L o d g i n g and A d d i t i o n a l. . R e s o u r c e s West Marin is about an hour's drive north of San Francisco. Here a diverse range of bed and breakfast accommodations await the traveler. From Bolinas to Point Reyes Station to Inverness, visitors can select an inn, a cottage an elderhostel or a guest home, and immerse themselves in the bold, ever-changing spectacle of the ocean or bay, the forest or lush meadow and many moods of the weather. Restaurants This area is still under thought. All restaurants in Point Reyes and Inverness will be listed with our own personal and honest commentary on the food and service. We are blessed with great restaurants here, so just about anywhere you eat, you will be pleased. Our favorites are Manka's, Olema Inn, The Station House on a not-so-busy night and Priscilla's makes a good pizza (ask for more garlic.) Last year, the "Cowboy Cookhouse" opened it's doors on Main Street. It's a lovely, spartan type atmosphere with the right touch of Point Reyes ambiance. The food is quite good. We have had both types of chili relanos, as well as a Neiman-ranch beef burger. Good food. The freshly made flan is incredible! Lodging The following associations offer a list of accommodations and/or reservation service. Point Reyes Lodging Inns of Point Reyes If you want to pamper yourself beyond your wildest imagination, stay at Mankas in Inverness. The cabins are old world charm and uniquely comfortable. In fact, this is where Prince Charles brought his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall to stay in November of 2005. The cabins earn Susan's "romantic" rating. The food is inventive and amazing. Update: In late December, 2006 a fire destroyed the historical main building. All was lost. I believe they are still taking lodgers. If your on a budget, the Golden Hinde Inn is reasonable and sits on the west side of Tomales Bay. There is a tiny pond on the mesa in Point Reyes Station. It currently houses about 20 wood ducks. There is also an area near here that has Black Crown Night Herons roosting. Close to this area, is Ferrando's Hideaway Cottages, a B&B. We have had several clients that have stayed here and all are happy. Nature Connections The West Marin Chamber of Commerce link has information in many categories. Our favorite local web-site is Point Reyes Net (a resource for outdoor enthusiasts) The web-site for the Point Reyes National Seashore is great, logical and has a mass of information; from suggestions for hikes to the current financed studies. Other Interests Beauty Salon "As I walked into Inverness Style, I heard a Red-breasted Sapsucker. Great Location" Denny Peterson outside her salon (photo © Susan Colletta) You may think that being out in Point Reyes is far from civilized types of services. Fortunately, we have a full service hair salon and mini spa in Inverness. Inverness Style is run by Denny Peterson, a talented, fully licensed beautician. She is also fully equipped to travel to you and provide manicures, pedicures and other services at your lodging. Susan's personal comment. "Denny's products are made from special enzymes and as chemical free as possible. I have not had a reaction to her products. Before Inverness Style opened up, I had to travel two hours round trip and usually ended up with a headache from the chemicals in the products. Now, I travel 5 minutes and am immersed in a welcoming and pampering environment and my hair looks fabulous. No headache. I look forward to my monthly visit with Denny" Inverness Style (415) 669-9617 (in the town of Inverness, behind Priscilla's Pizza and Post Office) Yoga The town of Point Reyes Station has a lovely yoga studio located inside Toby's. Susan greatly enjoys this wonderful space and the two instructors, Nicholas and Amanda Giacomini. www.yogatoes.com Catering We refused to believe that all we could serve our special group of volunteers for the annual CBC was uninspiring lasagne or potluck. It was impossible to find a caterer willing to provide us with quality food for an affordable price. Pam Ferrari wanted to give something back to our community when she found out how many volunteer hours and dedication goes into the Christmas Bird Count. For three years, Pam has been filling our tummies with delicious food after a long day out in the field. We ask you to patronize our local businesswoman Pam Ferrari Catering. (415) 669-7285.