We’ve been to Mendocino many instances however it’s at all times been for a weekend getaway, by no means within the winter and by no means with a youngster in tow. During a winter break, we determined to go up north for a distinct form of expertise. Nature choices make it a terrific household keep, even within the winter, and the Stanford Inn definitely makes it simple to journey with youngsters.
Let’s begin with the truth that the property is surrounded by lush nature on all sides, making it ideally suited for walks, close by hikes and studying about sustainable dwelling. Just take a look at the views of the property from the room balconies.
The Property
The property itself is charming, in and out. You’ll discover the eating room in the principle constructing, however earlier than you get to the wooden-walled eatery, you’re greeted with a tea station, books, items and a hearth. They supply snacks within the late afternoon earlier than dinner in the identical space. Outside on the porch, they’ve added lovely little touches to the property to make you are feeling at house.
The reception space
The tea station
Above, decrease proper: Snacks within the afternoon
The Rooms & Suites
The Stanford Inn provides a selection of room and suite choices. Since there have been three of us, we went for the 2 room (one bed room) suite, so we may all have our privateness. Below are the views from our suite.
Their one bed room suites are situated on the backyard, most important, and prime ranges of the Forest Building and embrace a front room and separate bed room with a king-bed. The front room has a big wooden burning fire and a settee that may be opened right into a queen mattress, which is a good choice for households. Each of their 5 one bed room 2-room suites are paneled with ponderosa pine with redwood accents. The non-public deck overlooks their gardens and better degree suites views prolong to the Bay, Mendocino Headlands, and the village.
Their suites might be mixed with a King-Bed Executive Suite the place two {couples} or a household of six can get pleasure from a set with two bedrooms, every with their very own tub and a typical front room.
Above and beneath photograph credit score: Stanford Inn
Above and beneath photograph credit score: Stanford Inn
For these seeking to e book, they’ve 5 one bed room/two room suites on this class: Alder, Bishop, Cypress, Douglas Fir and Grand Fir. As a heads up, we stayed within the Cypress suite.
Some of the perks embrace a chef-prepared breakfast, wood-burning fireplaces, excessive velocity WiFi, satellite tv for pc HDTV, fridges, microwaves within the rooms, stereo methods with cellphone connectivity, espresso makers with natural espresso, non-public decks, eco-friendly and vegan facilities, and luxe robes.
King rooms, pictured beneath, might be booked on the principle or prime flooring of the Big River Lodge Building and so they embrace wooden burning fire, views of the gardens and Mendocino Bay. Done in conventional model, they’re paneled in ponderosa pine with redwood accents.
Above and beneath photograph credit score: Stanford Inn
Above and beneath photograph credit score: Stanford Inn
Here’s a view from one other one of many rooms. Spectacular, proper?
Photo credit score: Stanford Inn
Stanford Inn Activities
At the Stanford Inn, you’ll have entry to their indoor swimming pool, sauna and scorching tub in addition to complimentary mountain bike leases. They additionally supply non-public lessons/classes in vitamin & wholesome dwelling, cooking, artistic play outlets, breathwork, meditation, Chinese drugs, acupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, therapeutic massage and spa remedies, gardening, nature walks, mushroom foraging and past.
On-site is Mendocino’s solely health heart and aquatic facility. The Aquatic Center’s greenhouse incorporates a saltwater swimming pool (heated to 82F), dry sauna, scorching tub, showers, and lounging areas amongst vegetation. Let’s simply say that it was an ideal technique to unwind and escape the rain after we have been up there in February (wet season in northern California).
Photo credit score: Stanford Inn
Before or after leisure time, you’ll be able to check out their absolutely geared up health room as nicely.
Above and beneath photograph credit score: Stanford Inn
Above and beneath photograph credit score: Stanford Inn
Stanford Inn Dining
Ravens is all about farm to desk plant-based eating. For breakfast, they provide a complete plant-based menu, which options elegant, connoisseur plant-based breakfast dishes. Dinner choices supply a selection of plant-based takes on dishes equivalent to a Kalua pork utilizing onions and mushrooms.
Photo credit score: Ravens/Stanford Inn
At Ravens, they give attention to regionally harvested merchandise—from seaweed to chanterelles—natural sustainable components from their very own farm, aware merchandise that assist sustainability and naturally, respect for the land. Their wine record, for instance, consists of largely wines produced from licensed natural vineyards, biodynamic vineyards, or these utilizing sustainable, conventional farming practices.
Their breakfast menu is much more complete than their dinner menu, with tons of fascinating decisions. For instance, they provide objects you’d discover on different breakfast menus, however made with a vegan twist. Their savory crepe has chickpeas, turmeric tofu, zucchini, onion, garlic, and avocado. There’s the Stanford Herbed Polenta, Chilaquiles (tortilla chips with enchilada sauce, cashew cheese, Spanish rice and refried beans), and one thing they name the Garden Scramble, which is your alternative of tofu or tempeh, served with backyard veggies and potatoes. If you need one thing a bit extra conventional, they’ve scones, muffins, waffles and pancakes served with fruit.
Above and beneath, a savory crepe for breakfast at Ravens
For dinner, there are a selection of veggie choices, from their Ravens Rustic Flatbread that you simply construct by yourself (mushrooms, spinach, onion, garlic, arugula, pink bell pepper, recent jalapeño, strawberry, artichoke coronary heart, tofu feta) to the Ravioli, which I attempted. The latter is full of hemp and sunflower ricotta and served with greens. (each are pictured beneath)
Their flatbread
For one thing just a little lighter, they provide salads and soups as nicely.
The beet salad at Ravens
The mushroom soup at Ravens
Other choices embrace the Sea Palm & Root Vegetable Strudel, their Thai Red Curry, which they serve with Squash or Sweet Potato, Tofu and Jasmine Coconut Rice, Enchiladas crammed with Mexican-Spiced Cauliflower & Walnut, Spinach, and Green Chile or their Kalua Mushrooms with Coconut Rice.
The Ravioli at Ravens
More on Sustainability
The property has one thing they name the Environmental Leadership Field School. Participants on this program obtain instruments for artistic downside fixing and acquire perception to help oneself and others to stay sustainably. Their mission is to “provide experiences that mobilize future leaders from different fields to support and enhance the environment, biodiversity, and equitable relationships.”
Photo credit score: Stanford Inn
Nature & Towns within the Area
On the best way up, you’ll cross just a little city referred to as Boonville. Here you’ll discover a number of cute little outlets, a espresso bar, and an artwork gallery with the Moon Honey Tea store adjoining it. They have pretty home made teas, mugs and different items right here and we ended up leaving with some goodies from this gem.
Shops, cafes and an artwork gallery
Above, Moon Honey Tea Shop and in addition beneath (left aspect solely)
Before you get to the city of Mendocino, you’ll additionally cross sweeping views of the ocean and it’s . . . spectacular.
For extra details about the property, together with the best way to e book, go to their web site.
Details
Stanford Inn
44850 Comptche Ukiah Road
P.O. Box 487
Mendocino, CA 95460
707-937-5615
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