Visiting Mendocino

Pizza, Ice Cream and much more 44951 Ukiah Street, Mendocino, CA (707) 937-2436 11am - 8pm:  Sun thru Thurs 11am - 9pm: Fri & Sat info@frankiesmendocino.com

The village of Mendocino sits on the Pacific coast less than 4 hours north of San Francisco. It was founded in 1850. Like many towns along this part of the California coast the principal industry was logging. There was a mill on Big River to the south and massive shipments of redwood and fir lumber were shipped from here.

These days Mendocino is known as an artist's colony and a destination for visitors in search of natural splendor and relaxation. Mendocino is surrounded by the ocean to the south, west and north. The bluffs around the village are now part of Mendocino Headlands State Park and they are a delightful place to stroll and watch the ocean. (Please be very careful along the Pacific, don't turn your back on the ocean, rouge waves pull people into the ocean every year. And please stay back from the cliff edges, they are often undercut and can crumble under foot, sending a hiker on an unexpected and unwelcome journey downward.)

The Big River estuary is now part of the State Park and can be explored by foot or by bicycle along the old haul road that runs along the north side of the river or by kayak or canoe. Russian Gulch State Park is two miles north of Mendocino and Van Damm State Park is 3 miles south. There are 11 State Parks and State Beaches along the Mendocino Coast, each one of them a unique treasure.

Exploring the town of Mendocino is also a a joy. The Mendocino Historical Review Board has worked to preserve the character of the village, and there are dozens of original Victorian houses and gardens that can be be enjoyed during a short walk.

Mendocino has a number of art galleries, 2 bookstores, an Art Center, 2+ theaters, a musical instrument shop, a telescope store, a natural food cooperative and many other small businesses. Of course, no visit to Mendocino is complete without a stop at Frankie's, where we are always happy to offer advice (and ice cream samples) to visitors.

In addition to Frankie's, we recommend:

• The Mendocino Farmer's Market is open every Friday from 12 - 2, May through October. Located on Howard Street - can't miss it! Lots of organic, local veggies, fruits, plants and other treats.
• The Mendocino Coast Humane Society sets up a Mobile Pet Adoption on the Mendocino Headlands, next to the Ford House (across from the Mendocino Hotel). Weekends vary, so check with the MCHS for their Mobile Pet Adoption schedule. Even if you're not looking to adopt, its fun to say hi to the critters.
• Check out Twist on Main Street. Eco-groovy gear. Hemp and organic cotton clothing. Gifts made from sustainable and recycled items.
• Indulge in a facial or other spa treatment with Amy Wall, our friend and neighbor at Mendocino Beauty. You'll be pampered with her gentle touch in her cozy space up the road.
• Drop into Corners of the Mouth on Ukiah Street (the old red church). This worker owned cooperative features organic foods and produce, bulk foods and health products.
• Interested in real estate? Say hi to our neighbors on the corner at Sea Cottage Real Estate. Sales and great vacation rentals.

© Frankies 2008, Updated 9/22/2012 (rar) info@frankiesmendocino.com