Local Information
Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and Albion
(The population numbers are approximations based on the 2000 census by zip code, not city limits)
Mendocino (population 2,223), is an historical village, well-known for its New England Victorian style buildings, its enticing shops and art galleries galore, its gracious Bed and Breakfasts, its outstanding restaurants, and the historic Mendocino Hotel. All are within view of the waves crashing against the cliffs. The very lively, robust community life includes food and wine festivals, art openings, readings at the Gallery Bookshop, the annual, quintessentially Americana Fourth of July Parade, the Christmas Candle Light Tour of Bed and Breakfast Inns, and much more. Markets, bakeries, health food store, schools, churches, post office, etc. are all within walking distance of each other!
Unexpectedly, right on Main Street, is Perfume Mendo, offering over 1000 fragrances from all around the world, including one-of-a-kind, no longer available perfumes. Proprietor, Judtih Brandman, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of perfume. Audio Nouveau, in same space, features custom-made speakers ...
Fort Bragg (population 14,410), 15 minutes north of Mendocino, offers wonderful opportunities to purchase property in a seaside town. (Not to be confused with the military installation in North Carolina). It is the largest city on the Mendocino Coast, consequently, the real estate market has a wide range of prices and a variety of architectural styles among which to choose.
Among Fort Bragg's many attractions is a four screen movie theater, many small specialty shops and exceptional restaurants, the active fishing port in Noyo Harbor, and the famous Skunk Train. It is home to a Starbucks, the Harvest Market, Safeway, and numerous stores which can fulfill all of one's grocery, bakery, household, and gift needs. The Mendocino Coast District Hospital is also located there.
Albion (population 1,035) is a tiny village less than 15 minutes south of Mendocino on Highway 1. Ocean view and forested properties are available here as well. In spite of its small size, there is a post office, hardware store, market with deli, and a gas station. Amazingly, it has two ocean-view, world-class restaurants within minutes of each other: the Ledford House and the Albion River Inn. A well-loved and inviting B&B, the Fensalden Inn, is just a couple of minutes to the east of Highway 1. Built in 1860, it was originally a stage-coach stop.
All along the Coast are additional delightful places to stay, including the Little River Inn with its 9-hole golf course, the Seafoam Lodge, and the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, each with ocean views and its own unique appeal.
