Yes to Noyo Harbor Inn

Posted on   March 16,2021   By John Compisi

COVID restrictions appear to be loosening and millions of Americans have been and will be vaccinated over the coming months. As this picture brightens, people will begin reimagining vacations and travel. We have done so and for our initial excursion we chose the Mendocino Coast. For us, living in the Tahoe Basin, the drive to the Mendocino Coast was a moderate ~4-hour drive.

We have enjoyed the Mendo Coast numerous times in the past, we used to live less than an hour away on Highway 128, just west of Cloverdale. It was a logical day trip or short escape. We had been to Ft. Bragg a few times but typically, it was a short trip for work or lunch or a wine event like WineSong at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. We had never overnighted there.  We didn’t know what our options were and what activities we might avail ourselves of. We have a few insights now that we have stayed 3 days and 2 nights there.

In a recent, and much needed, COVID escape plan, we arranged a 2-night stay at the Noyo Harbor Inn. This quaint inn has a very interesting history stretching back over 150 years and is actually located in an historic fishing village on the Noyo River mouth which empties a few hundred yards away into the mighty Pacific Ocean. Today, the village, outside the Ft. Bragg city limits, is in the shadows of the Noyo River Bridge, which carries the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1), spanning the river 110’ above. Aside from the Inn, the village supports active commercial fishing operations, and various other lodging and dining establishments, all on the north side of the river.

We were fortunate to have a charming room overlooking the harbor and marina with numerous harbor seals cavorting and barking, down below, while we watched the fishing boats exiting and entering the harbor as the day unwound. Quite romantic.

The Inn was most recently refurbished and opened on Christmas Day 2017. Happily, the rehab maintained the gorgeous wood paneling and porthole style windows. Our room included a fireplace and a very large jacuzzi style tub besides a separate modern and very well-appointed bathroom with large shower. Our room also featured a very comfortable king-sized bed and a large smart TV. Very comfy!

The dining offered included dinner beginning on Thursday through the weekend (check to see you’re your circumstances might be as they do change) and brunch (no breakfast at the time of our visit). We had an exceptional dining experience despite the chilly temperatures and light rain. The Patio dining area was charmingly tented from the elements and lighted for purpose and effect. The wine list was extensive and the restaurant features a full bar. I selected an entrée from the menu, the Pan Seared “Ora” King Salmon and Linda ordered the special Risotto with grilled Shrimp. Both dishes were beautifully prepared and presented. The servers were well trained attentive to our needs without being intrusive or bothersome. All in all, a very delightful dining experience.

Other dining opportunities:

We enjoyed lunch in Ft. Bragg at the North Coast Brewing Company and Tap Room. The local brews were delicious and the food was very tasty. We had filling Nachos with Black Beans.

   We also had dinner one evening at Silver’s at the Wharf down on the flats of the Noyo Village. Rustic but with amazing views of the Noyo Bridge and the comings and goings of the local fishing fleet. I had the Fish and Chips. Linda had, you guessed it, Shrimp.

So, what does one do in the Ft. Bragg area? There are a few very unique things to do.

We have enjoyed the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens several times. This is a tremendous experience with the rugged Mendocino Coast as a stunning backdrop to the amazing botanical specimens.

The Skunk Train Rail Bikes were a really fun diversion. The starting point and tickets can be purchased at the Skunk Train Museum on the North side of town. The rail bikes are two-person pedal bikes that ride the rails. Fortunately, there is a battery powered assist which comes in very handy during the return ride which is mostly uphill. The Redwood Route is about 3.5 miles along Pudding Creek and has a 50-minute stop for lunch (bring your own) and a walking break. The ride is guided (our guides had a great sense of humor) and you will not lose your place in line on the rails. No Passing!!

Our three days in the Ft. Bragg area was perfectly relaxing and the Noyo Harbor Inn was the perfect home base for our escape adventure!!