Visiting Stanford Inn by the Sea

Thank goodness for long holiday weekends to catch up and decompress, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed and burned out lately with so much going at work and general strange and tough times in life as many have. We got more help at work this week thankfully, so hopefully things will be getting better there at least. And I am still catching up on our wonderful trip to Mendocino two weeks ago and our first time experiencing Stanford Inn by the Sea. It started with a 4+ hour road trip leaving the smoke and heat in our area and stopping by Amy’s Drive Thru in Rohnert Park for lunch and a break for Miko’s medication.

Then, after a gorgeous winding drive through the redwoods and wineries, which Miko was happy to sleep through, we made it to the foggy and cool coast to take in the sights of the Inn.

Once we arrived, Miko and I had a wonderful time exploring the peaceful gardens, he was on smell overload! I was tempted to spend plenty at the wonderful shop in the lobby full of wine, books, unique gifts, and vegan snacks. Our room was perfect for us on the first floor of the forest building, it had a separate entry room for dog leashes, shoes, bikes, etc. making it easy to step Miko out in the middle of the night without disturbing Ron. It also has a cozy feel with a wood burning fireplace.

The greenery and gardens at the Stanford Inn are a sight to see, so peaceful, beautiful, and all well maintained with cleared walkways for guests to explore. Also plenty of EV charging scattered around the parking lot.

One challenge on this trip was we decided to take Miko everywhere on every adventure because leaving him alone in the room was not an option. That meant taking him on our bike adventure around the beaches, trails, and Mendocino town and an opportunity to test the new backpack I got for him. Complementary bike rentals are included with your stay at the Stanford Inn and they were really nice bikes.

He adjusted and liked the backpack a lot more than I thought he would perfectly happy to snuggle in this warm blanket in it and take in the scenery. He became quite a celebrity as we were riding through the town, but not so sure about taking breaks out of it in the chilly air and even colder ocean water.

After cleaning up back at the Inn, we stepped back out to find dinner in town and ended up at Frankie’s Mendocino for the vegan pizza options and dog friendly patio.

The pizza and peaceful surroundings were a perfect way to wrap up our first full day in Mendocino. On our second day, we rented kayaks from Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too where I was a bit nervous about taking Miko on, he has never done anything like this and has never been a fan of water. But I decided new experiences and adventures would be good for us all and look at the adorable life vest they had for him.

He did wonderful sitting in my lap, hanging out in his little cave in the front of the kayak, or checking out the other dogs cruising by on kayaks and canoes – I think he actually enjoyed the whole experience. I was so relieved and grateful!

After that adventure, we headed back into town to take in the sights and shops – what a beautiful area!

Then back to the Inn for dinner and take in the last sunset and cozy night with our fireplace.

It was sad to start the drive back home, but at least there was lunch again at Amy’s Drive Thru mid way.

It was such a nice getaway and change of scenery from our smoky and hot area that this needs to be a new late summer tradition for us. And I am so thankful everything went well with Miko caring for him on the road and making sure he got his medication while being a new and fun experience for him as well.