Heading out on the 101, raindrops already splashing on the windshield, the suv packed up with presents, cozy sweaters and our little terroir, Emma, we head up the coast to Mendocino. We liked the vrbo we stayed the previous year so much, I immediately booked it for two more trips including this Christmas getaway. If you sign into vrbo, the property ID is 676824. We love this cottage because it literally sits on the edge of the cliffs at Chapman Cove, you can wake up and fall asleep to the sound of surf outside. 

Winter is a great time to visit if you enjoy big surf. I didn't have time to convert my videos into utbube for this blog, but go to our instagram reels on boholifestyleca to check out some videos from the trip. 

One of our favorite places to eat is the MacCallum house (locals simply call it, the Mac house).  Right now they are serving meals on their wrap around balcony and inside a charming outdoor tent that reminds me of something you would see in a roaring 1920's film. I recommend you try their signature, Hibiscus cocktail. 

To grab something on-the-go, you can enjoy a tasty pastry, or meal at the Goodlife Cafe. They also have patio dining where you will usually find a group of locals. 

Or you could pick up a fresh made-to-go meal at Mendoza's Market (Mendoza is Spanish for Mendocino), like we did for our Christmas night dinner, and eat at your rental! I grew up with it being Mendoza market, the name has changed to Harvest Market, but it's still family owned and operated. 

If you want to inspire your aesthetic senses, take a stroll into into The Study Club, a two story 'lifestyle' shop for home and fashion. 

Chapman Cove is halfway between Mendocino village and Little River, so one day we headed to the Van Dam State park in Little River. I have childhood memories here. Our families house was just above the park, my dog (Sunshine) and I would carve our way through the bushy, wooded jungle, dipping into the park to explore the rugged wonders. Now I have a lap dog that won't be doing any jungle hiking, ha, ha! 

The name 'Mendocino' comes from Cape Mendocino, named by early Spanish navigators in honor of Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain. Originally settled by Portuguese fisherman, many of the homes are traditional Cape Cod or Victorian style white wood houses. 

Outfit Inspo for a visit to Mendocino -bring sweaters and hats!