Just the other day, near lunch time, I was passing by the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and decided to stop by for a walk to see what’s blooming. Well, everything is. You say, “of course dummy, it’s spring.” But with the new entrance that sweeps you into the garden and lush flowers everywhere, the bloom is even more dramatic than ever before. I was overwhelmed with all the colors. Check it out.
Note: gas prices are subject to rapid change so these are just guides
A few weeks ago, I returned from the Bay Area (Walnut Creek and Lafayette) where I was shocked to find regular grade gas prices on just about every corner at $4.15 and more. On the outskirts of Petaluma I bought a tank for $4.09 and then discovered that up here on our isolated coast, Fort Bragg prices are no higher. This past week, prices hit over $4.50 in the Bay Area. I no longer shocked. It seems like high gas prices are hear to stay. For some, like the French tourist I met at a motel in Santa Rosa, U.S. prices are wonderful. Said he: “they are half the price of gas in France and here you have big roads and parking places. It’s wonderful to drive a car in the U.S.
On your drive here, the best buys: Read the rest of this entry »
The Mendocino Film Festival is fast approaching (May 29-June 1), and once again the selection of films is top-notch. As with every successful venture, it takes a lot of people to make it happen. MendocinoFun.com would like to recognize and thank a few of the local lodging owners who have donated lodging to house invited filmmakers during the event.
Agate Cove Inn in Mendocino has generously donated a 3-night stay to filmmaker Celia Carey. Celia Carey produced a very engaging film, “Mr. Dial Has Something to Say” from the Films on the Arts category about an older Black folk artist from the south who has gained national and international recognition. Agate Cove Inn is a beautiful bed & breakfast inn situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It has one of the best views in Mendocino, spectacular gardens, and gracious hosts, Laraine & Roger.
Coast Getaways is hosting director Jerry Rapp, his film is Mohave Phone Booth. The film tells the tale of four people in Las Vegas connected by seemingly random objects, such as a phone booth in the desert. Showing May 30 at 8 pm. Coast Getaways has vacation rentals to suit anyone’s needs - from a cottage for two to ocean view homes for families.
The Mendocino Hotel is hosting two distingusted guests - featured speaker, Albert Maysles, and Jim McCullough from SF Festival Board. Hotel owner, Tom Kravis, is also sponsoring the Opening Party & Sneak Peeks on May 29 from 5-7 pm at the Hill House in Mendocino. Enjoy Fetzer Family wines and hors d’oeuvres, meet the filmmakers, and sneak a peek at festival film clips. Cost: $15
The California State Park and Recreation Commission today voted to approve “Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park” as the park’s new official name. The vote was unanimous after the commission visited the light station and heard impassioned pleas from a wide range of supporters to keep “Light Station” in the name despite a park staff recommendation to leave it out. Mendocino County Supervisor Kendall Smith appeared in support as did representatives for Congressman Mike Thompson and State Senator Wes Chesbro. Point Cabrillo Light Station draws nearly 100,000 visitors a year, many of whom stay and eat in Fort Bragg.
Spring is officially here for me when the farmers market opens. I like to stroll through once just looking, and then make my selections on the way back. It takes my entire lunchtime because I meet fellow locals along the way. Don’t miss out on the fruit (and veggies) of Mendocino County at the Certified Farmers Market! Fort Bragg on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 at the corner of Spruce and N. Main St (lot next to Century 21, N. Fort Bragg) and Mendocino on Fridays from 12:00-2:00 at Howard & Main St. 707-964-6718
The 22nd Annual Mendocino Music Festival takes place on the Mendocino Headlands from July 12-26, 2008.
