This post is sponsored by Lou & Grey. As always, all opinions are own and I would never share something I didn’t truly love!
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Last week, I spent a weekend in Mendocino wearing Lou & Grey, taking along all the essential pieces I would need for the time away. I had been to Mendocino a few years ago on a trip (here’s the Mendocino Guide I wrote then) and was excited to return back for a weekend of fun with my husband.
We stayed at Mendocino Grove (thank you for having us!), where we “glamped” along the coastline and had a few activities cued up for the time there. Mendocino is one of my favorite weekend escapes as it’s not too far from home and it makes for a perfect long weekend away. There’s no better Friday feels than leaving work early and getting a head start on the weekend. We made the drive up and stopped for a quick lunch so we could get ahead of the traffic. I had forgotten how stunning this part of California was, with rolling vineyards leading us all the way to the coast. I wore the Upstate Sweat + Signaturesoft Rib Cuff Hoodie top in the car, as the material is incredibly soft and comfortable (I can’t wait to wear this combo on my next flight!)
Though the sun was out in full force when we got to the coastline, the wind was howling through, so we stopped for only a few minutes to snap some shots. We checked-in and spent the first hours at the camp exploring the grounds and getting situated. Glamping is one of my favorite accommodation experiences as it’s elevated tents with all of the amenities and no fuss. With extra hours of light and longer days in summer, we took advantage of the time to head into town for the rest of the afternoon. I made a quick change into the Greyline Dress as I knew we would be headed out for a bite — this flowy piece was the perfect summer dress. (I also love this Highlight Garment Dye Pop On Dress and Striped Garment Dye Cuffed Tee.)
Mendocino has that small-town charm with small boutiques, art studios, and tons of little restaurants like Trillium where you can pop into eat. We stopped for a glass of wine and some food before heading down for a walk along the bluffs. Walking down the path through golden fields, alongside the ocean was one of the highlights of the day.
The next morning was an early start as we had a full day’s adventure ahead. I put on the Crosshatch Softstretch Linen shorts and Signaturesoft Rib Cuff Hoodie top to wear for the day. These shorts got their mileage this trip as I loved how comfortable and stretchy they were, and they could be dressed up or worn casually. We made our way to Catch-A-Canoe to rent an outrigger for the morning. This is one of my favorite experiences in Mendocino, as you get to make your way up the river in this beautiful canoe and see a ton of wildlife along the way, like river otters and harbor seals. After a few hours of rowing up and then back, we made our way to Russian State Gulch to enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the blue water. It’s one of the most scenic spots around and made for a perfect way to end a day out in Mendocino.
On our last morning, we spent it lazily around camp, enjoying coffee and taking in the scene. I wore the Crosshatch Softstretch Linen shorts again and this time paired it with the Summer Love Sweater, as the fog was starting to roll in and I needed something a bit more warm. I loved the detailing on the side of this top, where you can tie it a bit tighter or keep it loose. It was the perfect combo to throw on before making our way back home.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
