Resources and Reflections

Northern Californian Garden Treasures,
Winning Wineries and More

Our partner, Ann Flanders, Master Gardener and Travel Consultant with Great Southern Travel is thrilled to offer a very special trip to visit some award winning gardens, private and botanical. As she describes it;

“In the spectacular setting of northern California’s most picturesque areas, we’ll also visit wineries, offering some of California’s very finest wines.
Our journey begins in San Francisco, after our airplane lands, we shall proceed to the area of Golden Gate Park. Lunch close to the Park on our own, we proceed to the world reknown San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers. Our guide there will enlighten us as to the highlighted treasures within. Next we’ll head north to Sonoma County’s Santa Rosa, a charming village for an overnight stop. The following morning we will visit the famous horticulturist, Luther Burbank’s home and garden. It was in Santa Rosa he developed more than 800 new varieties of plants in his close by experimental garden. Winding through the Sonoma Valley on highway 101, we’ll jog off on highway 28 through spectacular Redwood forests, by numerous state parks toward the coast. Here lies the famous Anderson Valley, home to a group of wineries that produce some of the most excellent wines in California, notably the California Pinot Noir. A few stops along the way with tastings will allow us a better appreciation.
Subsequently, we’ll continue to our final destination, the picturesque village of Mendocino. Wonderfully quaint, refreshingly absent from here are fast food chains or commercialism. Noted for its artistic galleries, fabulous restaurants, and rambling gardens upon the pacific coastal bluffs, this town is noted not only for its beautiful setting but also much more. Our home for the next four nights will be the exquisite Stanford Inn by the Sea, on a hill side, overlooking Mendocino Bay. The Inn is surrounded by their own gorgeous organic garden and contains guest rooms paneled in pine and redwood. Comfort is assured with every detail attended to, from wood-burning fireplaces set and ready to light to the sumptuous organic breakfasts.
Our next morning begins with breakfast followed by a venture to the 47 acre Mendocino Botanical Garden for a docent guided tour of the only botanical
Located on the ocean. Noted for its rhododendrons, heathers and wildflowers, the temperate climate of this region afford plants in bloom in every season. We’ll leave here to visit some unique and unusual offerings in Hortus Botanicus and Celeri and Sons, specialized local nurseries in the Ft. Bragg area. A chance to look around Ft. Bragg area a bit, concluded by a casual dinner at the Mendo Bistro in Ft. Bragg, overlooking the sea.
Tuesday we will awake to some time on our own to use as we choose. Perhaps a hike or visit to galleries or shopping in Mendocino. Even nine holes of golf, a canoe or kayak ride is possible. We’ll join again at lunchtime for a garden tour and demonstration lunch at our own Stanford Inn’s famous restaurant, the Raven. Afterwards we will be treated to visit some private gardens of local area residents. Late afternoon and evening whatever you like.
Wednesday morning, our choice to pursue various options. Some of the above or perhaps an ocean kayak tour or a ride on the skunk train to enjoy the views of mountains, majestic redwood trees, rustic bridges over the Noyo River.
Mid afternoon we will meet to travel a bit south to Albion for a private visit to the unique nursery, Digging Dog Nursery. Also in Albion, we will be treated to dinner and jazz at the Ledford House. We’ll call it a night early as our next morning departure will be at 7am to return directly to the San Francisco Airport for our 1210 pm Midwest Airlines departure. Stanford Inn has promised breakfast to go that morning. By 5pm we’re back in KC. It should all be delightful, hope you’ll join us.”

Inclusions:
Round trip Midwest Airlines flights Kansas City to San Francisco
5 nts. Hotel with taxes
Small motor coach transportation
Breakfast daily, 2 dinners, 2 lunches
Entry fees to all gardens
Guides, tours, and lectures by master gardeners

Maximum participants: 20, Minimum: 14

Cost(update pending): $1695, per person, double occupancy
$2195, single room

Your $300 check or credit card is your reservation. Final payment due July 10, 2009. Insurance is available and recommended.

For more information, contact:

Ann Flanders
Master Gardener and Travel Consultant
Great Southern Travel
300 S.W. Ward Road
Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
913 558-2155

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