The Bookstore Scene
One For the Books
With so much inspiring natural beauty, it’s no wonder Fort Bragg is home to so many artists of all mediums. But somewhat less visible is Fort Bragg’s thriving author scene, from fiction and non-fiction to poetry. There is also a varied book shop scene, including lots of used/recycled options.
“There are possibly more poets per capita here than in any other county…” says Joe Smith, author of a number of poetry collections including Sappho’s Island.
Connect to local groups
Open Mic poetry readings happen the 1st Thursday of the month at the Fort Bragg Library.
The Mendocino Coast Writers Conference happens here every summer and draws authors from around the country.
Slack Tide Café holds author readings (and live music)
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The Writers
THE WRITERS
"There are more good poets per capita in Mendocino County than in any other"
Joe Smith – Writer
Joe Smith
A former resident alien of Greece (where much of his body of work was composed), Joe Smith currently resides in Fort Bragg. His body of work features hundreds of stories, essays, articles, poems and translations. Chopsticks, a collection of the author’s stories, was recently published by Pygmy Forest Press.
Larry Felson
Larry Felson moved to Fort Bragg six years ago, having previously lived in Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco, where he was a high school teacher and social justice activist. His most recent poetry collection is Dawn Out of Order, published in 2022.
Tia Ballantine
A writer and painter, born in Peru, Tia Ballantine has lived on the East Coast, in the desert at the Mexican border, and most recently here in Fort Bragg. Ballantine is a self-proclaimed atheist, pacifist, and feminist who believes in the power of art and the grace of tolerance, all of which is reflected in her poetry collections.
Malcolm Macdonald
Meet Malcolm Macdonald, Fort Bragg author and local historian. Malcolm lives on the same ranch settled by his Scottish immigrant family in the 1800’s. As a longtime local and historian, he has some tales to tell, some fact and some fiction. Mendocino History Exposed is a historical romp from the Pomo to 19th century UFO’s, through murders and the lawmen who solved them, on to the Tire Baby. His latest book is fiction and titled The Mendocino Outlaws. Look for it, along with his other works at The Bookstore and Windsong Books in downtown Fort Bragg.
Windsong
Windsong
Windsong carries an ample supply of used books and records, organized by genre. Strong sections on Sci Fi/Fantasy, and history and nature too. The deeper you venture into the store, the more interesting it gets. A children’s reading room is set up to be a cozy spot that welcomes lingering. A great collection of used records can be found in the back.
Plus gifts, cards, posters, toys. Buy and trade.
The Bookstore
The Bookstore
C.V. Starr Center
The C.V. Starr
Recreation Center
The C.V. Starr Community Center, located on the Southeast edge of town is a Fort Bragg resource available to locals and visitors alike. Day passes are available for individuals and families, so whether you are looking for some exercise or some play time with the family, the C.V. Starr Center has something for everyone.
Cornelius Vander Starr was an American businessman born in Fort Bragg in 1892 to a family in the logging industry. During his successful career in the Insurance industry, he traveled the world and lived in New York, but his birthplace always held a special place in his heart. His success led him to starting The Starr Foundation, which today continues to generously fund the C.V. Starr Community Center, and also provides scholarships to Fort Bragg High School graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic, social, athletic and moral leadership.
Exercise and Swim Center
An olympic-size swimming pool and adjacent shallow kids pool with a waterpark-worthy slide make up the indoor swim center at C.V. Starr. There are locker rooms for changing and showering. Also available: a weight room with stationary bikes and a group exercise room. An array of classes are offered weekly that include water aerobics, dance, strength training and beginner kayaking skills. See schedule
Local Tip:
Take a class with C.V. Starr Center favorite, Aimee! Family day passes are just $33.
CA skate park
life is ruff here
The C.V. Starr Dog Park is as popular with the humans as it is with their dogs. And a regular crowd is there mid-morning most days. Cleverly it is set up with two adjoining options for your dog’s size personality: 1) For Small and Shy dogs, and 2) For Large dogs (or small dogs that think they are big). Entry is free.
Whale Fest Wine Walk Map
WINE WALK MAP
SHOPS & WINERIES
- Cucina Verona Mercato – Graziano Family of Wines
- Hometown Store – Roederer Estate
- Mendo Photographer Guild – Lula Cellars
- Kokkos Bar – Bee Hunter Wine
- LaTre Clothing – Goldeneye Winery
- Pippi’s Longstockings – Fathers + Daughters Cellars
- The Quarry – Witching Stick Wines
- Sherwood & Co – Husch Vineyards
- Frame Mill – McNab Ridge Winery
- Splendiferous – Meyer Family Cellars
- Reynolds + Wren – Jaxon Keys Winery & GWR
- Oasis x Tango – Frey Vineyards
- Kama Loka – McFadden Family Vineyard & Farm
- The Outdoor Store – Handley Cellars and Pennyroyal Farms
- Ficus abd Fern – Brutocao Cellars
The Fort Bragg Whale Festival Downtown Wine Walk is back. Over a dozen merchants will be serving beautiful Mendocino County wines and hors d’ oeuvres offered while you stroll the quaint shops in downtown Fort Bragg. There’s live music and, of course, you can always extend your stroll to include the new Coastal Trail where you might just catch a migrating grey whale.
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When: March 18th, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
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Tickets: $50.00 ahead and $55.00 the day of the event
Free live music will be happening on the 200 block of Laurel Street, featuring performances by Caspar King Band.
Must be 21 and show valid ID
Rain or Shine
KW Saltwater Grill
Local and sustainable seafood and meats
Whale Fest Wine Walk
Saturday, March 15
Downtown Wine Walk
Come sip wines from Mendocino County wineries and enjoy food pairings as you shop the shops of downtown Fort Bragg. Stroll the town and enjoying live music from bands playing on Laurel near Franklin Street.
• Throughout Downtown Fort Bragg
• 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Tickets: $65 – $75 with Chowder Tasting
– Must be 21 and show valid ID at check-in. – No open alcohol containers are allowed outside of the shops – Rain or Shine
SHOPS & WINERIES
• The Quarry – Brutocao WInery
• Pippi’s – Bonterra Organic Estates
• Imaginations – Husch Vineyards
• TC Space – Twomey Cellars
• Cloud Nine Gallery – Rivino Winery
• Mendocino Coast Photography Gallery – Lula Cellars
• Cucina Verona – Graziano Family of Wines
• Skunk Train – Meyer Family Cellars
• The Weller House – Brashley Vineyards
• Rise & Be Well – Frey Vineyards
• Interior – Jaxon Keys Winery & Greenwood Ridge Winery
• It’s a Shore Thing – Sea Wolf Wines
• Sherwood & Company – Seebass Vineyards
Chowder Tasting& Competition
Taste the best chowders on the coast from Fort Bragg eateries, all in one location, then vote on your favorite for the People’s Choice award!
- City Hall Gymnasium – 213 E. Laurel Street
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tickets: $20 – $75 with Wine Walk
Chowder Participants
• Asian Fusion Sea Valley Cafe
• Cucina Verona Restaurant
• Eggheads Restaurant
• Harbor View Bistro
• Harvest Market
• Huck’s Sliderhouse
• KW Saltwater Grill
• North Coast Brewing Company
• Rhody’s Garden Cafe
• Seapal Cove
Story Number 23
Gear Up For Another Epic Day
There’s no end to the family fun in Fort Bragg. From decadent donuts for breakfast, delightful tide pool discoveries, fresh off the boat seafood at a harborside restaurant and, wow, we’re getting tired just telling you about all the amazing things to do, see and explore. So, grab the whole gang and head to Fort Bragg for an unforgettable and action-packed visit to your favorite North Coast home away from home.
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Follow Fort Bragg @
Story Number 12
Gather The Troops For Another Beautiful Day
There’s no end to the family fun in Fort Bragg. From decadent donuts for breakfast, delightful tide pool discoveries, fresh off the boat seafood at a harborside restaurant and, wow, we’re getting tired just telling you about all the amazing things to do, see and explore. So, grab the whole gang and head to Fort Bragg for an unforgettable and action-packed visit to your favorite North Coast home away from home.
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