Elk Cove Inn, Elk

Ok, if you stay here, you better be ready to be completely out of touch with the outside world. They list TV as a room amenity... not true! I stayed in one of the oceanfront suites, and there is NO TV, NO phone, NO internet, and people... if you want cellphone reception you have to go as far north as Fort Bragg! So, if total isolation is what you want, this is the place. There is a cyber cafe in Fort Bragg, by the way. the candy store next door is amazing. But, In Elk, there's really nothing to do. I would recommend bringing some snacks for your room because if you get hungry outside of the 2 mealtimes they have, you are out of luck. I did find a market about 25 miles south. They're open until 7pm most nights. The food is good, but you have to eat in the small dining room with the rest of the guests. The tables are really uncomfortable. I preferred to eat in Mendocino or Ft. Bragg. The innkeeper/owner is really nice. He knew it was my birthday and he gave me some wine and candies in my room. the location is spectacular. Right down the bluff are some of those beautiful sea stacks, and if you're a photography buff, you will be in heaven. If you come from 101, and take highway 128, make sure you drive in the daytime because the redwoods along that road are breathtaking. There is a house phone in the main building that takes calling cards and credit cards...but if you have anyone back home that wants to get ahold of you, they are out of luck. I did feel very safe, though. The spa is great. They only offer massages and sea salt scrubs, but both are terrific and I highly recommend taking advantage of that. I drove into Mendocino to shop and that was fun and quaint... only about 20 miles north.