EXPERIENCE THE AWE OF MIGRATING WHALES IN BREATHTAKING MENDOCINO COUNTY
Spring Brings Gentle Giants Close to the Mendocino Coast

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – (February 2008) – It’s a closely guarded secret that Mendocino County is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. Because of the way the county is formed, you can observe the gentle giants of the Pacific often right from shore, while pods nestle in Mendocino’s tame coves to feed their young and rest. Of course whale watching boat excursions also abound, along with very special packages at Mendocino’s many welcoming accommodations -- and March and April bring three separate whale festivals.

Mendocino County begins just 90 miles north of San Francisco and offers visitors a variety of lodging options for romantic getaways, gourmet food and wine tours, and exploration of organic wineries and farms – as well as boating, bird-watching, hiking and more.

The annual whale migration hugs the Mendocino coast, starting in December, with whales sometimes coming close enough to watch right from the balcony of your hotel.

For whale watching information, call (866) STAY-MENDO (866-782-9636) or visit www.gomendo.com.

A Sampler of Whale-Watching Lodging
Dennen's Victorian Farmhouse is an unpretentious cozy getaway on the Mendocino Coast featuring fireplaces, hot tubs and full breakfast in the privacy of your own room. Dennen’s marks the migration with a whale watching special that includes tours on Anchor Charter Boats. Dennen's Victorian Farmhouse, on Highway 1 just south of Mendocino Village, (800) 264-4723, www.victorianfarmhouse.com. Ask for the Whale Watchers delight!

The Little River Inn hosts a variety of whale-related festivities at this time of year – from their signature house grog to story tellers spinning tales, scrimshaw demonstrations and of course, a mermaid. Call for details on exciting package deals on their rooms that include whale watching excursions on the sea. Little River Inn, 7901 Highway One, Little River, (888) INN-LOVE or (707) 937-5942, www.littleriverinn.com.

The Brewery Gulch Inn, a romantic inn overlooking Smuggler's Cove, offers ocean views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and private decks – and at this time of year, deals that include cruising the seas in comfort on the Rumblefish, a 50-foot all-weather heated boat. Brewery Gulch Inn, 9401 N. Highway 1, (800) 578-4454, www.brewerygulchinn.com.

The meticulously-restored, historic Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and Inn has a variety of events around the migration. Go to www.pointcabrillo.org for more information or call (707) 937-6122. Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is just south of Mendocino Village. From Highway 1, take Pt. Cabrillo Road to Russian Gulch and follow the signs 1.3 miles.

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Have Fun at Whale Festivals
Mendocino Whale and Wine Festival, March 1 & 2, 2008
Features wine tasting, fine local food, whale watching hikes, activities for kids and much more. For further information, call (707) 961-6300.

Fort Bragg Whale Festival, March 15 & 16, 2008
Taste local microbrews and mouth-watering chowder and take in the arts & crafts fair, art exhibits, guided whale walks and more. And don't forget to plan a whale watching excursion at sea with one of the whale watching boats out of Noyo Harbor. For further information, call (707) 961-6300.

The Sixth Annual Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival, April 2008
Wine tasting, smooth jazz, a chowder challenge – and of course daily whale watching at historic Point Arena are in store for you at the Gualala Arts Center’s tribute to the whale this spring. Call (707) 884-1138 for more information.