• Where is Anderson Valley located?
    • Anderson Valley is a rural area located about 100 miles north of San Francisco.
  • What industries historically shaped Anderson Valley?
    • Timber was the first major resource to be exploited in the area.
    • Later, sheep farming, ranching, and the cultivation of apples and hops followed.
  • What happened to the timber and agricultural industries in Anderson Valley?
    • By the 1960s, the redwood forests had been decimated, leading to the decline of the timber industry.
    • Similarly, sheep farming and apple farming also declined.
  • What industry now drives Anderson Valley’s economy?
    • The wine industry emerged as the leading economic driver of the region.
  • Are there other popular beverages produced in Anderson Valley?
    • Yes! The region is home to several microbreweries, offering more than 200 different beers.
  • What cultural influences have shaped Anderson Valley?
    • The valley has attracted artists, musicians, writers, and craftspeople, adding an aesthetic appeal to the area.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Walk through oceanfront gardens and admire vibrant blooms on a spring trip.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

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  • Where are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located?
  • What is the history of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
    • In 1893, David and Sarah Parish built their farmhouse on their allotment with the intention of raising potatoes and peas.
  • What is the Conservation and Education Center?
    • The original Parish farmhouse has been refurbished and is now the Conservation and Education Center.
  • What plant collections are featured at the gardens?
    • Among the collections in the gardens are:
      • Roses
      • Magnolias
      • Mushrooms
      • Heathers
      • Succulents
  • Are there guided tours available?
    • Yes, docent-led walks take place all year round.
  • Are plants available for purchase?
    • Yes, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants are sold at the nursery and during the spring and autumn plant sales.
  • What can visitors find at the Garden Shop?
    • The Garden Shop sells gifts, books, and garden accessories.
  • Is there a restaurant on-site?
    • Yes, but the restaurant is open in summer only.
  • Where are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located?
    • 18220 North Highway, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, Phone: 707-964-4352

Anderson Valley Historical Museum

Explore local artifacts and discover fascinating stories from the region’s past.

Anderson Valley Historical Museum

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  • What is the Anderson Valley Historical Museum?
    • The Anderson Valley Historical Museum is located half a mile from Boonville and showcases exhibits in four historic buildings depicting Native American heritage and the daily lives of early settlers.
  • What is the history of the Little Red Schoolhouse?
    • The Little Red Schoolhouse was in operation from 1891 to 1979.
  • What economic activities are highlighted in the museum?
    • The museum highlights the area's economic activities, including:
      • Farming
      • Ranching
      • The lumber industry
      • Fruit growing
  • What is Boontling?
    • The museum explains Boontling, which is Anderson Valley's own language.
  • What items are available for purchase at the museum shop?
    • The shop sells:
      • Books about the valley
      • Prints
      • Branded apparel
      • Bags
  • How does the museum participate in the Boonville Beer Festival?
    • Museum staff participate in the Boonville Beer Festival, handing out mementos and free water and soda.
  • Where is the Anderson Valley Historical Museum located?
    • 12340 Hwy 128, Boonville, CA, Phone: 707-895-3207

Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile

Browse handmade goods and savor small-town charm on an easy weekend.

Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile

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  • What is Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile?
    • In the fall of 2005, the owners of The Apple Farm joined forces with Sandy Mailliard to open this general store.
  • What was the purpose of opening the store?
    • The store was intended to be a gathering place and a showcase of local talent and resources, including repurposed materials.
  • What products are available at Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile?
    • The store offers:
      • Luxuries for the home
      • Jewelry
      • Art that reflects the history, traditions, and craftsmanship of the area
      • Collectibles from the region and around the world
  • Where is the store located?
    • It is housed in the old Farrer building across the street from the Boonville Hotel.
  • Where is Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile located?

The Madrones

Visit elegant tasting rooms and enjoy a romantic retreat in wine country.

The Madrones

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  • What is The Madrones?
    • The The Madrones is an Italianate complex near Philo that was originally a design center and creative think tank.
  • What architectural features does The Madrones have?
    • The cloistered rural homestead features courtyards, arcades, and a kitchen garden. It has received awards for architectural design.
  • What wineries have tasting rooms at The Madrones?
    • There are three distinctly different tasting rooms on the property, representing:
      • Drew
      • Smith-Story
      • Long Meadow Ranch wineries
  • What can visitors find at The Madrones shop?
    • The shop sells:
      • Antiques
      • Stationery
      • Curios
      • Gift items
  • What accommodation options are available at The Madrones?
    • The Madrones offers a range of overnight accommodations, including:
      • Family suites
      • Cabins among the redwoods
    • Guests must stay for a minimum of two nights.
  • Are there any special events at The Madrones?
    • A schedule of garden tours and artisan workshops is advertised locally.
  • Where is The Madrones located?
    • 9000 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 707-895-2955

Ford House Museum & Visitor Center

Look at historic exhibits and learn about Mendocino’s maritime sights.

Ford House Museum & Visitor Center

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  • What is the Ford House Museum & Visitor Center?
    • The Ford House Museum & Visitor Center is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and serves as the Information Center for the Mendocino Headlands State Park.
  • Who built the Ford House?
    • The house was built in 1854 by Jerome Ford for his bride, Martha.
  • What was Jerome Ford’s role in Mendocino?
    • He was the superintendent of the first mill in the area and is thought to be a founder of Mendocino.
  • Where is the Ford House Museum located?
    • It is situated on the main street of Mendocino.
  • What are the exhibits at the Ford House Museum?
    • The museum houses several exhibits, including:
      • A scale model of Mendocino, circa 1890
      • Artifacts belonging to the Pomo Indians
      • Tools used in the logging trade
      • Seasonal displays depicting the wildlife and mushrooms found in the area
  • Where is the Ford House Museum & Visitor Center located?
    • 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, Phone: 707-937-5397

Goldeneye Winery, Anderson Valley

Savor fine pinot noir and admire vineyard views during a couples getaway.

Goldeneye Winery, Anderson Valley

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  • What is the history of the Duckhorn family as winemakers?
    • The Duckhorn family has a long history as winemakers, achieving success in the 1980s with Bordeaux varieties.
  • Why did the Duckhorn family choose the Anderson Valley for Pinot Noir?
    • In the 1990s, they sought to expand their range to include Pinot Noir wines and chose the Anderson Valley due to its cooling coastal fogs and clay soil.
  • What property did they acquire?
    • They purchased an 80-acre ranch, planted 12 acres of vineyard, and established a small winery.
  • How much wine does the vineyard produce?
    • The vineyard produces 7 tons of grapes annually, yielding enough for 375 cases of wine.
  • What other wines do the Duckhorns produce?
    • In addition to Pinot Noir, they also produce:
      • Gewürztraminer
      • Pinot Gris
      • Brut Rosé
  • What tasting experiences are available at Goldeneye Winery?
    • Tastings at Goldeneye Winery can be paired with food, or on occasion, with caviar.
  • What special events does Goldeneye Winery host?
    • Special events include Harvest Dinners and international wine-tasting tours.
  • Where is Goldeneye Winery located?
    • 9200 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 866-367-9945

Hendy Woods State Park

Walk among towering redwoods and picnic in this affordable natural escape.

Hendy Woods State Park

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  • What are the main redwood groves in Hendy Woods State Park?
    • There are two groves of towering redwoods in the park: Big Hendy and Little Hendy.
  • How tall and old are the redwood trees in Hendy Woods?
    • Many of the trees are over 300 feet tall and estimated to be more than 1000 years old.
  • What trails are available in Hendy Woods State Park?
    • There are five miles of trails through fern-filled forests and riverside meadows.
    • The Discovery Trail is 0.6 miles long and is wheelchair accessible.
    • The Hermit Trail passes some of the makeshift shelters used by a Russian immigrant who inhabited the area for 18 years. One of his homes was inside a downed redwood.
  • What seasonal activities are popular in Hendy Woods State Park?
    • Swimming is popular in the summer.
    • Canoeing and kayaking are best in late winter and early spring.
  • Where is Hendy Woods State Park located?

Kayak Mendocino

Paddle sea caves and spot marine life on an exciting summer adventure.

Kayak Mendocino

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  • What is Kayak Mendocino?
    • Kayak Mendocino specializes in sea cave tours by kayak along the Mendocino coast.
  • How often do the sea cave tours operate?
    • Tours operate twice daily, entering narrow coves and two dark chambers.
  • What natural features can be seen during the tour?
    • The tours offer views of spectacular towering sandstone cliffs.
  • Are the tours suitable for all ages and skill levels?
    • Yes, the tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels.
  • What does the overnight tour include?
    • The overnight tour includes:
      • Starry nights
      • Camping for a night or more on secluded beaches
      • Dinner
      • Continental breakfast
  • What other excursions does Kayak Mendocino offer?
    • The company also offers stand-up paddling excursions on the Albion River.
  • Where is Kayak Mendocino located?
    • Van Damme Beach State Park CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, Phone: 707-813-7117

Kelley House Museum

See coastal history unfold and explore exhibits perfect for curious kids.

Kelley House Museum

© Kelley House Museum

  • Who lived in the Kelley House?
    • William Henry Kelley, his wife Elizabeth, and their four children occupied this house in the latter half of the 19th century.
  • What features does the Kelley House have?
    • The house has an ocean view and period furniture dating back to the late 1800s.
    • The three upstairs rooms are furnished and decorated as they were when the Kelleys lived there.
  • What historical event is featured at the Kelley House Museum?
    • The story of the Frolic shipwreck, the most significant shipwreck on the west coast, is told here.
  • What other exhibits are displayed at the Kelley House Museum?
    • Other exhibits include:
      • 'Then and Now' photographs
      • History of the local Native Americans
  • Are tours available at the museum?
    • Yes, guided tours of the museum and the town of Mendocino are available.
    • Visitors can also rent a tablet and do a self-guided tour.
  • Where is the Kelley House Museum located?

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