32nd Annual John Druecker Rhododendron Show & Plant Sale

The largest rhododendron show in California with over 700 entries will be held May 2 & 3 in Fort Bragg~Sponsored Chapter of the American Rhododendron society.
The Noyo Chapter hosts its show the first full weekend each May. The 32Nd annual John Druecker Memorial Show & plant sale will be held at Dana Grey Elementary School, 1197 Chestnut Street, Fort Bragg, California 2009. Species of the plant will be featured in this year's theme, "Shangri-La".
This is one of the largest on the west coast with over 700 entries. There will be awards given, a raffle, refreshments, educational displays and more! Admission is free to this truly worthwhile event.
For more information visit: www.mendocinocaost.com; www.gomendo.com; www.mendocino.com


By, Kendra

Abalone Diving

California's popular red abalone sport fishery season will open April 1 in waters north of San Francisco Bay. Anyone who takes abalone must record their catch on an abalone report card and tag the animal with tags corresponding to the report card.
Abalone report cards have greatly increased the consistency of our annual take estimates are a vital source of information needed to manage this resource.
Everyone engaging in the take of abalone is responsible for knowing and abiding by all California marine sport fishing regulations pertaining to abalone. DFG produced a short video that demonstrates the required tagging procedures.

By, Kendra

Off Leash Dog Park for Tourists & Locals

Johanna Jensen, a major Fort Brag booster and former owner of cowlick's Ice Cream, loves dogs. So much so, that she got together with a group of other civic minded folks, to build an off the leash dog park in Fort Bragg. Here's the story Johanna submitted:

MCDOG, Mendocino Coast Dog Owner Group, is pleased to announce the Fort Bragg Dog park is officially open, and it's a huge success! The dog park is located on the grounds of the C.V. Starr Community Center, at Maple and S. Lincoln in Fort Bragg. The park is almost an acre of fenced land where well-behaved dogs can romp and play between dawn and dusk each and every day. There are two areas, one for big dogs, and a slightly smaller one for small and shy dogs. Visit on a sunny Saturday afternoon and you'll find a dozen or more dogs, and their people, enjoying the park.

By, Kendra

Noyo Harbor Vessels Seek "Flying Fish"

With Salmon fishing off limits, where will local boat tour operators go? In search of flying fish perhaps?
There are indeed flying fish- 40 species worldwide. But they are found in warm oceans, not in our cool north coast waters.
However, the Mendocino Coast Audubon Society is sponsoring a pelagic birding Trip on May 18, taking a boat load of locals and tourists from Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg aboard the Trek II to search for birds at sea. Trip leaders of Fort Bragg's noted wildlife photographer Ron Valley from Mendocino Coast photographer Guide and Gallery in the Company Store on main street in Fort Bragg. For details and reservations, contact Karen Havlena jkhavlena@yahoo.com or 707-964-1280. Noyo Harbor-based trips also are planned for Aug. 8 and 10 by Debbie Shearwater Journeys.

By, Kendra

John Sebastian in concert

April 10Th,
John Sebastian will be in concert for one night only... Friday April 10Th 8p.m. at the cotton auditorium, presented by the Coast, benefiting Friends of the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District.
Tickets are $25.00 in advance/ $30.00 at the door for main floor, $20.00 in advance/ $25.00 at the door for upper level. Tickets available at Harvest Market in the Boatyard Shopping Center, Out of This World, or Coast Music in Fort Bragg.


By, Kendra

symphony of the redwoods spring concert

April 4Th.
twenty-seven musicians performed the first symphony of the redwoods concert in 1983. Now after more than a quarter of a century the symphony has come of age.

The concert will be held at the Cotton Auditorium, Fir and Harold street, Fort Bragg, Ca at 8p.m. on April 4Th and at 2p.m. on April 5Th. tickets are available on-line at Symphony of the Redwoods, or after March 23rd at Harvest Market in Fort Bragg and Out of This World in Mendocino, They are also available at Cotton Auditorium box office 1 hour before the concert.

By, Kendra

Spring Time At The Gardens

Rhododendron Bloom Walks

Join local rhododendron enthusiast Dennis McKiver for a walk through the rhododendron blooms at the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg. Join them as they walk the peaceful gardens to look and talk about all the gorgeous rhododendrons in bloom. Don't miss out on the exciting and memorable rhododendron walks going on April 4th, 11th, and 18th and again on May 9th and 16th at 1:30 pm. Spring time is here and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is the place to be where you'll discover 47 acres of beauty.

Info@gardenbythesea.org

Location: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

18220 North Hwy 1

Fort Bragg, Ca 95437

By Kristin

Second Annual Bunny Camp

The second annual Bunny Camp will be going on Saturday, April 11 at Little River Inn. Camp counselors will show kids how to decorated their Easter eggs, bags, and cookies. Then there will be an Easter Egg Hunt fallowed by a visit with the Easter Bunny. Sessions will be at 11 am and at 1 pm, $10 per child. If you would like to make reservations please call 707-937-5942. You can also visit www.info@littleriverinn.com for more information.

Location: Little River Inn
7901 North Hwy 1
Little River, Ca 95456

By Kristin

Facebook and Myspace

Come join us, The Beachcomber Motel on Facebook and Myspace. Become our friend and check out our pictures of the beautiful sunsets on the ocean, the gnarly storm swells, all the wild life in our area and even The Beachcomber staff. Also be sure to check out our web sight: http://www.thebeachcombermotel.com/ to check our availability and any local events going on Mendocino county.


by Kendra,

Great Day on the Coast

What a beautiful day we had today. The sun is shining and the ocean is sparkling. We still have rooms available for the Fort Bragg Whale Festival this weekend. Give us a call or go online and book your room today. You won't be disappointed with all the great and exciting things to do!


Phone: 1-800-400-7873

website : thebeachcombermotel.com


By Michelle

Easter Egg Express on the Skunk Train

Come on over to the Beach for Easter Weekend. Enjoy a ride on the Skunk Train for their annual Easter Egg Express on April 11 & 12 at 10:00am out of Fort Bragg. The trip includes a visit with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt and goodie bags. The cost is $47.00 for adults and $22.00 for children. Reservations are required.



By Michelle

Fort Bragg Rhododendron Show

The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents the 32nd Annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show and Plant Sale. It will be held at Dana Gray Elementary School, 1197 Chestnut Street in Fort Bragg, on May 2nd at 1:30-5pm and May 3rd at 10am-4pm. This is a juried event, one of the largest on the west coast with over 700 floral entries. Admission is free and besides awards, there will be a gorgeous garden scene, a silent auction, educational displays, an ongoing raffle, and much more interesting things to enjoy. For more information regarding the show or membership call 707-964-4435 and you can also visit www.rhododendron.org

By Kristin

Fort Bragg Steak House

Come over to Fort Bragg and enjoy a fabulous meal at the new Fort Bragg Steak House. The food is incredible and the price is right. They have only been open a few months and are already becoming very popular. They have a very good sized Prime Rib to die for and Crab Cakes that are absolutely delicious. For the pasta lovers they have Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo which was fabulous and the Clam Chowder was probably the best I've ever had. Everything was absolutely wonderful and the price was reasonable. The menu is loaded with wonderful meals that will make your mouth water. I highly recommend the Fort Bragg Steak House and I promise you will not be disappointed. They are located on 546 South Main Street in Fort Bragg.

By Kristin

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg

Glass Beach is one of the most unique beaches in the world and is located only about a quarter mile from The Beachcomber Motel. Nature did not create the beach this way but because of time and the pounding surf it has corrected one of man's mistakes. Around 1949, the area around Glass Beach had become a public dump. It is hard to imagine these days but back in the day people dumped all sorts of garbage right into the ocean. By the early sixties, attempts were made to control what was dumped, and dumping of any toxic items was banned. In 1967 plans for a new dump began away from the ocean. Over 30 years later, mother nature reclaimed this beach and years of pounding waves has deposited tons of polished glass onto the beach. Now what you'll see is beautiful, polished, shining glass all over the beach. You will find not only a collectible sort of colorful glass but many amazing tide pools to explore. Glass Beach is a major attraction and is only a short walk from The Beautiful Beachcomber Motel.

By Kristin

Willy Wonka Jr

May 1St - May 17Th
Oompa-Loompas are coming to Fort Bragg! Kids will love the adventures of Charlie Bucket at the Willy Wonka chocolate factory.
Willy Wonka is based on a 1964 Roald Dahl novel. Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be give a tour, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Charlie Bucket along with four other children, win a chance to tour the factory. Inside is a psychedelic wonderland full of chocolate rivers, giant edible mushrooms, lickable wallpaper, and Wonka's workers, the small orange-tinted, green haired men known as Oompa-Loompas.

Show dates are May 1St-May 17TH.
Friday, Saturday begins @ 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 3pm @ Eagles Hall Theatre in Fort Bragg.

by, Kendra

Sea the Whales

Whale watching from a kayak is a unique and exciting experience. Indulge your senses as you see, hear, feel, and smell the whales. the water level perspective of the whales is unlike any from a boat or land. Paddle with liquid fusion in their stable, comfortable, and dry sea kayaks. Kayaking is perfect for viewing other wild life in the ocean as well. A variety of coastal birds, harbor seals and sea lions make regular appearances during their tours.

All ages, skills, and abilities will enjoy whale watching from a kayak. Know experience necessary. They provide knowledgeable guides and all kayaking equipment

For information or reservations call.
(707(962-1623
location. Noyo Harbor
E-mail. liquidfusionkayaking@gmail.com
$60.00 per person

by, kendra

Mackerricher Whale Festival

March 20, 21, and 22, 2009 will be the Mackerricher Whale Festival. All activities begin at the Mackerricher visitor center next to the whale skeleton.

* March 20, 7pm- "Close encounters of the whale kind." Listen to people sharing their encounters with gray whales and other marine mammals. Share your own experiences with whales.
* March 21, 11am- "Whale Talk and Walk." Learn about gray whales and go to Laguna Point to look for whales. Binoculars will be provided.
* March 21, 12:30pm to 2:30pm- "Whale Scavenger Hunt." Children follow clues to learn about gray whales and win a prize.
* March 21, 12:00pm to 2:30pm- "Make a whale - arts and crafts." Children can make their own whales.
* March 22, 11am- "Whale Talk and Walk." Learn about gray whales and go to Laguna Point to look for whales.
* March 22, 1pm to 3pm- "Paint the whale skeleton." Help us paint the metal support base of the whale skeleton. Paint and brushes will be provided.

The Mackerricher State Park Visitor Center is located three miles north of Fort Bragg, Ca. All whale festival activities are free. Call 707-961-0471 for more information.

By Kristin

Live Music At Casper Inn

Friday, March 27Th is the pirfect time to stay at the Beachcomber Motel and take a ride on down to Casper, about 5 miles away to the Casper Inn where Steven Bates, one of our fravorite local Rock-n-Roll musicians will be playing. Show starts at 8pm, addmission: $12.00. Remember, Dont Drink and Drive, if you need a ride call Hey Taxi, they'll gladley pick you up and drop you off here at the Beachcomber Motel.


By, kendra

North Coast Comedy Show

Come stay @the Beachcomber Motel "on the beach" and join the Fort Bragg locals at the North Coast Brewing co. for a North Coast Comedy show staring Stu Stuart. March 21st,showtime: 8pm, tickets $15.00.
If you happen to miss him @ the North Coast Brewery, he will be at the Hill House Inn on April 4Th in Mendocino.

by, kendra

Meet the artists in our community

Saturday March 14th, meet the artists in our community. Opening receptions for new exhibits are each Second Saturday at Mendocino galleries from 5 to 8pm and at Gualala Arts center from 5 to 7pm. Participating Mendocino galleries include: The Mendocino Art Center, Coastside Gallery, Mendocino Jewelry Studio, Mendocino Artists Co-Op, The World of Suzi Long, Panache Gallery, Highlight Gallery, Voodoo Pink as well as Rotating Exhibits at Odd Fellows Hall. Come to Fort Bragg and stay at The Beachcomber Motel on the beach and enjoy your spectacular view of the ocean and spend the day meeting all the lovely artists in our community.

By Kristin

whale festival

It's a perfect weekend here on the coast for our annual Mendocino whale festival which is just a ten minute ride to Mendocino from the Beachcomber Motel. Please come stay with us and enjoy the beautiful March weather, while the the whales pass by.

If not this weekend be sure to come visit us for the Fort Bragg whale festival on march 20th and 21st. Don't miss out there will be lots for all ages to do including chowder tasting, wine tasting, arts n' crafts along with alot of other cool things to do in Fort Bragg.

kendra,

Raining but Exciting

It may be raining here on the coast but it is still a great time to stay at The Beachcomber. The waves are enormous and magnificent and are always a great site to see. You can still enjoy a lovely view of the waves and relax in our nice cozy rooms. Or if you feel like spoiling yourself come stay in our jacuzzi or hot tub suite and soak in the tub and enjoy your favorite glass of wine. Don't forget about our 2 for 1 special for our returning guests which is ending soon. So hurry on over to the coast and enjoy your stay at The Beachcomber Motel where you can have a beautiful view of the magnificent waves.

By Kristin