The Stanford Inn By The Sea

If you’re researching places to stay, consider The Stanford Inn By The Sea. Situated on lush greenery, this charming Mendocino inn is great for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, and most of all, a dog-friendly experience. The personnel were very attentive and pleasant. The room and all common areas were impeccably clean, and cozy. If you’re dying for a view of the ocean, ask for a top floor Big River room.

Don’t be surprised that the onsite restaurant is vegan. If you are expecting a hearty steak or meat lover’s pizza, this may be a problem. If you’re expecting a dirty martini, no worries – there is a full bar. A short drive or brisk walk from the inn, you can find storefronts and local Mendocino restaurants.

The Stanford inn is GG approved

To read my Yelp review of The Stanford Inn By The Sea, click here.

Toulouse Vineyards

Toulouse Vineyards is nestled in the Anderson Valley about 40 minutes Southeast from the town of Mendocino. Just as you start to dread the drive back to the city, stop here to taste some vino. You’ll feel right at home. The kind nature of each and every staff member makes for a very warm occasion. Plus, they welcome dogs.

Before you leave, take a few minutes to tour the grounds.

Toulouse Vineyards is GG approved

To read my Yelp review of Toulouse Vineyards, click here.

The post Touring Mendocino County appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Along Center Street, the main through way, stands Hopland Tap House. What a GEM! From the brick facade, to the patio, to the shuffle board table, to the jukebox, this establishment is bursting with character!

Being a “tap house,” we assumed the selection of draught beers would be pretty awesome and I’m happy to report we were not disappointed. Pranqster, a locally brewed beer was our favorite. Not to worry, if you’re not a brew drinker, there are a handful of nonalcoholic beverages offered as well. I recommend the fresh squeezed lemonade.

Now onto the food…come hungry! It was refreshing to see such a variety of food on a bar menu, suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Since a trip to Hopland is out of our regular routine, I had to try more than one item. It was a turkey panini and pastrami wrapped hotdog kind of lunch – both served with a side salad dressed in a DELICIOUS light vinaigrette. The turkey panini was as fresh as can be topped with pesto sauce and pressed to perfection. But the pastrami wrapped beef hotdog was on a whole new level. Caramelized pastrami…need I say more?! GET IT.

Aside from the yummy food and rockin’ drinks, the staff was so friendly and extraordinarily helpful. I am already looking forward to my next stop at Hopland Tap House and hopefully the weather will be prettier so that we can sit outside on the patio and enjoy a feast with GG!

Click here to read my yelp review of Hopland Tap House.

The post First Stop: Hopland Tap House appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

While waiting for my turkey and pastrami “facon” (fake bacon) club, I started out with the most flavorful chocolate babka I’ve ever eaten. It was HUGE and could easily be shared between two people.

Chocolate babka – photo courtesy of wisesonsdeli.com

Already wowed after my first glimpse of Wise Sons’ lip smacking goodness, the club sandwich and fries shortly arrived. Being a Jewish deli, you won’t find pork served here, so in lieu of bacon, the club is comprised of: smoked turkey, pastrami fried like bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and horseradish on challah toast. Normally I prefer a warm pressed sandwich, but this one was delish and the pastrami facon was out of this world!

Aside from the delightful meal, the atmosphere was casual and low key. We sat outside, at the family-style picnic tables, of course so that GG could join, and the other patrons seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as we were. I look forward to serving Wise Sons’ latkes at my Hanukkah party next month.

Read my Yelp review for Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen here.

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