New York, NY June 3, 2013 American travelers who dream of being truly immersed in one of Sweden’s most idyllic regions in summer, should look no further than the southern region of Skåne or Scania where they’ll find the 400-year old Ängavallen estate that features the award-winning eco- restaurant chosen by the Swedish White Guide, a quintessential 19th century style Countryhouse Hotel, a dairy, bakery and a stunning park designed in the … [Read more...]
Mendocino County: Beer, Wine & Mushroom Festival
MENDOCINO COUNTY TO CELEBRATE FABULOUS FUNGI, CRAFT BEER AND LOCAL WINE AT FALL FESTIVAL, NOVEMBER 2-11 Annual November Event Showcases Local Bounty During 10-day Festival, Craft Beers Become Part of Festival for First Time Ever! MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – (October 16, 2012) – For the first time in the twelve year history of the annual Wine & Mushroom Festival, local craft beers will be incorporated into the mix, officially making the new … [Read more...]
Moon Northern California Wine Country
Moon Northern California Wine Country by Philip Goldsmith covers the major Northern California wine regions from Santa Cruz to Livermore up through Napa and Sonoma to Mendocino County in the north. Many wine guides either do to little or try to cover to much; this book strikes a nice balance between some of the off the beaten path wineries as well as those with more of a public presence. In addition the descriptions of the wineries are more … [Read more...]
Spring has Sprung in “Green” Mendocino County!
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA - (March 26, 2010) - Mendocino County comes alive during the spring season, when vineyards awaken with new leafy canopies, goats and sheep are hard at work grazing and tilling in the pastures, and the bright yellow patches of daffodils and wild purple iris dot the landscape. It's a great time for nature walks, bird and whale watching, kayaking along the Noyo River, and taking in the warm days & cool nights. Spring … [Read more...]
Wagon Wheel Saloon, Santa Rosa CA – October 2003
Wagon Wheel Saloon Santa Rosa - This unique and almost historical bar is located in the midst of sprawling Urban Development in North Santa Rosa, CA. This old time bar remains despite all the development in the area including the fancy residential and business park in the Fountaingrove District in the nearby hills and tiny homes that back up almost to the bar itself. This bar is not short on character and it is worth a visit for that. To … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Restaurants
On the whole, we find the restaurants in Mammoth to be quite expensive and the food generally average. This is not to say that there aren't some good restaurants - and the food scene has generally improved in the past 10 or so years. Pick up a copy of Mammoth Menus, which is available at Vons or at some of the restaurants. This is a very informative guide to dining in the Mammoth area. Menus and prices are included. Prices subject to change … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA
The small scenic town of Hopland (population around 800) is situated about two hours (1 hour 45 minutes on a good day) north of San Francisco along the 101 Freeway or about 45 minutes north of Santa Rosa. Hopland is in Mendocino County and located on the western side of the Russian River. The 101 is a freeway the entire way from San Francisco until several miles south of Hopland where it turns into a 2 lane road. Reminiscent of parts of the 5 … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA – Restaurants
While Hopland is small, it does feature a surprisingly number of good restaurants. Here are a few we have visited to date: Blubird Cafe has been located in downtown Hopland for years and is our go to restaurant when we find ourselves in town. The service is friendly, the food delicious. Recommended items include the elk burger and the Tuscan salad with the addition of ahi tuna on top. Many ingredients are sourced locally including local beef … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA – Wine Tasting
Tiny Hopland contains a number of tasting rooms which deliver down to earth experiences for visitors - focusing on wines from Mendocino County. Although there are many wineries in Mendocino County including a number of tasting rooms in Hopland, this area does not have the recognition that perhaps Napa and Sonoma County have obtained over the decades. For the consumer, that is not a bad thing. Mendocino County is producing some stellar wines (the … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA – Sho-Kah Wah Casino
NOTE: all good times must come to an end. This casino is now permanently closed. If it reopens we will update this review. We keep our notes below for nostalgia purposed only. Sho-ka-wah Casino is located a short drive east of Hopland. As you drive northbound on the 101 take a right at Highway 175. The sign at the junction here may say its only 3 minutes to the casino - but in reality its at least 10 minutes (more or less). You will … [Read more...]