Top 10 Places for the Seafood Lover


Top 10 Places for the Seafood Lover

Nestled on California’s breathtaking Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a variety of coastal cuisine made with the region's fresh catches and a side of coastal charm. Every spot provides a unique dining experience that reflects the coastal culture of the area. Whether you’re seeking fresh catches, scenic waterfront dining, or unique culinary twists, these top restaurants are a must-visit during your trip:


1. Sea Pal Cove

Located right on the wharf, this casual gem serves up crispy fish & chips with stunning harbor views. Enjoy your meal outdoors as fishing boats glide by and seals bark from the opposite bank. Perfect for outdoor dining and dog-friendly fun. Fire pits in the colder weather make this outdoor spot winter friendly.

Local Tip: Don’t miss the deep-fried Twinkie when it’s time for dessert!

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2. Princess Seafood & Deli

A seafood lover’s dream, Princess offers sustainably caught fish from local waters by an all-female crew. Fresh seafood offerings include anything and everything that is catchable on the North Coast, along with specialty items like smoked fish and seafood salads. Princess has two locations: the seafood market and deli near the entry to the wharf and their restaurant which sits at the farthest point along the wharf. At the restaurant you will find superb fish tacos made with locally caught cod among the fresh fish fare. Dishes are healthy, crisp and fresh, severed with a delicious limey slaw for crispy bites.

Local Tip: Nothing is ever fried here, so don’t ask!

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3. Mayan Fusion

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a seafood twist. Dishes like seafood enchiladas and ceviche make this flavorful stop a memorable experience. Executive Chef Silver Canul has Yucatan roots and is French trained. The result is a menu of unique dishes you’ll crave forever.

Local Tip: Most definitely order one of the specialty margaritas!

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4. Noyo River Grill

Set along the Noyo River, this serene spot run by the Guillermo Brothers features fresh seafood delights like coconut prawns and ahi tartar, served with a side of spectacular views. Watch boats come and go from the wall of windows out to the harbor.

Local Tip: There’s an excellent full bar spanning one end of the restaurant.

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5. Noyo Fish Company

Casual and inviting, this harbor-side eatery is known for its delicious fish & chips and creamy clam chowder. Located directly over the water, you might get lucky and see a family of resident river otters.

Local Tip: A great spot to watch fishing boats coming in with fresh catches.

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6. Casa Del Sol

This family-owned gem blends Latin flavors with fresh seafood - a staple of Fort Bragg food culture, and a favorite of the locals (which says volumes!)

Local Tip: Follow them on Instagram to get their weekly taco Tuesday specials!

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7. The Wharf

A Fort Bragg staple since the 1950s, this classic eatery offers traditional seafood dishes paired with panoramic views of Noyo Harbor.

Local Tip: Eat your meal at the bar for some local color and conversation.

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8. Off the Hook Sushi or Taka’s

Fort Bragg has two places to satisfy your sushi cravings with premium sushi grade fish and creative rolls in a laid-back atmosphere.

Local Tip: The udon noodle soups and ramens are just the thing on a cool coastal evening.

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9. KW Saltwater Grill

Upscale fresh local seafood with a welcoming atmosphere, KW Saltwater elevates Fort Bragg’s seafood scene with a refined menu and cozy ambiance. Perfect for a special night out on the North Coast.

Local Tip: The black cod. Say no more.

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10. Dijon Seafood and Grill

Located upstairs in the Company Store building, Dijon Seafood and Grill is a family run business serving up delicious seafood specialties using local ingredients. There is a daily fresh fish special on the dinner menu, and their cioppino has an excellent reputation in town.

Local Tip: Cioppino!

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Local Tips:

Explore all the coastal charm, fresh flavors, and unforgettable dining experiences Fort Bragg has to offer.

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Know Your Local Sustainable Seafood

When you choose seafood from Noyo Harbor, you get the freshest fish possible while also supporting the harbor and its vibrant community. The Noyo Harbor District's Sustainable Seafood page is a great resource to learn what's in season, where and how to buy direct, and even get to know some of the local fishermen.

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Top 5 Hiking and Biking Trails for Summer


Top 5 Hiking & Biking Trails for Summer


Fort Bragg, California is a charming coastal town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor attractions. Among these attractions are miles and miles of walking, hiking and biking paths for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and expertise. Here are a few to give you an idea of the wide variety Fort Bragg has to offer.


1. Coastal Trail

Distance: +/- 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: easy
Type: paved multi-use trail
Highlights: ocean bluffs, whale watching, interpretive signage, wildflowers, benches
Best for: families, casual riders and walkers, e-bikes
Access: Start at Noyo Headlands or Glass Beach parking lots.


2. Ten Mile Beach Trail

Distance: 10 miles round trip
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Type: hard packed trail, some sand
Highlights: sweeping coastal views, dunes, wildlife, beach access
Best for: fat tire bikes, hybrids, good walkers, nature lovers
Access: MacKerricher State Park or North end of Coastal Trail


3. Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Distance: variable (dozens of miles of trails and logging roads)
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Type: mountain biking single track, narrow walking trails, forest roads
Highlights: redwood groves, creeks, challenging climbs, solitude
Best for: mountain bikers, experienced hikers
Access: Start at Big River Road, Camp One, or Hare Creek Trailhead.


4. Fort Bragg - Sherwood Road

Distance: up to 30 miles one way
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Type: first 5 miles are paved, then turns to gravel through redwood forest
Highlights: remote forest views, solitude, wildlife
Best for: gravel bikes, mountain bikes, experienced hikers
Access: Start at Hwy 1 at Oak Street and head east (turns into county road 419).


5. Fort Bragg to Mendocino via Hwy 1 (advanced road ride)

Distance: +/- 20 miles round trip
Difficulty: moderate to advanced
Type: road biking (shoulders vary)
Highlights: cliffs, ocean vistas, scenic bridges
Best for: road cyclists, scenic riders
Access: parking lot at Noyo Headlands or anywhere along Hwy 1


Local Tips:

  • Best times to ride: May through October for sun and dry trails
  • Weather: dress in layers – coastal fog and sun can switch fast
  • Rentals and Repairs – Check out Fort Bragg Cyclery for biking gear and repairs and the Outdoor Store for hiking gear and local trail advice

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Inside the Union Lumber Company Store in Downtown Fort Bragg

Inside the Union Lumber Company Store in Downtown Fort Bragg


This historic Fort Bragg anchor was once the pride and joy of the Union Lumber Company. Located on Main Street in the heart of downtown, this solid redwood building was built in 1912 to house a company-owned department store. Workers at the mill would patronize the store for everything from clothing to housewares and could purchase on debit to their paychecks. Fast forward more than 100 years, and this majestic building has been transformed into a bustling indoor shopping center. There are currently 13 unique and interesting shops and restaurants tucked inside this Fort Bragg destination, and there is most definitely something for everyone inside these walls. Be sure to make this a stop on your next visit to Fort Bragg.

 

Pro tip: Wander the building for the many historical photos of Fort Bragg life 100 years ago.


Start with a cup of organic coffee and a cookie from Mendocino Cookie Co./ Zappas Coffee to get your day moving in the right direction. Family owned in Fort Bragg for 40 over years, it’s two stores in one. And you won’t believe how good the cookies are. You’ll certainly be back for a bakers’ dozen.


Ready for lunch? Asian Fusion has some wonderful soups, curries, and Thai noodle dishes. Ask about specials as they often fuse Mexican and Asian faire. They can also comfortably handle large groups and are open every day for lunch and dinner.


Epperson Music is a bustling little musical instrument store that is quickly becoming a local destination. From acoustic and electric guitars to a nice assortment of amps, parts and gear. Repairs are also done onsite often while you wait. It’s an interactive store that’s always fun at any age. It’s also your central source of information for live music so stop in to see who’s playing where or check out their local live music calendar.


A trip to Fort Bragg is not complete without some time spent in the Sea Glass Museum with its proprietor Captain Cass Forrington. The Captain has procured a very interesting collection of beach finds of all types, not just the sea glass kind and will gladly chat with you about his work.


At Gateway Games you can buy, sell or trade video games and equipment alongside a wide selection of trading cards like Pokemon or Magic the Gathering. They also do repairs on iphones and electronics. Pick up a vintage game or a pack of cards for something old or something new to do.


Treat yourself to a massage, the float spa, or a yoga class at Rise and Be Well. They specialize in massage and bodywork and also offer sound and frequency and light therapies, Reiki/Energy Healing Readings, hot tubs and cold plunge.


Fort Bragg Cyclery is a great place to get your bike repaired and ready for your next ride. You can also shop for a new bike and gear to go with it. Owners Marc and Tina are happy to share their knowledge about amazing local rides around Fort Bragg. 


At Dijon, you will find some of the best seafood in town. Chef Roberto has been serving Mendocino County for years, and now has his own establishment here at the Company Store Building. If you are a cioppino fan, look no further. And if you like the basics, i.e. chowder and fish and chips, you will find them here done to perfection.  


Kokko’s is a great place for the kids to kick back, play some Smash Brothers, checkers, or chess, and try out the many varieties of freeze-dried candy. Did we mention, it’s super fun for grown-ups, too.



Top 10 Dog Friendly Activities in and Around Fort Bragg

Top 10 Dog Friendly Activities

in and Around Fort Bragg


Fort Bragg, California is a charming coastal town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor attractions. If you're visiting with your furry friend, you're in luck—there are plenty of dog-friendly activities to enjoy together as well as dog-friendly lodging and eating establishments. Here’s our list of the top 10 pet-friendly activities in Fort Bragg:


1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must-visit for nature lovers and dog owners alike. This stunning 47-acre garden offers spectacular views of the coastline with well-maintained trails where leashed dogs are welcome. Explore the lush gardens, walk along the coastal bluffs, and enjoy the beautiful flora with your pup by your side.

Details: Dogs are allowed on leash, but must be under control at all times. They even offer water bowls at the entrance!


2. Dog Friendly Hotel Rooms

Many hotels in Fort Bragg offer dog-friendly rooms. The Surf and Sand Lodge and the Noyo Harbor Inn are just two examples and both offer special spaces for your pooch such as enclosed dog park areas and a dog washing station, which is just what might be needed after an afternoon at the beach.

Details: Leashes required on hotel premises.


3. Pomo Bluffs Park

photo: Kim Zuch

Pomo Bluffs Park offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and is another fantastic outdoor space for dogs. There are a variety of trails to explore, some leading to the bluffs offering an excellent spot for a picnic or just soaking in the stunning views. The park is a great place to let your dog burn off some energy while you enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Details: Dogs must be on leash. Be aware of nearby cliffs, so always keep your dog close.


4. MacKerricher State Park

MacKerricher State Park is a beautiful coastal park that features trails, beaches, and even tide pools. Dogs are allowed on the park’s beaches, which is perfect if your dog loves to play in the sand or take a dip in the ocean. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, with dog-friendly trails leading through diverse landscapes, including marshes and coastal bluffs.

Details: Dogs must be kept on a leash in most areas, but they are free to roam the beach. Noyo Beach is another off-leash option. Be mindful of wildlife like seals, which can sometimes be seen along the shoreline.


5. Coastal Trail

Looking for a nice long walk or jog with your dog? The Coastal Trail is an 8 foot wide paved path that stretches North to South along the coastal bluffs in Fort Bragg. Parking is available at the end of Elm Street adjacent to Glass Beach. Open dawn to dusk.


6. The Skunk Train

For a truly unique experience, take a ride on the Skunk Train with your dog! Dogs are allowed in the main train cars with a ticket, as well as welcome in the open-air gondola cars, where they can enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and rugged terrain along the historic route. The train departs from the heart of Fort Bragg, and this fun, dog-friendly ride takes you through the scenic beauty of the Redwoods.

Details: Leashed dogs are welcome on the gondola car with an additional ticket. Reservations are recommended.


7. Grab a Brew

After a long day of outdoor adventures, head over to one of Fort Bragg’s three breweries for a relaxing meal or drink. The breweries, in true Fort Bragg style, are dog friendly to one degree or another. Overtime Brewing Co. and North Coast Brewing have dog-friendly patios where you can sit with your pup and enjoy craft beers, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Tall Guy as well. All great spots to unwind after exploring Fort Bragg.

Details: Breweries are popular spots for both locals and tourists with pets, so be sure to bring a leash.


8. The Mendocino Cookie Co.

When it’s time for that morning or afternoon coffee and sugar boost, head to the Company Store building to Mendocino Cookie Company. The coffees and sweets are top notch good, and there will surely be a welcoming cookie of the dog variety offered to your pooch. 

Details: Leashed dogs are welcome inside the cafe. 


9. The C.V. Starr Center Dog Park

The C.V. Starr Center Dog Park in Fort Bragg is a spacious, well-maintained park designed specifically for dogs to run, play, and socialize off-leash. With plenty of grass, shade, and benches for owners, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors to let their dogs stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. The park is fully fenced, offering peace of mind while your dog plays freely.

Details: The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all pups. Fort Bragg’s other dog park is at Noyo Headlands Park.


10. Sea Pal Cove

Located right on the pier, Sea Pal Cove is a casual gem of a spot that serves up fresh fish & chips with stunning harbor views. All seating is on the outdoor patio, and is dog-friendly. Enjoy your meal outdoors as fishing boats glide by with your pup at your side, probably looking at you with hopeful eyes that a morsel will come her way.

Details: The Noyo Harbor wharf has a variety of outdoor spaces that are dog friendly, including Noyo Fish Company and Princess Seafood



Wander the North Coast From Fort Bragg, CA

WINTER WANDERLAND

Wander the North Coast From Fort Bragg, CA

WINTER WANDERLAND


Explore these ten great winter activities in Fort Bragg.

If you only think of the North Coast as a summer getaway, you’re missing one of the most amazing times of year. Make Fort Bragg your home base for a winter visit, and you’ll find the adventures are endless. There are so many places to go, things to do, explore, sip, taste and enjoy. Sure, the weather can be changeable, but that just makes the fresh chowder a little warmer, the craft beer a bit cooler, the redwoods even more mystical and the beaches all yours.


1. Get A Great Hotel Deal

Multiple Fort Bragg hotels offer special pricing for winter visitors. Once you see how much there is to do, you’ll want to use the savings to spend a few extra days.

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2. Wine Your Way Into Town

Mendocino County was recently recognized as Wine Enthusiasts 2024 Wine Region of the Year. And, with a little planning, you’ll be cruising right through the heart of wine country on your way to Fort Bragg. Coming from the east, be sure to take Highway 128 and you’ll pass dozens of great wineries. Have a designated driver and be sure to pick up a couple of bottles for your stay on the coast.


Small,Waterfall,In,Russian,Gulch,State,Park,Shot,With,Long

3. Forest Bathe at Russian Gulch State Park

Whatever the weather, Russian Gulch State Park delivers. Hike from the waves to the wilderness. Wander among the redwoods. Find your own private waterfall. Forage for wild mushrooms (bring a good guide!). Explore a rare pygmy forest. Tired yet? You will be. Fortunately, you’re just a few minutes from Downtown Fort Bragg.


4. Chowder Down at Noyo Harbor

At this working fishing harbor near the mouth of the Noyo River you can dine on fresh-off-the-boat seafood as the boats come in and the seals and sea lions frolic right off the dock. Noyo Fish Company has chowder in a bowl or bread and Princess Seafood has chowder, bisques and always something locally caught. Check out specials of the day at Casa del Sol and the fish and chips at Sea Pal Cove.


5. Do the Downtown Fort Bragg Dive Bar Scene

What’s better after a big outdoor adventure than bellying up to a big old mahogany bar and cavorting with the locals. Fort Bragg has a whole host of watering holes at the unpretentious end of the spectrum. Put a put a few songs on the jukebox and rack up a game of pool at Golden West Saloon, Milano Hotel & Bar or Welcome Inn.


6. Get Glass Beach To Yourself

It’s not often that you can get the North Coast’s most well-known beach, with its wave-worn colored glass speckled through the sand all to yourself. But that’s part of the beauty of making Fort Bragg your home base during the off-season. Time it right and you can do some great tide-pooling, too. Just remember to leave the glass, and the sea creatures in their natural habitat.


7. Watch For Whales

The off-season in Fort Bragg is migration season for gray whales and, while you can catch them from the coast, there’s nothing like a whale watching charter cruise. All Aboard Adventures, Anchor Charter Boats, Fort Bragg Fishing, Hooked on Mendo, and Telstar Charters all offer whale watching and fishing charters.


8. Crawl The Downtown Craft Breweries

Fort Bragg has a handful of local breweries all within a few blocks, all with great food and beer. There’s the legendary North Coast Brewing Company with a wide selection of beers, including a few of your favorites. Mosey down a few blocks to Overtime Brewing where the vibe is local-friendly, and the beer is brewed in-house. Tall Guy Brewing, in the heart of downtown, has an open, easy, comfy feel for a cool beer and a warm welcome.


9. Stroll the Botanical Gardens

This time of year at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias are just beginning to bloom, but it’s also when some less obvious beauty is revealed. Misty sunbeams stream through the pines. Whale spouts rise in the ocean distance. Dew drops glisten on luscious ferns and wild mushrooms, 160 different species of which can be found on the garden property.


10. Ride the Rails with the Skunk Train

Start in Fort Bragg, and head back in time by riding the famous Skunk Train deep into the heart of the redwood groves in the gorgeous mountains and riverside valleys of Mendocino County. Take the historic train or go pedal power on a rail bike for an even more immersive adventure. Electric rail bikes are now available, too.


Head to the coast and shop

Upcycle In Style

Vintage finds have exploded in Fort Bragg. This chill coastal town is packed with second-hand stores where you can score everything from retro denim to mid-century home decor. It’s like a treasure hunt with ocean views! Find vintage and thrift shops all throughout town, along Highway 1, downtown shop fronts and weekly flea markets. Bonus points awarded for the most uniquely random finds!  Plus, shopping vintage here feels super eco-friendly, so you’re basically saving the planet in style.

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Find Hidden Arts

Fort Bragg’s not just about the ocean breeze and cute cafes. There is an awesome scene of original art – think hidden galleries squeezed between shops, murals popping up on random buildings, and artists selling their work right from their studios. Forget the Insta-famous stuff; this is real, authentic art, way more interesting than any museum. Ditch the itinerary and get lost – that’s where the good stuff is.

ART & CRAFT

Get Cultured 

Time for some old-school vibes with bookstores & music shops, where you can spend hours thumbing through dog-eared paperbacks and vintage vinyl — think weathered wood shelves stacked with used books and that unmistakable musty-sweet record store smell. Find a first pressing of The Pixies’ “Surfer Rosa” tucked between some random folk albums. Find an entire shelf of British murder mysteries across from a collection of North Coast authored poetry anthologies. It’s worth the drive up the coast just for the treasure hunting alone.

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Gear Up

Not just another sleepy California coastal town—it’s a lowkey fashion frontier where utility meets style in the most unexpected ways. One shop, brimming with handcrafted jewelry and bohemian-chic dresses, another featuring vintage finds with that perfectly worn-in, effortless style you’ll adore. Forget the predictable souvenir shopping, leave with a renewed wardrobe and a sense of discovery that will blow away the typical beach town experience.

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Live The Good Life

Finding yourself thinking of the comforts of home? A quick tour through the local shops will provide you with some homey finds to tuck away in your suitcase or car. Score some handwoven throw pillows from  an import marketplace, snag a locally made reclaimed wood side table, and pick up some ceramic mugs crafted by a local artisan. More utilitarian creature comforts can also be found, such as cookware and serve ware, games and even tools. In Fort Bragg, there’s something for everyone and every home. 

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24 hours in Fort Bragg - October


Follow the ocean breeze.


Nothing cures the inland blues like the fresh ocean air and a killer seafood fix. So, we ditched the valley and hit the road to Fort Bragg for the ultimate overnight trip. First stop: Princess Seafood, because what’s a coastal adventure without fresh-off-the-boat chow? Picture this—sunshine bouncing off the water, crab rolls loaded with buttery perfection, and tacos made from fish so fresh you'll never eat anything that's been frozen again.  It’s the kind of spot that makes you forget about the emails you ignored before leaving.


Walk it off.


Fort Bragg is serving major cozy coastal vibes, and after a killer seafood lunch in the harbor, time for a sweet little  trek to Noyo Headlands Park. The ocean air hits different here—salty, crisp breezes bring just the right flush to cheeks.  Walking off the meal, snapping pics of the rugged cliffs and wild waves crashing below, we'd wondered what took us so long to get here. Honestly, this stretch of the Mendocino coast is the ultimate vibe for a chill yet epic day out.


Meet funky small-town energy tinged with coastal charm.


Fort Bragg is the vibe you didn’t know you needed. Picture this: you walk through downtown, where coastal charm meets funky small-town energy. Then ducking into artsy boutiques and snagging locally made soaps that smell like ocean dreams, then popping into a retro bookstore that feels like a portal to another timeline. Street murals make every corner Instagram-worthy, and the faint scent of sea salt lingers in the air. Then pause for coffee at a café that roasts beans so fresh it feels like the barista just invented caffeine. Fort Bragg? 10/10 date spot.


Check-in and chill.


After hitting up the beach, devouring fish tacos by the harbor, and snapping a million pics of the rugged coastline—it’s finally time to chill. Pull up to the Noyo Harbor Inn, which is perfectly coastal cozy. Nestled right above the harbor, this place has that perfect mix of boutique charm and luxury. Check in, drop your bags, and step onto the balcony with a view is straight out of a movie: fishing boats bobbing in the twilight, seals barking in the distance, and the salty breeze doing its thing. Time to unwind, Fort Bragg style.


Wrap up the day.


A full day of strolling through Fort Bragg’s shops and scoring everything from coastal candles to vintage flannels, it’s time to wind down the adventure with dinner at Overtime Brewery. The vibes are chill, with twinkly lights and locals swapping stories at the bar. You grab a table near the fire pit, order a flight of their craft brews (the hazy IPA slaps), and dive into french fries so good it feels like a hug after a long day. It’s the perfect spot to soak in that small-town charm before calling it a day on the beautiful NorCal coast.


Re-fuel for the drive home.


The next morning, before we hit the road back home from our epic Fort Bragg adventure, we stopped at this absolute gem called Cafe One. Order the Huevos Diversadero, it will save your life after days of road trip fun. This spot was the perfect send-off meal before our drive home, giving us those much-needed road trip fuel and enough caffeine to keep going. Cafe One understood the assignment, and we 100% recommend this spot to literally everyone.