Mendocino County’s Mushroom Festival!


November 7th through November 16th, 2014

Beginning this Friday, November 7th, Mendocino County will begin festivities to offer tribute to their beautiful mushrooms grown throughout their county.  Mendocino County is home to well over 3000 Mushroom Varieties.  Whether you love them or hate them, Mendocino County is where you head for Mushrooms.

mendocino-mushroom-wine-festival

Some not to miss events include:

Seventh Annual Mushroom and Beer Dinner at Little River Inn: Friday, November 14th.

The Inn’s Executive Chef, Marc Dym, has created a delectable, multi-course dinner highlighting local mushroom varieties from the county to paired with hand-crafted ales from local Brewmaster, Vinnie Cilurzo, of Russian River Brewing Company. The multi-course meal will include passed appetizers, four individually plated starters, an entrée course and a desert course, as well as distinct beer pairings with each offering.

Ride & Mushroom Hunt: Daily

Join the mushroom round-up on our Mushroom Hunt horseback rides every day during the festival. Choose among rides of different lengths (1.5, 3, 4, and all day; priced accordingly). We also offer Equine and Wine packages including horseback riding, lodging, and wine tours (prices vary); trips are catered to each group’s need.

Mushroom Exploration Tours: Daily

Stanford Inn, Mendocino ~ 10:30am
Join local mycological enthusiast Adrienne Long for a foraging experience. Meet in the Stanford Inn lobby for an introductory mushroom talk before heading out to explore the local forests and meadows. $30/person. Children under 16 free. Reservations required. Private tours arranged on request.

St. Anthony’s Festival: November 8th:

Enjoy pairing of wines from 10 Anderson Valley wineries with gourmet wild mushroom specialty foods. Live and silent auctions of Wine & Gift baskets from local merchants plus a variety of gift certificates for merchandise, restaurants and other services.

Mushroom Excursion Train: November 8th:

All aboard the historic Skunk Train! Trains leave from Fort Bragg and Willits and arrive at Camp Mendocino for a day of wine and beer tastings, culinary treats, a mushroom cook-off, and the start of the Largest Mushroom Contest! The event will feature local mushroom expert, Eric Schramm, mushroom hikes, and presentation about Mendocino County wines. Live music, and dessert port and chocolate truffles round off the day

And many other festivities throughout this 2 week festival. More information can be found here.

Many local inns around Mendocino County are offering lodging packages including Little River Inn with their Mushroom Mania package.

To carry on with the mushroom theme, Little River Inn will be offering MUSHROOM MANIA, a lodging special for overnight stays booked Sunday – Thursday from November 2 through November 13, 2014. Room rates booked during these dates are as follows:

  • Seaside Luxury Room, $199
  • Ocean View Deluxe Room, $189
  • Ocean View Fireplace Room, $159

 

MUSHROOM MANIA rates are per night (excluding tax and gratuity) and based upon availability. To make reservations, visit www.littleriverinn.com or call 707.937.5942.

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Start Ice Skating This Weekend With The Little Ice Rink!


Disclosure: I will be participating in Grand Opening Activities this Weekend.

south-shore-center

I have fond memories of going ice skating with my family when I was younger.  My dad would take my brother and I out every winter, both indoors and outdoor rinks, and we would spend hours going around that ice skating rink.  I wasn’t the best at it, I’d fall at least a few times during my times skating, however, I always had so much fun.

Then, one year, for my birthday, I had a fun dinner with friends and family, and afterwards, went ice skating across the street.  It brought back so many childhood memories.

So when I found the The Little Ice Rink at the South Shore Center in Alameda was opening up this upcoming weekend, I got excited.  This ice rink will open up this Saturday, November 8th and will stay open through January 19, 2015.

And beginning on Black Friday, November 28th, Santa will also be present at the Ice Skating Rink.  It’s a great place to come to get your skate on during this fun holiday season.

Panera Bread will be serving Hot Chocolate, Coffee, and Cookies on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday  3–10 pm
Friday – Sunday  Noon – 10pm

TICKETS:
$15 for Adults – Kids 9 and over
$10 for Kiddies – up to 8 years of age

Discounted prices for bringing your own skates!

Groups of 10 or more 10% off – must use credit card for purchase.

So, who’s going Ice Skating with me?  Tell me about a fun ice skating memory of yours growing up? I’d love to hear them.

 

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This Thanksgiving: El Capitan Canyon Thanksgiving Banquet


Are you one of those families looking to get away this Thanksgiving?  If so, I have the perfect place for you to celebrate.

El-Capitan-CanyonPhoto Credit: El Capitan Canyon

Head to the El Capitan Canyon, just a little north of Santa Barbara.  This luxury camping site is offering a complete Thanksgiving Banquet on November 27th.  You can stay overnight in one of the furnished Safari Tents or Cedar Cabins, and walk outdoors to explore all that nature has to offer.  Set amidst a grove of California oaks and sycamore trees are six adventure yurts, 26 canvas safari tents and 122 individual cedar cabins, including 13 new Corral Cabins. These comfortable accommodations are arranged in villages.

The Canyon will be offering a warm and cozy holiday meal with plenty of options for seconds this Thanksgiving. Dinner will include:

·         Carving Station: Fresh Turkey seasoned to perfection and Slow Cooked Honey Ham

·         Salads: Mixed Green Salad with a choice of Dressing, Ranch or Balsamic Vinaigrette

·         Sides: Savory Stuffing, Buttery Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Cranberry Relish, Chef’s Special Green Beans, Sweet Candied Yams, Fresh Dinner Rolls and Butter

·         Dessert: Canyon Ice Cream and Dessert Station, Pumpkin & Assorted Pies, and Campfire S’mores

·         Hot and Cold Beverage Station: Brewed Coffee, Decaf, Hot Apple Cider, Sparkling Apple Cider, Lemonade and Iced Tea

Horseback-RidingPhoto Credit: El Capitan Canyon

The price for adults is $45.00 per person plus tax, and for kids 12 and under, its $22.00 plus tax. Reservations are required and must be made by noon on Nov. 25. Guests may call Robert Hansen at 805-879-0713 for reservations.

For more information about the beautiful El Capitan Canyon property be sure to visit here. 

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