Places to visit on your way to Mendocino

There are so many interesting places to visit in California and each one is unique. Our first visit to Mendocino was August 2018. The reason for this visit was to check out the town and potentially buy a B&B (which we did). We returned two weeks later with a different purpose, to learn more about the North Coast, its history and surrounding attractions. The more we looked, the more we discovered, which led to even more unique locations. I learned so much, I could write five years worth of newsletters about things to see on the way here. This newsletter is focused on my favorite architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and places to see his influence along your journey to Mendocino. There are a handful of places associated with Mr. Wright to visit in Northern California. My newsletter focuses on two of these places: The Marin County Civic Center (pictured above with interior below) and Greenwood Ridge Winery tasting room.

My favorite architect and a redwood tree

Along Hwy 101 in San Rafael sits the Marin County Civic Center, one of the last projects designed by FLW. When I visited this site it was like Prairie style meets Hollywood. It is a working public building so you can just walk around. The outside of the building is just as amazing as the inside. We happened to be walking outside the Supervisors room as the admin was locking up. They opened the door and invited us into the chambers. It was all original, down to the FLW designed seating with ashtrays. The admin explained the seats could not be changed due to the historical designation of the building. She pointed to a framed drawing of the Civic Center complex hanging on the wall and said this is the last drawing Mr. Wright ever made. Mr Wright passed away before the project started and his protegee, Aaron Green, went on to lead the Civic Center project to completion and was also the architect behind our next stop, Greenwood Ridge Winery.

Located along Hwy 128 in Philo, Greenwood Ridge (pictured here) is now one of the oldest wineries in the Anderson Valley. Featuring a unique, octagonal tasting room designed by Aaron Green —father of winery founder Allan Green and longtime associate and architect of Frank Lloyd Wright.

A single 400-year old redwood tree fell in a storm in 1969 provided all of the wood used to build the tasting room. Since 2006, Greenwood Ridge has been fully solar powered. Continuing their green traditions, Greenwood Ridge also offers a high speed EV charger as well as a dedicated Tesla charger. Charging is complimentary to Greenwood Ridge customers.

Now for the BIG trees

Just a few miles north of Greenwood Ridge tasting room is the enchanted virgin redwood trees of Hendy Woods State Park. This park runs parallel to Hwy 128 and contains one of my favorite hikes through a virgin redwood ‘forest’. It is named after Joshua Hendy, who owned the land and stipulated that it be protected; it passed through several owners after Hendy without being logged, before becoming part of the California State Park system in 1958.

Photo: Kate and Jack @ Hendy Woods (it was winter time)

The park charges a day use fee and has a restroom facility at the trail head. The walk is easy and the trail is flat. Follow the map around the forest and use your inside voices. The sounds of the forest are amazing. In fall, mushrooms will be bountiful. Bring your best camera on this trip.

Photo: Mike, Brian and Ken climbing on a fallen tree @ Hendy Woods

After a great walk in the forest, head to the town of Philo by going back to Hwy 128 and heading South (right). A great place to stop is Gowan’s Apple Stand. Their hard cider is delicious and there is a tasting tent on weekends. Philo is really small and our next stop is Lemon’s Market for a custom deli sandwich. Just fill in the order form and they will make a delicious, fresh sandwich to-go.

Bees Facts!

This is not a bee fact, but a Frank Lloyd Wright fact. On the grounds of Stanford University is a house built for Paul Hanna in the shape of a hexagon. Affectionately called the “Honeycomb House” there is not a single 90 degree angle in the entire structure. It was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieto earthquake but has been restored and tours are offered twice yearly. Read more about the Honeycomb House.

We look forward to your return to Joshua Grindle Inn!

Ken, Kate and Jack

Throwback Photo Album

Bill and Gwen Jacobsen converted the house into the Joshua Grindle Inn back in 1978. Bill shared a beautiful leather bound photo album of their personal journey getting the inn established. It was very interesting to see what the property looked like 40 years ago before it became the Joshua Grindle Inn. I include a few photos with each newsletter. Enjoy and have a great day!