Champagne bubbles in Mendocino County
redwoods in Medicino
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary last week with a weekend getaway to Mendocino County. My husband planned the event, keeping me in the dark until we were about 15 minutes from our destination. Until that moment, he had hinted strongly that we were “hiking in” and needed to stop and secure some bear canisters. Now for a woman who has never camped a day in her life, the words “bear canisters” sent shivers down my spine.
view from the trail
For sometime I had hinted “strongly” that we needed to explore more of Northern California’s bounty. Dare I say complained even, that we seem to spend every weekend in the city. (I am aware that I live in an incredible place, San Francisco, and will probably not get much sympathy, but I am always curious to see what was around the corner.) In any event, my husband proved he was really listening by planning this trip, but I was a bit worried about the events hubby had in store for me. We struck out on a Saturday morning and made the drive up Hwy 101, and after a brief stop at one of our favorite vineyards in
the valley with the fog
Sonoma, before meandering along some incredibly scenic roads. While stopping off at a grocery store on the pretense of picking up supplies for the camping trip, my husband sprung it on me: we weren’t going camping we were going to spa. A spa!!!! Not a death march? Words fail me to adequately describe my renewed hope for a promising anniversary weekend. I suddenly had a spring in my step and renewed vigor for what lied ahead, and we had not even reached our destination yet. I just knew that if it did not involve “bear canisters” it was a good thing for me.
Every heard of the Vichy baths? Me neither, at least in connection with California, but the Vichy Spa that my husband took me to for an incredibly relaxing weekend made me want to spread the word about this wonderful place.
Vichy water
part of the springs
The Vichy Baths date to the times of the Roman conquest of what is now France, when Julius Caesar discovered “Vichy” water, literally “hot cross” for the warm water that crossed their path. Apparently upon discover of this water, Caesar’s horses, depleted of minerals from the hard ride, drank the water and became immediately stronger. The Romans established a spa at the location called “Vichy” that exists today. Indeed, Olivier Alers, President of Vichy Compagnie, France stated “These waters are remarkably like our.”
This Vichy spa, the California location, is located near the town of Ukiah, about a two hour drive north of San Francisco. The springs were known for 5,000 plus years to the local Native American Pomo tribes who used the springs for the same purpose as the Romans.
Monet's Bridget on VS
Claims made about these waters
- Vichy waters have unique characteristics when consumed including the relief of stomach acidity, it’s effect is akin to Alka Seltzer. It is used for stomach ulcers, rheumatism and arthritis. For skin treatment, it is used for burns, cuts, abrasions of the skin, sunburn, and as immediate relief for poison oak.
- For the fit, the baths are simply one of the most relaxing feelings one can experience in water. The carbonation after three or four minutes dramatically dilates the body’s capillaries and gives the bather a feeling of warmth and peacefulness. Tranquility follows and usually the bather begins to gently float in the bath. Due to the unique properties of the water the bather’s skin is softened in the water and feels much like a baby’s.
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the indoor model
Europeans also know that carbonated Vichy Water along with its high and balanced mineral content relieves those with extreme circulatory problems. Diabetics and others bathe several times per day with dramatic results.
- Drinking the highly alkaline waters soothes acidic digestive systems and aids in gout, rheumatism, and other acid related illnesses.
- The waters have magical powers that realign one’s natural magnetic field, which induces a total relaxation.
I can vouch for the tranquil feeling especially when the bather alternates between these springs and the hot tub – that short walk of 20′ feels like eternity when you want to warm up in the hot tub. The temperature of the baths, we used felt more tepid and after awhile, were driven to find a bit of hit – that alternating of temperatures, and relaxing it certainly was. Talk about a mineral build-up, considering that the spa has been around for 150 years, the concrete baths were showing the effects of continuous exposure -a rust colored, and slippery smooth. Maybe not esthetically pleasing, but it in no way detracted from the relaxing experience, and added to the ambiance.
outdoor model, filling with water
From deep below the surface, over 5 miles to be exact, emerge the fabled naturally warm and carbonated mineral waters of Vichy Springs, California. They flow at over 100 gallons per minute at a pleasantly warm average of 90° F (30° C). The waters are heavily mineralized at 3800 milligrams/L dissolved solids and highly charged with carbon dioxide, and almost identical to the famed Vichy Waters in France and Madagascar. This is no joke, the when you are in the bath and you rub your skin its as if you have glycerin on it, its slick. Laying in the bath, it was easy to see the connection to champagne, as millions of tiny bubbles covered all available surfaces.
just the place to watch the sunrise
The spa sits on over 700 acres, so this pair of runners had ample destinations and trails. We checked out the waterfall, the dam, and perhaps most challenging and rewarding of all, the deserted mine. The grounds where the lodge and guests lodging were located was visited at dusk and dawn by wild turkey and deer. I have never seen so many up of these animals so close that I could touch them if I wanted to; seeing them added to the specialness of the place.
Other visitors that have made stops at this place include Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Presidents Grant, Harrison, and Roosevelt. The spas made such an impression on Jack London, that he claims the Vichy spa as”my favorite summer home”
Mendocino County
Vichy Springs - view from the trail
To me, Mendicino County is overlooked by many in San Francisco given that Napa and Sonoma are closer. It certainly has its charms, with the state parks, wineries and scenic views to take in. It is also a slower way of life, and certainly a bit of counter culture as evidenced by the first “Adopt-A-Highway” sign I saw as we crossed the county line, sponsored by a medicinal marijuana facility. Their Anderson Valley, not to be confused with Alexander Valley in Sonoma County is ground zero for their wine scene. Off the interstate, this county is filled with two lane roads that encourage a relaxed pace, 1. because the ability to pass is limited, and 2. the beauty of this countryside demands that it be soaked up. This area was so remote that the towns around Ukiah even had their own language that they would speak in front of strangers, usually to talk about topics that were best not addressed in polite company.
a very tall redwood
We stopped at Montgomery Woods State Reserve, home of the worlds tallest trees. I’m not going to quibble, from my vantage point, I believe them. This place was off Highway 20, and if you took the exit from around Interstate 101 you would be heading towards Highway 1 and the town of Mendocino. The reason they claim that the trees are taller here is that the area is more remote, some are over 1,500 years in age – imagine what has happened in their lifetimes.
Mendocino Wineries
The wines from this county are not as famous as their more sophisticated neighbors in Napa and Sonoma, but they are definitely nothing to be sneezed at either. Whites and reds flow with equal abundance, but I have to say we preferred the whites at the wineries we stopped at. Indeed several of the vineyards said that their dry whites where their claim to fame, with the Viogner, Gewürztraminer, and Rieslings being personal favorites. Although many of the wineries in Mendocino are building quite a reputation for their Pinot Noir. Another attractive feature is that the prices of Mendocino wine reflect the fact that they are not in Sonoma and Napa.
Alexander Valley
Two wineries that stuck out on this visit:
At the top of Highway 128, closest to the coast is Handley Cellars, one of the oldest vineyards in Anderson Valley. This winery has won plenty of awards for its Pinots, and whites. The lady that was helping us taste said they like to keep their whites on the dry side, and it worked for me. All the varitals I tasted were light, fresh and very aromatic.
the nibblers
Tucked in along side the undulating hills along Highway 128, Navarro is famous for its Alsatian varietals, particularly a big-nosed gewürztraminer that smells like the freshest perfume and dances on the palate. Not to be ignored, their smooth and lingering pinot noir, and a crisp late-harvest riesling. Their whites were all light and fresh, making the sampler immediately list the possibly food parings to make with these wines. Next time we’ll bring a picnic as they have a wonderful set up with an incredible view of the valley. Their late harvest Gewürztraminer was a sweet sipping desert wine, that was utterly divine. A Gold Medal, Best of Class that the SJ Mercury News described as “A dazzling nectar that glitters with peach, cinnamon, and jasmine. Luscious and mouth-filling with a long finish.” I’d agree with that, and felt lucky and down right productive collecting a few bottles for the upcoming holidays.
lama time
One action they implemented at this winery in the name of sustainability that I found interesting is that they recruited a posse of miniature sheep (less than 2′ high) to eat the weeds between the vines. Because of their height limitations, there is no fear that they will nibble on the grape bearing vines. Oh, and they keep a few lamas on hand to watch over the sheep – very nice in my opinion.
Handley Cellars had a nice selection of recipes that paired with with the wines they produced. The spicy pepitas (pumpkin seeds) seemed perfect for this time of year. They recommended nibbling these tasty bits with a glass of Pinot Gris.
Spicy Pepitas
2 c pepitas
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne, or to taste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp spicy toasted ancho chile or chile powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp lime juice
Directions
Heat oven to 375 °F. Toss all the ingredients in a bowl and spread to a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake, shaking the pan twice until lightly browned for 7 to 10 minutes. Enjoy!
What a wonderful hubby to surprise you like that. Happy anniversary, you two! Here’s to many, many more blissful years together.
Happy Anniversary to you and hubs!! I’ve always wanted to spend some time in Mendocino county. I’ve heard so many great things about the place. Now I really have to make a trip up there.
Beautiful photographs and now I’ve learnt that there’s a Vichy spa in the USA. As much as I love camping, I too would take the spa above the bear canisters!
Great post! I’ve been to Vichy in France, but didn’t know there was a US one. Happy annyversary!
Simona
htp://www.cellartours.com/blog
Happy anniversary you fortunate person! I could use some Vichy water right now. All looks so beautiful and peaceful. And I do something very similar with the pumpkin seeds every Halloween. Don’t let those tasty morsels go to waste!
Beautiful pictures,..!!!!! What an excellent post this was!!
What a fab husband & what a surprise!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!
I love spiced pepitas!!
Great husband and happy anniversary! I’d love to visit this area one day when I finally return to the US. There are so many places to visit…
I am a So Cal guy through and through, but stories (and photos) such as these shakes my convictions in this regard somewhat. I am driving north from San Fransisco to Seattle for my own Birthday celebration after the FoodBuzz festival in November. A few stops for this sort of scenery are now in order. GREG
Happy anniversary!!!Looks like a great place to visit.
Happy anniversary! What a great getaway, a perfect way to celebrate! Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Happy Anniversary! Sounds like your man put together a wonderful surprise for you. Mendocino County is beautiful and is a place where I’d love to spend more time. Great photos and and info.
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What a lovely way to celebrate an anniversary. Happy anniversary to you both! I’ve never heard Mendocino county but it looks so refreshing with its greens and even the fog there.The photos are fantastic! I always love spas as I find visiting them like a short vacation, so renewing!
Happy belated anniversary! Now that’s what I call a more than pleasant surprise – nothing could beat a spa and wine weekend!
So wonderful photos of a beautiful place! Happy Anniversary
Cheers!
Gera
I have heard that many of us fall in love this time of year, ours was the week before! What a beautiful trip, and I love the nibblers
Happy Anniversary, and aren’t trips like this so inspirational…
Happy Anniversary, my dear! Wow, what a great place to celebrate your romance. I’ve never actually heard of this place, but I’m glad you introduced it to me! Haha, did the water really have magical powers?
Happy Anniversary! Sounds like a lovely weekend and an incredible spa. I’m glad to know I’m not the only person in the world who doesn’t camp!
Happy Anniversary, Lou Ann! What a wonderful place to celebrate. I’m not much into camping, but I’m tempted to go on a camping trip just by looking at these pictures.
But what I’ll be thinking about tonight, though, is the spicy pepitas and a glass of Pinot Gris. The most delicious idea I’ve come across today.
Carolyn – thanks for the well wishes!
Jenn – Thanks! I did this post to hopefully plan the seed that people need to visit Mendocino – its a beautiful place!
Crystal – I think my next step will be to compare this Vichy Spa to the one in France. It was a wonderful relaxing experience, and I now fully understand why people “take the waters”.
Simona – Thanks! I had no idea either before this weekend!
Claudia – I am very lucky, but its nice to push the bounderies every now and again =) I agree there’s nothing like munching on a bowl of these pepitas. Very tasty!
Sophie – Thanks, and I agree it was a wonderful experiences and I am very luck!
Helen – Thanks! I think you would really enjoy this area, it reminds me a bit of parts of Italy but has a style all its own. Add it to your next 5 year plan!
Sippity – Having been a SoCal gal myself, I say there are certain things where there are just no comparison, this area is one of them (SoCal leads in other areas). Definitely give this a try when you go through – and leave plenty of room in the trunk of your car for the bottles you will surely collect. The whole reason I did this post was to give people the idea that they should stop off and see whats off of Hwy 101. Have a wonderful time!
Erica – Thanks!
Natasha – Thanks!
Lisa – Agree with you 100% – thanks!
Zerrin – Thanks and it was really a special place, if you ever make it to this area, I highly recommend you stop by!
TN – Thanks, and agreed! Mr Oyster did very good!
Gera – thanks!
ChefE – There is something special about this time of the year, and being in a beautiful place certainly does not hurt matters!
Sophia – Magical powers indeed – I slept like a baby =)
Lisa – it is indeed nice to know I am not alone!
Leela – I must say I too am more tempted now, but just do not raise the subject of bear canisters with me! Hope you enjoy those pepitas and and pinot! Bon Appetit!
Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! What a surprise he brought you. I can imagine how romantic the moment both of you enjoyed in Vichy waters. “Whink”~
Sounds like a lovely way to celebrate your anniversary, and love the way he surprised you! Love the pictures.
You found a perfect way to celebrate a milestone. Northern Cali is really beautiful. It’s hard to believe sometimes.
Ok that’s hilarious – I just posted a recipe for spicy pepitas!
Great minds think alike.
Your anniversary trip sounds like a wonderful time. Spa-ing, wine-ing, nature-ing: all the major musts were hit.
Lucky girl!
Christine – thanks for the well wishes. You’re right, the Vichy waters were most enjoyable!
Gastro – We did have a fabulous time, and are already planning our trip back
Duo – It is beautiful and I am just looking for any excuse to explore it. =)
Brenda – Great minds do indeed think alike – I peaked at your pepitas recipe and need to go back, I couldn’t resist, but had to rush out before I could comment