This past weekend while on Ryan’s spring break, we made an impromptu vacation up to Mendocino coast. Ever since Ryan was born, our accommodation choices have been somewhat limited. There was no exception this time. I was disappointed to be turned down by many Bed and Breakfast due to the fact children under 15 are discouraged…. However, I was glad that we were referred to Stanford inn by the Sea – a child/pet friendly peaceful resort. The inn has got a beautiful ground with horses, llamas and an organic vegetable garden. Their renowned organic vegetable restaurant, Raven served the best veggie breakfast I ever tasted. While Ryan was having a great time mingling with dogs in the breakfast lounge area, we enjoyed the stunning ocean view and fresh seasonal produce every morning during our stay.
On the way to the coast, we drove through Anderson Valley and visited an organic apple farm in the area and was blown away by this charming old-fashioned farm. All the organic handmade juice, vinegar, jams and chutneys are nicely displayed on the shelf. The purchases are made on the honor system that you jot down your items on the notebook and get changes from the cash box. It turned out it’s a three-generation family operations with grandparents overseeing the farm, teaching the weekend cooking class, son managing a country boutique hotel in Boonville and daughter running a local stylish garden tool and houseware shop. I love the beautiful scenery that Anderson Valley has to offer but what appeals to me the most is their down-to-earth and authentic country living style.
We ended our trip with a stop to Healdsburg. We had the Easter Sunday brunch at Barndiva, lured to its modern barn structure and outdoor dining atmosphere. We stumbled across it and its adjacent gallery - Artists and farmers on our last visit to town. But their food turned out to be a total disappointment. Although it seemed like quite a popular spot for Sunday brunch, I guess people came here to enjoy more of their ambiance than the food....
On the way to the coast, we drove through Anderson Valley and visited an organic apple farm in the area and was blown away by this charming old-fashioned farm. All the organic handmade juice, vinegar, jams and chutneys are nicely displayed on the shelf. The purchases are made on the honor system that you jot down your items on the notebook and get changes from the cash box. It turned out it’s a three-generation family operations with grandparents overseeing the farm, teaching the weekend cooking class, son managing a country boutique hotel in Boonville and daughter running a local stylish garden tool and houseware shop. I love the beautiful scenery that Anderson Valley has to offer but what appeals to me the most is their down-to-earth and authentic country living style.
We ended our trip with a stop to Healdsburg. We had the Easter Sunday brunch at Barndiva, lured to its modern barn structure and outdoor dining atmosphere. We stumbled across it and its adjacent gallery - Artists and farmers on our last visit to town. But their food turned out to be a total disappointment. Although it seemed like quite a popular spot for Sunday brunch, I guess people came here to enjoy more of their ambiance than the food....
2 comments:
All of these photos are fabulous, looks like fun was had by all!
so..pretty..
I wish Sutin/Megan and I could go..sometimes this year.. it's been a while..since I visit U.S...Mom said you guys might not come back this year? YOu should come back during summer..so..Ryan can have great time, no he is older..
Post a Comment