by Brendan McGuigan
The journey to the Little River Inn is your first sign that you’re headed somewhere special. The drive on the bucolic Highway 128 takes you through stands of ancient redwoods, past historic farming communities, and into the unparalleled Anderson Valley wine region. As you near the coast you’ll enter a region of towering redwood trees, before it gives way to sweeping views of the Pacific, unlike anything else in California. On this dramatic stretch of coastline you’ll find the family-owned and operated Little River Inn. The inn has beautiful views of the ocean from nearly every room – and from the golf course that dominates the upper stretches of the hillside.
(Photo by Brendan McGuigan)
Little River is located only three hours north of San Francisco, and the ‘town’ itself is easy to miss if you blink. It boasts an official population of 117 people, and dates back to the redwood boom of the 1850s.The Little River Inn – still owned and operated by the fifth-generation descendants of settler Silas Coombs – remains largely unchanged from those early days.
The Inn retains a small-town feel that’s difficult to find in resorts these days. The employees are very friendly, and the owners are involved in every aspect of daily operation. All of the main rooms feature ocean views, and many of the suites have hot tubs on the deck (from which you can watch the sun go down over the Pacific).
The Little River Inn golf course is a gem of the coast. It was designed by the founder of the Little River Inn, Ole Hervilla, in 1957. The story goes that Ole was watching Arnold Palmer on TV one day, and he thought about how a golf course might draw more guests to his new hotel. He sent out for quotes on building a course, received three bids back, and promptly decided to do it himself. He was fond of saying that those golf architect’s high prices made a golf architect out of him.
(Photo by Brendan McGuigan)
The 5,458-yard course is in the middle of wild woodland, and from many holes you’ll look out over the sweeping Pacific Ocean. It’s also one of only a handful of Audubon-certified courses in the US, and you’re likely to see blue herons, osprey, and deer while you play. The Audubon certification is in keeping with the family’s focus on environmental stewardship, so the course also follows best practices when it comes to habitat management, water quality, water conservation, chemical use reduction, and educational outreach.
The course is 9 holes that you can play like 18. It features three tee placements, and dual greens on holes 7 and 9. There’s also a driving range and putting green – and of course, a fully-stocked Pro shop with snacks, drinks, and gear. Between play you can visit the adjacent Salon and Spa for a full range of treatments. When played as an 18-hole course it features 5,409 yards from the longest tees, with a par 71. This USGA rated 71, has a slope rating of 68.2/120 for men, 68.8/122 for women, and 62.7/99 for junior/forward tees. You can walk or ride, but because of the hilly nature of this course, motorized carts are available.
(Photo by Brendan McGuigan)
After your game, don’t miss Ole’s Whale Watch bar – the bar Ole Hervilla opened when he opened the Inn in 1939. The views from the bar are some of the best on the coast, and yes, at the right time of year you can watch the whales go by as they migrate along the California Coast.
The wine and beer lists here are great, and the cocktail selection is wonderful – it’s a great capstone to a perfect day. If you’re a beer fan, don’t miss the Little River Inn Saison, crafted by Chef Marc Dym with the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.
The bar menu features excellent takes on standard fare – an in-shell steamed clam chowder and ‘Billionaires’ bacon sliders are local favorites – along with some exciting light fare, like green lip mussels broiled with wasabi tobiko and served with ponzu sauce.
Chef Marc Dym, Little River Inn
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, the Little River Inn has a gourmet restaurant on site as well, serving up traditional favorites like Steak Diane and Sole Almondine, along with dishes such as Confit Pork Osso Bucco. And guests swear by the warm Ollalaberry cobbler for dessert. In the morning you have to try Ole’s Swedish Hotcakes.
Set aside at least one evening to be back in your room by sunset – the views from your deckside Adirondack chairs are unbeatable.
For more information on golf and travel experiences at the Little River Inn visit www.littleriverinn.com or call 1.888.INN.LOVE.
