We just returned from a timewarp trip to Mendocino, trippy in so many ways (pun may or may not be intended). Our very first trip here was in 1977, camping at McKerricher State Beach. Many camping trips with our Chico friends followed, and then inns and house rentals with all sorts of friends. In fact, all weekend the recurring theme was “wasn’t there an event/scene/story here?” Our last trip here was New Years Eve, 2000, with the girls and our next door neighbors. It was fantastic way to celebrate the new millenium and our families (who all seemed to be around ten at the time). On almost every trip we take photos on the big bench at the Headlands, drink too much wine, eat too much cheese, and spend a ridiculous amount of time admiring the incredible northern California coast. I have no idea why it took us 13 years to return, but it was a really, really good idea.
We stayed someplace new, The Andiron Inn. It was all kinds of incredible. Funky, in exactly our kind of way. Creative, fun, relaxing, romantic. Happy Hour with people you actually want to get to know (and fondue!). A morning toast bar! Check out the rooms (we stayed in Nature). When you decide to take a trip to Mendo, circle back with me and I will tell you why this is the only place you will ever need to stay. Loved it (can you tell?).
So here are some photos…the photo tour will continue all week long, so settle in. Imagine your day starting with coffee (and toast, of course) and a slight fuzziness from the night before (local wines must be sampled). Perfect weather…70 degrees and clear. Beaches everywhere. And cheese. Did I mention the wine? Oh, I promised you photos, didn’t I? Let’s start here:
P.S. The carving above wasn’t ours. But pretty nice to see Alex’s name and Kate’s initials on the bench!
kim's tour of no regrets 
Found your blog. THANK YOU. Come back soon. You guys are the bomb, and exactly the people we made The Andiron for. Yay!
xo, Madeline (and Scott