North Coast Luxury

Over the years I have cut out and saved many of Jerry Hulse’s fine travel articles and recommendations. Last week I had an opportunity to try a few, and want to thank Jerry for making my trip so enjoyable. I have not traveled alone before, so the trip really was an adventure. His article on Santa Rosa (Oct. 6, 1985) really appealed to me. Following his recommendations, I stayed at the lovely Vintner Inn, ate a delicious meal at Madrona Manor and visited Luther Burbank’s home as well as Charles Schulz’s Redwood Empire Skating Arena. It was a great beginning.

I felt luxurious staying at Heritage House in an 18th-Century four-poster bed with a sweeping view of the grounds and ocean. In Elk, I discovered Greenwood Lodge and Cottages. Three of their six two-room cottages are on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

My favorite inn of the trip, which Jerry wrote about years ago, was Harbor House in Elk. It has a lovely ocean location and a very warm atmosphere provided by its innkeepers, Helen and Dean Turner. Rooms in the lodge and cottages have private baths and are well appointed. The meals are very thoughtfully prepared. Rates for double occupancy are $120 to $180, including both dinner and a full breakfast. The phone is (707) 877-3203.

Thank you for making Sunday mornings so enjoyable for this armchair traveler.

RITA CREAGH

Mission Hills