October 22, 2003 -- California's northern coast is the perfect antithesis to the state's southern section. Its pace is slower, its people more relaxed and its culture more intimate. Now's the time to explore this artist-laden region and take advantage of Mendocino County's seasonal discounts.
For the 15th year, they're having a Candlelight Inn Tour from December 10 through December 13, 2003, from 4 to 8 PM each evening. Each property (many Victorian) is decked out in holiday finest, with seasonal decorations inside and out, and property owners on hand to answer questions and welcome visitors with refreshments. Five communities are involved: Albion, Little River, Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and Elk. Proceeds of the $15 charge (good all three nights) go to Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the School Enrichment Foundation. Contact Wendy Wall at 707/964-1228 for more information.
Lodging discounts are many with the emphasis on hot tubs, spa massages and other indulgences, along with wine tours and candlelight dinners. At the Elk Cove Inn from November 1, 2003 through May 27, 2004 (holidays excluded), you can choose between a Candlelight Package (two nights, multi-course dinner) for $525 in a cliff-side cottage, Thursday through Sunday; a Couples Renewal treatment in the spa, again with two nights in ditto cottage for $579; and a Vintage package, two nights in the same cottage, a winery tour, backpack picnic lunch, free tasting and bottle of wine, for $500. This works out to about $125 to $145 per person per night. Contact them at www.elkcoveinn.com or at 800/275-2967 or 707/877-3321, fax 707/877-1808.
At the Mendocino Hotel, they're celebrating their 125th anniversary with rates of $125 on garden rooms, valid Sunday through Thursday arrivals, on certain dates from now through December 23, 2003, excluding holidays. Contact them at www.mendocinohotel.com or 800/548-0513.
Lodging goes for $99 per night, plus tax, at the Hill House Inn for stays from Sundays through Thursdays. Contact them at 800/422-0554, or 707/937-0554, fax 707/937-1123, or at www.hillhouseinn.com.
The Agate Cove Inn has a great package for two nights in one of their cottages, with fireplace, king-size feather bed and two-person shower. You get the lodging, a farmhouse breakfast, dinner at a nearby restaurant ($80 value), a gift basket filled with chocolates and champagne, two mini massages or one full body massage, for $575, marked down from $650. Tips and taxes not included. Program runs from now through October 31, 2003. Contact: www.agatecove.com, e-mail info@agatecove.com.
There's a Girlfriends' Getaway at the Brewery Gulch Inn, which involves two bedrooms (one king bed, two singles) with fireplace, gourmet breakfast and wine hour, welcome basket (chocolate, wine, disposable camera), and more. Available November 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004. Costs $325 weeknights or $355 weekends for up to four friends in the room. Contact them at www.brewerygulchinn.com or at 800/578-4454.
For more information, go to www.gomendo.com and click on lodging. Or phone 866/GO MENDO (same as 866/466-3636).