Weekend in Ft Bragg California

Rental house in Ft Bragg

Weekend in Ft Bragg California

Friends of ours asked us to spend a quiet weekend with them in a house they rent every year on the Northern California Coast near Ft Bragg. Sounded like fun so we said yes. That yes was a great decision.

We drove to their house in Folsom, California on Wednesday night. Thursday morning we went to breakfast at a little place called Early Toast. The breakfast was huge and very good, I had the Country Benedict (poached eggs, and sausage on a biscuit with country gravy) which was excellent and enough for two people. I will have to remember this recipe! The car is full of gas and we are on the road.

West on Interstate 5 to the Napa Valley turnoff, a scenic drive through the Napa Valley to Sonoma County on to Highway 128 toward Anderson Valley. In the little town of Boonville we stopped at the Anderson Valley Brewery. You can’t go through the winery country without a winery stop. Our stop was Goldeneye for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which was excellent. This winery was beautiful and the wine very tasty. We also made a quick stop at an old favorite, Handley Cellars, before heading on to the coast.

Due to some road construction we were a little behind on our arrival time. We arrived in time to see a few whales go by and a brilliant sunset. A wonderful dinner of Elk burgers and a few sides followed by more of the great view and a few games. No TV this trip!

Friday morning, waking to the waves crashing on the rocks, some coastal deer wandering through the yard and a cup of coffee with a great view. A perfect morning. Breakfast / Brunch in Ft Bragg was at a little place called Eggheads. Very tiny restaurant with top notch food. I tried the OZ burger and was not disappointed. A little time spent walking around looking at the shops then off to Pacific Star Winery about 8 miles up the coast. Beautiful place with a wonderful coastal view. They do have a cottage for rent with an excellent oceanview, hot tub and sauna. Back to the house to relax on that great deck and enjoy the view and more whales.

Saturday is here and our last full day. After breakfast we head out to explore the town of Mendocino. It a quaint little town that has appeared in many movies and TV shows including Murder She Wrote and Overboard. We headed back to the house, can’t get enough of the view. Spent the afternoon watching the ocean waves break on the rocks below the house, it doesn’t get any better. Lots of seals playing and a few whales swimming by. Another beautiful sunset and time to start packing up for the trip home tomorrow.

Check out time is 11am and we are ready to go. A short stop at Point Cabrillo Light Station, State Historic Park. It is a living link to California’s history, featuring a beautifully rehabilitated 1909 lighthouse and other structures.

The last stop before ending our adventure was at Silverado Winery in the Napa Valley. More beautiful views and some excellent wine.

We really enjoyed the house rental vacation it is so much nicer than a hotel. Next time we would like to spend a full week. It was very relaxing and not too far from home. This house was pet friendly which is important to us. This house was very comfortable with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. With couches and day bed it would sleep 12. Nice kitchen with just about everything you need and the grocery store is very close. There is so much to see and do in that area that you need more than just a weekend.