Friday, February 25, 2011

March: North Coast Whale Festivals

Every year in December an estimated 20,000 gray whales begin their annual migration north from the calving lagoons of Baja. By March they can be seen in large pods off the California coast and it is cause for celebration in three of the north state's most beloved communities along a thirteen mile stretch of Highway 1.

This year's Mendocino Whale Festival will begin the festivities March 5th and 6th with wineries setting up tasting stations in inns, galleries and shops throughout Mendocino Village and Little River, while the area’s top chefs produce their favorite seafood chowders in a tasting event. A marine mammal art exhibit, outdoor painting demonstrations, and docent-led walks are all part of the two-day festival.

Mendocino Village
The following weekend, March 12th and 13th the whale-watching wine and food party will move three miles south of Mendocino to the tiny region of restaurants and B&Bs known as Little River.

North of Mendocino, Fort Bragg gets its turn to highlight whale-watching season the weekend of March 19th and 20th with microbrew and food tasting, whale-watching cruises, hikes and horseback expeditions, an art exhibit, crafts fair and 5k and 10k competitive and fun runs/walks.

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