By Emma Krasov. Photography by Yuri Krasov
Among the wildest, most interesting, uniquely shaped by Mother Nature geographical locations, capable of leaving an indelible mark in a world traveler’s memory, Mendocino County in Northern California must be an undisputed contender. From giant redwoods and live oaks along the winding hillside roads to iridescent kelp forests fighting for the living space with purple sea urchins on the ocean floor, this coastal land of rich flora and fauna, yet scarce human population, presents a uniquely timeless enclave where even a short stay turns into a dive into stillness, a dreamlike state of weightlessness, a feeling of being suspended in an endless cosmic space, above the ground.
The magic of Mendocino is especially well preserved in a tiny harbor town of Fort Bragg, with the only deep water port between Eureka and San Francisco, allowing fishing boats to bring their catch safely back in any weather. Crab and salmon constitute the most sustainable harvests here, and multiple culinary events, focused on fresh seafood, happen annually, celebrating the local bounty.
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg is a unique luxury retreat in the wilderness, surrounded by cypress forests, and set atop a cliff overlooking the Noyo River with its busy port activities, and the Pacific Ocean beyond it. The prevailing sounds here are the squawking of seagulls and the incessant yelps of harbor seals. There is no better place for a vacation of peaceful seclusion or a romantic getaway in harmony with nature—in any season!
There are only 15 spacious yet cozy rooms at the Inn, decorated in classic California style, and equipped with fireplaces, hot tubs, all the modern conveniences, balconies or terraces, high-quality wooden furniture, and pieces of art. You can’t help but feel the warmth and contentment here even on a damp and chilly winter day.
The Inn is also well known for its popular restaurant, Harbor View Bistro & Bar, featuring fresh Dungeness crab sourced directly from the harbor underneath. Signature crab cakes with large chunks of the praised crustacean and well-balanced seasoning that year after year take top honors at local festivals and cook-offs, are a must-try for any seafood lover. To experience an authentic coastal escape in full flavor, and savor the best of Mendocino’s rugged North Coast in its natural environment, ask for an outside terrace table with waterfront views, especially at sunset.
Start with creative cocktails that contain housemade and locally sourced ingredients, like Lilac French 75 (Empress Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Fresh Lemon Juice, Housemade Lilac Bitters, Scharffenberger Cremant) or Candy Cap Old Fashioned, based on bourbon infused with seasonal candy cap mushrooms.
Consider yourself lucky if on the Dinner Specials menu you see Beet Napoleon Salad with goat cheese, balsamic reduction, basil pesto and pistachios, and of course, the Award-Winning Crab Cakes, topped with Roasted Red Pepper and Mango Champagne Sauce, and garnished with jicama and celery root slaw.
Great special entrees might include Cajun Gumbo with shrimp, grilled chicken and sausage over basmati rice or Blackened Halibut with lime-avocado cream sauce, couscous and root vegetables.
No matter how satiated you are, don’t skip dessert. You won’t find New York Style Cheesecake with fresh berries and whipped cream this good and airy anywhere else!
With its elegant ambiance, always beautifully decorated dining room and bar area, even more so during winter holidays; sophisticated food and friendly service; live music and high quality art on the walls, Harbor View Bistro and Bar is a top restaurant in Fort Bragg, highly recommended for all occasions.
While staying at the Noyo Harbor Inn, use those short winter daylight hours to explore the landmarks of Fort Bragg—the famous Glass Beach, where low tide reveals among the gray pebbles myriads of smooth, multicolored glass chunks and ceramic pieces, polished by the ocean surf where there used to be an old city dump back in 1906-1967; stunning coastal views and rocky cliffs of MacKerricher State Park; and interpretive Pomo trails and the Compass Rose on the promontory of the Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail, which runs along the bluffs in the Noyo Headlands Park.
For more Fort Bragg adventures, look up paddle boarding and kayaking on the Noyo River, fishing and crabbing excursions from Noyo Harbor, marine exhibits at the Noyo Center for Marine Science, or check out Princess Seafood Market boasting catch of the day.
If traveling with dogs, you’ll be glad to know that Noyo Harbor Inn is pet-friendly, and that a nearby Noyo Harbor Beach allows dogs off-leash.
Among other notable tourist attractions in the area there are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with dense cypress groves, enormous displays of native plants, and wide-open overwater spaces, and the Skunk Train—a steam locomotive that takes riders through the redwood forests of the Noyo River Canyon.
Noyo Harbor Inn embodies the spirit of Fort Bragg’s maritime heritage, offers all the comforts of a luxury coastal retreat, and provides a great getaway with outdoor adventures, local seafood, and nature’s unspoiled beauty.
Noyo Harbor Inn is located at 500 Casa Del Noyo, Fort Bragg, California. For more information, call (707) 961-8000 or visit https://www.noyoharborinn.com/.
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