDOCINO VILLAGE

• Thanks to the concern of Mendocino's citizens for the preservation of this beautifully scenic spot, the seaside bluffs, the islets, and the beaches surrounding the Village have been designated as Mendocino Headlands State Park - meaning that you and your family can wander the paths and cliffs of the headlands, have a picnic on the beach, and explore the ins and outs of the "sea caves" or grottos




• Meander the streets of the Village, peeking in here . . . poking your nose in there . . . you'll find that each shop is completely unique, offering such diverse wares as ethnic muscial instruments, specialty chocolates, Mendocino brand mustards, telescopes and science toys, Irish goods, kitchenwares, and jewelry. Be sure to say "Hello" to the friendly shopkeepers
• Stray outside the commercial area of the Village and enjoy the Victorian and saltbox homes, and the collection of historic water towers
  
  

  (CC) Clinton Steeds

• Learn something about the fascinating history of the Mendocino coast and the founding families by visiting the Ford House Museum or the Kelley House Museum; or stop in at the historic Mendocino Presbyterian Church - don't miss the Turrentine Memorial Rose Garden while you're there




• Enjoy a massage, hot tub, or sauna treatment at one of the day spas in town
• Immerse yourself in an artsy experience at the Mendocino Art Center - you'll find classes, exhibits, concerts, theater productions, local art for purchase, and a garden tour
• Visit Mendocino Village during one of its festival events: there's the Taste Mendocino Festival, December through March, featuring local wines and foods; Mendocino Whale Festival in March (along with whale watching from the bluffs or one of the many ocean-view restaurant dining rooms) December through April; and the Mendocino Film Festival in May - just to name a few
• Enjoy gourmet meals and wines at some of the excellent restaurants in the Village; have a drink & play a game of darts at Dick's (where the locals drink), or at the historic Mendocino Hotel

Whatever you do, and however long you can stay, you're sure to bring fond memories home with you after a trip to Mendocino Village!

If you have time (and be sure to make time if you possibly can!) visit some of the other areas of Mendocino County as well - you won't be sorry you did!

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