If I were a pelican, I would take up residence by the Timber Cove Inn on California’s Sonoma Coast. From my ocean view king room, I watch the pelicans glide silently by. They circle the cove below, dipping up and down like synchronized swimmers in the Pacific Ocean.
But I am not a pelican. I am one of the lucky weekend wanderers who has meandered up North Coast Highway 1 by car and landed at the end of a treasure hunt. My pot of gold is an overnight stay at Timber Cove Inn, in the tiny seaside community of Jenner, California.
This 48 room Inn has weathered many coastal storms, as evidenced by the Coleman lantern tucked in the corner of my room, by the base of the spa tub. The gentle reminder “for power outage” clearly labeled on the top of the portable lamp. Yet on this summer day, the fog has pulled back its cotton blanket of white to reveal miles of endless open blue sea.
While the rooms are clean and the bed linens are soft and comphy, (a brand of sheets that are truly first-rate and available for purchase at the property) the Timber Cove Inn appears a bit dated. Ocean rooms feature stunning views of the Pacific, but the room, like some wines, is heavy on wood – redwood to be specific.
New ownership has breathed life and an infusion of cash back into the Timber Cove Inn. General Manager Keith Hill, fresh from Yosemite’s Awhanee Lodge, says plans are in the works for spa services while in-room massage treatments are currently available with advance notice. Immediate upgrades that were evident to my eye and palate; the food quality, bedding and plush monogrammed robes.
Sea to farm dining at Alexander’s Restaurant
Prosciutto wrapped prawns in a red pepper Romesco sauce, scallops in puff pastry, local lamb chops served with a Veal demi-glace alongside creamy potato gratin, those are just a few of the items that Executive Chef Ben St. Clair served up the night of my visit. The farm-to-table offerings, served in small portions, are perfect for sharing and showcasing this 22-year-old chef’s “Sonoma Coastal Cuisine.”
Take a hike
With 26 acres of ocean side property, the Timber Cove Inn welcomes hikers, bikers, kayakers and romantics looking to leave their Blackberries and iPads behind and re-connect with Mother Nature. While Timber Cove offers complimentary internet access, be warned, there is no reliable cell service at the Inn.
My room, #300, rented for $279 on the weekend (two night minimum on weekends) and $249 Sunday-Thursday. There are several internet specials that may appeal to you, as well as AAA and AARP rates.
The “Take a Hike” package includes a picnic lunch and s’mores kit in the deal. Some weekday packages (Monday-Friday) include complimentary breakfast. Check the website for pricing and details.
Insider Tip
If available, ask for an even-numbered room on the top floor – bigger rooms – or the cove deluxe rooms – there are two on property.
Need to Know
Check in time is as 4:00 p.m. with 11:00 a.m. check out.
Some rooms are pet-friendly with $50 additional, non-refundable fee.
Follow @TimberCoveInn on Twitter and friend them on Facebook.
If You Go:
Timber Cove Inn (707) 847-3231
21780 North Coast Highway 1
Jenner, CA 95450
Photos and YouTube video of Timber Cove Inn courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Timber Cove Inn.