Mendocino Unleashed

The drive up to Mendocino from SF is can seem a little long, but don’t worry the time passes quickly with good company. I highly suggest driving through Anderson Valley and if you are anything like me, enjoy the heat.

The drive is lovely, specially once past Santa Rosa. Not to mention, the route is filled with hills, woods, creeks and wineries to stop in. Yes I said wineries, California is known for them and there are a good number on this route.

We decided to take a break at Navarro. It was one of the few wineries that we did not drive by and think “Opps, should we have pulled in there?” Luckily they had signs and an easy driveway to turn into, so we did. When we get out of the car, I am embracing the heat and just loving the warm weather.

Mr. A on the other hand… not so much. All the wineries, the rows moving rhythmically, are gorgeous and the colors of the grapes change from winery. Not hard to fall in love with California when all the nature and greenery is surrounding you.

As you drive on, the temperature keeps dropping and I start freeze. Go figure it gets to be nicer for Mr. A! Pulling into Mend0cino is just filled with amazing views of the coast line. We drive through town and to one of the last hotels on the rode.

The hotel was quite sweet. With an ocean view and a killer fireplace, it was cozy. Ok so the purple carpet was a bit rich but, hey I don’t live here 24/7 and against the white walls, it kinda fits.

The bathroom has an stellar triangle shower, that keeps the steam in. Plus that is not all.

It has a spa tub with the ocean view! Now as a girl who has not had a decent tub since 2001, I was in HEAVEN!! Very happy that this room was already set up for me to soak.

Added all this with a bottle of champagne and an amazing unobstructed ocean view, we knew this weekend would spell relaxation. I really fell for the bit of cove with the rocks, and the white crests crashing on to the ocean.

Yea either way we looked, it was just coast line. We met the neighbors quickly and found out they rocked. Random but goes to show you that being considerate and friendly is always a good thing.

Walking around, going through the coast is amazing. Though I really fell for the trees and how they were bent with years of coastal wind

for which I made us climb in! It was a lot of fun hanging out in the tree until we came down in an animals hunt spot. Luckily for me Mr. A warned me and I went the other way, though it was kind of creepy.

Walking more lead to great views, cliffs, and water crashing. Check the photos out:

We walked up and down the coast until we found the bridge, which captured our attention. Then spent a good time just looking at it and the overall coast.

Sometimes all you need is time with the one you love in a beautiful place.

Palio’s: Happy-Hour (2 drinks =$1 Pizza)

Have you heard of Palio’s

No?! Well listen up, it is a fantastic. Plus has a great happy hour. A lot of people think it is too pricy or fancy, but really it is not! This is one of the most down to earth places I have ever been and the service is off the charts.  Back to the happy hour, when you buy two drinks, you get a gourmet pizza for a dollar. Yes you heard me right, a delicious pizza for just a dollar when you order two drinks. YES! The drink prices are very reasonable and pizza is utterly delicious.

You probably will be quiet surprised with how big the place is. There are multiple rooms, areas for privacy and tons of seating. There are two side rooms that can be closed for private parties. Plus they are adding a second bar in the near future.

Palio’s spans from Sacramento street to Commercial alley. It really is spacious, you never feel crammed at all. The other thing is that the noise level stays very moderate which is fantastic. The decor is simple, elegant and yet family style comfortable. There is a lot of wood, stone and great art pieces.

The full menu is extensive and the Prix Fixe is worth it. You will not believe the size of the plate nor the quality.  You then have your choice from the entire menu with the Prix Fixe and can order independently too. Plus Palio’s makes most of their food in house and has a decent gluten free side too. If you do not have time to stop in and relax, check out their cafe on Montgomery for a quick bite.

The man in charge

If you ever have a concern go talk to Martino and he can work magic. This is a family restaurant and aims to treat you as such. I have been coming here for years with my family and now extremely happy to be coming here after work to unwind.