Reviews & Comments
Mendocino, CA
re: Mendocino is so beautiful - 5/17/2008 -
11/28/2008I have lived almost my enitire life in California and I am just about a Senior. I have traveled widely thought the state, country, and the world. Mendocino is a little jewel of a town that few can compare to with a magical setting along a rocky coast. Whoever first thought of the phrase "good things come in small sizes" may have been inspired by this gorgeous little gem.
Unfortunately I only came upon it about 15 years ago and I have made 5 visits since then. If one wants to get a brief "feel" for it before actually visiting, I would recommend the great class "East of Eden" with James Dean that was filmed here (along with the town of Salinas). No one can deny that Mendocino is special. I am pretty particular by nature but when I return to Mendocino I am just completely satisfied that I am in a place worthwhile and one can easily "lose yourself" is this prettiest of small towns. I advice many people that in my opinion the highlights of California are: Yosemite Valley, parts of San Francisco (bordering the bay) and Mendocino (not necessarily in that order). I would highly recommend anyone to see it to be sure to take Highway 128 (lined with Redwoods) leading off from Highway 101 (heading north from San Francisco). B&Bs tend to be expensive in town, an alternative would be to drive north to Fort Bragg (and ugly but spirited town) or Noyo Harbar (below the bridge that leads into town) where there is a modest motel. The town of Caspar (several miles N of Mendocino) has an old hotel with 4 rooms for the adventursome. Plenty of camping near town weather allowing (it can be very foggy and cold in winter, early spring, or late fall). Anytime of year this town is worth a visit depending on your tolerance for irratic weather, most would obviously prefer the summer keeping in mind weekends can be busy with tourists.
About 5 hours north of San Francisco but well worth the drive.
Eugene, OR
re: Heartbreaking - 5/29/2006 -
11/28/2008I am from Los Angeles and have traveled 3 times to Eugene in the last 3 years, most recently two weeks ago. I saw no one who seemed homeless, no doubt they are around, but in the downtown area (day and night), SW, and S not a soul. Never saw animals wandering around hungrey, in fact, I was very impresed by the Animal Shelton near the airport, they have TV for the animals to watch. If Sabella thinks the "amount of suffering in this city is unbelievable," she should visit Calcutta or New York City. In fact, people in Eugene look pretty contended on the whole relative to LA. I would say, however, the prepared food is less than inspiring. Not a high income area per se, its basically a small rural city (160,000) with another (140,000 i adjacent Springfield). There are beautiful homes and many middle class homes but there is seemingly an abundance of old wood "working class" homes with lush vegetation everywhere. On the whole Eugene is a very desirable place; smaller city, very nice public transporation system and library, fine University, plenty of outdoor activities and intelligent people, with a very fine concert hall.
Inverness, CA
Quality of Life -
11/26/2008Inverness is a very quiet and charming village on the Western Coast of Califoria (West Marin County) adjacent to picturesque Point Reyes National Seashore. Lush vegetable, charming cottages and rustic homes. St Columba's Church is well worth a brief visit for the rustic interior and view toward Tomales Bay (once the summer home of a wealthy Pasadena family). Prince Charles attended Service here. The town is worth an hour's walk or overnight stay. Only a few shops in town (funky market, bakery) but Point Reyes Station is only several miles away with more services.
For peace and quiet, this could make a very nice retirement home except, as is true with Marin County as a whole, prices tend to be extremely high and medical services (except for some primary care providers) along with many amenities of modern living are not close at hand. More oriented toward a "comtemplative life." Most people here are well informed and educationed. The Point Reyes Station town's newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize many years ago which received national media attention.
Point Reyes National Seashore has many pleasant day hikes with wildlife, ELK in particular are easily seen on the north Peninsula day high. Hikes along Sir Francis Drake Bay resenble areas much like the "White Cliffs of Dover."
Obtain informaiton from the Ranger's Headquarters about 1 miles from Point Reyes Station.
One of my favorate areas in the State of California for a peaceful stay. There is a hostel for those on a limited budget, many Bed and Breakfast and a hotel right on Tomales Bay.