Anderson Valley & The Mendocino Coast Are The New California Dream

The original “California Dream” was a Gold Rush psychological fantasy, a microcosm of Horatio Alger’s myth of picking oneself up by one’s bootstraps (unfortunately popularized by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s) still weirdly entrenched in the cultural narrative of the U.S. But we all know that California, while still gorgeously beckoning, is the place you come to spend all your money, run from wildfires, and perpetually try to have enough time in between jobs to simply enjoy its bounty. However, if we flip the script, and the dream’s reward isn’t financial prosperity but rather spiritual gain, then the Golden State does, in fact, offer a home — most particularly in the Anderson Valley and along the Mendocino Coast.

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Planning A Wedding In Nature? Get Hitched in Mendocino

Mendocino County is one of the most splendid destinations in the county for its miles and miles of rugged coastline, charming inns and glamping spots, locally driven restaurants, and eternal views. Whether your style is high-toned or hippie, Mendocino has an outdoor wedding spot that will tickle the fancy of you and your betrothed. And because it is only a few hours drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, you can easily get guests up to Mendo from SFO. It feels remote, but it's not too remote, logistically speaking — a perfect combination for wedding-planning.

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If majestic redwoods are your jam, look no further than Anderson's Valley's The Brambles, set in a 12-acre redwood grove with a proverbial river running through it. The open-air Redwood Pavilion and Hidden Grove (which straddles Indian River) are magical sites for exchanging rings. The property's two guest facilities have a Victorian-meets-industrial steampunk aesthetic, and overflow can stay at Faller’s Cabin and Logger’s Cabin on adjacent Mill Ridge. Right next door is sister property The Madrones, with three winetasting venues and more lodging possibilities.

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5 Reasons to Visit the Anderson Valley Now

Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, the Anderson Valley used to be a brief stop on the way to Mendocino to stretch your legs, taste some wine, and get back in the car and head for the coast. But in recent years the Anderson Valley has become a full-fledged destination in its own right, with hip B&Bs, compelling restaurants, and cutting-edge wineries. It’s still a tranquil, lovely place where time slows down, but there’s more now to do in that time, and reasons galore to stop and explore. While Boonville is still the hub, Philo, population 400, is where all the exciting changes are taking place.

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