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Posted April 2006
Quick Guide: February to May
in Mendocino
As winter's squalls turn to gentle raindrops, the Mendocino
coast begins to come alive with wildflowers and native grasses.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful times to visit, springtime
is a fickle season that transforms from grey mornings as fog
rolls in, to brilliantly sunny afternoons perfect for coaxing
out tiny buds.
Inland areas tend to be similarly rainy, though a bit warmer.
Even so, this time of year throughout the county tends to be
a slow season, with most travelers waiting to escape to the cool
coast when things get stifling elsewhere (June to October). You'll
find fewer crowds right now (though February and March are whale
season, and attract wildlife enthusiasts). Some tasting rooms
and restaurants close up altogether or have limited hours until
the crowds start returning in May, so check ahead. The good news
is that you may be able to get an easy reservation at your favorite
inn or hard-to-book restaurant during this slow season.
What to pack
Regardless of the season, the temperatures at the coast
can quickly drop by more than 30 degrees in just a few hours,
so it's always a good idea to bring layered clothing. Have a
warm jacket, preferably with a hood; a cozy sweater, some rugged
boots for hiking or walking on the wet beach; long pants and
some warm socks.
Dining Style
As in most of California, there's rarely an occasion you'll need a tie or sport
jacket. Even the most sophisticated restaurants usually welcome diners dressed
in pretty much anything appropriate for a casual office environment: slacks
and a sweater, a comfortable skirt, pants, whatever—though for really upscale
dining its best to avoid jeans if possible.
The People You'll Meet
Mendocino County residents tend to be some of the most laid-back
folks in a state full of, well, mostly laid-back folks. Though
you'll meet all kinds—farmers, vintners, office workers, etc.—there
are a lot of places in the county where it's perfectly okay to
explore your chakra in public. The coast is also a bit rugged
and remote in places, making for a whole other class of more
down-to-earth folks, like the burly crab fishermen or dairy farmers
who make their homes in Mendocino County as well. Finally, keep
an eye out for winery folks from the Anderson, Redwood and Yorkville
AVAs. Mendocino County is an up-and-coming (some might say well
on its way) wine region with many Napa, Sonoma and European transplants.
Typical temperatures
Temperatures rarely go below 40 degrees or above 70 in the
spring (or most of the year, for that matter). There may
be heavy fog in the morning or late evening, in addition to ocean
breezes that make things feel a bit chilly and damp. That's the
best time to light a fire and snuggle back under the covers.
Click here for current
weather forecasts >>
Rainfall
There are frequent rainy days along the coast,
but the good news is that most days tend to clear up—at least
for a few hours. Bring an umbrella and waterproof jacket to be
safe.
Getting There
Keep in mind that although the inland areas of Mendocino are
mostly accessible by Highway 101, the coastal regions are only
accessible by mostly winding, sometimes hair-raising two-lane
roads. In the springtime, there can sometimes be landslide
issues or—at the least—slow traffic during wet weather. Be
sure to leave plenty of time for travel and take things at
a reasonable pace. Locals are may speed down these roads, but
visitors should take caution on the blind turns and twists.
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