Let me introduce you to a fantastic place to visit if you find yourself near this wonderfully…read morerestored SCHOOL HOUSE in Lower Lake, California. This was the third school house in ALL of California, and is now a museum housing artifacts from the gold production lands nearby (further down Morgan Valley Road - closed in 1993) as well as period pieces that you probably won't see anywhere else. From the website: The Schoolhouse Museum, built in 1877 and restored and opened as a museum in 1993, hosts an interesting collection of local pioneer artifacts. The museum also a collection of Native American artifacts and a rock and mineral display. A restored schoolroom and Victorian Parlor add to the charm and authenticity. Cultural events and art shows take place in the Weaver Auditorium on the second floor. This truly is a CHARMING & EXPERIENTIAL place to enjoy. Every time I go in I ask to ring the school bell in the tower - and I feel like 7 years old again :)

What an amazing find. This historic placard commemorates events that are important in the history…read moreof Colusa.

One of the magical places on the Mendocino coast. Cabrillo Lighthouse Station has been on the north…read morewestern shore for over 100 years. The Fresnel lens of the lamp make this lighhouse a special one as these types are rarely used any more and are disappearing. Restored and maintained, this facility is opened daily at 11:00 and the grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. It's a popular spot for whale watching (Nov-Apr) as well as exploring the rugged coastline, including the site of the Frolic shipwreck from 1850. The lighthouse was damaged and flooded in January of 2023 when a series of high waves from the storm crashed through the buildings ocean side doors. Making it a part of the storm history of this lighthouse, which had been only hit with waves ever on two other occasions, December of 1928 and February of 1960. The grounds are dog friendly, on leash. The lighthouse staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The lighthouse museum is free to enter. Donations are encouraged and welcomed. We spent about two hours there reading the local history inside the museum, which there is a lot and exploring the lighthouse and outside grounds. 4.5 Stars rounded up for the spectacular views 01199

To get to this lighthouse it's about a mile walk from the parking lot. I'm all for walking and…read morehiking but that could be a dealbreaker for some just wanting to swing by and see it. The background is beautiful and there is lots of room for photos of the ocean. The lighthouse is quite small but has a little gift shop inside. Tours up to the lens are a couple of times a month. Before the lighthouse there's a little compound with the old keepers' quarters which you can walk into and check out. If in the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area and only time for one lighthouse I think this one is better for being closer to town (Point Arena is about an hour drive) and for available trails to go on a walk after the lighthouse. If you want something more of a tall statuesque lighthouse where there are tours throughout the day to the top and you don't have to walk a mile from the car I'd recommend Point Arena.

We had a great time visiting the Bale Grist Mill in St. Helena. Our tour guide explained it was…read morebuilt in 1846 from the design in the 1795 book "The Young Mill-Wright & Miller's Guide." I was able to read some of the book from the Library of Congress archives and found Oliver Evans wrote the guide and patented his design in 1790, the year the patent office was formed, before patents were numbered. In 1804 they retroactively assigned him patent number (X3) three. He licensed his design to hundreds of people including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He became the first American to live off of intellectual property income.

Historic Grist Mill where grain is milled powered by a gigantic water wheel. From the friendly…read morereceptionist to the remarkable tour guide this is a fabulous experience. I have not been here since before the pandemic but it is always an amazing experience. Bring a picnic and sit outside at the tables or take a hike after the guided tour in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. You will learn a lot about the history of the region. And the milling process. Modest entry fee.

Filled with innovative, fun and independantly owned businesses. Has an interesting past. Used to…read morebe a brothel and speak easy back in the day. The building is made of brick and redwood. Additionally, it holds many businesses such as Maldondo's Renew, Pilates with Anne, Lions and Tigers and Hair, Hee bee Gee bee's, Soft Shell, Bricks, Old Chicago Pizza, Studio 33, Dick Warner Wines, Fantasia and the Christmas Shop. Not only are there great stores and services but once inside you swear you are in an Escher Sketch. With so many add ons it sometimes seems as if stairs are leading to nowhere. If you want to see a great old Petaluma Building filled with history be sure not miss this one.

To be honest, this review is completely biased considering this is the building where my parent's…read morerestaurant used to be and where my dad's wine shop is currently located. But, if you happen to be in Petaluma at any point, you can come to this one building and get your hair cut, buy Christmas ornaments, do pilates, and drink wine with my dad. All that in one building that used to be a brothel!! Craziness!

Fun gift shop to visit near Richardson Grove State Park. I always stop in when I'm up Northread more

Great little yeti-themed road. I stopped for the bathrooms (decent and clean porta potties with…read moresinks) and sculptures and ended up buying a few keepsakes for myself and friends.

I didn't know what to expect here. Was here during the middle of the week and went into the park…read morelocated in the center of town. It used to be the county courthouse they reconverted into a museum. Authentic display of geologic, indigenous cultures, early settlers, and post war era artifacts that you see up close. $2..donate.. then ask them a lot of hard questions like.. where were some of the settlements? Why are there women's saddles but no men kinds? Get a hotdog in the park.

This little Museum is fantastic worth a stop great displays free but please make a donation they're…read moredoing a great job there employee was very helpful and knowledgeable

Have driven by many times and have stopped once and what a absolute icon of Northern Californias…read moreculture! It does seem like someone will replace the toilet if it breaks so that is a plus.

Did someone break it? My heart is sad... this is one of my favorite stops on the long drive from…read morethe Bay Area to the redwoods.

Next Stop: Duncans Mills... one stop shopping…read more Different shopping experience! While taking the scenic route along the Sonoma County we came upon this Russian River town. The cute little town is nestled in the Pacific Coast among redwoods and vineyards. Shopping, restaurants, antique stores, art galleries, camping and recreation activities abound this town. We stopped to check it out. The stores are so cute in this quaint village and they strictly enforce covid regulations here. When entering the stores you must sanitize your hands, wear your masks, and social distance. If you love tea you must stop at the Tea Shop, they also sell spices. The bookstore is adjacent to the tea shop and is such a cute tiny store. There is also a plant store, the Antiquarian. Located on Hwy # 116, 4 miles inland from the coast. The town has a population of only 85. There is shopping and food on both sides. They even have a tiny post office and a train depot & museum. Review #2184

Selfishly, I want to keep this place a secret…read more For those in Northern California, this is a perfect overnight getaway. Though Christina Ferreira sold her beautiful inn, there are many AirBnBs along the river, or you can splurge with a place in Jenner. Start your day at the DM bakery, or visit Cape Fear for the best eggs benedict - instead of the heavy version most of us know, theirs is light and lemony. Stroll the shops and the exceptional Christopher Queen art gallery, where the owner, Nancy (sister to Christina) shows exceptionally dedication to her 10 artists, and curates shows that would make any city gallery owner jealous. End a perfect day with dinner at the Blue Heron - sit in the bar or better yet, out back...locals will make you feel at home and you'll leave with both a full belly and full heart.