Nick's Cove

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Stories from the Coast - The Nick's Cove Blog

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Hiking Review: Alamere Falls

Located 30 miles south of Nick’s Cove, Alamere Falls is a dramatic 40-ft tide fall which pours its waters into the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The trail to Alamere Falls is a 7.5 out and back and takes about 3 hours to complete. The hike to get here offers countless spring wildflowers, wide ocean views, gray whale watching opportunities, and access to both Bass and Pelican Lakes.

The best time to go is spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom and there’s a chance for a gray whale siting. The trail to the beach can be unstable, so we suggest to wear good hiking shoes.

Explore Historic Petaluma

Downtown Petaluma is located about 20 minutes east of Nick’s Cove and offers many things for visitors to enjoy. Here are some out-of-the-ordinary attractions Petaluma has to offer:

Visit Locations from Famous Movies

Downtown Petaluma is oozing with charm and history.  The unique building designs and architecture has appealed to Hollywood more than once. A self-guided walking tour will take you to key locations for films like “American Graffiti” and “Basic Instinct” in the downtown area.  Download directions for the self-guided Petaluma Film Tour, here.

Military Antiques and Museum

If you’re visiting historic downtown Petaluma, a must-stop is the Military Antiques & Museum. There are vintage artifacts for sale in the military shop and the museum features enough artifacts to keep you busy for hours (with no entrance fee!)

Chick-a-Boom Vintage

Another experience quite fitting to enjoy in the historical downtown is exploring Chick-A-BOOM! Vintage. Their collection features vintage pieces from as early as the 19th century to as recently as the 1980s and promises a fun time for anyone who appreciates a good shopping experience.

Adventure onward!
Heike

 

 

 

Featured Cocktail: Bastani Fizz

Have you tried our amazing hand-crafted cocktails?  This summer we’re especially excited about the Bastani Fizz.

Our Bastani Fizz is a play on a Ramos Fizz and a Bastani ice cream. Bastani is an Iranian ice cream that contains saffron, rose water, and pistachio. Because a Ramos fizz shares many of the same components as ice cream, the combination of the fizz and Bastani seemed too good to pass up.  

We first start by infusing Ginny’s gin with a few saffron threads; a little goes a long way and this step is primarily for aesthetics. Next, we begin to caramelize sugar in a pan and allow it to get a deep amber color. We then introduce more saffron threads to the caramelized sugar and allow it to extract as much aromatic and flavor from the spice. We dilute the mixture with a little bit of hot water to obtain the appropriate viscosity to mix it in our cocktail.

To create the cocktail we combine our saffron-infused Ginny’s gin, saffron caramel syrup, lemon, cream, egg white, and a few dashes of rose water. We give the cocktail a vigorous shake to make it as frothy as possible. Once poured in a 12 oz Collins glass, we top it off with a little bit of soda water and garnish it with our house-made pistachio saffron tuile.

Cheers,
Jojo

 

 

Summer Events at Nick’s

Summer is one of our favorite times of year here at the coast. The weather is cooler here than it is inland complete with beautiful views of the bay, and of course breathtaking sunsets! The weekends are picking up and we now have our waterfront Oyster Bar open from 12-4 on Saturdays and Sundays. Here we serve up fresh oysters, clam chowder, select salads and of course, hand-crafted cocktails.

And new this summer, we invite you to visit our Bayside Market which is held the first Saturday of every month from 1-4pm on the waterfront lounge. We are happy to have some our favorite local vendors join us each month, including Freestone Farms, Folly Cheese Company, Tomales Bakery, Boheme Wines and many more!

Come join the fun with us all summer long!

 

 

 

 

Things To Do With Your Dog

We love all of the fur-babies that come to visit us out here at Nick’s Cove. We love to see them have the time of their lives out here on our property; laying in the sun on our waterfront lounge; running down the long pier to our boat shack; and chasing the ball into the water on our beach. There are also plenty of local pup-friendly spots nearby to enjoy with them, and here are a few of our favorites:

Dillion Beach

Dillon Beach Resort sits on 55-coastal acres on the Marin-Sonoma County Line, between the mouth of Tomales and the entrance to Bodega Bay. This beach is the perfect hidden gem to explore the sand dunes, admire the tide pools and soak up the sun. A dog-approved beach day is always an afternoon well–spent.

Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes is located about 20 minutes south of Nick’s Cove on Highway One and is one of the most charming towns you’ll ever see. The sidewalks buzz with activity on sunny weekends, and there are some not-to-be missed cheese shops, bakeries, cafes and more where you can fuel up before you hit one of the many beautiful hikes in the area.

For tips on more pet friendly local activities, head to our partner website, DogTrekker.com!

Explore on!

 

 

Local Creameries You Should Know About

March is cheese month here in West Marin and what better way to celebrate than going on a “cheese tour” during your stay here?!  Seeing as there are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing which creameries to visit, planning your day can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few of our favorite stops:

Cowgirl Creamery

Visit the original creamery in Point Reyes on Fridays for a 60-minute presentation on West Marin, Cowgirl’s beginnings, and their cheeses; or stop in Wednesday through Friday to view the cheese making firsthand. Free tastes can also be enjoyed at the shop.

Tours can be booked online at http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/

Marin French

Marin French Cheese is the longest continually-operating cheese company in America and has been handcrafting traditional and soft-ripened cheeses for over 150 years.

Stop in to sample and purchase award-winning cheeses and picnic by their pond.

Point Reyes Farmstead

This family’s dairy farm was originally purchased to sell milk to a local creamery. It was always the father’s dream to make cheese, and in the late 90’s, his four daughters came back to the farm to do exactly that. In 2000 they began producing the first wheels of their well-known Original Blue, and later added additional award-winning cheeses.

Tours are given April – October and can be booked by calling (800) 591-6878.

Folly Cheese Company

Husband and wife duo, Christian and Ashley, just began their cheese making adventure by making one delicious product: a Swiss Alpine-style firm cheese (similar to Gruyere or Comte) in very small batches.  Specifically, only about 10 wheels per month. Even though they are a small operation, they are making a big buzz in the cheese world.

Tours are given by appointment only; call (707) 879-8183

Once your cheese coma sets in, head back to Nick’s to curl up in your cozy cottage or out by the wood-burning stove in our Boat Shack.

Happy touring,
Chef

 

 

 

Hiking Review: Tomales Point

 

 

 

 

 

The Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve is not only a great place to watch wildlife, it’s one of the quietest trails on Point Reyes. The single trail drifts north away from the trailhead, eventually reaching Tomales Point, nearly 5 miles from the nearest road. Squeezed on three sides by water, the only sounds are wind, surf, and bird cries.

This open trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the Tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 3 miles to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea.

The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike a little more challenging.

 

 

Rainy Day Indulgences

No excuse necessary – rainy days on Tomales Bay are best spent inside snuggled up with your special someone in front of the warm fireplace. In spite of our recent dry years, sometimes Northern California acts like the rest of the world and gets typical winter weather, complete with clouds and rain. These are the days you want to be at Nick’s Cove – our wood-burning stoves, warm comfy beds and huge soaking tubs all add up to the perfect getaway where the outside world doesn’t intrude and you have nothing more to think about than what movie you’ll watch next. Here are two favorite ways to indulge this winter:

Let go of the guilt and be lazy. Yes, we just celebrated the New Year, and yes, we all made resolutions about how we’ll be good and work out and eat healthy, but it’s okay to throw that out the window and treat yourself to a rainy day getaway. Rainy days at Nick’s are perfect – they were designed to be an indulgence of the most wonderful sort. Start your day with the plan of not leaving the room if you can. Have some coffee and fresh pastries delivered to your room in the morning and add a mimosa to boot. Then it’s back to the bed – yes, we encourage you to spend a lot of time in bed – what’s the point of renting these luxurious cottages if you don’t get the most out of it?

Or bring the spa day to you. Yes, this is possible at Nick’s Cove! A private couples’ massage can be arranged right in the comfort of your own cottage. It’s best to call the innkeepers prior to your stay to make sure we have masseuses available, then they will provide the setup and breakdown so all you need to think about is relaxing with your special someone.

Warmly,

 

 

 

 

Santa’s Coming to Tomales Bay!

The most magical time of year is upon us! The holidays are a wonderful time to get together with family and friends, eat all kinds of goodies, and take pictures with Santa. Luckily, we have you covered for all of the above.

Mark your calendars, because Santa is making his seventh annual visit to Nick’s Cove on Sunday, December 3rd from 3-5 pm. Complimentary photos and treats will be available out in our festive Boat Shack for all participants, and even your four-legged friends are welcome!

This year we also want to give back to the local children affected by the horrendous fires that recently tore through our community, so we are teaming up with Toys for Tots. Throughout the month of November, and ending on Sunday, December 3rd, Nick’s Cove is a Toys for Tots donation site, so please remember to bring a toy (or two) with you next time you come out to visit. Anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy to share will receive a special gift from Nick’s Cove. We hope to see you out here soon!

Happy Holidays,

 

 

Beer Trail Itinerary

Welcome to heaven for beer lovers: with at least two dozen operating breweries and more opening seemingly every day, Sonoma and Marin counties flow with the love of good beer.  Here is a list of some of our favorites:

–Lagunitas Brewing Company. Located in about 25 minutes from Nick’s, Lagunitas is now one of the largest micro brews in the country and global market. Lagunitas is well known for its IPA and selection of hoppy beers. Live music, dog friendly, and complimentary peanuts and pretzels make this a locals’ favorite!!. Casual dress.

PH: 707.769.4495  Address: 1280 North McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954

–Henhouse Brewery. Located about 30 minutes from Nick’s, Henhouse brewery is known for their variety of Saisons and collaboration brews. Pizza available Fri, Sat, & Sun, courtesy of Red Horse Pizza. Casual dress.

PH: 707.978.4577                    Address: 322 Bellevue Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

–Russian River Brewing Company. Located about 35 minutes from Nick’s in downtown Santa Rosa, cult favorite Russian River Brewing Company is known for its vast selection. During certain releases of seasonal beers, there are very long lines going down the street as customers try to get the first taste of the season. Casual dress.

 

PH: 707.545.2337                    Address: 725 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

–Moylan’s Restaurant and Brewery. Located about 50 minutes from Nick’s, Moylan’s is a popular sports bar with its own brewed brew. They boast a fine selection of year round beers as well as creative seasonal brews (for example, a red colored sour named SweetTart in honor of Valentine’s Day). Casual dress.

PH: 415.898.4077                     Address: 15 Rowland Way, Novato, CA 9494

–Woodfour Brewing Company. Located about 25 minutes away from Nick’s, Woodfour Brewing Company is not your average tap room. Known for its wide range of sour beers and delicious upscale twists on classic bar snacks and home-style dishes, Woodfour is a favorite for casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. (Kitchen closed on Mondays, Happy hours from 3-5:30 Daily) Smart casual dress.

PH: 707.823.3144                     Address: 6780 Depot St. (In the Barlow) Sebastopol, CA 95472

–Crooked Goat Brewery. Located about 25 minutes away from Nick’s, Crooked Goat Brewing Company is The Barlow’s newest addition. They have sixteen taps and plan on keeping the beers that flow from them constantly changing and evolving. Though they do not have a kitchen for snacks, they have partnered with surrounding restaurants to deliver a variety of cuisine right to their taproom. Casual dress.

PH: 707.827.3893                     Address: 120 Morris Street, Suite 120 Sebastopol, CA 95472

 

Bottoms Up!

 

 

 

 

 

photography by Frankie Frankeny, Cindi de Channes, Val Atkinson
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