The other day, one of my daily customary naps was interrupted when I heard one of the uprights rummaging around in the guest room. Knowing as I do that many items pertaining to moi are located in this room, I decided it may be worth rousing myself from the comfort of my slumber to investigate. Am I glad I did! As I nudged the door open with my paw, I was greeted with the sight of my travel case on the bed. I immediately leaped onto the bed and stuck my nose in the bag to see for myself exactly what was being packed and there in the bag were my traveling pet bowls, hairbrush, sweater, sunglasses, extra leashes and collars. So with tail wagging and excitement building I looked up at my dad, he bent down and rubbed my ears and kissed my forehead and said the immortal words involving travel, ”Hairy we’re going on an overnighter and this time it is to Willits.”
"Is everything packed?"
Now many of my longtime followers know that I love a road trip, even though it often involves work for me, I have to say the benefits can be delicious. So with the car packed and the sun shining we set off on an overnight adventure.
On car trips I usually ride safely in the back seat with one exception; we live in an area that has lots of very twisty roads. I don’t mind at all being in the back of the car on straight roads but the really curvy ones make me very agitated. So on the occasions that we have to travel on the very windy roads, I have made it perfectly clear to my uprights that sitting on a cushion on one of my dad’s laps with his arms wrapped securely and protectively around me is reassuring and preferable for me.
On arriving in Willits our first priority was lunch. As my faithful readers know I am a huge fan of The Loose Caboose Café at 10 Wood St., (see separate review). But my uprights felt that we should seek out another option with outside seating so we found ourselves at Busters Burgers & Brew, 150 Main Street, Willits. As well as indoor dining, Busters has two pub tables on a covered patio overlooking Main Street and as we were there close to opening we were lucky to be able to get one of those tables. Once I was lifted safely into my chair and we were all settled a young gentleman came out with menus. My dad asked if Busters had a Children’s Menu and could I have a bowl of water, the young man said, “Yes, of course,” and left to fetch them. He was back promptly and he thoughtfully asked my dads where he should place the bowl of water for moi. Now that I had a drink in front of me and passersby to enchant, I let my dads get on with the serious matter of ordering food.
Burgers & Brew offers several burger options along with pub style appetizers like Buffalo wings, hot dogs, chili, wraps and salads. Chicken, salmon and vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives are also represented on the menu. A nice selection of bottled and draft beers along with wine, soft drinks and some hard liquor are also available. For those who have the appetite and stamina there is the Belly Buster, three 1/3 lb. hamburger patties, with three cheeses and plenty of bacon along with a full order of fries or onion rings or a combo of both. If you eat it all in 45 minutes or less your face can adorn the walls of Busters. Even though I am sure I could give it a go, my dads settled for a small hamburger patty sans cheese, bun and veggies for me. If Busters wants a photograph of moi for their wall, however, I will be happy to oblige!
"Waiting for my burger."
One of my dads had a chicken breast sandwich with melted Swiss and avocado and my other dad had a Buster classic burger with cheddar cheese; we shared a basket of fries. My dads were very excited to see one of their favorite Zinfandels by the glass on the menu and ordered two glasses. Busters offer’s no frills American favorite fare with friendly and accommodating service.
After lunch we took a stroll along Main Street. Willits has some charming and funky local stores. Great new and used independent book stores, health food, men’s and women’s clothing, teenage fashion, internet cafes and music are all represented. I was able to do some shopping at J D Redhouse & Company as four-pawed shoppers get to go in this great mercantile store.
We then checked into our accommodation for the evening at the Baechtel Creek Inn and Spa (www.baechtelcreekinn.com). This attractive and well-maintained Inn has a wide variety of well-appointed rooms with luxurious modern touches. Nestled in a quiet creek-side setting, it’s located at 101 Gregory Street off Highway 101 in the town of Willits. From the moment I entered the lobby I was greeted with a very enthusiastic welcome by the front desk clerk along with a goodie bag which included a note of welcome with pet guidelines, biodegradable waste bags and wipes and my favorite, organic treats which we were told are made by the students in the Willits High School workability program. Yum were they delicious!
Baechtel Creek Inn
Our pet friendly room, located conveniently on the ground floor, was immaculate, very comfortable and tastefully decorated; it was even equipped with an ornate brass and pillowy dog bed that I felt immediately at home in. The room also had a microwave and small refrigerator, great for preparing my dinner, There was also a dog bowl, a very thoughtful and welcome surprise especially if your uprights forgot to pack yours. There is a home-cooked breakfast (for uprights) included in the price of your room, we are not allowed in the indoor dining area but there is an outside patio with tables where we can accompany our uprights while they enjoy a delicious selection of several hot breakfast items, cereal, baked goods and several beverage choices. A national daily newspaper is available in the lobby for guests’ enjoyment. While at the Inn we were able to get internet access so I could answer my bark mail, Twitter my followers and keep my Facebook page updated with all my latest adventures. HBO and a nice selection of TV stations were also available in the room.
"Comfy!"
The Baechtel Creek Inn also has a day spa with a comprehensive variety of treatments, an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Unfortunately I was unable to take advantage of these facilities as they are for uprights only. The Baechtel Creek Inn has gone to a lot of trouble to make an eye-catching and charming oasis with an emphasis on comfort and elegance. With tasteful whimsical statues, gardens, patios and quiet contemplative spots it is easy to immediately unwind and relax. I heard my uprights remark that they have spent far more on far less agreeable accommodations and highly recommend the Baechtel Creek Inn.
Willits is known as the Gateway to The Redwoods and is a delightful place to stop off. You can even take the Skunk Train through the redwoods for a steam train ride from the past. No matter what season you visit Mendocino County, the town of Willits and the surrounding country offer you so many things to do and see; river rafting, train rides, bicycling, wine tasting, museums, boutique shops and dining, to name just a few. Willits is also close to over 60 boutique and well known wineries. For a break from the everyday consider an overnighter or mini vacation stay in the heart of Mendocino County.
