“All aboard for Rodgers, Summit, Crowley, Clare Mill, Burbeck, Shake City, Irmulco and Northspur.” On a cold and rainy January morning, in Willits California, I boarded the Northspur Flyer, otherwise known as Skunk Train. Diesel locomotive #64 pulled out of the depot with 11 passengers, one engineer, one conductor and one hostess on board. The…
Tour America’s Greenest Wine Region
A tour of six green, Mendocino County wineries… I’m extremely honored for my work accepted by Immersion Travel Magazine. My first story with IT, ‘Tour America’s Greenest Wine Region’, was published December 22, 2016. My second story, ‘California’s Mendocino Coast: The possibilities are countless’, goes live in January 2017. I hope you enjoy my story…
Eat a neighborhood…
Only 3-hours in San Francisco? Eat a Neighborhood… Published in ByWAYS Magazine, December 19, 2016 – Words and photos by Mary Charlebois Food is the key to knowing any city. Submerge yourself in one of San Francisco’s 27 diverse neighborhoods and eat your way through. In three hours, you will learn about food, history, culture,…
Get your Masters in Bourbon…
Where do you start with over 250 bourbons to choose from? “Start with the A’s”… Click below to see the full story. Get a Masters in Kentucky Bourbon Tasting in New Orleans Published by Travel Post Monthly, December 1, 2016. Story & photos by Mary Charlebois, MaryGo
Eden
We truly live in Eden on the Mendocino Coast…
Have this garden for lunch..
Redwood Coast Senior Center’s Kitchen Garden produces over 3,000 pounds of fruit and veggies each year… Thanks Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Packet for publishing my story and photos in the November 2016 issue.
A Great American Road
ByWAYS Magazine just named Hwy 1 along California’s Mendocino Coast, a ‘Great American Road’. Working on this story was a true labor of love. I worked on it for years without even knowing I’d be selected as its writer. I moved to this area in 2005. Since then I’ve spent untold hours photographing and…
The Park Has Art III
Armstrong Park ~ New Orleans Turn up the volume and click the video. The music is pure New Orleans. Just off the French Quarter, across Rampart Street, in the Treme neighborhood, lies Armstrong Park. New Orleans has dedicated this stately common to Louis Armstrong, the great jazz trumpeter. Louis isn’t the only musician honored here….
Under the radar on Mendocino coast…
Wildlife, waves, wilderness, and wine. That’s why you go to the Mendocino Coast… Click below to enjoy my story published by GoNOMAD October 1, 2016. The story contains my words, photos, videos, sounds, and maps. I’m especially proud of this story, it’s my hometown. –MaryGo Mendocino Coast ~ Three Adventures In Nature Thanks for stopping by, MaryGo
Eye to eye with giants…
Thank you, Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Packet, for publishing my story about B Bryan Preserve in Point Arena, California. Locals can take the day and go for an African safari near home. Visitors to the area – make the spectacular B Bryan Preserve one of your stops. Here is the text of the story in a bit…
See you at the Fair…
89th Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show Sept 16, 17, 18 This story appears in the September issue of Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Packet. I’m pleased to use Debra Eloise’s photos to illuminate my words here and in the Packet. Each year this wonderful photographer focuses on a different part of the fair. Her photos are…
Arena Cove
A hoist is necessary to launch a boat into Arena Cove… Boats are driven to the hoist on trailers. The hoist lifts them up, swings over the water and lowers the vessel. Reverse to take a boat out. I loved watching this precarious looking operation from the deck of the Chowder House. It was good…
Now that’s a bridge…
Albion River Bridge crosses Albion River on Mendocino Coast, carrying Hwy 1 on its back… Built in 1944, it’s the last remaining wooden bridge on California Hwy 1. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced between 2018 and 2021. Some folks don’t want to see it go. A campaign to place the wooden deck truss bridge on…
Which do you prefer…
Two vehicles passing on Hwy 1, Mendocino Coast. Which would you prefer for a tour? Thanks for stopping by, MaryGo
Along Hwy 1
Summertime often brings fog to the Mendocino Coast… Fog moving in along Hwy 1, between Navarro River and Elk California. Photographer: Mary Charlebois, MaryGo When the temperatures soar in the valleys to the east of the Coastal Range, our temps drop and the Marine Layer moves to shore. Some days are an ever-changing coastal…
10-Mile Bridge…
Mendocino Coast has many, many bridges. Old, new, scenic, and barley noticeable… 10-Mile River enters the Pacific about 10 miles north of Fort Bragg California. Hwy 1 crosses the bridge and meanders on to the north along the coast. This is one of the newest bridges in Mendocino County and one of the most scenic….
Mendocino County, America’s Greenest Wine Region
Mendocino County leads the nation in organic vineyard acreage. We are often called America’s greenest wine region.
GoNOMAD, Info Traveler’s Use
GoNOMAD is a traveler’s information hub. You’ll find well written, informative stories about global destinations. The authors have been there and know their subject well. Photos and videos are used to illustrate each feature. GoNOMAD recently published a story by one of my favorite writers, Kurt Jacobson. I hope you enjoy… A Mid-Winter Adventure In Japan…
From My Garden
I guess this Lady Bug isn’t ripe yet… Someone told me this is a Potato Bug. Can you identify this beautiful green creature?
Walking through history
An almost forgotten mill town, Glen Blair, is the destination… … for the July 10, 2016 Glen Blair Walk in the Woods. Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Historical Society (FBMCHS) is sponsoring a guided/narrated walk NE of Fort Bragg, California. The walk passes through woods to the site. Glen Blair was a mill town from 1885 until 1923 when…
‘Views’ Are Welcome
I need your ‘views’, but not in an opinion-poll or survey. Don’t worry, I’m not selling anything or asking for money, but I would appreciate your clicks and eyes on my video entry in The Virtuoso Traveler Photo & Video Contest 2016. VIEW MY ENTRY I’ve entered a short travel video in the Virtuoso competition. By…
Queen of the Nile – A Tale of Two Trips
Originally posted on MaryGo:
Standing on the floating dock I realized this photo session would be a challenge. Things were already bobbing up and down and I wasn’t in a boat yet… TRIP ONE – Rowing with Dusty Standing on a floating dock in Dolphin Isle Marina , I realized immediately this photo session would be…
Walls Have Art II
Robots made from apartment buildings, Latino film stars, angels, cowboys, farm laborers, immigrants, religious icons, and much, much more. The walls of Balmy Alley, in San Francisco’s Mission, have art. Click above to see Walls Have Art II, my 2nd in a series of street art videos. This one-block residential thoroughfare has some of the…
A Party Wherever You Park It
Tow-ster is always the life of the party. People are drawn to her beautiful curves and classic looks… The 14’, remodeled, 1964 ‘Ideal’ travel trailer is a professionally equipped bar and lounge on wheels. Tow-ster is delivered and set-up at your private party or event, you add the alcohol and guests. The moveable bar is…
Spring
Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! — Sitting Bull The headlands along the coast are a cross between prairie and desert in this part of Northern Coastal California. The dry salt air and powerful…
Embarcadero, End 2 End
…my plan to record time lapse of the Saturday Farmers Market was cut short. A security guard told me I needed a permit… November, 2105 The ferry was crowded. Moms, dads, grandparents, gaggles of teenaged girls, couples and a few, like myself, solo travelers. Not the usual crowd you’d see at 9:30 am on Friday….
True Blue
Borage sports one of the few true-blue flowers in the garden. The vivid star-shaped blooms are plentiful, long lasting and taste like cucumber. I planted Borage in a 10 gallon glazed clay container last year. It prospered in a partial shade spot by the laundry room door. The herb was prolific, providing a remarkable amount of leaves…
The Garden Nurse
I wasn’t actually walking in my garden when I saw the Comfrey. I was making my way to the laundry room. Diminutive fuchsia and pink conical blooms were pushing their way from under the center of the plant. The flower’s color stood out brazenly against the green veined leaves. They signaled me to come…
Villa Cipriani, la dolce vita Italiana
The hills between Venice and Treviso roll and turn like corkscrews. Serene and exhilarating at the same time; rolling hills, green valleys, villages and woodlands landscape the road to Asolo and the divine Hotel Villa Cipriani. Click to see full story and photos
Marina? What Marina?
…Marina Boulevard enjoys Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, Sausalito and Fort Mason as a backdrop. A soundtrack of lines pinging and clanking musically against the masts of sailing vessels blends with seagulls and songbirds. Marina District is a bit off the beaten path for some sightseers, but the vistas are worth the visit……
A real San Francisco find – free hotel parking
San Francisco is known for some of the most luxurious hotels on the planet & some of the most expensive. Be kind to your wallet and stay in Cow Hollow/Marina District. The neighborhood is handsome, invting and full of iconic destinations. While there, make Coventry Inn (or one of her sister properties) your homebase. TIP: Parking is included…
HappyHappyHappyHour
“Conversation and laughter. Glasses clinking, ice cubes tinkling, delightful aromas. Small plates of delectable bites being shared. It’s the time of day we move into evening, leaving our worries behind.” –MaryGo Click to see full story and photos
Wildlife, waves, wind & wine
…on the edge of Pudding Creek Estuary and across the Highway One from the Pacific Ocean, Beach House Inn is a serene setting with access to wildlife, waves, wind and wine.
San Francisco’s Marina District: 5 Great Photo Ops
CLICK FOR FULL STORY AND PHOTOS
A SUPER Market
Picnic HQ… Located on bustling Chestnut Street in San Francisco’s Marina District, Marina Supermarket presents an abundance of fresh, local; bread, fruit, veg, poultry, meat, dairy and so much more. A stellar selection of wine and spirits, a deli bursting with house made salads, entrees, desserts, sliced meats and sandwiches make this THE place to fill your picnic…
Coming To A City Near Me
It would be un-American to say I’m not a Super Bowl fan… …but honestly, attending a Super Bowl game is not on my bucket list. I usually avoid the huge crowds such an event attracts. Watching from the comfort of my recliner with a bowl of chips is what I think of as an NFL…
On Assignment – San Francisco
The ferry was crowded. Moms, dads, grandparents, gaggles of teenaged girls, couples and a few, like myself, solo travelers. Not the usual crowd you’d see at 9:30 am on Friday. But it’s the day after Thanksgiving and many Americans are on holiday. The usual business commuters are recovering from food coma, Black Friday shopping or…
Progress Report
The meeting room at the Denver Grand Hyatt was a long narrow rectangle. Fifteen round tables with ten chairs each where covered in white linen, water glasses, notepads and pens. 150 travel writers would soon fill the room. I felt certain I was out of my league, but that wouldn’t stop me from learning all I…
New Publisher #3
Today my first story with brand new publisher, Trip 101, was posted on their global travel website. My story describes Harbor Court Hotel in San Francisco, California. The wonderful hotel was my home during a recent three day working trip in my favorite city. Read the full article with photos at ~ Harbor Court Hotel: Perfectly Located Comfort…
THE SAFEST ROUGH SPOT IN TOWN
Not rough or tough, no rowdy customers and no fights breaking out at Django’s Rough Bar Café… Hear Django’s music – See Django’s October 23, 2015, Django’s Rough Bar Café opened serving small plates, chowders, fresh seafood, cool salads and sandwiches served on house made bread. Owners Linda and Dusty Dillon have employed Odile Perkins…
Pink Pangea – My Newest Publisher
I’ve recently been accepted as a Feature Writer for Pink Pangea, a website for women that love & write about travel. Early in the morning of November 23, 2015 an email arrived with the subject line “You’re published on Pink Pangea”. My first piece with my new publisher was live online. What a thrill, what a…
Poppies & Bees
Originally posted on MaryGo:
One of my favorite places to GO is my garden just outside my front door. I hope you enjoy this tranquil garden moment. It’s only a minute, but represents 2.5 hours among California Poppies and coastal honey bees. Time lapse is so much fun. Dedicated to my Poppy, Nicole. http://youtu.be/wPMk4lCECuY
Caspar – A State of Mind
If you think you are a Caspar, you are!
The Walls Have Art
Everywhere you look – walls, doors, windows, fences, signs, electric panels, gas meters – everywhere, there is art. A September 2015 outing to the Santa Fe Art District, Denver Colorado, revealed a feast of art for my eyes and camera. Everywhere I looked there was art, especially the walls. Alleys, fences, doors and buildings are…
Yodeling Woman Trapped Under Street Grates With Chickens And Gorilla
They jump up, then look down. Jump up, look down. The most common of fixtures captures the attention of a small boy in fluorescent orange shorts, a stylish hipster couple holding hands, a baby boomer pair with cameras. They bend over to listen. They stomp their feet. They pass over or stand on one of…
Queen of the Nile – A Tale of Two Trips
Standing on the floating dock I realized this photo session would be a challenge. Things were already bobbing up and down and I wasn’t in a boat yet… TRIP ONE – Rowing with Dusty Standing on a floating dock in Dolphin Isle Marina , I realized immediately this photo session would be a challenge. Things were…
Occupy Nature
A quick video tour of the park The spectacular Noyo Headlands Park has opened its coastline in Fort Bragg, California. You may now occupy land that has been inaccessible to the public for over 100 years. It’s a magnificent way to see the rugged, wild coast, its many habitats, inhabitants and thought-provoking historical sites. Within…
Sneak Peek – My Rowing Trip
For the past three weeks I’ve been working on a piece about rowing in my hometown, Fort Bragg, California. Last Saturday and this past Thursday I was lucky enough to GO aboard a lifeboat powered by humans at the oar – 8 of them to be exact. I was the passenger and photographer. The photographs, videos,…
Who I Am – Why I’m Here
Who I Am – I’m Mary Charlebois, travel writer, photographer and videographer. I live in wild, remote Northern California. My small town, Fort Bragg, on the Mendocino Coast, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. For me, the climate is perfect. A 62° mean temperature makes life quite comfortable. I started traveling, photographing…
Bob Fest – The Perfect Excuse For A Mendo Getaway
The Mendocino coast is its own excuse for getting away. Mediterranean climate, pristine nature, wild Pacific coastline, an abundance of local, clean and organic food of all types, small friendly communities, accommodations from camping to five star – What more could you want? Check out the Mendocino Coast. But just in case you need an…
