ROOM TO ROAM PODCAST
Episode 11
Welcome to this month’s installment of Visit Mendocino County’s Room to Roam video podcast with Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales! This last segment of the year finds Roberta enjoying libations, schmoozing with four-legged friends, and enjoying some good eats along the coast. Joined by VMC Executive Director Travis Scott, Roberta reveals some of her fondest memories and places from her travels to Mendocino County throughout the year! Enjoy the laughs, gather some tips, and make plans to Visit Mendocino County!
A Seaside Retreat – with Goats
Roberta visits with Scott Connolly, owner of The Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins in Little River where the chill happy hour scene is highlighted with tasty libations, Big Band music and roaming goats! Discover how a couple of urbanites chose a lifestyle of nature, relaxation and quirky, nostalgic cabins, and the guests that keep coming back for more!
Libations & Temptations
Patterson’s Pub is a staple in the village of Mendocino, serving up comfort food, pints o’ beer and inventive cocktails. Roberta chats with General Manager Jeanie about the popular hangout, some of her favorite dishes (they look delish!), and being a born-and-raised local, plus the allure of Mendocino County to locals and visitors alike.
More Faves from Roberta
Having spent quite a bit of time in Mendocino County over the past year, Roberta shares a few of her favorite experiences and they run the gamut! From Captain Fletcher’s where Highways 128 & 1 meet up to Pacific Star Winery on the bluffs of the North Coast, with a fun stay glamping, plus an education about tattoos, cannabis and donkeys!
PREVIOUS EPISODES
Episode 10
Stay, Play, Tune-In
In this month’s edition of Room to Roam, Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales explores part of the “secret” south coast of Mendocino, where there’s plenty of room to roam no matter where you go! Join her and she discovers a fabulous place to stay, delights in art amid the redwoods, and gets reacquainted with a fellow media great from back in the day.
Cottages & Chickens
Mar Vista Farm & Cottages sits on a gentle slope, dotted with cottages that are outfitted with luxury bedding, full kitchens, cozy seating areas, and a basket meant for harvesting your own veggies from their stunning organic garden. With chickens numbering close to 100, daily farm-fresh eggs are a staple. Learn more as Roberta chats with owners Christopher & Deanna.
Art Amongst the Redwoods
Tucked in and amongst the redwoods in Gualala Arts Center – a beautifully built ode to art that features several rooms for exhibit and includes outdoor sculptures, plus an amphitheater, fairy circle and more! Executive Director, David ‘Sus’ Susalla shares his passion for the arts and the community.
A Community Classic
The Coast FM – KOZT has been serving up classic rock, folk, blues and community news since 1991. Co-owner Tom Yates, who was a fixture on the LA radio airwaves as well as in San Francisco, purchased The Coast with his wife Vicky Watts. Along with the Coast Crew, they provide local news coverage, weather and community events plus world-class music to a global audience.
PREVIOUS EPISODES
Episode 9
Fan Faves
Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales has spent months roaming Mendocino County, finding unique outings, spectacular activities, and meeting some incredible local characters! In this month’s Room to Roam Podcast, she revisits some of your favorites along with Visit Mendocino County’s Executive Director, Travis Scott.
Mendocino’s Own Pacific Star
Sally Ottoson, founder and winemaker of Pacific Star Winery, shares her love of winemaking as one of the first women in this field. A local through and through, she delights in meeting new people and old friends at her stunning winery about 10 miles north of Fort Bragg, which sits on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Get enchanted all over again!
On the Right Track
Meet up with Chief Skunk, Robert Jason Pinoli, as he shares the history of the Skunk Train and tells all about the Skunk Train’s newest offering – Rail Bikes! What started with one relatively short trip has now expanded to include a 25-mile sojourn through the stunning redwoods. And yes, dogs are welcome to enjoy this incredible experience.
Captain Fletcher Lives On
One of the most unique and beloved places in the care of MendoParks is the Navarro-by-the-Sea Interpretive Center – otherwise known as Captain Fletcher’s Inn. Rediscover the history of this place that once housed seafarers as MendoParks’ Executive Director Elizabeth Cameron takes you on a virtual tour of this historic building full of interesting stories!
Episode 8
From Glamping to Camping
In this month’s edition of Room to Roam, Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales, along with VMC Executive Director and co-pilot Travis Scott, explores camping options along the Mendocino Coast, from a luxe accommodation to beach cove fun to a family gathering spot. Each place offers activities and amenities, and all provide the promise of a campfire at the end of the evening.
Glamping in the Grove
What’s glamping?? Why it’s the perfect combination of resort amenities in a campground setting! At Mendocino Grove, discover what the hubbub is all about with fabulous accommodations ensconced in a safari-style tent beneath a canopy of redwoods… and with the added bonus of a ‘camp valet’ to assist with lighting the campfire. You’ll be saying, “S’more please!”
Log Cabins, RVs and Tents…Oh My!
Just north of Mendocino Village and tucked into a cove is Caspar RV Park & Campground. This hidden gem offers multiple types of lodging options…from tent spaces to RV spots, log cabins to tiny houses for rent! You’ll also find a general store stocked with amenities and gear for serious fun on the water!
It’s a Tradition
A playground for all ages, Manchester KOA on the south coast brims with activities for everyone: swimming pool, jacuzzi, arcade, pool table, and kamping kitchen. With its proximity to several iconic and historic sites, it’s an ideal spot to bring the family, and make the trek an annual tradition!
Episode 7
Behind the Emerald Curtain
Mendocino County is the OG when it comes to cannabis. Join television personality Roberta Gonzales, and her team, as they pull back the curtains and meet some local business owners in the cannabis space – from a boutique supplier and apothecary, to a brick-and-mortar healing center, to a converted brewery that now houses a processing and manufacturing facility. Three distinctive businesses – all with shared goals of wellness, education and responsible cannabis consumption.
An Apothecary Like No Other
Tucked within the redwoods of Anderson Valley is The Bohemian Chemist, a glorious apothecary that’s part of The Madrones complex. Discover this micro business that may be small in stature but is big on style! Learn about the various tinctures, topicals and edible treats for a myriad of wellness needs, their own delectable brand of buds and eclectic & cool accessories. The Bohemian Chemist also produces events such as infused dinners to share elevated and enhanced experiences in a tasty and tasteful way.
A Place to Just Be
At Plantshop in Ukiah, discover a world of wellness and healing with numerous types of CBD and THC products through the ‘magic’ of alchemy…including a great selection of infused beverages. At this retail shop, you’ll learn how cannabis products can help with everyday ailments and more, plus their outdoor event space offers a relaxing environment for consumption, yoga, concerts and interesting events, like their Puff-n-Paint series. Plantshop invites you to ‘just be’.
Hashing It Out
On the south end of Ukiah sits a huge structure, once a popular brewing company and now the home of Emerald Sun, a cannabis processing and manufacturing facility. Working with small farms around the unique topography of Mendocino County, Emerald Sun is also creating the most concentrated form of cannabis – hash – a wholly artisanal and pure plant-based process and product – and one used most widely around the world. The goal…help standardize the cannabis business while sharing the incredible talents of the Mendocino cannabis community.
PREVIOUS EPISODES
Episode 6
MendoParks Personified
Our parks in Mendocino County offer stunning trails, incredible vistas and historic sites – quite literally, they’re natural wonders! Join television personality Roberta Gonzales as she meets up with MendoParks Executive Director, Elizabeth Cameron to learn more about the parks and visit three distinctive spots along the Mendocino Coast in this month’s installment of Visit Mendocino County’s Room to Roam video podcast.
Captain, Oh My Captain!
Sitting on the estuary between the Navarro River and the Pacific Ocean is the historic Captain Fletcher’s Inn (aka Navarro-by-the-Sea), which was once a boarding house for single-mill hands. This two-story structure was built in the mid-1800s by Captain Fletcher and a couple of partners. After years of neglect, Captain Fletcher’s was restored and is now an interpretive center with artifacts from days gone by. And in a nod to Captain Fletcher and his contributions, there’s even a locally distilled whiskey in his name.
Magnificent MacKerricher
MacKerricher stretches along the Mendocino Coast, from famed Glass Beach up to the unique sand dune laden Ten Mile Beach. One of the more versatile parks, MacKerricher offers campsites that accommodate tents RVs, lookout points for both seal and whale watching, incredible tidepools, horseback riding, and a visitor center that features a 30-foot long Gray Whale skeleton. Running nearly the length of MacKerricher Park is an old hauling road, known as Haul Road, and it provides a perfect vista for biking, hiking, and leisure walks.
Heading to the Headlands
When in the village of Mendocino, you’re mere steps from the Mendocino Headlands State Park. This 7,400-acre wildlife corridor spans both sides of Highway 1 and nearly wraps around the entirety of Mendocino village. The historic Ford House has been converted into a Visitor Center with exhibits, videos and presentations, plus docent-led tours. Stunning Big River Beach also spans Highway 1 and is a favorite spot for picnickers, sunbathers, and surfers. It’s also a dog-friendly beach!
Episode 5
Anderson Valley Adventures
Traveling the stunning Highway 128 in Mendocino County takes you through Anderson Valley, from tip to tail…or tail to tip, depending upon where you start! Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales treks Highway 128, stopping at three distinctive businesses that represent a glimpse of what Anderson Valley has to offer, in this month’s installment of Visit Mendocino County’s Room to Roam video podcast.
Maple Creek / Artevino Winery
Maple Creek / Artevino Winery sits in the Yorkville Highlands, on the southeast end of Anderson Valley. Owner Tom Rodrigues is gregarious and charming, not to mention a bit of a Renaissance man whose talents include painting, stained glass and winemaking. A stop at Maple Creek / Artevino’s tasting room offers a beautiful escape with a friendly team and award-winning wines.
Boonville Hotel
Boonville Hotel sits in heart of Anderson Valley – Boonville. This charming property, considered a modern roadhouse, not only offers numerous types of rooms, but also has a phenomenal restaurant helmed by Chef Perry Hoffman who infuses each meal with true farm to fork freshness! The outdoor seating and garden area add to the comfort and delight of this inspired space in downtown Boonville.
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Anderson Valley Brewing Company is renowned for their beers, ales, stouts and porters, plus other interesting offerings like their popular goses. Sitting on the corner of Highways 253 and 128, AVBC is the world’s first solar powered brewery! Meet Brewmaster Fal Allen and owner Kevin McGee who are always coming up with fresh and creative ideas for their next brew! With a new event lawn, a rejuvenated disc golf course, live music on the weekends and great beer…you should really be here, grabbing a pint.
Episode 4
Fort Bragg Fun – Boating, Peddling, Inking
This month’s Room to Roam video podcast with Bay Area television personality Roberta Gonzales finds unique experiences in Fort Bragg. Take a boating excursion with Captain Dan up the Noyo River or out to the mouth of the Pacific for a sunset cruise; or make it an action adventure on the Skunk Train’s Railbikes with Chief Skunk Robert Jason Pinoli. For a bit of tattoo culture and heritage, Mr. G and Madame Chinchilla of famed Triangle Tattoo and Museum share stories of the tattoo world and how they got started.
Noyo Harbor Tours:
A fisherman for years, Captain Dan shares his years of experience on the water and his historical knowledge of the area to delighted passengers aboard his eco-friendly, glass-walled boat while you trek about Noyo Harbor. Both humble and charming, Captain Dan loves to see the smiles of passengers as they spy river life.
Skunk Train Railbikes:
For adventures through the redwoods or along the Noyo River, look no further than the Skunk Train’s Railbikes. Make it a workout or choose to cruise as these railbikes are motorized. It’s a great way to get out in nature and discover flora, fauna and redwoods up close!
Something to Ink About:
Revered Mr. G and Madame Chinchilla are the artist/owners of renowned Triangle Tattoo and Museum in downtown Fort Bragg. Only a handful of tattoo museums exist in the United States, and this one is well worth the trip. Following the history of tattoos from tribal art to armed forces, bikers to mainstream, tattoos tell the history of the person as you’ll learn and see at Triangle Tattoo.
Episode 3
Savoring Our Liquid Assets
Mendocino County has some pretty incredible liquid libations as Bay Area Television personality Roberta Gonzales discovers in the latest installment of VMC’s Room to Roam video podcast. From an organic / biodynamic winery to a historic brick building now housing plenty of brews on tap to a distillery with some of the finest hand-crafted spirits around, join us in applauding Mendocino County’s Liquid Assets!
Campovida
Sitting on what was previously the old Fetzer property, Campovida has reinvigorated Hopland with its exquisite wines, incredible organic farm and sumptuous lodging properties. Owners Anna & Gary live their ethos of respect for the land through responsible stewardship. Taste the difference!
Hopland Tap House
You can’t miss the historic red brick building in downtown Hopland. Dating back to the late 1800’s, many iterations of saloons have called this building home. Today Hopland Tap House offers the finest brews, food, blues (as in music) and more!
Mendocino Spirits
This micro-distillery packs a whole lot of taste into their hand-crafted spirits. Mostly creating fine whiskeys, Mendocino Spirits also offers up fine gin, a sublime rose liqueur, and craft cocktails ready to enjoy. Discover the story behind Mendocino Spirits – it’s as delightful as the whiskey they distill.
Episode 2
Room to Roam: Starry, Wild & Tasty
No matter where you go in Mendocino County, there is a new adventure and discovery just around the curve! Along the coast of Mendocino, Bay Area Television personality Roberta Gonzales stops by three distinctive spots beloved by locals and visitors alike! Check out more on this edition of Visit Mendocino County’s Room to Roam podcast!
Pacific Star Winery
For over 30 years, Pacific Star Winery has filled visitors and locals with a sense of wonder as they experience a view like no other while enjoying the libations of the north coast cliffs. While grape growing isn’t possible this close to the water, certainly winemaking is – from the crush to bottling, it all happens at Pacific Star Winery. Even the dramatic crashing waves get into the act by churning the contents of the barrel into a dramatic taste you won’t soon forget!
B Bryan Preserve
A preserve dedicated to African Hoof Stock isn’t something you see every day, let alone in the charming hamlet of Point Arena, nestled along the South Coast of Mendocino County. And yet, since 2004, B Bryan Preserve has been home to giraffe, antelope and zebra. Sitting on a 100-acre ranch, visitors can take a self-guided tour or jump into a vintage Land Rover and learn about the animals and the preserve from an expert guide. Education is an important component of this wild adventure that encourages everyone to take an interest in conservation.
Franny’s Cup & Saucer
A local favorite, Franny’s Cup & Saucer serves up tasty treats – whether you favor sweet or savory, there is a scrumptious, mouth-watering morsel waiting for you! In addition to cupcakes and pastries, they have cookies, bars, parfaits and puddings, plus custom cakes and dessert tables for special occasions. And…check out their Farmhouse Pop-Up Dinners! Franny’s Cup & Saucer has the goods…literally!
Episode 1
Room to Roam: Champagne Baths, Donkey Love & Lighthouse Views
