In this month’s edition of Room to Roam, Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales, along with VMC Executive Director and co-pilot Travis Scott, explores camping options along the Mendocino Coast, from a luxe accommodation to beach cove fun to a family gathering spot.  Each place offers activities and amenities, and all provide the promise of a campfire at the end of the evening. 

 Glamping in the Grove

What’s glamping??  Why it’s the perfect combination of resort amenities in a campground setting!  At Mendocino Grove, discover what the hubbub is all about with fabulous accommodations ensconced in a safari-style tent beneath a canopy of redwoods… and with the added bonus of a ‘camp valet’ to assist with lighting the campfire.  You’ll be saying, “S’more please!”

Log Cabins, RVs and Tents…Oh My!

Just north of Mendocino Village and tucked into a cove is Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground.  This hidden gem offers multiple types of lodging options…from tent spaces to RV spots, log cabins to tiny houses for rent! You’ll also find a general store stocked with amenities and gear for serious fun on the water! 

It’s a Tradition

A playground for all ages, Manchester KOA on the south coast brims with activities for everyone: swimming pool, jacuzzi, arcade, pool table, and kamping kitchen.  With its proximity to several iconic and historic sites, it’s an ideal spot to bring the family, and make the trek an annual tradition!

An Apothecary Like No Other

Tucked within the redwoods of Anderson Valley is The Bohemian Chemist, a glorious apothecary that’s part of The Madrones complex.  Discover this micro business that may be small in stature but is big on style!  Learn about the various tinctures, topicals and edible treats for a myriad of wellness needs, their own delectable brand of buds and eclectic & cool accessories.  The Bohemian Chemist also produces events such as infused dinners to share elevated and enhanced experiences in a tasty and tasteful way.

 A Place to Just Be

At Plantshop in Ukiah, discover a world of wellness and healing with numerous types of CBD and THC products through the ‘magic’ of alchemy…including a great selection of infused beverages.  At this retail shop, you’ll learn how cannabis products can help with everyday ailments and more, plus their outdoor event space offers a relaxing environment for consumption, yoga, concerts and interesting events, like their Puff-n-Paint series.  Plantshop invites you to ‘just be’.

Hashing It Out

On the south end of Ukiah sits a huge structure, once a popular brewing company and now the home of Emerald Sun, a cannabis processing and manufacturing facility. Working with small farms around the unique topography of Mendocino County, Emerald Sun is also creating the most concentrated form of cannabis – hash – a wholly artisanal and pure plant-based process and product – and one used most widely around the world. The goal…help standardize the cannabis business while sharing the incredible talents of the Mendocino cannabis community.

Traveling the stunning Highway 128 in Mendocino County takes you through Anderson Valley, from tip to tail…or tail to tip, depending upon where you start! Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales treks Highway 128, stopping at three distinctive businesses that represent a glimpse of what Anderson Valley has to offer.

Maple Creek / Artevino Winery sits in the Yorkville Highlands, on the southeast end of Anderson Valley.  Owner Tom Rodrigues is gregarious and charming, not to mention a bit of a Renaissance man whose talents include painting, stained glass and winemaking.  A stop at Maple Creek / Artevino’s tasting room offers a beautiful getaway with a friendly team and award-winning wines.

Boonville Hotel sits in heart of Anderson Valley – Boonville.  This charming property, considered a modern roadhouse, not only offers numerous types of rooms, but also has a phenomenal restaurant helmed by Chef Perry Hoffman who infuses each meal with true farm to fork freshness! The outdoor seating and garden area add to the comfort and delight of this inspired space in downtown Boonville.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company is renowned for their beers, ales, stouts and porters, plus other interesting offerings like their popular goses. Sitting on the corner of Highways 253 and 128, AVBC is the world’s first solar powered brewery!  Meet Brewmaster Fal Allen and owner Kevin McGee who are always coming up with fresh and creative ideas for their next brew!  With a new event lawn, a rejuvenated golf disc course, live music on the weekends and great beer…you should really be here, grabbing a pint.

Noyo Harbor Tours:

A fisherman for years, Captain Dan shares his years of experience on the water and his historical knowledge of the area to delighted passengers aboard his eco-friendly, glass-walled boat while you trek about Noyo Harbor.  Both humble and charming, Captain Dan loves to see the smiles of passengers as they spy river life.

Skunk Train Railbikes:

For adventures through the redwoods or along the Noyo River, look no further than the Skunk Train’s Railbikes.  Make it a workout or choose to cruise as these railbikes are motorized.  It’s a great way to get out in nature and discover flora, fauna and redwoods up close!

Something to Ink About:

Revered Mr. G and Madame Chinchilla are the artist/owners of renowned Triangle Tattoo and Museum in downtown Fort Bragg.  Only a handful of tattoo museums exist in the United States, and this one is well worth the trip.  Following the history of tattoos from tribal art to armed forces, bikers to mainstream, tattoos tell the history of the person as you’ll learn and see at Triangle Tattoo.