Partake in rendezvous with nature at The Inn at Newport Ranch a place that’s as stunning as it is secluded. It encompasses seven microclimates on 2,000 acres of land, 1 ½ miles of rugged coastline and 20 miles of trails. It’s a perfect escape from the bustle of modern life with idyllic scenery, world-class cuisine, unique accommodations, and genuine hospitality.
Before The Inn at Newport Ranch, there was Newport – a small town that sprouted around a logging community in 1865. When the industry left town two decades later its inhabitants went with it. Farmers constructed numerous buildings on the abandoned land and one of those was a two-story house. 100-plus years later, the bones of the old farm house form the core of the inn and remind guests that they are in the presence of history and on the site of an old “dog-hole port” that served the surrounding community.
The Inn at Newport Ranch offers nine comfortable accommodations sprinkled throughout four buildings. I stayed in the spacious Hearthstone House that features incredible stone and wood craftsmanship. In the evenings I enjoyed lounging in the huge outdoor jacuzzi tub with jets and looking up at the starry night sky.
California inspired ranch cuisine is served that’s fresh and flavorful. The Culinary Team is committed to sustainability as they grow most of their own produce onsite and source fish and meat from local providers.
As such, I looked forward to breakfast each morning – it was a simple menu with four options and started out with freshly-baked pastries paired with a hot beverage of choice. I had the sour dough waffle two days in a row (it’s that good) and my boyfriend, Matthew had the Eggs Benedict the first day and it came with roasted potatoes on the side that were out of this world delicious! The following day started out on the right note with two fresh farm eggs and sour dough toast.
After a hearty breakfast we hopped on a four-wheeler for a UTV Tour with guide Otis, a Fort Bragg local. He educated us about the history of the area and took us to a variety of spots that showcase the ranch’s diverse microclimates.
Our tour started along the coast and we saw seals floating about in a cove, a secret beach and beautiful coastal views. We then drove across the highway and through majestic redwoods. Along the way we stopped to plant a redwood tree and it was a good feeling to contribute to the trees of tomorrow. The bears have caused significant damage to trees in the area as they like to strip its bark and eat the newly formed wood underneath. We then made our way up to a view point that was quite sunny and featured a picnic table and stunning views of Fort Bragg.
That evening we made our way to the beautiful redwood dining room for a three-course, seasonally-inspired dinner. We started our meal with artichoke bisque topped with caramelized onions and crispy garlic and pecorino and it was accompanied by freshly baked sour dough bread.
The wine on offer is from local vintners and there’s also an inventive cocktail menu with wonderful options!
As for entrees, Matthew and I shared the embered salmon with smoked fennel, spinach, and toasted barley. Also a beef striploin with creamed polenta, red wine onion, and shiitake. Both were absolutely incredible and we left more than satisfied.
To settle our sweet tooth we had the s’mores tart and a citrus tart with orange sherbert.
This enchanting coastal ranch features architectural brilliance and guarantees lasting memories for its guests.
