Hmmmm, "inexpensive" might be the difficult part there... not much on the Mendo coast that I would define as inexpensive. There are a few chain hotels (Best Western, Holiday Inn, Quality Inn) in Fort Bragg, but I wouldn't recommend them if you're looking for charm. When we were coming up here shopping for property, we used to stay at a motel on the beach just north of Fort Bragg, the Surf & Sand (www.surfsandlodge.com, 964-9511) - nice rooms, spectacular views if you got the ocean-facing rooms on the second floor, not too horribly expensive. Walk right out onto Ten Mile Beach. Since then a new hotel has been constructed on the south end of town, the North Cliff Hotel (www.fortbragg.org, 866-962-2550 or 707-962-2500). Don't know anything about it but the location is nice, on a cliff at the mouth of the Noyo River. Down in the Noyo harbor is the Anchor Lodge, about which I know nothing (www.anchor-lodge.com, 964-4283) except it says it has "economy & water front rooms."
Closer to Mendo is the Seafoam Lodge (937-1827), which also has great views but is east of the Highway; in the off-season it has great rates ($88/night) but at this time of year it's probably pricey. In the Village itself, the Mendocino Hotel (937-0511) is a beautiful old Victorian with a lovely restaurant, great location, but I bet it's expensive.
As for things to see and do here, we always take visitors to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (www.gardenbythesea.org) - we have memberships and free passes for guests. There are numerous excellent beaches for strolling along as well.
Mendocino Village is a charming place to wander around for a while - if shopping is your thing you can do that, otherwise just walk around and admire the pretty houses & landscaping. Several good places to eat & drink - I recommend Patterson's Pub for lunch, it is a true local hangout with a great selection of beers and surprisingly excellent food. Or, go to Cafe Beaujolais for either lunch (very good value) or dinner (expensive but said to be worth it). Mendocino Hotel is also good for lunch or dinner.
Fort Bragg is less charming but does have the North Coast Brewery and a nice little pub, Piaci's, well known among West Coast beer aficionados (and with a nice selection of wines as well).
If you'll be coming up in the morning, we could arrange to meet for lunch in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, then walk it off at the Gardens if that sounds good to you. Or something else, your call.
no subject
Closer to Mendo is the Seafoam Lodge (937-1827), which also has great views but is east of the Highway; in the off-season it has great rates ($88/night) but at this time of year it's probably pricey. In the Village itself, the Mendocino Hotel (937-0511) is a beautiful old Victorian with a lovely restaurant, great location, but I bet it's expensive.
As for things to see and do here, we always take visitors to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (www.gardenbythesea.org) - we have memberships and free passes for guests. There are numerous excellent beaches for strolling along as well.
Mendocino Village is a charming place to wander around for a while - if shopping is your thing you can do that, otherwise just walk around and admire the pretty houses & landscaping. Several good places to eat & drink - I recommend Patterson's Pub for lunch, it is a true local hangout with a great selection of beers and surprisingly excellent food. Or, go to Cafe Beaujolais for either lunch (very good value) or dinner (expensive but said to be worth it). Mendocino Hotel is also good for lunch or dinner.
Fort Bragg is less charming but does have the North Coast Brewery and a nice little pub, Piaci's, well known among West Coast beer aficionados (and with a nice selection of wines as well).
If you'll be coming up in the morning, we could arrange to meet for lunch in Mendocino or Fort Bragg, then walk it off at the Gardens if that sounds good to you. Or something else, your call.