Fall/Winter 2006 - Mendocino Art Center

InlandMendocino CountyPhoto by Tom LidenHoplandThe drive north on 101 takes you into the small communityof Hopland. Hopland is a tiny town with big attractions.Brutocao Schoolhouse Plaza features six Olympic sized Bocce BallCourts. Visit the Brutocao tasting room and gift shop. Spend thenight in the historic Victorian Hopland Inn. Enjoy a sumptuousdinner at Hopland Inn Dining Room prepared by their executivechef trained at Portland, Oregon’s famed Higgins Restaurant.Check out the eclectic small shops and restaurants in thecentral area or explore the picturesque Sanel Valley on wine tourwith the Hopland Fall Passport Weekend,October 28 and 29.Thistour features eight wineries complete with live music and greatfood. Wine tasting rooms are open year round if you miss thisgreat weekend.UkiahThe short jaunt north on 101 through the golden vistas ofoak-studded hills brings you to the Mendocino County Seat andthe county’s largest city, Ukiah. Ukiah historic downtown offersmany unique and charming shops in a nice compact area. StateStreet is taking on a new look with local favorites opening newstorefronts. Nestled around the bustle of the county seat, bookstores,boutiques, gift shops, bakeries, a brewpub, restaurants, andcafes make for a leisurely stroll through the tree lined School Streetarea.The downtown district has seen a surge of new boutiques–clothing, shoes, and three new art galleries. The fall and wintermonths are packed with local activities and special cultural events.Just a few blocks from downtown, Grace Hudson Museumfeatures a permanent exhibit of world-renowned Pomo basketsand Grace Hudson’s glowing paintings of Pomo Indians.The winterexhibit features the Historic Images of the Mendocino Frontierby the father of Grace Hudson, Aurelius O. Carpenter. Theseremarkable photographs shed new light on an important periodof northern California’s history. The historic Vichy Springs Resortis another important experience in the discovery of the early historyof this area. In the great out of doors, the greater Ukiah areaembraces Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury and Cow MountainRecreation Area. Low Gap County Park is home to year-roundcreeks, wildflower meadow, and woods, as well as hiking trails.WillitsIt is more than a day trip todiscover the diversity andbeauty of Inland MendocinoCounty.Drive further up Hwy. 101 to the Gateway to the Redwoods–Willits. Willits is a rural community with a unique flavor.Continue past the turn-off to Hwy 20 to discover the true heart ofWillits. The Blue Sky Gallery presents a glimpse of the thriving artscommunity. The quaint shops will satisfy the most intrepid shopper.There are the usual antique stores but don’t miss the skateboardemporiums. (Willits has a state-of-the-art skate park.)There are a number of good restaurants at reasonable prices.The Mendocino County Museum traces the historicaldevelopment of Mendocino County from the Pomo Indianthrough the Ridgewood Ranch Home of Seabiscuit, a perfect outingon that rainy winter day.The Skunk Train running out of the Willits depot is a greatway for visitors to get to the coast for a day trip. The Skunk Trainfeatures special holiday events at Christmas and New Year's.52