|
|
 |
 |
|
A North Coast
Winter Getaway
The weather is mild and beautiful in the winter along the Mendocino Coast and its outlying areas; just pack some layers and a jacket, not forgetting the t-shirt and shorts just in case. This winter the Skunk Train in Ft. Bragg is offering some wonderful family excursions and enjoying a day aboard a scenic 120 year old train watching the ferns and redwoods go by might be just the way to enjoy the season. Traveling over rustic bridges, past logging camps, meadows, through tunnels and by historic cabins your family can enjoy and experience one of the West’s best pieces of railroad heritage. While folks used to say in days gone by, “You can smell ’em before you can see ’em,” now families comment more on the Skunk Train’s fascinating scenery, the great snacks and live music while aboard a fun-tastic bit of history. We took the popular pumpkin ride recently but there are more themed rides coming up over the upcoming holidays and you won’t want to miss the fun whether its during Rail Fan Days, Rail, Ale & Wine, Barbecues Trips, Overnighters, or even a special Christmas Pajama Trip (remember Polar Express??). The Skunk Train has come
through a lot of recent changes in the past few years---all good
ones and the same fun remains, just even better! If a soft warm bed, TV, coffeemaker, fridge, and being central to everything is more your style then Seabird Lodge on South Street in Fort Bragg is perfect for families with a huge heated indoor pool, a nice lending library and reading room, and friendly staff who know great hospitality. They can even arrange for a massage for mom or dad while the kids swim in the pool and can steer you in the right direction for all the fun in town including help you in making reservations for various activities. The owners even own Mendocino’s Chocolate Company just a few blocks down the street in town. And kid-you-not---their truffles absolutely cannot be beat! A trip to Ft. Bragg should include a visit to the beautiful and quite magical Botanical Gardens as well as to Glass Beach where treasures can be uncovered by anyone willing to shovel and pick at the sand where shards, glass, and artifacts have been tumbled for decades left over from a dump years ago. So you really can enjoy the winter in a unique way in a unique place just a few hours from Sacramento where the weather is generally mild, the pace is relaxed and people are friendly. All
aboard! Submitted by: Carmel L.
Mooney
|
|||||||||
