Mendocino minivacation, the Allen House, Mendocino

We had a wonderful, short break in early October for Devon's birthday. Just the two of us in one of my favorite places in the world, which my aunt and uncle have owned since the 70s. Rest, relaxation, redwoods, and rain. It was perfect!







I had been grumbling about wanting to take a trip to New England in the spring or fall, which are some of my busiest months. Then I realized that Mendocino is kind of the Bay Area's New England - quaint, cold, hippy/ funky/ traditional, and bursting with amazing fall color.















The house isn't fancy or fussy, but it is very well kept, clean, and filled with beautiful, simple things.







We took a few halfhearted trips into town (the house is about 10 miles outside of the town of Mendocino, in a redwood forest, not on the coast), but the cold rain and laziness drove us to stay mostly on the property, building big fires and snuggling up. Here's a shot of town, almost looking out onto the coast:













There's a great tree house, the best swing, and these rings that Devon got a little workout on:







Ahh. I can't wait to go back!

The property is available for rental, and is the perfect place for a family vacation or reunion, or a rehearsal dinner if your wedding is in the area. Or, if you're kind of low key like us, even a bachelor or bachelorette party kind of thing (not to mention a honeymoon!). We spent one of our honeymoons there in the spring of 2006, and it was a very different season - perfect weather, shining sun, green green grass - but equally amazing and lovely!