Calzuro Classic Brown
A do-it-all clog. The best errand running to weeding to cute coffee slip on.
The Waiting Room
Wood burning stove in the corner, records playing, games stacked messily in vintage wooden shelves. You’ll immediately feel welcomed at this locals coffee shop and like you are part of the Mendocino community. Oh, and an incredible pastry case with something new every day, sweet baristas and most importantly, delicious coffee. The Waiting Room is part of the Cafe Beaujolais family, a lovely French inspired restaurant that’s been operating since 1968 though the building dates back to 1893. It’s changed hands a few times but the family running it now has created a fantastic bread program throughout the three restaurants: Cafe Beaujolais, The Brickery, The Waiting Room. All three restaurants are tucked in a small street towards the back of town. Like most of Mendocino, they’re connected by small garden paths that make you feel like your meandering through the village in a dream state, sweet smelling flowers blooming on all sides, glimpses of the ocean if you turn slightly left or right. You could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in this little corner and have a delicious day, but if you’re only in town for a limited time start your day with a cortado and seasonal pastry at The Waiting Room and you will be off to a very good start.
Corners of the Mouth
I am a collector of health food stores, specifically ones of the old school hippie-fied variety that remind me of my childhood. I grew up macrobiotic in a a small family in a small town in PA which led to shopping locally at farmers markets and health food stores over places like Costco. (I am a later in life convert to Costco and can wax poetic about the pizza, no shame in the Costco game). Gold stars are awarded to things like: a large bulk selection (extra credit for anything carob!), wellness sections that sell concoctions ranging from a local witches’ salve for poison oak to beeswax ear candles, hyper local packaged foods, and that very specific smell that’s a mix of bulk spices, frankincense and fresh veggies in the cold case. Whenever I travel locally or abroad I am always on the hunt for local health food stores and my favorite discovery yet may be The Corners of The Mouth in downtown Mendocino. The store is housed in an old church from the 1800s. It’s been a worker owned collective and a staple of the community since 1975. Things of note: Exceptional bulk tea and spice selection upstairs. Really unique and hard to find herbs here! Delicious local fermented foods. I found an all time fave here. If you ever see a Mendo Ferments label - grab a jar!! Beautiful stained glass windows throughout (old church). A+ totes!
Mendocino Art Center
MAC is a workhorse of a community art center. It boasts an art gallery, workshops for beginners and practicing artists, Artists-in-Residence programs, and sweet rooms to rent for visitors and students. Creative energy pulses through the grounds and its a "good vibes all around" space. There is a long history of clay-based art practice in Mendocino and it has drawn some incredibly talented ceramicists to MAC and the surrounding areas. They offer a prestigious 8-month residency every year and walking through the galleries and studio spaces is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. You'll also find a large collection of jewelry, sculpture, paintings, drawings and mixed media on display and for sale.
