For dinner, the Albion River Inn, a few miles south of town on S. Hwy. 1 - simply the best IMO (and many others!)

The Little River Inn just south of town for brunch.

The Mendocino Hotel for its beautiful bar and homey European-style lounge.

The Mendocino Bakery in the middle of town for just about everything, great deep dish pizza, cookies, pastries, salads, coffee, with a nice outdoor patio. We have some of our best weather here on the coast in Sept.-Oct.

Skunk Train is well worth the trip, also a number of cute shops and boutiques in Fort Bragg as well as in Mendocino.

Also, IMHO, world's most gorgeous drive is up Hwy. 1 from Jenner to Mendocino, just spectacular (and I have driven it just about every week for 30 years!)

Best,
Lisa

Many thanks Lisa..will look at some wb pages, too. How long is the Skunk Train ride?

Lisa..they're starting out from Mill Valley..best ay to connect with Hwy 1 from there. I was thinking of sending them up 101 and utting over through Bodega Bay north toward Jenner. I remember, I liked Fort Ross and it's history.
stu

Hi Tower,

Don't know exactly how long the Skunk Train is - I think you can take a short or long version.

Yes, either 101 to Petaluma and up through Bodega Bay or 101 until just north of Santa Rosa and then come in to Jenner through the Russian River on River Rd. Both drives are gorgeous!

Best,
Lisa

P.S. Fort Ross is celebrating its Bicentennial (settled by the Russians in 1812) this year and they have lots of activities almost every weekend.

Lisa..you have been most helpful. Thank you. Anything else comes to mind, pop it in.
Stu

Cafe Beaujolais is very nice for dinner. If they are into gardens the Mendocino Botanical Gardens are lovely.

Not sure how far they want to drive & how much time, but a bit further (maybe 3 hours drive) up the coast is Trinidad which is lovely. Fernwood is inland and a nice little Victorian town also. Eureka is a bit larger and has beautiful old Victorian houses.

I've been to Mendocino many times, the last in August 2011. Here's the link to my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/california-coast-post-ranch-inn-mendocino-olive-oil-from-paso-robles.cfm.
I strongly agree with Lisa's recommendation of the coastal drive north of Jenner. I think it's the most spectacular section of the entire California coast. Healdsburg would make an excellent lunch stop on the way back on the 101--a very pretty central square, many restaurant choices, and good browsing/buying opportunities.

The Mendocino Botanical Gardens is a fabulous stop. You can take short or long strolls in a unique setting and proceed to the bluff for edge-of-the -ocean views. It is located between the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg.