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For a Romantic Holiday
If you are looking for a Romantic getaway, Mendocino County offers the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season. The charming, quiet small town atmosphere, the dramatic seascape which can be seen from just about anywhere on the coast, and a warm fire to cuddle up to in the evening will be the perfect gift for just the two of you!
The Elk Cove Inn & Spa is located on the coast, in the charming village of Elk, just south of th e village of Mendocino. They have one of the best ocean views in Mendocino County which you can enjoy from one of their fifteen sumptuous rooms. Choose from oceanview luxury spa suites, cliffside oceanfront cottages, or elegant rooms in an historic Victorian mansion. Slip into something comfortable and enjoy the private bath and cozy fireplace.
Day 1
The Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers guests a complementary gourmet breakfast buffet each morning.
After breakfast, enjoy the Inn’s European style spa, which offers a variety of relaxing services. We recommend the Couples Tandem Massage.
As you head further up the coast, you will arrive at the charming village of Mendocino. This is the perfect place to wander the small town, hand-in-hand, checking out the wonderful boutiques and shops. If you are looking to spice up your evening, be sure to check out Understuff- an intimate apparel store on Main Street in Mendocino. Or if you are in need of some extra sweetness, try the Mendocino Chocolate Company, and treat yourselves to handmade gourmet truffles and assorted chocolates.
For dinner, try Café Beaujolais on Ukiah Street in Mendocino. Local organic produce, free range meats, chicken and line-caught fish build the tempting selections on this menu. Try the mixed garden greens salad with baked marinated goat cheese and Niman Ranch bacon, or roasted free-range duck breast, sliced and served with balsamic jus, wild rice and sautéed green beans.
Day 2
After breakfast at the Elk Cove Inn, head north to the town of Fort Bragg to Rocochet Ridge Ranch, where you will saddle up for the adventure of a lifetime. The Ranch offers trail rides on the back of some exceptional horses. They welcome all levels of riders, and will offer private rides if you prefer. We suggest a 1 ½ hour trail ride on the beach for you and your sweetie.
When your feet are back on the ground, and you are in need of stretching your legs a bit, we recommend a short drive north to Pacific Star Winery. Here you can stroll around the grounds getting a wonderful view of the ocean from the bluffs above, or up close from the rocks below. Taste some of the fabulous wines made from this dramatic climate in the heated tasting room, as the small staff leads you through a tasting of their hand-crafted wines. Be sure to buy a bottle of Sparkling Wine for a romantic toast in your room!
If you still haven’t had enough of the scenery and fresh air, take a romantic stroll through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The mild, maritime climate makes this area a garden for all seasons, offering everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. Winter rains also bring over 80 varieties of wild mushrooms. Keep your eyes on the ocean, as this is prime whale watching season!
As the sun starts to set, head south on Highway 1 to the town of Albion, where you will find the Ledford House Restaurant. Located on the top of a bluff on the Albion Headlands, you are in for a fantastic dinner with an amazing view and live jazz music. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The food is Mediterranean influenced, and vegetarian friendly. Try the award-winning Antoines Cassoulet, featuring lamb, pork, garlic sausage, duck confit and white beans baked under a garlic bread crumb crust. Or potato gnocchi with a rosemary gorgonzola cream sauce.
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