AROUND MENDOCINO
Mendocino looks like that little town in Practical Magic. Everybody knows each other, everything is locally owned/grown, and the coffee shops are straight out of Gilmore Girls. We put together a little list of things to do in the area while you're in town and not partying with us.
FOOD & DRINK
Mendocino Jams & Preserves
Lauren is obsessed with this place. She never leaves Mendocino without fancy jams, mustards and homemade ketchup. Mendocino is the only place around that grows olallieberries, which are hella good in cobbler (they serve some at the Mendocino Hotel below, but it's not called cobbler - something else not as Texan, but same taste).
Mendocino Hotel
We love getting Irish coffees, Manhattans, and breakfast here. Their restaurant/bar is adorably victorian and they have a ton of cozy chairs/couches with a couple fireplaces for a proper intimate hangout.
MacCallum House
This place is so historic and adorable. The food is A+ (again, awesome Irish coffees), and the atmosphere is upscale comfortable. Outside fireplace + chairs. Walkable from anywhere in town.
Trillium Cafe & Inn
We ate here the first time our parents met. We are still together. It was a successful dinner. All the locals immediately recommend this place - California fare, good wine, cottage vibes. Middle of town.
Patterson's Pub
This is where we are getting our wedding beer from. Only proper Irish pub in town, decent bar eats, they have oysters. Get the oysters.
Dick's Place
We think this might be *the* local dive. Lots of sassy locals that look at you sideways when you show up, but very friendly once ya'll share conversation over some boozies. Darts in the back. Right next to Mendocino Hotel.
Look for the funny little table turned miniature diarama of the bar. Lauren's obsessed.
Cafe Beaujolais
Lauren went here with her mom when they were both a little bit tipsy. They had mouth orgasms when they put the food in their faces. It was unreal. A bit on the fancier side, but absolutely worth it. Very cute little cottage. You might be seeing a theme here...
Wild Fish
We have not eaten here, but we understand it is *the* place to go for seafood. Make sure you make reservations early, it is a small place and fills up fast.
Frankie's
We have been here a lot. They have great pizza and ice cream. If you don't want to go out one night, we recommend grabbing a pizza from here and eating it in the privacy of your adorable little inn by the fireplace. Make sure you drink whiskey while you do that. Or just order pizza, go to the wedding, and boom. You have drunk pizza waiting for you when you get back. Brilliant. You're welcome.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Van Damme State Park
Beautiful park named for Jean Claude Van Damme. Suggestion is to do the splits at sunrise on some rocks.
Jug Handle State Park
Beatiful park named for a jug's handle. Perhaps bring a jug and hold it by the......jug handle.
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Beautiful park named for a lighthouse on Point Cabrillo. The house is actually made of wood, it's not made from light despite the confusing name.
Russian Gulch State Park
Beautiful park named for a gulch of Russian descent. Everyone is given an equal campsite and works together to further the agenda of Mother Russia Gulch State Park.
Skunk Train
A train made from a series of increasingly large skunks. Please make sure to bring treats to feed the skunks or the train will not work.
The Apple Farm
This is pretty clear what it is. Do you like apples? You should go. Pro tip is to coat the apple in caramel BECAUSE EVERYONE LIKES CARMEL APPLES.
WEIRD STUFF
Glass Beach
A beach made entirely of broken glass, extremely painful without shoes on. I have no idea I've never been here, but it's supposed to be pretty.
This is Lauren now. I have been here. The glass is not sharp. It's pretty, just go.
International Sea Glass Museum
This is a real place. I know.
Pygmy Forest Trail
Forest trail for smaller almost pygmy size people.
This is Lauren again, sorry for the PC ignore, my god. Apparently these trees are extremely tiny for their species and you can pretend you are Godzilla so why not, go see.
Larry Spring Museum of Common Sense Physics
This is actually pretty cool sounding. I'd suggest stopping in to the Leonard Moore Cooperative and bring some common sense edibles with.
The Leonard Moore Cooperative
It's legal in California, don't be a square just blaze it.