A Fragrant Welcome: My First Day in Mendocino and Fort Bragg

November 2, 2023 by jordangassner

The distinct forest-like scent of eucalyptus. A surprising, yet calming presence during my drive up the rugged Northern California coast to Mendocino County, a small Victorian-era hub full of enchanting boutiques, bespoke art galleries, and warm restaurants. While the scent was an invitation, the promise of peaceful exploration over the next three days was the real lure. And so, my first day in Mendocino County was dedicated to exploring the popular town attractions around both Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

The weather for this couldn’t have been more ideal. Waking up to a misty morning, it felt as if I was amidst a cloud. I bundled up in a thick sweater and warm coat to watch the sunrise over the historic Ford House. Watching as the golden rays cut through the blueish-purple haze around me was a sight I won’t soon forget.

After the mist lifted, the town’s beauty gleamed under the rising sun with temperatures lifting to the 70s. I enjoyed a hearty brunch at MacCallum House Restaurant, a former Victorian home turned bed-and-breakfast, before exploring about town.

My footsteps led me through the town’s winding streets, taking in its unique character and historic architecture. I admired the Blair House Inn, which tv fans may recognize as Angela Lansbury’s house from Murder, She Wrote. I stopped by The Temple of Kwan Tai, believed to be rural California’s oldest Taoist temple. And of course I returned to the Victorian-era Ford House for a guided tour and history lesson of Mendocino’s lumber history.

Perhaps my favorite spot about town was in a small blue and white building near the Headlands cliffs with a green sign reading Mendocino Jams & Preserves. Here I sampled and took home a local specialty, a jar of Olallieberry Jam! Tart but balanced, tasting of blackberries mixed with raspberries.

Walking around, the fresh aromas from the local cafes were hard to ignore. And soon enough, I was lured toward The Brickery, a garden pizzeria where I indulged in a wood-fired veggie pizza and an iced tea. There, I enjoyed the sounds of a local musician performing in the garden before making my way up 15 minutes up the coast to Fort Bragg for a train adventure.

I stepped back in time in Fort Bragg by hopping aboard the Skunk Train, a historic locomotive taking me deep into Mendocino County’s surrounding redwoods. Here, I got to visit a hidden away bar decorated in string lights beneath the old growth – a truly magical experience.

After making the return journey, I felt a like a little adventure along the coast was in order before dinner. And so, I hiked – and snacked – atop the rugged cliffs of Jug Handle State Reserve overlooking the Pacific. With waves crashing onto the rocks and hidden beaches below, Mendocino promised and delivered views that took my breath away.

As evening drew and the temperature descended, I made my way back to Mendocino town and found a cozy spot with tapas and natural wine, Fog Bottle Shop. There, I sipped orange wine and enjoyed some Fishwife Cantabrian Anchovies in EVOO and a vegan cheese plate while watching the sun dip beyond the horizon, painting the skies with hues of pink and purple. The chilly evening breeze carried whispers of my day’s adventure around the Pacific, as a crescent moon grew brighter in the sky, wrapping up my first day in Mendocino with a promise of more explorations to come.