When you think of California, there’s a lot of different things that come to mind like Hollywood starlets, varying landscapes, and wine country. For this trip, we’re heading to Northern California – way north, actually, through Mendocino County to Elk, California.
Starting off the trip, you’ll want to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From there, you’ll need to rent a car and drive 3 hours North. Along the way, you’ll pass miles of wine country vineyards, towering redwood and sequoia trees, and stunning coastal cliffs.
Located roughly 150 miles north of San Francisco, this once-bustling, late 19th-century logging settlement is today one of the smallest enclaves along the Northern California coast, with just 250 residents.
Upon arriving in Elk, California, you’ll see a cute little downtown area with shops, cafes, and bed and breakfasts, but where you really want to stay is Elk Cove Inn & Spa. This hidden gem is a 16 suite boutique hotel in a beautiful craftsman-style mansion dating back to 1883.
The Property
When you first pull onto the property, you’ll see the beautiful landscaping. And I don’t just mean a few flowers – I mean they have a full, colorful garden that you walk through and enjoy. There’s also a deck for you to sit, eat a picnic, play cards, or whatever you like while you enjoy the views. The gazebo is also a great, romantic spot on property to watch the sunset while drinking a nice glass of wine from one of the many local wineries.
The Suites
After getting checked in and meeting Bella (one of the unofficial mascot dogs), I was shown my suite. Now, I will tell you – and the owners agree – that this is not 5 star accommodations. If you’re looking for the most modern of spaces to lay your head, this isn’t it. But what you will find is a clean, eclectic space that’s made up of thrift store furniture and meaningful touches. For instance, the suites are each named after a local historical figure from Mendocino County. And on the wall, you’ll find a little information about that person and their contributions to the area.
A lot of thought has gone into making these suites your home away from home, but the best part by far is the view. Right outside your window, or stepping out on your balcony, you see the stunning cliffs of the Northern California coast as far as the eye can see of the Pacific Ocean. It’s breath-taking. And that sunset – oh man, it’s absolutely mesmerizing.
SIBO
Now both nights I was there, I had dinner reservations at SIBO – the on-site French-style restaurant. It was there that I finally got to meet the co-owners Chef Victor and Melissa. The couple has their private residence on property and they keep everything running. Chef Victor is the sole cook at SIBO and prepares everything fresh the day of.
Doesn’t that sound stressful? I guess it could be – but the kitchen has adopted a pre-ordering system. All orders must be placed by noon the day of your reservation. That’s right – so you pick out what you want to eat when you make your reservation. A little unorthodoxed? Maybe. But they strive to be a zero waste kitchen, so Chef Victor only cooks what has been ordered and it actually works out really well. For this reason, it is hard for them to work with any dietary restrictions, so if you’re on a strict diet, you may need to eat elsewhere.
One thing I loved about the restaurant is not only how fresh the ingredients are, but that they support other local small businesses. Like Pelican Bakery down the road, provides all of their bread and a farmer next-door provides the potatoes and carrots for their menu items. This is how a small community makes it work – people helping people. Isn’t this how it should be?
This 10-table restaurant has huge glass windows to the west, so every meal is breath-taking. In fact, in talking with Melissa, she told me how blessed she feels because she never misses a sunset. Every evening when she’s serving the dinner guests, she gets to look out those windows and see a miraculous display of colors across the Pacific.
Everything I ate here was delicious. Absolutely everything. From the French onion soup to the apple galette, every bite was heavenly. And breakfast is included with your stay as well. The best part? Your hot breakfast is delivered straight to your room each morning.
You simply fill out a card the night before and when you wake up, your food will be on a tray outside your door ready for you to enjoy. And this is no continental breakfast, oh no! You have choices like eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, fresh fruit parfaits, roasted potatoes, and so much more. If you’re like me, you’ll want to eat right out on your patio as you watch the waves hit the shore.
The Farm
One thing I love about this couple is how welcoming they are. They truly treat every single guest like family. They even offered me a tour of their “farm”. This included a look at their greenhouse, herb garden, and even getting to pet the animals.
The greenhouse is where they grow their garlic, leafy greens, peas, and all sorts of other things. The herb garden has tons of mint, dill, and other herbs ready to be put into one of Chef Victor’s dishes at any moment.
Just past the new bee boxes (and yes, I got some of that fresh honey in a couple of my dishes at the restaurant) are the animals. There’s chickens, rabbits, and goats – and every single one of them is loved beyond measure. Victor even has one baby goat – Penelope – that follows him around the property like a dog. It’s the funniest thing.
But the animals all have a purpose – the chickens lay eggs for those morning breakfast offerings, the goats provide milk for fresh cheeses and yogurts, and the rabbits…well, let’s just say they’re all named “stew” for a reason.
The Cove
Just past the gazebo are private stairs to access a quiet stretch of beach in the cove below. This is a must when you’re on property. Upon walking on the shore, I found all sorts of crabs, shells, and driftwood. And there is absolutely nothing better than the sound of the ocean waves slapping up against the shore. Its rhythmic sounds immediately calm any tension or anxiety you had in you.
The Owners
Melissa and Victor are the heart and soul of the Elk Cove Inn & Spa, and they were the best part of this stay for me. I so admire the way they lovingly care for their staff, animals, and the people they serve. Their commitment to the ingredients they use, the people they employ from the community, and their work ethic is unmatched. And they serve every single guest with a genuine smile and compassion. They truly want you to enjoy your stay – you’re not just another line item for them.
How to Make Your Reservation
So if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on the California coast that’s away from it all – this is where you need to go. It’s absolutely beautiful and you’ll feel so at home. And who knows, you may even get to hear Victor singing in the kitchen as he cooks.
Click here to check out the property and book it for your next vacation!
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