Why go now: New storefronts and fresh faces are giving this one-horse town a buzzier vibe. Pop: 1,400
That was then: Logging, apple orchards, and sheep.
This is now: A crop of next-generation Anderson Valley kids is moving back home to open businesses here. Hang with the locals: Over sandwiches at Mosswood Market, at the General Store’s frequent pizza Fridays, and at the Saturday morning farmers’ market.
What to drink: Coastal weather blows up the valley, making this major sparkling and Pinot country.
The biggest party of the year: The county fair, with a rodeo, sheepdog herding trials, and a parade through town (Sep 16–18; $7; mendocountyfair.com).
Still can’t unwind? Book a massage at Nahara Healing Arts, just off the main drag (707/272-1289).
Coming attractions: By next year, you should be able to visit a cidery to taste bright, pink Bite Hard cider, and also Pennyroyal Farms, whose goat’s- and sheep’s-milk cheeses can be sampled at nearby Navarro Vineyards (navarrowine.com).
Find your sweet spot: Melinda Ellis opened Paysanne last year and got right to work making caramels, popsicles, and cookies—she hopes to start churning her own ice cream soon too. Till then, she scoops Three Twins and occasionally her own sorbets. Grab a chair on the sidewalk for a front-row seat to the town’s comings and goings, or circle around to the big sunny deck out back. 14111 State 128.
Pick up a prezzie: What was once the town’s general store still looks much as it did back in the lumber days, but it’s been redubbed Farmhouse Mercantile. Now, its shelves are stocked with gorgeous bits of decor, kitchen tools, linens, ironwork, and everything else you’d fill your dream country house with. Much of it’s made by the many artists who live in the nearby hills. 14111 State 128; 707/895-3996.
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