The Spring/Summer season is right around the corner, which calls for a romantic summer staycation. And I have just the place for you.. Read along to plan your next staycation in California.
After a hectic work week, Naveen and I decided to take a weekend road trip to Northern California. While booking a stay for the weekend, we found this rare gem on Airbnb and instantly booked it. A tiny cabin in the woods – sounds romantic right? Located in the Mendocino County, everything about this cabin was SO magical. From the unique and eclectic decor to the fact that I had no cell service or Television ! Yep…it gave the perfect disconnected and much needed getaway vibe.
Day 1
We rented the cabin for 2 days and checked for amenities and all the near by attractions but still came prepared with a few essentials – Chinese takeout and beers + a few bottles of wine. The cabin was stocked with pretty much everything else.
We made a quick stop at the Point Reyes National Seashore to checkout the lighthouse and Cypress Tree Tunnel on the way and reached the cabin by evening. The host left us a message on the airbnb app with detailed instruction to find the place and how to unlock the door, promptly before checkin. It was pretty easy to find the main property during the day(just a little off of Highway 1 in Albion, CA)..but the sign is pretty dull and might get hard to locate the entrance at night. So I suggest reaching the property before sunset.
After parking our car on the main property, we carried our luggage and walked a bit to reach the cabin. (the cabin is secluded from the main property). Watching the whole setting unfurl – a vibrant, tiny cabin nestled in the Redwood forest with a friendly cat perched on the deck waiting to welcome us, immediately felt like we wanted to stay forever.
From the homey vintage decor and the record player with numerous records to choose from to a cozy upstairs bedroom and honestly…even the smell. Isn’t that crazy how smells take you places and make impressions in your mind without you even realizing it?
Amenities
- Plates, spoon, coffee mugs, water
- Wifi (no cell service)
- Bathrobes and all bath products
- Extra blankets and comforter
- Microwave & refrigerator
On the way to the cabin, there is a general store + gas station, where you can get essentials. Also a great viewpoint of the Albion bridge, you can stop by and get some great photos.
The bedroom situation is a little on the cozy side, you have a to climb up a ladder to get upstairs but is well set up with a massive balloon lamp, a double sized bed, a mirror + an ottoman and a tiny bookshelf with a few reading options.
If I wrote this blog post and didn’t talk about this bathtub I would be doing such an injustice to this cabin! When I booked this Airbnb, the tub was what sealed the deal! The main bathroom (as big as the living room) has a separate entrance – a yellow door which opens up to a bohemian style decorated washroom with a yellow stand-alone soaking tub and wide windows boasting stunning views of the Redwood forest. Adorned with a green towel cabinet(stocked with bath salts and all bath products you could possibly need), vintage pots + painting and hand-sewn rugs, it felt like a little piece of art…all in itself.
After unpacking, we explored the property for a bit and also befriended the cat. When, it got a little chilly we rushed indoors, put on a record on the record player, cozied up on the couch and cracked open the a bottle of wine. It was an amazing night of takeout food, lots of beverages, peaceful music and endless conversations (no cellphones or tv) -definitely what we needed!
NOTE: The cabin is stocked with extra throws, blankets and a heater, so don’t worry about getting cold.
Day 2
We woke up the next morning (seriously in the most comfortable beds ever)… and Naveen made us coffee, which we enjoyed on the front porch. We had carried bread, avocados and some sauces so I whipped us a quick breakfast to enjoy with some extra coffee.
There is no stove so be mindful to get along some cold breakfast options, if you get really hungry in the morning. Or you could drive down to Albion(5 mins away) or Mendocino(20 mins away) for a good wholesome breakfast.
I set up a bubble bath after breakfast. If you know me, I am a sucker for bubble baths and I would definitely not give up one with a view like this.
I put on a face mask and dropped a bath bomb in the tub and settled in for an hour of relaxation. The sound of birds chirping, leaves nestling as the wind blew through and lush foliage views from the window were such a nice touch for a refreshing morning shower. SOOO relaxing and undoubtedly the best I’ve ever had.
Later in the afternoon we decided to grab lunch and headed to the Mendocino Cafe for a delicious Thai lunch + wine. After a filling meal, we went on a hike to burn a few calories. There is a beautiful coastal + beach trail from the Mendocino Presbyterian Church, which takes you to the Portuguese Beach( perfect for a summer picnic) and all along the Mendocino Coast. The trail features some breathtaking views of the rugged California Coast and also a blowhole at the end of it; its moderately difficult and but the views are definitely worth your time!
After the hike we strolled through the town, ate delicious ice cream and shopped at some cute souvenir shops; the spring flowers had all just bloomed making the town more so charming.
After sunset we drove back to the cabin, and set up for dinner around the outdoor fireplace. The firepit was rounded up with carved wooden logs which looked like sofas ( so tastefully done). We roasted marshmallows, made s’mores, drank lots of beer and stargazed. The sky was so clear that night, I swear we saw like a gazillion stars. It was magical and oh, so romantic.
Day 3
The next day, we woke up early to do a morning hike around the property. There is a trail right next to the cabin, which takes you deep inside the Redwood forest and grasslands. Along the trail, we also came up to a beautiful meadow and the morning light play was just WOW…so incredible I can’t recommend this enough.
Everything about this cabin was magical. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway and spend some quality time with your partner. I have no doubt that we will go back… and fall in love with this place all over again.
As much as I don’t want to share this little gem…and keep it to myself, here is the link!
Thanks for reading. And as always all opinion are my own.
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