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I took a different route back to the Bay Area, leaving Mendocino for Secret Season – Point Arena to Forestville via Hwy 1. Just north of Gualala, the area has always been a drive-by. The pier and amazing coast just a passer by. Until now.
Point Arena -Stornetta Public Lands
Don’t be like me. Get off the highway and head out to the Point Arena Lighthouse. Look for a sign for Point Arena -Stornetta pictured below and park next to it on the side of the road. You can also park at and tour the lighthouse for a fee. The area is part of the California Coastal National Monument, made up of 20,000+ offshore rocks, islands and 7,924 acres of public lands lining the California coast. Thank you to Stornetto, the milk people, who donated the property to the state in 2005.
The camera flattens the height of the cliffs, but it feels like you are walking on the set of Mutiny on the Bounty – something old ships would sail in and out of. Walking is pretty much flat and absolutely gorgeous! Topping my personal list of Best Hikes of 2024 – you gotta stop here next time you drive the coast.
Hike south for amazing views to Point Arena Pier – 5-ish miles. Experience the working pier at the pizza/brewery, coffee shop, or full menu restaurant. Hike back to your car, or try for a ride service. Possible – but you are out in the middle of nowhere so good luck.
The Farmhouse – Forestville
It’s a few hours drive south east to Russian River Valley with a fun stop at Korbel Champagne. Arrive in Forestville, for an overnight at The Farmhouse.
Situated along River Road, this 25-room, out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere gem was originally purchased in 1875. It morphed from family farm, into 1950’s rental cabins, into a 1970’s gay resort with illegal bath houses, and then a Bed and Breakfast in the 1990’s. With a lot of elbow grease and love, the Foley Family and Foley Entertainment Group in partnership with siblings-founders Joe and Catherine Bartolomei transformed The Farmhouse into Travel + Leisure’s 2016 #1 Hotel in California (#8 in the world). They’ve won a Michelin Star for 14 consecutive years.
Find surprises around every turn. Beautiful rooms in gorgeous settings with a sheet thread count that makes it hard to get out of bed. Wellness Barn with spa treatments. Happy hour hosted by a neighborhood wineries. Homemade cookies everywhere!
DIY hot chocolate bars. Bubble bath accoutrements for room or take home. Nightly gourmet s’mores. Croquet in the courtyard – oh my! This is a splurge place – treat someone special, like yourself.
At the award winning Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn, chefs Craig Wilmer and Amanda Hoang present a seasonal multi-course tasting menu with added amuse bouche. We enjoyed one of their Foley Family Spirits Dinner, featuring unique vodka, tequila, gin, bourbon – all part of the in house Foley brand. Enjoy the rustic-elegant décor and crackling fire while Foley Spirits Ambassador Lucas Huff guides you through four courses with a blend of entertainment and expert insights ($150 p/p).
Check out the menu for their recent sold out Valentines dinner. Here’s a calendar of events for upcoming dinner dates and local events in the area.
Enjoy a hike around the property on the house trail. Walk across River Road and bike forever past sloping hillsides and picturesque vineyards. Wine tastings abound.
Next week is Secret Season – finale. 19 minutes east to Healdsburg. Overnight stop at Harmon House. Fun times at The Matheson, Spoonbar, Foss Creek Pathway, Riverfront Regional Park.
- photos courtesy of LSIC
Joan Lane, trailblazing volunteer and Stanford’s go-to for ‘sticky problems,' dies at 97March 25, 2026 3:23 pm